10 Unmissable Things to Do In Penticton and Naramata

View of Okanagan Lake — *Photo by* *Elaine Rystead*

From tasting award-winning beer by bike to having a pizza delivered to you while you swim, it’s no wonder that Penticton and Naramata are the places to be in the summer.

The hardest part of exploring the South Okanagan isn't finding things to do – the challenge is narrowing them down. To make sure you don't waste a single hour, we've highlighted our favourite, can't-miss spots in Penticton and Naramata.

What To Do In Penticton and Naramata

Take a stroll down Main Street

Main Street is often overlooked on a visit to Penticton, however, there are a couple of reasons to not skip over it. Start at Maison Mulnati, a French Vegan Chocolate Atelier, and grab one of the best croissants in town. From there, cruise up a couple of shops to Ad Hoc, a clothing boutique carrying a curated collection of clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods crafted by talented independent designers and artisans. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to New York City. Then, finish your one-block shop at The Book Shop, one of Canada’s largest used book stores a grab a book for the beach.

Grab an early-morning coffee

If you’re an early riser, head over to Wayne & Freda for a coffee and one of their infamous breakfast sandwiches. Enjoy it outside in the early morning sun or take it to go and stroll down Lakeshore before the crowds. Okanagan Lake is also particularly beautiful first thing in the morning if you’re keen on swimming.

Shop at the Penticton Farmer’s Market

The Penticton Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday during the summer on the first few blocks (nearest the lake) of Main Street. It truly is the best in the region and sees almost 10,000 visitors each week. Everything sold there has to be made, baked, or grown locally. Notable vendors include Creek and Gully Cider, Puzzlegrass Farms, Pamplemousse Jus, and Lisa’s Flowers.

Ride a bike to a thirst-quenching location

Grab your bike, or rent a bike and bike along the Kettle Valley Railway towards Naramata. Many wineries offer tastings along the trail but after a bike ride, we have our eyes set on Abandoned Rail Brewing, a family-run brewery that farms their own barley. Located right along the KVR, about 5km from downtown Penticton, this brewery offers cold award-winning beers (plus wine and cider), pizza, and lawn games to top it off.

Enjoy a negroni and margarita pizza

Sit at the bar at Tratto Pizzeria and enjoy a negroni and margarita pizza while watching the Chefs at work. A lively vibe and Neapolitan-style pies draw in a crowd, every day of the week, but chances are you’ll find that last seat (or two) at the bar.

Taste some wine

Amidst the plethora of things to do, it's likely that if you’re visiting Penticton, you have your heart set on wine tasting. And for good reason. Penticton and Naramata are home to dozens of terrific wineries. Reserve a tasting at Terravista Vineyards for an idyllic and educational tasting of small-lot specialty white wines.

Have a beer with your dog at the Cannery Backyard

Bring your dog and head over to the Cannery Backyard. Complete with legendary craft beer slushies, pints, ciders, wine, snacks, rotating food trucks, and weekly live music the Cannery Backyard is a pup (and kid) friendly mid-week hangout.

Hike GSpot loop

GSpot Loop is a quiet early morning hike right above the city. Prepare for a moderate 8.0km loop with views of Okanagan Lake and downtown Penticton. The path to the summit is full of switchbacks leading the way up. Stay on track by looking for the handpainted rocks with a G.

Get pizza delivered to you on the beach

Head to Manitou Park in Naramata for a swim and enjoy a pie from Real Things Pizza delivered right to the beach. Bonus, head there on a Wednesday evening and enjoy a Farmer’s Market in full swing.

Enjoy a nice dinner out

Grab dinner at Naramata Inn, a charming restaurant offering a hyper-local dining experience that showcases the best of Naramata’s growers and winemakers. Head there early and pop into Eliza, the Inn’s lower-level wine bar for a pre-dinner drink. If you’re there in the early summer and the sun is up late, we highly suggest saving room for an ice cream from the general store nearby and enjoying it while you wander along the weeping willow-lined shoreline.

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