vccs1

We'll be visiting the Penticton/Naramata region for Ironman Canada at the end of August. What are the must do activities nearby? What are some good day trips (drive time of 2ish hours)?
Thanks!

GaryA

Are you two Adults? If so you should make plans to visit or actually stay and dine at one or two of the many great wineries in the South Okanogan. I'll let others mention their favorites but you can also check past posts for them.

There is a large Casino Hotel in Penticton called the Lakeside which is also near the finish line for the Ironman competition and you can while away some hours there. The Hotel itself is pretty good but I havn't stayed there for over ten years so I'm not sure of it's current condition though at the time it was the best in the South Okanogan.

If you're with kids then beside the lovely beaches of Penticton and Osoyoos the main children friendly places are in the Kelowna area about 45 minutes in light traffic north of Penticton.

Hiking, horseback riding, waterskiing, fishing, parasailing, etc. etc. are all available so there's no reason to be bored.

BowenLinda

Hi vccs1,

GaryA has covered it well, although I'm sure there are other highlights: wine tours, river rafting, fishing, golfing, boating, horseback riding, and more wine tours. But perhaps sitting in the sun with your feet in a lake recovering from Iron Man might be the best thing!

Have a great trip.

L

vccs1

Thanks GaryA. Indeed, we're two adults, one a triathlete, one a super spectator. Any & all suggestions are much appreciated. We're staying in Naramata and for one night in Osoyoos.

Meesthare

We were at the Lakeside in Penticton a couple of months ago. The hotel is in good shape and very pleasant, although quite frankly the casino was a bit dismal. Lots of people sitting there grimly punching buttons on the slots. It didn't feel like much of a fun place, unfortunately. But the area is gorgeous and the hotel has a nice dining room.

jamikins

Definitely do a wine tour...you dont need to book a tour. Go to the Tourist Office in any of the towns and get a map. You can drive to tons of wineries (most are beside one another) and taste at all of them. A very fun afternoon!

Lynette

One of our favorite beaches on Okanagan Lake is Sun Oka Beach. It is just of HWY97 Between Penticton and Summerland. It is a Provincial Picnic ground, so if there are no fire bans on, there are fire pits there. The water is so nice and clear here.
If you are feeling lazy travel the Penticton Channel between Okanagan lake and Skaha lake on an inner tube or dingy. It will take a good 2 -3 hours.
There is stock car racing at the Penticton Speedway, and of course golf, golf, and more golf courses.
You should still be able to get nice peaches at the end of August, and maybe some early apples as well.
Summerland Sweets in Summerland makes fabulous fruit syrups and jams. You can tour their plant, taste sample, and get yummy ice cream.
There is also the Kettle Valley steam railway, if you are into experiencing some historic, steam train travel.
Wineries abound, if you come to Kelowna, visit Mission Hill, and stay for lunch or dinner. The view is amazing, and the bells will play at noon and 5 PM. Sumac Ridge in Summerland also overlooks the lake, and has a golf course as well. Every weekend in Kelowna, we have live music in the park, and Penticton probably has something similar. There are always tons of stuff going on during Ironman. If you are staying into Sept.
Josh Groban is at Prospera Place in Kelowna on Sept 2.
If you haven't checked out www.penticton.ca you might want to.
Good luck at the triathelon

vccs1

Thank you all for your help!