Why Spring is One of the Best Times to Visit Penticton, BC
Situated in an idyllic valley between Okanagan and Skaha Lakes in the southern interior of British Columbia, Penticton is surrounded by rugged mountains, sandstone cliffs and forested trails, making it a haven for outdoor adventurers. Easily accessible from Vancouver via a scenic four-hour drive or a direct one-hour flight to the Penticton Regional Airport, or if you fly into Kelowna, just a one-hour drive from the Kelowna International Airport, Penticton beckons cyclists, hikers and rock climbers in the summer months while snowy slopes draw powderhounds in the winter. Spring, however, remains one of the best times to savour Penticton’s plethora of outdoor experiences.
With mild weather and fewer crowds, outdoor enthusiasts can comfortably engage in activities like hiking, biking and watersports well before the peak summer season begins.
Explore by Mountain Bike
As the weather gradually warms and the trails dry out, spring presents pleasant conditions for exploring Penticton’s trails on two wheels. While mountain biking season in many other destinations across Canada typically begins later in the year, around May or June, Penticton boasts an extended season that kicks off in early spring, around March or April, and extends well into October or November. Embark on adrenaline-sparking rides through diverse landscapes, including ponderosa pine forests, grasslands and rock bluffs, and traverse a variety of terrain. From flowy singletracks to steep, technical descents, popular trail areas like Campbell Mountain, Three Blind Mice and Skaha Bluffs are all conveniently located within a 15-minute drive from downtown Penticton. If your bike needs a tune-up or you don’t have room to bring your bike on your travels and are looking for a rental, Freedom Bike Shop is a must-stop for mountain bikers in Penticton.
Enjoy World-Class Rock Climbing
Recognized as one of Canada’s top climbing destinations, Penticton benefits from the region’s dry and warm climate, offering one of the longest climbing seasons in the country spanning from March to October. The main appeal at Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park, just 12 kilometres south of the city, is rock climbing. Featuring 66 crags and over 1,000 designated routes spread across its three canyons, the park is a playground for both sport and trad climbers. Here, revel in the thrill of navigating the intricacies of the gneiss cliff faces in the form of edges, pockets and cracks. If you forgot any gear or are looking to upgrade, Eskala Mountain Sports, located in downtown Penticton, carries quality climbing and outdoor gear and apparel.
Get on the Green
For those eager to tee off early in the season, Penticton is home to seven golf courses and is one of the few places in Canada where you can golf almost year-round. With the season running until December last year, Skaha Meadows Golf Course has already begun welcoming golfers this year as of February 21st. Suitable for golfers of all skill levels, this course provides a mix of two par-three holes, six par-four holes and one par-five hole. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of mountains, forests and vineyards. Penticton Golf & Country Club also welcomed golfers at the end of February. It was the first 18 hole golf course in the British Columbia Interior back in 1961. Well-maintained throughout the season, these greens and fairways provide golfers with smooth putting surfaces and consistent playing conditions.
Go Kiteboarding and Windsurfing
Set against the background of the Okanagan Valley’s rolling hills and rugged cliffs, Skaha Lake offers a picturesque setting for watersport enthusiasts. Though wind patterns may not be as consistent as during the peak summer season, kiteboarders and windsurfers can still take advantage of windy days as early as March or April, especially in the afternoons when thermal winds tend to develop. Despite increasing temperatures during this time, the water can remain chilly, averaging around 8 C, so pack a wetsuit. Springtime also provides a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere for those who prefer to enjoy the beach with fewer people around.
Refuel with the City’s Food Scene
Home to a plethora of restaurants, craft breweries and wineries, Penticton boasts a thriving food scene. After a day of outdoor adventures, there’s no better way to refuel.
Sip the rich malt flavours of the Naramata Nut Brown Ale at Cannery Brewing for a post-hike reward or sample wines crafted from locally grown grapes from the over 80 wineries within a 20-minute drive from the city.
Purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and a large selection of other produce directly from the farmers who grow them at the Penticton Farmer’s Market, which opens on April 20th and runs every Saturday until October. Operating on Main Street downtown since 1991, the market welcomes up to 120 farmers, bakers and crafters and over 10,000 visitors each week.
Find more spring adventures and plan your trip to Penticton now.
This article was sponsored by Visit Penticton
Penticton is a popular destination for all types of visitors. With our city’s deep roots of agriculture, craft and Indigenous culture and outdoor recreation, Penticton is an iconic destination that needs to be experienced multiple times throughout the year.
A great place to visit I spent my 90th birthday in Penticton in September 2023. I am going again in April 2024.