There is nothing like winter in Penticton. Mild weather and countless activities draw visitors to the city, and not just for weekend getaways. There are long-term stays available throughout the winter, and visitors love that they can stay in town with all the comforts of home but enjoy nearby mountain adventures.

The weather and terrain are dry and temperate, which means many outdoor activities continue year-round. Take a quick, brisk hike up Munson Mountain or try fat-biking on the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail and take in the views of the valley. Wander downtown for culinary and cultural treats or take in a show or hockey game. Whatever your interests, there is something for you in Penticton, so start planning your visit today.

Fuel Free…Almost

If you love to adventure with an eye on sustainability, start your planning journey with Penticton’s Fuel Free…Almost initiative, which provides visitors ways to explore the city and region without using fuel. Focus on your health and wellness while being good to the environment by exploring Penticton by foot—with less than 7 km between the city’s north and south ends, world-class culinary and cultural experiences and outdoor activities are all within walking distance. If it’s a good pedal you seek, consider the Kettle Valley Rail Trail heading south to Okanagan Falls, which offers incredible vistas and panoramic Skaha Lake views. The KVR trail heading north to Naramata also includes extraordinary views paired with plenty of wine and lunch options along the way, as well as the city’s newest brewery, Abandoned Rail. For those experiences around Penticton that still require fuel, any number of local operators will do the driving for you! Wine tour operators and public transit are ready to make any adventure you can conjure come true.

Apex Mountain Resort and Nickel Plate Nordic Centre

Although Penticton doesn’t see a great deal of snow, a full-on winter wonderland awaits just 25 minutes away at Apex Mountain Resort and Nickle Plate Nordic Centre. Apex is a full-service destination resort known for its incredible terrain, champagne powder and short lift line-ups. Beginners and seasoned pros alike will love exploring plenty of easy to moderate groomed runs and some exhilarating runs through the trees.

Downhill skiing, snowboarding and night skiing are only the beginning. Glide the one-kilometer skating loop through the forest, hit the slopes with the kids tubing or join a pick-up hockey game at the Apex rink. Apex is your one-stop for winter sport adventures.

Just 10 minutes up the road from Apex, you’ll reach Nickel Plate Nordic Centre, which boasts 56 kilometers of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing and an additional 22 kilometers of marked snowshoe trails, including some k9 trails so you can bring your dog along for snowy adventures.

Daily Special Culinary Trails

Penticton’s warm, welcoming culinary community is a reason to visit year-round, and its Daily Special Culinary Trails are a way to immerse in the community as a local would. With culinary trail options in the heart of downtown Penticton including arts and adventure stops, the Daily Special Culinary Trails offer a self-guided wander through some great local food stops with activity suggestions sprinkled in. For the downtown adventure option, start the day off with a coffee and pastry from Petrasek, and spend the morning rock climbing or snowshoeing with Hoodoo Adventures. Next, stop for a fresh lunch at Brodo and finish the day with a fabulous winter walk along the pier after dinner at the Hooded Merganser.

Prefer the arts? Plan your delectable bites at Wayne & Freda and Theo’s, a wine stop at Time Winery, plus dessert at Tickleberry’s around visits to art galleries and the Penticton Museum and Archives with the downtown arts culinary trail. Think of the Daily Special as pre-made itineraries ready to keep you fueled with local epicurean delights while you explore Penticton’s arts and culture scene and take in all the outdoor adventures available.

More Winter Activities in Penticton

Enjoy a winter wonderland at the Penticton Outdoor Skating Rink—add friends and a cup of hot chocolate for that iconic Canadian experience. Penticton’s Junior A hockey team, the Penticton Vees, always puts on an exciting show—cheer them on at the South Okanagan Events Centre. And don’t forget to pick up a souvenir or get started on your holiday shopping at the downtown shops or at a local Christmas craft fair or market.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, need a week to regroup or are a snowbird seeking balmy falls and mild winters, visit www.visitpenticton.com to get started planning your winter adventure in Penticton.

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