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History
Text taken from the City of Penticton website.
Pen-tic-ton, as translated by the local Salish Native Americans, means "a place to live
forever" (the commonly accepted translation) or "a place to live year-round".
Tom Ellis, the first non-Native settler in the area, took the meaning to heart and settled
here in 1865. Ellis, from England, planned the formulation of the new town. In 1892, a
townsite was laid out around the Smith Street area. The street is now called Front Street,
home to many unique stores and boutiques.
Smith Street was named after C.S. Smith, who owned a sawmill and supplied much of the lumber
used to construct the original buildings. This was home to many buildings that no longer exist,
but which then housed the businesses of the day: livery barns, blacksmiths, barbershops, bakershops,
hotels, etc. A strange, little known fact, was that some of the older, wooden buildings were built
on skids and could be moved to a new location by simply hitching them up to a team of horses and
dragging them away.
By 1907, Penticton had grown to the bountiful size of 600 residents, and was officially recognized
by the British Columbia Government as a municipal district. In the teens, the building of the Kettle
Valley Railroad increased the population to around 1500 people. By 1921 the city was 4,000 strong,
but it took until 1948 for Penticton to gain City Status.
The early days were difficult for road travel, but with the proliferation of the automobile and the
constant increase in population, road-building was in full force by the 1920s. Prior to this, travel
was done primarily by water, up and down the Okanagan Lake, which runs from Vernon in the north to
its southern tip at Penticton. Much of this travel was aboard the S.S. Sicamous. Although not the
first stern-wheeler to grace Okanagan Lake (but probably the most famous), the S.S. Sicamous was
known as the Queen of the Lake. She was built in Port Harbor in Ontario and assembled in Okanagan
Landing for her maiden voyage on July 1st (Canada's birthday) in 1914. Many of the servicemen
heading for WWI began their journey aboard the S.S Sicamous. Demoted to carrying freight in 1935, she
was then retired two fruit seasons later. Penticton purchased her from Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR)
in 1949 for $1.
There have been many historic moments throughout the years. In 1911, Wade's General Store, owned and
built by founder Tom Ellis' brother-in-law A.H. Wade, burnt down, never to be replaced. In 1917,
women received the well-deserved right to vote. Alcohol became illegal in B.C. In 1922, Dave Riordan
was in high spirits after the completion of his new home. In 1942, most of the city was submerged by
a spring flood. In December 1950, Penticton was shocked by a plane crash. In March 1955, the Penticton
Vee's hockey team brought home the World Cup after defeating the U.S.S.R 5-0.
Many changes have come to Penticton. The city now has a population of approximately 33,000 and continues
to grow. Still, if you listen hard on a quiet night, you can almost hear the horn of one of the old
steamwheelers, announcing its arrival on the beach.
Location
Penticton is situated in British Columbia, Canada's most westerly province and is known as
"the Country's business window to the Pacific". BC has a coastline of 7,022 km and an area
of approximately 952,263 square kilometres. It is Canada's third largest province, occupying
almost ten percent of its land surface.
BC is nearly four times the size of Great Britain, 2.5 times larger than Japan, and is larger
than all the U.S. states except Alaska. The land is exceptionally rich, with two million hectares
of water resources. Penticton is located in BC's south centre region, collectively known as the
Okanagan Valley or simply the Okanagan. It is renowned the world over as one of the most pleasant
areas in Canada in which to live. The valley is the northern extension of the Columbia River basin,
and forms a high temperate desert area in Canada.
From the Town of Osoyoos at the United States border to Salmon Arm at the northern extreme, the
Valley stretches over 200 km, yet averages only 10 km wide for most of that distance. Most of the
South Okanagan area falls within the jurisdiction of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen
(RDOS), which includes the City of Penticton.
It is estimated there are now over a quarter of a million people living in the Okanagan. The area
has become a prime residential destination for small business relocations due to the gentle climate,
excellent transportation, and the availability of world-class recreational opportunities. The
Okanagan offers business and investment opportunities in a location that is second to none.
Penticton is located at latitude 49 degrees, 28 minutes; longitude 119 degrees, 36 minutes. The
city's area is 4,447 hectares (about 17.5 square miles). The elevation at the Penticton Regional
Airport is 344.4 meters (1,130 ft.) above sea level.
Okanagan Lake is one of British Columbia's best known and largest warm water lakes. The lake is
over 120 kilometres long and connects the three major urban centres of Vernon, Kelowna and
Penticton. Okanagan Lake has also gained an international reputation as the home of the famous
lake monster, Ogopogo. Skaha Lake, located at Penticton's south end, is over 24 kilometres long
and also offers warm waters to enjoy. Many relax by floating down the 6 kilometre-long river
channel that connects Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake.
Places to See
- The Art Gallery of the South Okanagan
The handsome cedar structure standing on the shores of Lake Okanagan, in Penticton, is the
result of the hard work of many volunteers. Over the years, the Gallery has developed from
a one-room display space in the Library / Museum Building. The first art exhibitions were
organized during the late 1950s, and eventually the Penticton Art Gallery was formed. It
became the Art Gallery of the South Okanagan in 1985, and offers 3,000 square feet of
exhibition space.
The exhibition program seeks to offer to the people of Penticton, the south Okanagan Valley,
and visitors to the area a wide variety of exhibitions of fine and decorative art from regional,
provincial, and national sources. There is a Gift Gallery featuring original works of art and
crafts from British Columbia, and a Tea Room/Library that overlooks the lake.
- S.S. Sicamous
Walk onboard this restored paddlewheel vessel on the shores of Okanagan Lake. Built in 1914 for
the Canadian Pacific Railway and British Columbia Lake and River Service, the S.S. Sicamous
was in operation until 1936.
- 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.
- Penticton Museum and Archives
Experience the tumultuous lives of the gold seekers and railway men and envision the
sternwheelers that ran up and down the waterways of the Okanagan.
Explore the fine displays of pioneer life, natural history, military artifacts, and
First Nations collections. The extensive archives are available for researchers of
local and regional history.
- 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
- 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 valleys 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
- Meadowlark Festival
This event celebrates the unique wildlife and habitat found in Penticton and the surrounding area,
by joining thousands of nature enthusiasts.
- Peach City Boat Cruise
The Peach City Beach Cruise is Canada's premier three-day family oriented antique and classic car event.
The stars of the show are hundreds of the finest hot rods - antique and classic cars from all over
Canada and the United States.
- Penticton Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival
This annual three-day festival features Elvis tribute artists who get on stage and compete to be named Professional and
Amateur champions. Along with the judged performances, the event has some of the most renowned Elvis tribute artists
performing in professional live shows, as well as a Sunday showcase of Elvis' gospel music, and celebrity guests
from Elvis' life. Awesome!
- 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.
- Penticton Night Market
This once a week public market is outdoors at Okanagan Lake Park during the late afternoon and early evening hours every
Tuesday until September. It is a mixed venue, open to artisans, crafters, and farmers from all markets. All vendors
follow the conventional market rule of thumb: You must make, grow it, or bake it!
- Canada Day Celebrations
This very popular event features 14 hours of continuous live entertainment, a farmers' market, arts & crafts, children's
activities, a dog show and competition, an exclusive, giant birthday cake, and splendiferous fireworks!
- Penticton Square Dance Festival
Do you like square dancing? Who doesn't? Come out to Penticton and join 800 (!) other square dancers as they celebrate
the greatest art form in the known universe!
- Penticton Peach Festival
The Peach Festival features a whirlwind week of family entertainment, a pancake breakfast, sandcastle competitions, music
concerts, a large parade, a children's parade, food vendors, crafts, and much, much more!
Notable Comments
- Coming next year: The Penticton Elvis Square Dance Festival!
Come join the fun as 800 Elvis tribute artists get on stage and compete to be named the Official Elvis
Square Dance Champion...of the Universe! Along with the judged competitions, the festival will showcase
some of the top professional Elvis tribute artists performing in fun line dances that feature such violent
hip gyrations, your heart will burst from the excitement! Only in Penticton!
- Oliver Greenwood, in an advertisement sent to the Dawson Creek Inquirer
- "I like Pentic-ton!"
- Delores Clayburn, an enthusiastic six-year old from Kamloops
Contact Information
City of Penticton
Wine Country Visitor Centre
553 Railway Street
Penticton, BC V2A 8S3
Telephone: 250-493-4055
Fax: 250-492-6119
Toll free: 1-800-663-5052
E-mail: visitors@penticton.org
Website: http://www.penticton.ca/tourism
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