The City Column: What To Do In Penticton, B.C.
Home to a thriving culinary scene in the heart of British Columbia’s wine country, Penticton is the perfect place for a summer getaway.
Check in to a boutique inn, then check out the art scene and nature trails.
Find out what to do in Penticton below!
Where to Stay:
Classic: Naramata Inn
On the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake is this recently restored, century-old inn. Its 12 Mission-style suites marry modern touches like luxe linens with more historical details like clawfoot soaker tubs. Wood-framed windows open to lovely views of the village and landscape. Save time for dinner at the restaurant, where the kitchen builds its menus around bounty from local farmers, producers and winemakers.
3625 1st St., Naramata, B.C.
New: Kettle Valley Beach Resort
This mid-century motel got a modern makeover and reopened in 2022, adding a fresh, hip energy in Penticton. The beachfront location means that guests can take a dip in the lake during the day, then leisurely sip wine around a cozy firepit by night. The guest rooms are newly decorated with surf-inspired details — think hand-knotted baskets, handmade throws and kilims from India.
950 Lakeshore Dr. West
Where to Eat:
New: Kin & Folk
The newest and hottest restaurant in town focuses on sharing plates, with dishes that are a fusion of Asian-inspired flavors and local ingredients. Don’t miss the Sichuan-dressed seasonal fruit and fresh burrata topped with pickled grapes. You’ll find inventive cocktails like sage-infused gin with orange bitters and tonic at the bar.
557 Main St.
Classic: The Restaurant at Poplar Grove
Poplar Grove Winery brought in a new culinary team for its restaurant last year, led by executive chef Stacy Johnston. Menus showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients and what the chefs forage themselves. Enjoy B.C. honey mussels, grilled radicchio with truffle honey and chèvre, and grass-fed striploin with walnut gremolata.
425 Middle Bench Rd. North
What to See:
A place for Indigenous higher learning and a gathering spot for the community, En’owkin Centre welcomes the public to explore its grounds, the collection of historical artifacts and contemporary artworks by staff, faculty and student artists.
154 Enowkin Trail
The beautifully designed garden named for Penticton’s sister city, Ikeda, Japan, is maintained by community volunteers. Walking paths and a koi pond encourage moments of reflection.
199 Marina Way
This gallery is 40 years strong, and represents artists working in mixed media, painting, sculpture and more. June’s exhibition features the vibrant paintings of Robyn Lake, who’s known for her landscapes of the area.
18 Front St.
Where to Shop:
New: Arcadia Modern Home
This home store has given new life to a historical building that, over the years, served as a garage, butcher shop and grocer. Owned by Rod Riou and Hayley Mullen, the shop has modern furniture, lighting and accents, including textiles from Indigenous artists.
323 Main St.
Classic: 4th Meridian Art & Auctions
Found at the Cannery Trade Centre, this gallery meets antique shop recently opened a second location in Naramata, B.C. Find Canadian ceramics, antique Scandinavian glass pieces and vintage furniture.
1475 Fairview Rd., Suite 104, and 126 Robinson Ave., Suite 4, Naramata, B.C. (the Naramata shop is open March through October)