Photo by: Travel Penticton; Enjoy a day of riding with your family when you visit Penticton, B.C.

Penticton’s Best Biking Trails For Every Skill Level

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Photo by: Travel Penticton; Enjoy a day of riding with your family when you visit Penticton, B.C.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; Enjoy a fun day of bike riding with your family when you visit Penticton, B.C.

Deciding what to do during your vacation to Penticton? 

From easy day trips on bike paths that end up at tasty wineries or beautiful beaches, to mountain biking trails that deliver excitement and unbeatable scenery, Penticton and the surrounding Okanagan region is well known for being a top cycling destination in British Columbia.

Get to know the best cycling trails surrounding Penticton. We’ve put together this guide to help any level of cycler find bike paths, mountain trails, bike rental and gear shops, and general information about what to expect when you hit the streets of Penticton on a bike. 

Select a category below to skip ahead to the information you want to see:

Road Biking

Photo by: Travel Penticton; bring your furry friends along when you bike the famous Kettle Valley Railway Trail.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; bring your furry friends along when you bike the famous Kettle Valley Railway Trail.

The city of Penticton has built a certified accessible route known as the Penticton Creek Pathway, which offers a 1.8km stretch of bike path that’s suitable for cyclists of any skill level. The city of Penticton put together a handy Google Map that marks this bike path along with attractions, dining, and restrooms en route. Save this map to your device and hit the road for a fun day of cycling with friends and family.

One of the most popular road biking paths in Penticton is the lake-to-lake route, from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake Park. This bike route takes approximately 25 minutes to complete, and riders can simply follow Main Street south the entire way, with the option of taking Skaha Lake Road southbound when it intersects with Main St.

Take a dip in both Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake when you take the Penticton lake-to-lake bike route.
Take a dip in both Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake when you take the Penticton lake-to-lake bike route.

Note that there will be some vehicle traffic along this local trail, however, the wide road makes for a safe and enjoyable bicycle ride through the city centre with a rewarding destination on either side. We recommend bringing your bathing suit and packing a picnic with fresh fruits and veggies from a Penticton farmer’s market!

Photo by: Travel Penticton; Single and tandem bike rentals are available from Penticton bicycle rental shops.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; Single and tandem bike rentals are available from many of Penticton's bicycle rental shops.

Recreational Cycling

The most popular choice for recreational cycling is the famous Kettle Valley Railway Trail. This 650km stretch of railway track was once Western Canada’s longest rail network, connecting Hope to Castlegar. Now, cyclists can enjoy riding along dirt and gravel pathways for their preferred distance of the trail. There are a few steep hills to start on the Penticton section of this trail, but overall the trail is rated easy to moderate for recreational cyclists.

Penticton marks the start of the Carmi Subdivision of the Kettle Valley Railway Trail, which includes the notable Myra Canyon. The most well-known biking path on the KVR for visitors to Penticton is the Naramata Section, which you can easily get to by following the trail just outside of Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre toward signs for Naramata.

The Naramata Section is known as the most popular section of the KVR, where you’ll see wineries, canyons, rivers and beautiful Okanagan Lake.
The Naramata Section is known as the most popular section of the KVR, where you’ll see wineries, canyons, rivers and beautiful Okanagan Lake.

A 10km bike ride up to the Naramata Bench starts your day of cycling, where you can expect to see vineyards, patios, and stunning views of Okanagan Lake. Many recreational cyclers in Penticton will bike to the Naramata community, about 16km away from the KVR intersection in front of Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre (an approx. 1 ½ hour ride).

Once in Naramata, you can stop to visit boutique stores or have lunch at a café. Then, decide whether to continue biking along the KVR to attractions such as Little Tunnel or Chute Lake, or simply turn around and enjoy the scenic views en route back to Penticton.If you want to get off the beaten path, speak with our front desk staff at Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre for more information about recreational cycling trails in Penticton, or visit the Penticton Visitor Centre website for a look at updated bicycle trail maps in the region.

Photo by: Travel Penticton; behold scenic views in every direction while you ride through Penticton's hillsides and vineyards.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; behold scenic views in every direction while you ride through Penticton's hillsides and vineyards.

Mountain Biking

Okanagan mountain biking trails are some of the best in Canada. There are a number of trails suited for beginners to expert level mountain bikers, and all of them are within a 30 minute drive of Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre. Some of the best Mountain Biking Trails near Penticton are located in the Three Blind Mice biking area, including:

  • Climb This Way — a Green-rated, .75km narrow trail that climbs up an old cow highway to challenge bikers with a rewarding view at the top.
  • Tsweet Tsue “Sweet Sue” — a Blue-rated narrow dirt pathway which meanders through twists and turns into gully near Okanagan Lake.
  • High Roller — a Black Diamond-rated trail with man-made boardwalks and rock rolls that expert mountain bikers visit for a thrilling ride.

For even more trails including pictures, trail types, maps, difficulty ratings, and all the information you need about the best mountain biking trails surrounding Penticton, we recommend viewing the Trailforks Penticton Region website.

Other popular Mountain Biking Destinations that you should put on your itinerary include the Campbell Mountain mountain biking region, Wiltse, and Skaha Bluffs, all kept up to date with the latest information by the Trailforks user community.

Photo by: Travel Penticton; With a variety of trail types designed for all skill levels, The Okanagan is a popular mountain biking destination.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; With a variety of trail types designed for all skill levels, The Okanagan is a popular mountain biking destination.

BMX Biking at Munson Mountain

Looking for a BMX biking park? Munson Mountain, located only a 6-minute drive from Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, has dirt tracks for BMX bikers, as well as hosts races and competitions which you can watch. Check out the Penticton BMX website for information on upcoming events and BMX park availability.

Tune up your bike, inflate your tires, and purchase parts, gear, and accessories at a local Penticton bicycle shop.
Tune up your bike, inflate your tires, and purchase parts, gear, and accessories at a local Penticton bicycle shop.

Bike Rental, Gear, and Tune-Up Shops

If you need to rent a bike, tighten a chain, fix your brakes or just inflate a tire, Penticton has a number of bicycle rental and repair shops located throughout the city. Our top choices for bicycle shops in Penticton and the surrounding region are linked below, including distances from Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.

  • Freedom Bike Shop (1.4km, ~10 mins walk from The Resort): offers maintenance and repairs, mountain and road bicycle rentals, trade-ins and bike purchases, parts and accessories. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly, a great resource for mountain biking trails and conditions in the Okanagan. Ask them about scheduling a biking tour in Penticton and the Okanagan Valley (*may have limited availability due to COVID-19).
  • Penticton Bike Rentals (1.4km, ~10 mins walk from The Resort): offers road and mountain bicycle rentals. You can also rent two, four, or six-person bicycles with an overhead canopy for the unique experience of group biking with friends and family around the city of Penticton. Penticton Bike Rentals also provides scooter, paddle board, and kayak rentals for those days when your legs need a break!
  • Sun n' Sup (in Naramata, 14.8km ~20 minutes drive from the Resort): offers bike rentals, kayak rentals, and stand up paddle board rentals. Sun n’ Sup rents bicycles that are ideal for easy biking trails such as the Kettle Valley Railway Trail, but does not offer single-track mountain bikes rentals at this time. Note that this vendor only takes debit and cash — no credit cards.

E-Bike Rentals In Penticton

The next era of biking has arrived in Penticton. E-Bike rentals are now available for cyclists who want a little assistance as they traverse the hills and pathways surrounding the region.

Pedego Electric Bikes opened its first Penticton Location on July 1, 2020, offering electric bike sales and rentals available by the hour, day, and week. Pedego is conveniently located at 37 Backstreet Boulevard, downtown Penticton, just two blocks away from Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.

Visit Pedego’s Penticton branch online to find the most up to date information on hours, rentals, and rates for e-bikes in Penticton.

Try an e-bike during your trip to Penticton by visiting Pedego Electric Bikes, located a few minutes away from Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.
Try an e-bike during your trip to Penticton by visiting Pedego Electric Bikes, located a few minutes away from Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; Bordered between two stunning freshwater lakes, Penticton is the perfect place for a summer bicycle ride.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; Bordering two stunning freshwater lakes, Skaha Lake and Okanagan Lake Penticton is the perfect place for a summer bicycle ride.

Bicycles and Transit in The Okanagan

Penticton city busses are equipped with bike racks that can carry up to two bicycles at a time. If you’ve never used a city bus bike rack, just ask the bus driver to help you load your bicycle safely. Click here to see Penticton bus service times, schedules, and routes, or visit the BC Transit website to learn more about using bike racks on busses in the South Okanagan Similkameen region.

Courtesy Taxi and Klassic Kabs in Penticton can also accommodate bicycles in their vehicles. Contact them today to book a cab for you and your bike. 

If you’re in the Naramata region, contact The Naramata Taxi Co.

Photo by: Penticton Lakeside Resort; Amazing Patio Views at The Hooded Merganser Restaurant.
Photo by: Penticton Lakeside Resort; Amazing Patio Views at The Hooded Merganser Restaurant.

What to Do After Your Bike Trip

Make sure to fuel up after a long day of biking in the Penticton sunshine! The Barking Parrot Bar is a popular bar and patio serving cool drinks and hot food right next to Okanagan Lake. For family dining, The Hooded Merganser has delicious food made with local organic Okanagan ingredients. Both establishments are conveniently located steps away from your room when you book directly with Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.

Photo by: Penticton Lakeside Resort; Enjoy comfort and relaxation after a day of biking when you book a guest suite at Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.
Photo by: Penticton Lakeside Resort; Enjoy comfort and relaxation after a day of biking when you book a guest suite at Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.

Booking a room at our top-rated Penticton resort also gives you access to exclusive amenities, including a private beach where you can relax and rest up your muscles before embarking on your next great Penticton biking adventure. Stay up to date with news and events by following Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre on Facebook and Instagram.


Photo by: Travel Penticton; Enjoy breathtaking views of scenic Okanagan Lake on a hike or bike ride.

Here’s What Penticton is Known For

Offers mentioned herein are valid at the time of publication unless otherwise mentioned. For our most recent offers and promotions, please visit our latest available offers, please visit our Deals page.

This small city of Penticton, B.C., located in the South Okanagan Valley, has grown as a popular tourist destination over the last decade. A report published by analysis systems firm, Esri, estimated that Penticton attracted about 1.2 million visitors per year (prior to the covid-19 pandemic).

But how did this small city become the famous holiday destination that it is today?

Click the links in the Table Of Contents to skip ahead to the category that interests you the most, or sit back and enjoy reading through this list of the top reasons to visit the Okanagan Valley’s most popular vacation destination.

A Brief History of Penticton

Brief History of Penticton, B.C.

You can take in the history of Penticton and the Okanagan at the S.S. Sicamous Museum, located on the southwest side of Okanagan Lake (just look for the big boat!).

Photo by: Visit Penticton; Visit the S.S. Sicamous Museum to see largest surviving sternwheeler in British Columbia.

The S.S. Sicamous is the largest surviving sternwheeler in British Columbia, launched in 1914 for cargo and passenger transportation. It has been preserved as a museum and event venue, cared for by the S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Society, a non-profit organization. We recommend viewing the public calendar before you visit to make sure the museum isn’t booked out for a private event.

So what is Penticton known for today? There are plenty of reasons that tourism is still booming in this small lake-side city.

Photo by: Travel Penticton; Penticton is in the middle of two beautiful lakes, Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; Penticton is in the middle of two beautiful lakes, Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake.

Lakes & Beaches

Penticton quickly became known by travellers in the province of British Columbia for its ideal location, situated between two massive freshwater lakes, Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. Both lakes offer stunning views and serene beaches that tourists flock to on hot summer days.

To see both Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, we recommend floating “The Channel”, the Okanagan’s man-made river channel that was created in the 1950s to control flooding and water flow.

Photo by: Travel Penticton; Floating "The Channel" in Penticton is a fun-filled day for the entire family.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; Floating "The Channel" in Penticton is a fun-filled day for the entire family.

Floating “The Channel” is an absolute must-do in the summertime in Penticton. The float starts at the Riverside Drive launch site and proceeds down the channel through Penticton towards a half-way point at Green Mountain Road, where many floaters stop for lunch. The channel ends as soon as you float into Skaha Lake. 

There is a parking lot near Skaha Lake Park where you can leave a vehicle to get back to Penticton, or you can purchase a bus ticket in advance from Coyote Cruises and leave your vehicle at the launch point. If you don’t have your own supplies, you can purchase everything you need from Canadian Tire, off Highway 97. 

Coyote Cruises also rents floaties, dry bags, and safety gear at a low cost. There is a public inflation station located at the Riverside Drive launch point for a $2.00 charge.

Photo by: Travel Penticton; Enjoy breathtaking views of scenic Okanagan Lake on a hike or bike ride.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; Enjoy breathtaking views of scenic Okanagan Lake on a hike or bike ride.

Rolling Hills & Mountains for Hiking and Cycling

Breathtaking views of rolling hills and tree-topped mountains surround Penticton, offering exceptional trails for every level of hiker. Tourists arrive in spades to meander through pine and fir tree forests with rewarding views of crystal lakes below. Check out Penticton’s recommended trails to plan your hike. 

Penticton also has cycling routes for every type of rider. The quiet streets of Penticton city are easy to ride around if you’re simply looking for recreational cycling to Penticton’s beaches, boutiques, and restaurants. You can also ride a small or large section of the famous Kettle Valley Rail Tail, which conveniently intersects with Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.

Photo by: Travel Penticton; The Okanagan offers scenic cycling routes for every type and age of rider.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; The Okanagan offers scenic cycling routes for every type and age of rider.

If you’re looking for a more extreme cycling experience, there are downhill mountain biking trails located in and around Penticton. Plenty of great information can be found online for all the mountain biking trails nearby. We recommend checking out the popular mountain biking blog, SingleTracks, for more information on the following recommended mountain bike trails below:

  1. Three Blind Mice Trail Network
  2. Cartwright Mountain
  3. Mt. Conkle

Didn’t bring a bicycle? No problem! Bicycle rental shops are located in downtown Penticton. Start by visiting Penticton Bike Rentals or Freedom Bike Shop to see a wide variety of road bike and mountain bike rentals in Penticton.

Photo by: Travel Penticton; The Kettle Valley Railway has been preserved as a popular hiking and biking trail .
Photo by: Travel Penticton; The Kettle Valley Railway has been preserved as a popular hiking and biking trail.

Kettle Valley Railway

The Kettle Valley Railway has been preserved as a popular hiking and biking trail for locals and visitors alike. This expansive rail network once served as British Columbia’s longest railway track, connecting Hope to Castlegar. The KVR now offers nearly 650km of connected pathways in the Okanagan region, with a conveniently located intersection in front of the destination hotel, Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.

Photo by: Travel Penticton; view a massive model of the Kettle Valley Railway at the S.S. Sicamous Museum in Penticton.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; view a massive model of the Kettle Valley Railway at the S.S. Sicamous Museum in Penticton.

You can also view a massive scale model of the Kettle Valley Railway on the cargo deck of The S.S. Sicamous Museum. Check it out for an aerial view of Western Canada’s historic rail network.

Photo by: Travel Penticton; The Okanagan is home to more than 100 wineries.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; The Okanagan is home to more than 100 wineries.

Wineries

The Okanagan boasts the highest concentration of B.C. wineries and the Naramata Bench has over 40 of them located within a 20 minute drive of each other. Located just north of Penticton, the Naramata Bench is famous for its award-winning vineyards and scenic lake-view patios. 

Getting to the Naramata Bench is easy when you’re in Penticton. From the centrally located Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, the closest winery is approximately 5 minutes by car. You can also hop on a bus, rent a bicycle, or simply walk to Naramata Road to start your wine-tasting experience.

Photo by: Travel Penticton; Get exclusive offers on wine tours when you book with Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; Get exclusive offers on wine tours when you book with Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.

Multiple tour operators offer day trips to select wineries along the Naramata Bench. Check out Top Cat Tours for details on private charters and all-inclusive experiences. If you want to plan your own trip, start by reading our post on the five wineries you can’t miss during your trip to the Okanagan. We also recommend stopping by the town of Naramata to visit boutique fashion stores and cafés — a great way to break up your day of wine tastings.

There are many ways you can start your personal wine-tasting experience in the Okanagan, including by bike, all-inclusive tour, or as part of a vacation package when you book directly with Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.

Photo by: Travel Penticton; Enjoy a wide variety of Okanagan craft beers when you visit Penticton, B.C.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; Enjoy a wide variety of Okanagan craft beers when you visit Penticton, B.C.

A Burgeoning Craft Beer Scene

Did you know that Penticton is quickly becoming a hotspot for B.C. beer enthusiasts? Notable microbreweries such as Highway 97 Brewery, Cannery Brewing, and Bad Tattoo have opened their doors in the last two decades, serving a variety of lagers, pale ales, hefeweizens, porters, and IPAs. 

Visit a tasting room to grab some sudsy drinks and delicious food. You can start your Penticton craft-beer tour by reading our Local’s Guide to Penticton Microbreweries, where we provide the low-down on all the best beers in town, including information from the Penticton Ale Trail.

Photo by: Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre; Taken at the Valley View Farm.
Photo by: Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre; Taken at the Valley View Farm.

Fresh, Organic Fruit & Vegetables

Farmer’s Markets and road-side fruit stands are common throughout Penticton and its surrounding area. In fact, much of Penticton’s early tourism was driven by the famous annual Penticton Peach Festival, which is scheduled to return in August of 2021.

Penticton has one of the longest growing seasons in all of British Columbia thanks to the fertile land and high year-round temperatures, which brings us to the next big item that Penticton is known for...

Photo by: Travel Penticton; The city of Penticton is famous for its nearly year-round sunshine.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; The city of Penticton is famous in B.C. for its nearly year-round sunshine.

Sunshine, Sunshine, and more Sunshine

With an average of 304 days of sunshine per year, travelling to Penticton for its sunny climate is a safe bet in any season. This interior B.C. city, just a short drive south of Kelowna, offers one of the warmest and driest year-round climates in all of British Columbia.

For many visitors to Penticton, simply choosing to lay back on the sandy beaches of Okanagan Lake with a cool drink and a book is the perfect way to spend their time. Penticton is an ideal place to have a picnic with fresh produce from a Penticton Farmers Market, build a sand castle with your family, or just bask in that famous Penticton summer weather.

Photo by: Drip Marketing for the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre; Okanagan Lake paddle boarding.
Photo by: Drip Marketing for the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre; Okanagan Lake paddle boarding.

Okanagan Lake is an ideal place to swim, kayak, or go boating — just don’t forget your sunscreen! Psst... You can also take advantage of the private beach and marina at Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre when you book your room today. Remember to book with us directly to save! receive exclusive offers! Find out more here.

Photo by: Travel Penticton; Hit the slopes on Apex Mountain, a short drive from Penticton.
Photo by: Travel Penticton; Hit the slopes on Apex Mountain, a short drive from Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.

A Winter Wonderland

All kinds of winter activities have put Penticton on the map for winter travel. Skating, sledding, snowshoeing, or just building a snowman with your family are all available in the winter season. 

Penticton is also closely located to Apex Mountain Ski Resort, which has a base elevation of 5,197ft (higher than Big White), which makes for ideal fresh powder days on the mountain followed by a comfortable retreat to a lakeview guestroom.

Photo by: Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, where your ideal vacation resort awaits.
Photo by: Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, where your ideal vacation resort awaits.

Many Reasons to Visit

It’s no secret that Penticton is one of Canada’s most popular holiday destinations. A Facebook survey published by the Huffington Post even named Penticton as a Top-10 World Travel Destination

There are a plethora of reasons that Penticton is such a massively popular location for local and international travellers. The climate, scenery, and abundance of activities for families, couples, and adventurers are all main draws of this small B.C. city. Plus, it’s an easy 5-hour drive from Vancouver, B.C., where domestic and international vacationers frequently arrive by air travel to YVR airport.

Photo by: Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre; where luxury and the great outdoors come together.
Photo by: Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre; where luxury and the great outdoors come together.

Where to Stay In Penticton

Locals and frequent visitors know that Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre is the perfect location for families, friends, and solo travellers to stay during their vacation to Penticton.

With an award-winning restaurant, lively late-night pub, and exclusive amenities including a private sandy beach on beautiful Okanagan Lake, there are plenty of reasons to take advantage of this top-rated resort. 

Visitors also get special offerings from Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, such as the Naramata Wine Tour Package, which includes accommodations, bus transportation, and a full-day wine tour by Top Cat Tours. Check out other great hotel deals in Penticton by visiting our Deals page.

Take a Break From Planning

Looking to discover Penticton without all the planning? We don’t blame you! Your vacation should allow you to unwind and enjoy the many activities that Penticton has to offer, without the stress of planning activities each day. Check out vacation offerings at Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre to find great deals on holiday packages in Penticton. Offers include wine tours, romance packages, and discounted rates for qualifiers — see more deals online!

There are also exclusive amenities available to our hotel guests. Visit our Amenities page to see the availability of our pool, hot tub, fitness centre & juice bar, skating rink, and private outdoor patios.

Now that you know what Penticton is known for, you can discover all that this ideal Okanagan city has to offer for yourself when you book your stay directly on Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre website.

Keep up to date with the latest vacation offerings and information from Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre by following us on Instagram and Facebook.