Visitors may think of Penticton as a summer destination, but the secret is, we play outdoors all year round. With the cooler weather, out come the sleds, groups trekking through forests in snowshoes or whizzing around on skates, and others exploring on skis and snowboards.
Winter is equally as fun, and this year, we’re going to embrace it even more than ever – right here at home. Here some ways to get outdoors and love where we live.
Outdoor Skating Rink on the Beach
The fully lit outdoor ice rink set on Penticton Lakeside Resort’s private beach (pictured above) has one of the best views you could ask for. It’s now open and available to the public for private ice time by reservation (same household only until Jan. 8). Visit their website for details and the ice rink rules. They’re also offering some pretty amazing staycation deals for locals, which gives you free access to the skating rink and fire pit. Call them to find out more.
Go Sledding
This may seem like an obvious one, but for many kids, it’s the highlight of their day. Break free from the devices and wrap up warm for some old-fashioned fun.
Skate the 1km Ice Skating Loop
Glide through the forest on this 1km ice skating loop at Apex Resort. It’s maintained by a Zamboni and is even lit up at night until 11 p.m., providing a magical winter landscape experience. Bring your own skates or rent them from the Apex Rental Shop. Opens Dec. 19.
Do Some Downhill Skiing or Boarding
Apex Mountain Ski Resort is now open, with short lines for the lifts and all runs open, ready to explore. Did we mention it’s just a half-hour drive from Penticton. Even if you don’t ski, you can head up the hill to walk around the ski village and check out the shops and restaurants. Apex is affectionately known as Apexico (check out this article if you want to get the t-shirt).
Take a Walk or Hike
On any given day, you’ll see people walking their dogs or going for a stroll on any of the beachside boulevards or outdoor trails. This year, as we face pandemic restrictions, it will be even more important to embrace the chill and meet up outdoors.
Do Some Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing
Picture blue skies, endless mountain vistas and absolute quiet as you coast through the forest at Nickel Plate Nordic Centre. This stunning spot offers one of the longest ski seasons in Canada and is just 45 minutes from downtown Penticton. It offers 56 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing and 22.5 km of marked snowshoe trails. Equipment is available for rent on-site. You’ll also find snowshoeing at Chute Lake Lodge.
Go Shopping Downtown
Our downtown shopping area is easily walkable and you’ll find tons of cute little places you may not have explored before. From cute boutiques to art galleries, you'll find one-of-a-kind items and local gems.
Hit the Trails on a Fat Bike
Snow on the trails? That won’t stop a fat bike, which has wider tires and better traction. If you don’t have a fat bike of your own, you can rent one – and set off on your alpine adventure.
And for some, idea #9...
Swim
Not recommended! But Penticton Western News recently profiled this trio of swimmers, who don wetsuits to brave Okanagan Lake’s 2C temperatures. We might pass on that one …
How else are you embracing winter? Share your photos on social tagging #lovelocalpenticton or email your ideas to economicdevelopment@penticton.ca.