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Kaleden is a small, picturesque town situated in British Columbia's beautiful Interior. This quiet community is known for its stunning views of Skaha Lake, an inviting lake that compliments the town's vineyards and orchards. Visitors come to Kaleden to kick-back, relax, and immerse themselves in beautiful surroundings. With fine beaches throughout the community, it's no wonder that this historic town gets so much attention.
Location
The town is located in the Okanagan valley on Skaha Lake, near Okanagan Falls. The city of Penticton is just fifteen minutes away.
Places to See
- Hotel Kaleden
Two historic buildings, the General Store (which until recently housed the 1912 Restaurant) and neighbouring Hotel Kaleden are found in Kaleden. Contrary to local rumour, the hotel never burnt down. Financial difficulties around the time of the First World War led to the closing of the hotel and subsequent salvage of all re-usable material. Only the concrete shell remains.
- Skaha Lake
Skaha Lake is a freshwater lake situated directly south of Okanagan Lake and the city of Penticton. It was once known officially as "Dog Lake", which is a direct translation of Skaha Lake's name in Syilx'tsn, the Okanagan language, although the reference was to ponies ("large dogs") rather than to dogs per se.
- Skaha Beach
Skaha Beach stretches from Parkview St. to the Skaha Marina at the south end of Penticton. Here you will find everything from basketball courts, tennis courts, beach volleyball nets, and 2 great concession stands! Lounge on the sand or swim in the warm water. There are slides for the kids, and a large grassy area with large ponderosa pine trees for shade. There is also a small splash park on the east side of the park.
- Okanagan Lake Provincial Park
Beautiful, sandy/pebbly beaches surrounded by ponderosa pine and sagebrush make this park the perfect spot for swimming and water activities. At the two large campgrounds in the park, panoramic views, picnic sites, and interpretive programs which run from late June through Labour Day weekend, will add to your enjoyment. The landscape across the lake, from beach to skyline, is part of Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, accessible by boat or by driving back through Kelowna.
For your convenience, during the summer season this park has a concession located at the South campground gatehouse and managed by the Park Facility Operator.
- Apex Mountain Resort
It requires equal amounts of action and ambience for a mountain to become a world-class destination. At Apex, it's the varied terrain, first-rate amenities, and friendly atmosphere that keeps people coming every year.
Located a short 30-minute drive from Penticton, this full service resort offers activities for all members of your family. In addition to exceptional downhill and cross-country skiing, Apex has a tube park, snowshoe trails, sleigh rides, and snowmobile tours.
Within walking distance of the village, your choice of accomodation includes bed and breakfasts, condos, chalets, hostels, and hotels. There are also a variety of restaurants on the mountain, serving everything from home-style to gourmet cuisine.
And the fun doesn't end when the sun goes down. After the lifts close, you can party in the pub or soak in a hot tub. If you have any energy left, tie up your ice skates and take part in a game of hockey on the outdoor rink or make your way around the night-lit skating loop.
Things to Do
- Hiking
Release your spirit of adventure and come explore the distinctive habitat of the Okanagan's living desert landscape or the cool shadows of the forest and lake area. There are interpretive trails, sightseeing routes, and guided excursions.
- Experience the Kettle Valley Railway Trail Network
Stretching along 500 kilometres of scenic gravel track, the gentle 2.2% grade into
Penticton travels through vineyards, orchards, and wineries, and offers unparalleled
views of Okanagan Lake. This historic former railway is shared by the Trans-Canada Trail and is ideal for walking or cycling. Guided day/overnight excursions are also available.
- Rock Climbing
You don't have to be a climber to appreciate Penticton's Skaha Bluffs. What's not to
like? The eighty-meter tall cliffs are impressive on their own. The fact that they tower over stunning views of Skaha Lake, emerald orchards, vineyards, and the golden rafting grasslands to the west is a bonus.
For thousands of years humans beings have experienced the face of the Bluffs' radiant
beauty- dawn-tinted at first light and flushed scarlet at sunset. Born two billion years ago, these rocks stood at the western margin of continental North America and literally witnessed the creation of this chunk of land we call British Columbia. Today, they are one of the province's favourite playgrounds for a growing collection of climbing enthusiasts.
Long before many areas of Western Canada are released from the grip of winter, climbers
are ascending at Skaha. Okanagan die-hards know that Skaha offers the longest, sunniest
climbing season in Canada, and there's enough terrain for every level of skill.
Gently angling cliffs with abundant holds are a dream for beginners, while more than
700 routes with overhanging faces keep experienced climbers challenged for a long time.
All the fun is within a ten-minute drive from wherever you decide to stay- five stars or under the stars. So grab a latte, bring $5 for parking, and we'll see you on the Blazing Buttress.
- Mountain Biking
Your heart pounds and your pulse races as you climb higher and farther away from the city. You are acutely aware of muscles you had long since forgotten and the warm, plastic-infused water in your bottle tastes as good as the finest champagne.
As you emerge from the trees, pause for a moment. You'll have just enough time to catch your breath before the view takes it away.
The aches and pains of moments ago are forgotten as you make your way down narrow dirt trails winding through dense forests and grassy meadows, emerging into an orchard in full bloom.
This is what mountain biking in Penticton and Wine Country is all about. Whether you prefer a challenging technical ride to a leasurely spin on the Kettle Valley Railway or a gnarly downhill descent to the paved Channel Park pathway, you're sure to find trails to satisfy your skill and comfort level.
You don't have to go far to find these trails, either. Many great rides are easily accessible right from town.
For something a little different, head up to Apex Mountain Resort, where 2,000 vertical feet of riding await you. Pedal your way up the hill or take the high speed chair lift and check out the over 150 kilometres of cross-country terrain and the seven downhill runs.
Lying on the beach in the hot summer sun will make you sweat, but it won't give you the rush of adrenaline or sense of accomplishment you'll experience when you venture off the beaten, or paved, path.
Visit the Wine Country Visitor Centre for trail maps and information about bike rentals.
- Visit Penticton's Wineries
Featuring unique architectural styles, there are 54 wineries surrounded by more than 2,000 hectares of vineyards within the valley?s picturesque landscape. Visitors are welcome to sample, shop, and, in select wineries, dine at their establishments. Step off the world and enter the wonderful world of wine in Penticton & Wine Country!
- Golf!
Gently rolling golden hills, punctuated by the rich green hues of scrub and Ponderosa pines; dramatic cliffs and dry gulches; gentle streams running through meadows; stately willows bending low near the water's edge; cacti and tumbleweeds defining the desert's reach are all simply part of the golf experience here in Canada's sunniest climate.
Swing-stopping views, sweeping fairways and lush greens guide golfers on a close-up tour of this remarkable region. From challenging, full-length courses to comfortable short layouts, all the area's courses take full advantage of the spectacular and unique surroundings to provide a memorable golfing experience that can be enjoyed by beginning and accomplished players alike.
Events
- Penticton Kiwanis Music Festival
The Penticton Kiwanis Music, Dance, and Speech Arts Festival was founded as the Okanagan Valley Music Festival in 1926. Today, Penticton alone annually hosts over 1800 competitive and non-competitive young amateur performing arts entries in 9 disciplines. These include strings and guitar, piano, vocal, dance, woodwinds and brass, and speech arts. Respected adjudicators from Western Canada and the United States critique each performance and numerous awards are presented at two Highlights Concerts held in early May.
- Okanagan Spring Wine Festival
The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival is a perfect marriage of wine and culinary tourism. For the first four days in May each year, it offers a tantalizing experience for anyone who loves fabulous wine accompanied by fine cuisine. And what better way to announce the grape growing season than to hold a festival during bud break!
Guests can choose an incredible 100+ events throughout Okanagan Wine Country at a time of year when it is absolutely delightful to savour Spring in the warm sunshine. The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival has been described as "one of Canada's best small festivals" and it is no wonder that its success continues to grow.
- Okanagan Fest of Ale
This event is a tribute to the fast growing Okanagan micro-brewing industry. You will find on display some of the best of the Pacific Northwest handcrafted ales, with events and tastings.
- Pentastic Jazz Festival
One of the Okanagan's premier cultural music events, the Pentastic Hot Jazz Festival features three days of scintillating sounds and rhythms to entertain and excite music lovers of all ages.
Contact Information
Kaleden Community
Website: http://kalcc.org
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