The valley forms a high temperate desert that affords this region of British Columbia a dry, sunny climate. The Okanagan Valley region contains more than 60 provincial parks and dozens of recreational sites. Springtime brings blossoms to the region's orchards and from the months of June through October, you can pick up some of the valley's bounty: cherries in late June, peaches and apricots in mid-July, and apples in August through October.
Located on the shores of Skaha Lake, you'll find Wright's Beach Camp RV Park offering you close to 200 full hook-up sites. Facilities include laundry, outdoor swimming pool, a children's play area and organized activities. At the east end of the lake, you'll find the Skaha Solar Timepiece. You'll need to use your body and the shadow it casts to tell the time with this analemmatic sundial. Oxbow RV Resort is conveniently located near a bus route making it easy to get into and around Penticton. This RV resort offers 68 full-service RV sites with standard amenities.
Keep an eye out for the Ogopogo, the legendary lake monster, in the waters of Okanagan Lake as you indulge in water activities such as canoeing, windsurfing, waterskiing, swimming or parasailing. Penticton is at the crossroads of the Kettle Valley Railways Trail, part of the Trans Canada Trail, which offers you more than 100 miles of flat, rail-bed trails for hiking and biking. From Penticton you can access trails that head south to Okanagan Falls, north to spectacular Myra Canyon and north to Summerland. The Skaha Bluffs that loom over Skaha Lake provide for a challenging rock climbing experience and offer you 500 bolted rock climbing routes.
Admire Penticton's shoreline from aboard a paddle wheeler, the Casabella Princess, which offers daily scenic cruises, as well as barbecue and dinner cruises. Coyote Cruises, an outfitter located at Riverside Park, provides inner tube rentals and shuttle service for those wanting to float down the Okanagan River Channel. The National Research Council operates the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory in Penticton. Tour the Observatory grounds during daylight hours--guided tours are offered on Sunday afternoons during July and August.
Located in the heart of Okanagan wine country, Penticton is home to 24 wineries. Visit the tasting room of the Township 7 winery on McMillan Avenue, seven days a week, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. As well, you can self-tour local wineries along Naramata Bench Road or join one of the many winery tours offered by local outfitters.
