A Perfect Winter Retreat for Snowbirds (British Columbia)

The Okanagan lifestyle is “active when you want, relax when you wish”. In Penticton you will find a welcoming community and a climate that has the winter slipping by with ease. The mountains block Arctic winds from reaching Penticton and the bit of cloud cover keeps the temperatures mild. Snow depths of greater than 1cm are seen on about 35 days each year, compared to Calgary which sees 88 days or Ottawa at 120 days of snow!

All this lovely weather makes enjoying both outdoor and indoor activities simple and attractive. Getting out of the house for errands or some shopping does not mean bundling up with mittens, hats and scarves. Penticton offers the best of all worlds; a friendly, relaxed, small town feel with all the amenities you might expect of a larger centre.

The city is home to a regional hospital, public transportation and several shopping centres. Penticton is just 10 minutes south of picturesque Summerland, 1 hour south of the larger community of Kelowna and four hours east of Vancouver. All of this tucked between the scenic shores of Lake Okanagan and Skaha Lake – ready for you to call home forever, or just for a few months.

Penticton as well as neighbouring Summerland are both rich with entertainment options, from art galleries to concerts to live theatre. The land-locked heritage paddle wheeler, S.S. Sicamous on the shores of Lake Okanagan boasts an immense scale model of the Kettle Valley Railway. The Museum on Main Street houses a permanent exhibit detailing the history of the city as well as rotating temporary displays. The Penticton Art Gallery features exhibits which change monthly and there are several galleries located in the downtown core which feature talented local artists.

The Okanagan Valley is renowned for its annual festivals and events – even in the winter months. The Penticton Santa Clause Parade, Summerland’s Festival of Lights, the Christmas Craft Faire and other Christmas markets will fill you with seasonal cheer. You will also have the opportunity to sample local wares at our many holiday open houses such as Light Up the Vines in Summerland, Holiday Cheer Open House in Okanagan Falls and Country Christmas in Similkameen.

For more information on Penticton & Wine Country, go to www.visitpenticton.com/snowbirds or call our Visitor Information Centre at 1-800-663-5052.