May 25 is Wine Day in Canada—in honour of the celebration, we’re taking a closer look at one of Canada’s greatest hubs for vineyards, tours and tastings: Penticton, British Columbia.
With more than 2,000 hours of sunshine forecasted for the area every year, the Penticton region (census agglomeration) sits between Lake Okanagan and Lake Skaha in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia.
Known for its beaches, wide range of outdoor recreational activities and, most notably, wine and orchards, Penticton was home to 47,380 people in 2021.
Although the region welcomes hundreds of tourists every year, the name Penticton comes from the Interior Salish word snpintktn and is commonly translated as "a place to stay forever," or more accurately, “a place where people live year-round.”
The population of Penticton is increasing, up 8.8% from 43,534 people in 2016.
The region has also been coined the nickname “Napa Valley of the North,” as there are over 180 wineries operating in the Okanagan Valley, producing more than 75 grape varietals. Close to half of these wineries and vineyards are within a 20-minute drive of Penticton.
Many of the wine tours in the region have also added a culinary offering to the experience, making Penticton a staple destination for wine-lovers and fine-diners alike. According to the 2021 Census, the accommodation and food services industry in Penticton employed 1,900 people in 2021.
According to the Labour Force Survey, the three-month average unemployment rate in Thompson-Okanagan, where Penticton is located, was 4.4% in April 2023—lower than both the provincial (5.0%) and national (5.3%) averages.
With a land area of 1,734.72 square kilometres and a population density of 27.3 people per square kilometre, Penticton’s array of craft breweries, distilleries, cideries and vineyards are just one the many activities that the region offers.
Nature lovers flock to the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail, one of Penticton’s most iconic attractions. Stretching 660 kilometres across British Columbia from Hope to Castlegar, the KVR is a recreational trail network, suitable for walkers or bikers of any ability.
Alongside vineyards and breweries, the KVR is just one of the many outdoor adventures to discover in Penticton.
From orchards to beaches to biking, the Penticton region is a sweet taste of summer you don’t want to miss!
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