How to Tour Penticton, B.C.

Heading to the Okanagan Valley this summer? Here are a few can't-miss restaurants, attractions and accommodations in Penticton, B.C.

Where to Eat

Penticton has an array of restaurants, bars and cafés along Lakeshore Dr., Front St., Main St. and Skaha Rd., with Martin and Main St. serving as the main hub for bars and restaurants.

The Bench Artisan Market

Sisters Dawn Lennie and Debbie Halladay opened The Bench market in 2005 and offer a great place to grab a light breakfast, a healthy lunch or the perfect cup of cappuccino. Located at the start of the Naramata Bench, The Bench Artisan Market sells spices, baking supplies and gourmet pizzas, pastas and grains. (368 Vancouver Ave., (250) 492-2222)

Theo's

This family-owned Greek restaurant was opened in 1976 by Theo and Mary Theodosakis. Known for its great food and a lively atmosphere, Theo's is a must-do for authentic Greek food prepared with local ingredients. The wine list features more than 100 wines from the Okanagan Valley. (687 Main St., (250) 492-4019)

Amante Bistro

Opened in 2007 by Vancouverites Rose Amante and Abul Adame, Amante Bistro features upscale, contemporary West Coast food inspired by the couple's Mexican and Italian roots. Chef Adame worked as a sous-chef at Burrowing Owl and named the bistro after his wife. The restaurant serves hard-to-find local wines and authentic Mexican food once a month. (101-483 Main St., (250) 493-1961)

Burger 55

If you're looking for a break from the foodie cuisine, try a gourmet burger at Burger 55. Chris Boehm and Steve Jones' burger shack in downtown Penticton offers a variety of meats, cheeses, buns, gourmet sauces and premium toppings to build the perfect burger. Fill out a checklist to tell the cook exactly what you want, and enjoy your custom burger and fries on their creek-side patio. (85 Westminster Ave. E, (778) 476-5529)

Where to Stay

Penticton Lakeside Resort and Casino

Penticton's flagship accommodation offers 203 deluxe guestrooms and suites on Lake Okanagan. With a beach, marina and casino, the Penticton Lakeside Resort is an all-season destination. (21 Lakeshore Dr., 1 (800) 663-9400)

• Best Western Inn at Penticton (3180 Skaha Lake Rd., 1 (800) 668-6746
• Coast Penticton Hotel (950 Westminster Ave. W, 1 (800) 716-6199)
• Rochester Resort (1050 Eckhardt Ave. W, 1 (800) 665-4966)

What to Drink

Penticton is deep in the heart of Okanagan Wine Country, with more than 100 wineries within one-hour driving distance of Penticton.

Check out the Penticton and Wine Country Visitor Centre and VQA store for daily complimentary tastings, local snacks and cheeses, wine gifts, touring information for 86 wineries and more than 400 VQA wines at winery prices.

How to Play

Casabella Princess

Take a scenic tour of Lake Okanagan aboard the Casabella Princess. The cruise is one hour long and departs from the Penticton Marina at 2 p.m. daily. Barbecue is served on the Wednesday night cruise and there is a dinner buffer on the Friday night cruise. A fully-licensed bar serves Okanagan wines. (Penticton Marina, (250) 492-4090)

Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR)

With three access points (east, west and south of Lake Skaha), the KVR is perfect for running, cycling and getting to wine tastings. The 455 km trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail and has an average grade of 2.2%, making it an easy and accessible trail for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Munson Mountain

Hike this mountain to experience the best view of the city. Enjoy a picnic, relax or make a proposal (apparently this is a popular engagement spot).

Downtown Community Market and Farmers' Market

Check out the Penticton Downtown Community Market (300 block of Main St.) and the Farmers' Market (200 block of Main St.) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays until Oct. 8. Find gift items, get a palm reading, enjoy produce from local farmers and more.

Coyote Cruises

Spend a hot afternoon floating the Penticton river channel. Rent a tube and hitch a ride back up the channel on the Coyote Cruises shuttle bus for $10. (215 Riverside Dr., (250) 492-2115)