Things to do in Okanagan Valley

A World of Wonder to Explore!

The Okanagan-Similkameen is full of adventure waiting to be discovered. From Rock Climbing the Skaha Bluffs, Kayaking or tubing down the rapids of the Similkameen River, Cliff Jumping in Kelowna and Vernon, Hiking through Cathedral Lakes National park, 4x4ing up to Hedley’s French Mines.

With each new season a wealth of activities await: float down the river or hike to a hidden waterfall; lounge by our large, heated saltwater pool; bike across the KVR trestle bridges; explore Cawston, Canada’s Organic Farm Capital, or Osoyoos, Canada’s hottest town. Spend your day snowshoeing and skiing the slopes at Apex Ski Hill or Mt. Baldy, before an evening of story sharing with fellow guests around our campfires, star-gazing from our hot tub, between sips of our stunning Similkameen Wine!

Okanagan Valley Activities: Summer

Okanagan Summer is jam packed with things to do. Like to bike? The historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail where you can rent bikes from Myra Canyon Bicycle Rental and bike across 18 wooden rail trestles and tunnels. Feeling really sporty? The Fat Dog 120 and Ultra520K take place as well as the Ironman in neighboring Penticton. Or perhaps A bit of culture? The Penticton Art Gallery has wonderful exhibitions of Local Artists.

Some two-stepping takes place at Princeton’s Traditional Music Fest in August as well as Princeton’s Agricultural Fair! In Keremeos, The Old Grist Mill and Gardens holds brilliant summer concerts. And the Ashnola Pow Wow cannot be missed on Labor Day weekend! Prefer the beach? Check out Okanagan Beach in Penticton, a half-mile long stretch of sand along an ancient glacial lake.

Okanagan Valley Activities: Spring

Spring is rodeo time in the Similkameen. With the Chopaka Rodeo on Easter, followed by Elk’s Rodeo in Keremeos, and Princeton’s Stan Thompson Memorial Rodeo. The Meadowlark Festival highlights our amazing local nature and wildlife. Orchards start to blossom and wine season begins with farm to table dinners and tastings.

Okanagan Valley Activities: Fall

Fall means harvest and we know how to celebrate! The Similkameen Sizzle honours the over 200 varieties of peppers grown here; The Old Grist Mill and Gardens honours the harvest with the Heritage Harvest Dinner, and Harker’s Organics and Rustic Roots Winery throw the Organic Harvest Moon Festival!

Okanagan Valley Activities: Winter

Open Houses are held each December, Keremeos’ Light up the Night Parade, Christmas Craft fairs, Sleigh rides, Cross-country Skiing, Downhill skiing and snow tubing at Apex Ski Hill and Mt. Baldy, snowshoeing at Nickel Plate Nordic Center, Hockey games taking place in Keremeos, Osoyoos, Penticton, Osoyoos and Princeton––there’s something to do no matter the weather! Or perhaps you just want to cozy up by our Cawston Hotel's fire pits before jumping in our hot tub under the stars?

Penticton's Top 10 Things to Do

Looking for what to do in Penticton?

Below are the must-see & do, according to Visit Penticton.

Float the 7 km ‘Channel’ situated in the center of Okanagan and Skaha Lake.
Discover the area on foot or horses Kettle Valley Railway.
Tour and taste at many of the 80+ wineries within 20 minutes of the city.
Love local wines? Try local beers also. Home to 6 (soon to be 7) craft breweries!
Enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, Saturday mornings are typically spent visiting the Penticton Farmer’s Market on the 100 block of Main Street.
Relax on one of our beautiful beaches and take a dip in our freshwater lakes.
Get vertical at Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park, home to world-class sport climbing destination
Pick fresh fruit at a local orchard.
Shop like a local at the numerous retail outlets and boutique stores around the city.

Apart from the common attractions that make Penticton the ideal for travelers & tourists, you can discover many activities you can do with family & friends. Below is a list of must stops and must tries that we recommend to fully enjoy your stay.