Head to Penticton this year for a winter vacation you’ll never forget. Wineries, ski slopes, museums, and more will make it so you’ll never want to leave. What are you waiting for? Here are 25 things to do during winter in Penticton.
Strap on the skis
1. Apex Mountain Resort
No matter how you adventure in the snow, you’ll find perfect powder at Apex Mountain. It’s the only resort in the Okanagan that faces north, making for dry, champagne powder perfect for skiing, snowboarding, a one kilometer skating loop through the forest, tube park, and much more. Details
Where: 324 Strayhorse Road, Penticton; 250-292-8222
2. Baldy Mountain Resort
This winter, get “the Baldy experience.” Among the top ten ski resort elevations in Canada, Baldy is a hidden gem for winter adventure. Ski, snowboard, cross country ski, toboggan, snowshoeing, and more await the whole family. Details
Where: 2680 Mount Baldy Rd, Oliver; 250-498-4086
3. Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiing, or Nordic skiing as it is also known, is a popular activity throughout the Okanagan region. Whether you’re new to it or get out every weekend, you’ll find a trail to match your skill level. Try the Nickel Plate Nordic Centre for 56 km of groomed trails for skate and classic skiing. Details
Where: Nickel Plate Nordic Centre, Hedley; 250-292-8110
Out in the snow
1. Ice Skating
Glide your way across the ice as you skate with the mountains as a backdrop. Find community rinks throughout Penticton and other surrounding communities, or head to the big resorts for larger rinks. Try the 1 km Adventure Skating Loop at Apex Mountain Resort.
2. Tube Park
When you visit a tube park you’ll discover that you don’t need to be on your feet to enjoy flying down the side of the mountain. Big inner tubes with handles offer a more comfortable – but still just as exciting – trip down the run. Plus, you don’t have to walk back up.
3. Fat Biking
4. Snowshoeing
There’s nothing like heading out into a mountain forest with the crunch of snowshoes under your feet. Groomed trails are present throughout the Okanagan region, both close to the cities and out in the middle of nowhere. The Nickel Plate Nordic Centre mark their trails with fluorescent tape to make them easy to follow. Details
Where: Nickel Plate Nordic Centre, Hedley; 250-292-8110
Winter Fun Provincial Parks
1. Nickel Plate Provincial Park
This provincial park is remote, calm, and serene – perfect for a winter wonderland. And there are so many winter activities in the park that you won’t run out of adventures to have. Skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and more await. Visit the website for information on rental and guide companies. Details
2. Vaseux Lake Provincial Park
Vaseux Lake is accessible year round, with great winter opportunities on the lake. It’s perfect for skating and winter hiking. But one of the biggest draws in the winter is ice fishing – drop a line and see who will get the catch of the day. Details
3. White Lake Grasslands Protected Area
The White Lake Grasslands Protected Area is known for its conservation efforts for both fauna and flora. But the reason the locals go in the winter doesn’t have much to do with wildlife. The southernmost end of park is known to be a great place for tobogganing. Grab a sled and head to the hills! Details
Get out of the cold with these activities
1. BC Hockey Hall of Fame
Where: 853 Eckhart Dr Penticton; 778-559-3263
2. Penticton Vees
Head to a Penticton Vees game and cheer on the home team. Part of the BCHL, this Junior A hockey team has regular season games well into February. Join the other hockey fans at the arena and see who will make the winning shot. Details
3. Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad
Big fun meets miniature models. This world-class miniature museum boasts 19,000 little people and animals and 45 computer controlled trains on 2 km of tracks. You’ll be blown away (and feel like a giant) by the attention to detail and the charm of the scenes constructed. Details
Where: 11611 115 Street Osoyoos; 250-495-6842
4. Desmious Escape Rooms
Escape the cold by getting locked in the escape rooms. Different themed rooms, such as Sherlock Holmes and vampires, provide an hour of riddles and puzzles to solve to escape the room. Perfect for the whole family, some rooms are even wheelchair accessible. Details
Where: 130 Nanaimo Avenue West Pentic
ton; 250-422-1408
5. Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
Discover the history and the culture of the Syilx of the Okanagan Nation at the Cultural Centre. Cultural and nature exhibits showcase their stories, history, art, and the natural landscapes that shaped their way of life. Details
Where: 1000 Rancher Creek Road, Osoyoos; 1-888-495-8555
6. Penticton Art Gallery
The Penticton Art Gallery has been showcasing local, Canadian, and international art for over 65 years. Find out why they’re a local staple in the art scene the minute you walk through the door. Find paintings, sculptures, line drawings, pottery, and more in permanent and feature exhibits. Details
Where: 199 Marina Way Penticton; 250-493-2928
7. SS Sicamous Museum & Heritage Park
The SS Sicamous is the last remaining ship of its kind in Canada and is now home to a museum showcasing the history and culture of the region. From the steam engines to the Captain’s wheel, tour the ship and step back to a different era. Guided tours are also available. Details
Where: 1099 Lakeshore Drive West Penticton; 250-492-0403
Pamper yourselves in Winter
1. Melt Mineral Spa
Where: 53 Front Street Penticton; 250-492-5353
2. iKhaya Day Spa
Summerland’s favourite spa for both tourists and locals alike. From individual treatment options to packages such as Organic Renewal, Decadent Escape, Gentlemen’s Retreat, or the iKhaya Experience (7 hours of pampering!), the spa will ensure you leave relaxed. Details
Where: Summerland Waterfront Resort; 250-494-8180
Mark the calendar
1. Snowshoe – Chute Lake Snowshoe and Dinner
Book an unforgettable experience with Hoodoo Adventure Company with their snowshoe dinner on January 26. This 19+ offers two different trail lengths to snowshoe at sunset, then finish off the evening with dinner at the lodge at Chute Lake. Book your reservation early as spots fill up fast. Details
Where: Hoodoo Adventure Company, 131 Ellis Street Penticton; 250-492-3888
Date: January 26, 2020
2. Harlem Globetrotters – Pushing the Limits
The world-famous Original Harlem Globetrotters hit Penticton on Thursday, January 20, with their all new show “Pushing the Limits.” Big names such as Swish Sutton, Big Easy Lofton, and Torch George combine hilarious antics with incredible basketball feats. Get your tickets before they sell out. Details
Date: January 20, 2020
3. Winter Wine Festival
Save the date of Saturday, February 8, for a winter carnival showcasing the best in BC wines. A carnival atmosphere and interactive food stations, paired with 12 fantastic local wines, will make this a festival you won’t forget. Watch for more details coming soon. Details
Where: Baldy Mountain Resort, 2680 Mount Baldy Rd Oliver; 250-498-4086
Date: February 8, 2020
Find a new favourite
1. Penticton Ale Trail
Discover a dynamic beer scene deep within wine country. The Penticton leg of the BC Ale Trail will take you to a number of craft breweries – taste your way through the trail and find your new favourite brew. They feature local ingredients combined with pride. Details
2. Wine Tours
Penticton is a perfect home base for any wine lovers on vacation. There are more than 80 wineries within a 20 minute drive from the city centre. Take a guided wine tour to get a taste of BC’s finest and view the sight of vineyards covered in snow. Details
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