Discover Penticton, British Columbia: Seattle to Penticton in under 6 hours
Travelling to Penticton is convenient from nearly anywhere in Washington State, with a drive time of approximately five and half hours from Seattle, and daily flights that run under an hour and a half.
Can’t wait that long to get here? Take a flight directly from Seattle to the Kelowna airport, and enjoy a scenic 50-minute drive around Okanagan lake. Total travel time: 2 hours.
To help our continental companions discover the heart of the Okanagan, we’ve put together this handy itinerary describing an affordable and rewarding adventure that arrives at the luxurious accommodations of Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.
Driving to Penticton: The Scenic Route
Penticton is the destination but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the journey. Our proposed itinerary is slightly longer than 6 hours (by 20 minutes) but it’s filled with scenic views and enjoyable stops along the way.
What to see on your drive from Seattle and Penticton
First stop: Leavenworth — Get a taste of European-design with buildings & food that will make you believe you’ve arrived at the Alps. Washington’s Bavarian-style village is nestled in the Cascade Mountains and sits on the often rapid Wenatchee River. Keep an eye out for eagles and osprey soaring above!
Next up: Brewster and Lake Pateros — Fed from the Columbia River, Lake Pateros is a perfect spot (just over half way) to stretch, grab a coffee, or take a quick dip in the cool waters.
Getting to the border: what to expect — From Brewster and Lake Pateros, you can drive up highway 97 through scenic farmlands and vineyards until arriving at the border of the USA and Canada. Have a friendly chat with the Canadian border agent as you pass through — the crossing is open 24-hours and rarely has a wait time over 15 minutes.
Penticton: one hour to go — Welcome to Canada! You only have a short distance to go. Drive passed South Okanagan grasslands, through the quaint town of Oliver, and alongside stunning Skaha Lake until arriving at the front doors of your luxurious accommodations, Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.
No matter what your preferred method of travel is, Penticton is just a short trip away.
After arriving, it’s important that you know how to make the most of your time — even if it’s on a shoestring budget. Check out our next post covering Penticton’s best free activities to learn what to do. After, of course, you’ve unpacked your luggage and spent a few hours relaxing by the lake.
Discover Penticton: Why this small B.C. city is the next BIG trend in USA Tourism
Penticton, British Columbia, is located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, minutes north of the 49th parallel — the boundary that marks the northern tip of mainland United States and the southern border of Canada.
Penticton is quickly becoming a popular travel destination among Washington residents. Why? Aside from an abundance of gorgeous views and endless opportunities for new adventures, there are a number of compelling reasons to visit.
Penticton is smack-dab in the center of a place that USA Today once called one of the top wine regions to visit in the world (#2, right after Portugal — but who can afford that trip?).
A trip by car or bicycle through the Naramata Bench wine region is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon with friends and family among the vineyards. And with wine tasting fees averaging at $5.00 CAD per stop, it really doesn’t cost much to enjoy a large variety of your favorite flavors. But wine isn’t the only reason to visit. With ample hiking trails, picturesque beaches and a surprisingly warm lake, Penticton is truly a destination for all.
The city has laid claim to having the finest fruit on earth since the 1950s, but don’t take our word for it, check out this archival footage "Peachtime in the Valley: Penticton, British Columbia" made by the Royal BC Museum:
Affordability is another big reason why Americans are migrating north for their next destination vacation. Penticton is a short 6-hour drive from Seattle, and luxurious accommodations on private beach-front properties can be found for under $200 USD/night.
A quick Google search for hotels in Washington shows that even some 3-star hotels with only a pool cost upwards of $300/night.
With rich vineyards, unforgettable hikes, and stunning beaches at your doorstep paired with luxurious and affordable accommodations and the high purchasing power of the US dollar, we just have to ask: what are you waiting for?
An abundance of rewards await travelers in every season. Check out our Seattle to Penticton in under 6 hours itinerary to learn just how easy it is to escape to our little slice of paradise just north of the Canadian border.