Travel

Here’s What Penticton is Known For

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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

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!).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

by vancreative

Penticton 2020: What’s Open For Business?

Looking for domestic travel options in B.C. this summer? You’ve come to the right place.

Penticton, British Columbia, is a little slice of paradise in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. Sunny weather, sandy beaches, mountain ranges, stunning lakes, and plenty of space to maintain physical distance — these are just a few of the hallmarks that local and domestic travellers come to see.

Aside from the supernatural B.C. lakes and landscapes, Penticton and the Okanagan Valley are widely known for having a variety of award-winning vineyards, an established community of craft and boutique stores, delicious farm-to-table food, a growing craft beer scene, and plenty of adventure sport and leisure activity operators.

But what’s open in Penticton to occupy your time or serve you a glass of wine in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic?

We’ve put together this handy guide to help you set expectations. Read on to learn what a local vacation to one of British Columbia’s most popular tourist destinations could look like in the summer of 2020.

Vineyards and Wineries

The good news: many wineries in Penticton are open for business! We won’t exhaust your eyes by listing the status of every single Okanagan winery here, but we will offer a short list of who’s open at the time of this post, and general guidelines for what to expect during your wine tasting experience.

Which Wineries Are Already Open Near Penticton?

• Township 7
• Four Shadow Vineyard & Winery
• Little Engine (by appointment)
• 3 Sisters Winery
• Origin Wine (reservations required)
• Westport Winery
• Moraine Winery (reservations required)
• Black Widow Wine

Guidelines for Tasting Rooms:
WorkSafeBC has sent rules and regulations to Okanagan wineries to assist with reopening plans. Many of the wineries in the region are also submitting applications to safely provide wine tastings on their patios.

One source told us that tastings might look a little more intimate this summer, as limited capacity and one-glass-at-a-time servings means that your sommelier will have plenty of time to discuss all your favourite varieties.

Each winery is a little different in their wine-tasting approach, with many setting up pre-pay options, giving wine flights, or even letting you keep the wine glass when you leave. Servers will stand at social distance and many will wear a mask and gloves — or may even be behind plexiglass.

The wineries we spoke with, including Bench 1775, Lake Breeze, Fairview Cellars, Hester Creek, and Burrowing Owl (read more about them here) intend to open their doors for tastings in early or mid-June, so book a trip to Penticton now to avoid missing out!

Check out the website of your favourite winery to get the most up-to-date details. Many B.C. wineries also recommend visiting uncorkBC to keep up to date on who’s open for tastings.

Restaurants Open In Penticton

With a variety of cuisines available, and many restaurants serving delicious food featuring locally sourced ingredients, getting a bite to eat is no problem in Penticton this summer. Check out each of the websites linked below to see the latest news on dine-in options as B.C. continues its 2020 restart plan.

For pub fare, The Barking Parrot opened its doors on June 1st with new physical distancing measures in place.

Many of Penticton’s most popular restaurants remain open for delivery and takeout, including:

• Skaha Pizza (with reduced hours)
• Brodo Kitchen
• Sushi Kojo
• Ashoka Indian Cuisine

For a finer-dining experience, the popular lakeview restaurant, The Hooded Merganser is targeting a mid-June reopen.

Boutique Fashion Stores

Looking for some retail therapy? Penticton has plenty to offer during the re-opening phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are three local fashion boutique stores we recommend, with information on what to expect.

• Three Wishes - Temporarily by appointment only. Give them a call during normal business hours or email anytime to set up your personal shopping experience. Three Wishes Boutique is located in the lobby of the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, making this boutique store an extremely convenient visit for hotel guests on domestic holiday.
• Something Pretty - Open for walk-ins Monday to Saturday from 11:00am–5:00pm. Please adhere to social distancing policies. Something Pretty also offers online purchasing and local pickup.
• Mi Amor - Open for walk-ins Monday to Saturday from 10:00am–5:00pm with physical distancing measures in place.

For those interested in getting all their shopping done in one place, the Cherry Lane Mall remains partially open. Check out their shopping center map, which is frequently updated to show which stores are open for business.

Craft Breweries

The Okanagan Valley is home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, and Penticton is smack-dab in the middle of the action. Here are three of our favourite microbreweries on the Penticton Ale Trail, along with their reopening plans.

• Highway 97 Brewing Co. - already offering home deliveries and takeout, Highway 97 is planning to reopen for tastings in early June with social distancing policies and limited seating in the tap room.
• Cannery Brewing - this centrally located microbrewing is reopening with phase 2 of the BC Restart Plan. Social distancing practices, no more than six to a table, and reduced maximum seating capacities are mandatory requirements; so make sure you arrive early to get a spot, or call in advance for curb-side pickup.
• Tin Whistle Brewery - Customers get free delivery on any order over $60.00 from this craft beer house, which plans to open for limited servings in the tasting room this June.

Learn more about the craft beer scene in our post on 7 microbreweries you can’t miss when you’re in Penticton.

Parks and Beaches

In the city of Penticton, the situation continues to develop on a daily basis. The best source for announcements and updates on parks and recreation is the Penticton COVID-19 Toolkit. That said, plenty of walking trails and parks are open for a leisurely stroll or family picnic.

You can also take advantage of the private beach at Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre during your stay. Check out rooms and rates today!

Sports and Adventure

Adventure-seekers need not worry about finding their next thrill. Rental shops and adventure tour operators have implemented strict measures to protect customers from the risk of transmission.

Hoodoo Adventure, a popular tour adventure and rental shop in Penticton regularly updates their website with the latest information on procedures and practices implemented to keep customers safe. Book a private tour or sanitized bicycle rental by phone and online.

Other bike shops, like Main Street’s Freedom, are renting sanitized bicycles by reservation and appointment only, with no store walk-ins at the time of this post.

Penticton Golf & Country Club also remains open for business, with new measures in place to prevent transmission. Rakes have been removed from bunkers, hole depth has been reduced so that golf balls can be retrieved without removing the flag, and golfers are asked to arrive no more than 15 minutes before their tee times.

Grocery Stores and Other Retail

Major grocery stores such as IGA, Save On Foods, and Superstore are open for business with regular hours.

There are also a number of independent grocers in Penticton that remain open with regular business hours, including Quality Greens, a Penticton farmers market where you can get fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, dairy, and deli foods. Social distancing policies and recommendations to wear a mask are in place at all of these grocery stores.

Canadian Tire, Rona, Shoppers Drug Mart, and government liquor stores all remain open with standard social distancing measures in place. All gas stations in the area remain open as well.

Lots To See And Do In Penticton

Penticton is an ideal location for couples, families, and even solo travellers to take a summer holiday this year. Your local vacation to one of Western Canada’s top tourism destinations can bring you the peace and relaxation you’ve been craving after a troublesome first half of 2020 — plus there are plenty of activities and stores to visit in the South Okanagan while you’re here.

So what are you waiting for? Take the vacation you deserve and start making up for lost time.

Special Packages Available Now

As if you needed any more reason to visit, you can now take advantage of two special offers from Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.

Naramata Wine Tour

Get to know the best tastes of the Naramata Bench on a personal tour of five local wineries. Enjoy a full-day wine tour, complimentary lunch, and transportation to and from the resort during your discounted two nights' vacation for two.

View the full package online and reserve your tour today.

Thompson Okanagan Staycation

Relax and unwind after a stressful winter season. Residents of the Thompson Okanagan region qualify for an exclusive staycation discount. It’s time to take a break — you deserve it!

View the details online and reserve your room today.

Penticton is certainly one of the best places to travel in 2020, but what if you’re concerned about travelling due to the risk of the virus? Read this article to learn what Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre is doing to help keep our guests safe.

*Please note that the COVID-19 pandemic is a developing situation and some of the information in this article could change based on new safety and security recommendations from official health authorities.

by vancreative

An Update On The Staff At Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre

With all the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be wondering: what are we doing to keep our staff safe? Just like our guests’ safety, staff health and wellness is of the utmost importance at Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.

We’re publishing this post to share some of the practices and procedures in place at the resort to help ensure a safe working environment for everyone.

Training & Education

By ensuring that all our staff is educated with the latest recommendations and restrictions, we can all feel safer during work hours. Resort management is closely following notices and information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the BC Centre For Disease Control (BCCDC) and the Center For Disease Control (CDC). Management provides regular updates and policy revisions to all staff based on the latest official health authority recommendations.

Frequent Workspace Sanitizing

Staff are reminded to regularly sanitize all surfaces, furniture, and fixtures within employee work spaces. This includes common areas of the resort, break rooms, and all of our guest suites. Cleaning supply inventories are closely monitored and re-stocked.

Personal Protective Equipment

Gloves and masks are available for staff and we encourage their use at all times. Staff PPE inventory is closely monitored and regularly re-stocked.

Physical Distancing

Our staff is committed to following the physical distancing policies and recommendations put into place by British Columbia health officials and by the resort. Our spacious guest suites and common areas allow for proper physical distancing measures from guests and other staff at all times during the workday.

Health & Wellness

We encourage all our staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle outside of the resort, including proper hygiene, diet, and exercise, to boost personal immune systems. We’ve asked our team to comply with physical distancing policies away from the resort, as well as to stay home if feeling unwell, or if any immediate family member is feeling unwell.

Staff have been informed that they are to consult a doctor if experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, and to seek medical attention if required.

Communication & Respect

Communication in the workplace is vital to maintaining a happy and healthy work environment for everyone. We encourage all our staff to raise any suggestions that could further improve our health and safety measures and practices.

Adapting to a “New Normal”

As our guests already know, the staff at Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre is like a family. While we work and adjust, finding new ways to adapt to the “new normal”, our guests can rest assured that the team at Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre is happy, healthy, and ready to help.

Please note that as we continue to monitor information and recommendations from official health authorities, the information on this page may change. View our COVID-19 FAQ page for the latest information, including reservation and cancellation policies.

See what we’re doing to keep guests safe during their stay at Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.

by vancreative

How Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre Is Helping Keep Our Guests Safe

With the many uncertainties surrounding domestic travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is our goal to create a space where guests can feel comfortable and relaxed. Our highest priority is to put you and your loved ones at ease from the moment you arrive at Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.

As we welcome British Columbians and other domestic travellers into the resort during the early phases of Provincial Health's Restart Plan, here are some of the protocols you can expect to see during your visit.

Heightened Sanitizing Measures in Common Areas

Frequent sanitizing of all high-touch point areas including:

• Key cards
• Door handles
• Locks & latches
• Light switches
• Elevator doors
• Buttons
• Furniture
• Bathroom fixtures
• All desk and table-top surfaces which may come into human contact

Heightened Sanitizing of Guest Suites

We’ve further elevated our already meticulous cleaning processes within guest suites:

• Every surface and fixture in our guest suites is sanitized with EnvirOx, an environmentally responsible sanitizer and virucide that kills 99.99% of surface bacteria and viruses
• Housekeeping staff is encouraged to wear and change personal protective equipment between cleanings

Social Distancing Policies

Social and physical distancing policies are strictly adhered by staff:

• At check-in
• For room-service delivery (contactless room service)
• Throughout all common areas at the resort, including private beach, piers, and amenities

We also ask all our guests to please comply with the latest physical distancing recommendations from official health authorities during their stay at the resort. Follow the BC Centre for Disease Control, the Ministry of Health, and the World Health Organization for the most up-to-date information.

*Certain amenities remain closed until further notice — ask a member of our team what is available during your stay.

Staff Education

Resort management is keeping apprised of this developing situation and provides regular updates and policy revisions to our staff. We follow official health authorities such as the WHO, the CDC, and the BCCDC.

Staff are given regular reminders to:

• Sanitize their workstations and break rooms
• Adhere to best practices for personal hygiene
• Comply with physical distance policies
• Keep a healthy lifestyle outside of the resort (proper diet & exercise to boost immune systems)
• Communicate any concerns or suggestions to further refine or improve our health and safety protocols

If any member of our staff feels unwell, or has immediate family feeling unwell, we kindly ask that the staff member stay home to avoid potential transmission. Staff have been informed that they are to consult a doctor if experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, and seek medical care if necessary.

Read the full post on what we’re doing to keep staff safe.

Contactless Check-in and Check-out Processes

We kindly ask our guests at Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre to please adhere to the social distancing recommendations during check-in. Room keys and card terminals are sanitized between uses to reduce the risk of transmission. Keycards can be left inside the guest suite, or delivered to the concierge desk for sanitizing when you check-out of the resort.

We’re In This Together

When you’re visiting Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, rest assured that your safety and security is our highest priority. Please note that as we continue to monitor information and recommendations from official health authorities, the information on this page may change.

View our COVID-19 FAQ page for the latest information including reservation and cancellation policies.

by vancreative

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.

by Jason Tweten

Penticton’s Best Free Activities

Nowadays, it can be difficult to answer the question: what can you do for under 10 dollars? Luckily for visitors of Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, there are plenty of free choices and some cheap options, too.

What to do for free in Penticton

Penticton is a little slice of paradise. Walking, hiking, and spending sunny days at the beach are our favourite free summer activities. Plus, you can distract the kids with a search for the mysterious Ogopogo while you enjoy peace and relaxation.Read more

by Jason Tweten

The Local’s Guide to Penticton Microbreweries

Faithful subscribers, it’s summertime.

Here in the Okanagan, there’s almost no better way to spend a hot summer day than cruising the streets of Penticton enroute to microbrewery taste-town.

Not sure where to start? Allow us to introduce you to the Penticton Ale Trail. Check out the handy map below to see all the Penticton craft beers you’ll try on your journey.

It’s hard to hit all these craft breweries in one day — trust us, we know — so to help you narrow down the choices, we’ve put together a brief overview of what to expect at each local beer company along the trail.

Highway 97 Brewery

Aptly named after the longest continually running highway in BC, Highway 97 is a boutique-style craft brewhouse pouring ales, porters, and hoppy IPAs. Family run and proudly British Columbian, Highway 97 serves craft brewed beers that stand up to any brewer’s palate.  Enjoy a cool pint in their laid-back atmosphere and take in the scenic views of the Penticton Golf & Country Club. Pro-tip: we also serve the Highway 97 Amber Ale beer on tap at the Hooded Merganser Bar + Grill.

Cannery Brewing

Premium quality malted grains and carefully picked Pacific Northwest hops bring a lively flavour to Cannery Brewing’s beers. Part of the British Columbia Craft Brewers Guild, this popular microbrewery is a BC beer-drinker’s favourite and frequently appears at craft beer markets.
They have a large variety of cleverly named beers: Lakeboat Lager, Power Chord Pilsner, Skaha Summer Ale, and Naramata Nut Brown are just a few. Cannery also has a wicked back patio where you can meet Penticton locals, relax, eat, and drink the day away. Try their beers on location or conveniently head down to the Hooded Merganser Bar + Grill, or the lively Barking Parrot Bar, both steps away from your room at Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.

Tin Whistle Brewery

Tin Whistle lays its claim as the first microbrewery in the South Okanagan Valley, forging a path for all that would follow in the beer-making business. These Penticton pioneers use Okanagan-grown fruits, berries, and grapes in their seasonal brews, while also keeping staple beers on rotation including dark ales and summery IPAs. This brew pub is considered a piece of Okanagan heritage, staying relevant in the region for more than 20 years.

Barley Mill

The Barley Mill Brew Pub and Bistro has award winning beers at some of the best prices in the region. Grab a Jug of house-brewed Pale Ale, Lager, or Wheat Ale on tap and share it with your friends. This pub boasts a lively atmosphere filled with sports paraphernalia, comfort food, and a sweet summer patio. You can also take a free tour to learn about the beer-making process from 11am to 5pm daily, or grab a 6-pack on your way out from the attached Cold Beer and Wine Store.

Bad Tattoo Brewing Company

Handcrafted in Penticton with a legacy lasting over six generations, Bad Tattoo Brewing was built from the foundation up with a philosophy to serve fresh, tasty brews alongside oven-fired pizza. Does it get any better? Enjoy a pint and a slice with patrons of the tasting room, and get your growler filled in-house with a crisp ale, weisse, or IPA. Bonus: this brewery is near the city centre, easy walking distance from Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre.

Slackwater & Neighbourhood Brewing

Scheduled for Summer 2019 openings, both Slackwater (previously “Hatchery”) and Neighbourhood brewing are joining the Penticton microbrewery beer brigade. These two breweries will reinforce Penticton’s growing claim as a destination for wine lovers and beer drinkers alike, offering delicious beers in a tight-knit community setting. You can be among the first to try their products during your summer trip to Penticton, BC.

Firehall Brewery (one more that’s worth the drive)

Want to experience regional craft beer culture outside the streets of Penticton? Check out Firehall Brewing, a scenic 45-minute drive from Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre. This Oliver, BC, brewery is a family operation originally built with vintage parts sourced from a local bootlegger. Since opening, the “Old Firehall” has become a must-hit destination during any trip to the Okanagan region.

Before you Embark On the Ale Trail

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of your Penticton Ale Trail passport at the Penticton Visitor Centre, 888 Westminster Ave, or at any of the breweries on the Ale Trail.

Oh, and by the way, you can help avoid the dreaded draught-beer hangover with a hearty breakfast at the Hooded Merganser Bar + Grill before you set out for an adventure that you’ll... probably... remember well.

Cheers!

by Jason Tweten

5 Okanagan Wineries You Can’t Miss in Summer 2019

*Looking for the best Okanagan wineries to try in 2020? Start your search by booking a Naramata Wine Tour Package, or check out the curated wine list available on our brand new farm-to-table menu at The Hooded Merganser Restaurant.

Summer’s just around the corner and we’re uncorking our favourite bottles of Cabernets, Merlots, and Pinot Gris to celebrate the season. Get to know the best tastes of the Okanagan Valley in our list of 5 local vineyards that can’t be missed on your summer trip to Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre. 

We’ve also asked Executive Chef, Chris Remington, to recommend delicious food and drink pairings prepared at the Hooded Merganser Bar + Grill, served next to a stunning panoramic view of Okanagan Lake.

1. Bench 1775

Vibrant yet balanced flavours and organically grown grapes gives an authentic and natural tasting experience that allows the fruit to delicately express itself. Aptly named to help wine seekers locate its wine country whereabouts, Bench 1775 is a staple on any wine tour along the Naramata bench. Recently rated one of the top 8 wineries in Canada, and 4th in British Columbia, Bench 1775 is a must visit.

Chef’s recommended food pairing: “1775 Viognier” white wine paired with a fresh and fragrant spiced Green Thai Prawn Curry.

2. Lake Breeze

Boasting some of the oldest vines on the Naramata Bench, Lake Breeze minimizes intervention between grape and bottle to provide the most natural of flavours. This gives the palate a crisp, fruit-forward taste that lingers long after the last drop.

Chef’s recommended food pairing: “Tempest” meritage blend red wine paired with a mouth-watering 8oz. Dry-Aged New York Steak.

3. Fairview Cellars

Often described as the hidden gem of the Okanagan Valley wine trail, Fairview Cellars is the lifelong dream of winemaker Bill Eggert come to fruition. His experimental approach to finding perfection in tasting notes — balancing acidity, tannins, body, alcohol, and sweetness — has helped him produce memorable white and red wines suitable for any occasion.

Chef’s recommended food pairing: “The Bear” five blend red wine with a finely braised Lamb Shank.

4. Hester Creek

Winner of numerous awards, winemaker Rob Summers has been at the helm of this Golden Mile Bench winery since arriving to Hester Creek in 2006. The vineyard sits above the valley floor, taking advantage of long hours of daylight to help avoid seasonal frost damage. Rob Summers describes it best: “The soil, the climate, the light...together they give rise to that intangible magic we call terroir.”

Chef’s recommended food pairing: “The Judge” cab franc, cab sauv, merlot blend red wine with the Dijon-Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb.

5. Burrowing Owl

Using solar panels to offset CO2 emissions when heating their water, this environmentally conscious winery grows european varietals to produce everything from fruit-driven Athenes to a rich-in-flavour Syrahs. Burrowing Owl gets its moniker from the winery’s proprietors, Jim and Midge Wyse, who are active members of the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of British Columbia (BOCS). Over time, this vineyard has contributed close to a million dollars to the program, in part by visitor donations.

Chef’s recommended food pairing: “Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris” white wine paired with pan-fried Pork Gyoza.

Let the flavours of the Okanagan wineries tantalize your senses with sweet, spicy aromas and rich, fruity flavours. Sample some of the wine’s we’ve listed above when you drop by the Great Estates Okanagan Wine Experience Centre, located on the first floor of our West Tower. Enjoy these wines with a delicious meal by booking a reservation at the Hooded Merganser Bar + Grill.

You can also book shuttle-service wine tours through our front desk with companies like Ogopogo Valley Tours, TopCat Tours, and Grape Escapes Wine Tours.

by vancreative