On the lookout for some more unusual or different things to do in Penticton? We’ve got you!
This post covers 7 of the best unique activities in the Peach City, from checking out the iconic Penticton sign to driving to the summit of a mountain!
To define uniqueness, I’m comparing Penticton to similarly sized towns elsewhere in British Columbia. JR and I have lived in Penticton for 10 years now and have also extensively travelled the rest of southern BC.
Let’s get started! Here’s a map to help you location these unique things to do.
Take in the views from the Penticton sign
Much like Hollywood, Penticton has its very own giant town sign. It sits on Munson Mountain, an extinct volcano, and can be seen for miles around.
The Penticton sign was built in 1937 by the Board of Trade. It is made from silica and concrete and is 4.33 feet (16.5m) high and 308.39 feet (93.99m) wide.
Unlike the Hollywood sign, it is possible to get very close to the iconic Penticton sign. So close in fact, that you can even touch the letters!
To visit, follow the short Munson Mountain Trail to the top. A side trail leads to the sign. Be sure to enjoy the amazing Okanagan Lake views while you’re there!
See Alice the T-Rex
Now here’s something you definitely wouldn’t expect! Penticton is home to a 7700kg (1700lb), 7 metre (22 feet) tall T-Rex dinosaur. Nicknamed Alice, this metal T-Rex sits on a property just above the Kettle Valley Rail Trail.
Custom-built by sculptor Kevin Stone for internet investor Frank Schilling, Alice is modelled on the largest complete version of a T-Rex found. It took two years to build and another six hours to assemble on-site. All pieces were made by hand.
To check out Alice, head to the KVR Trail. Alice is just 600m (about 10 minutes walk) from the Vancouver Place trailhead. All the details can be found in our dedicated Alice the T-Rex guide!
Float the Penticton Channel
Have you ever been river tubing in a city before? It’s possible in Penticton! Built in the 1950s to control water flow between Penticton’s two lakes, the Channel hosts the province’s biggest floating party every summer.
The slow, shallow river is the perfect place to relax, listen to music, drink, chat and sunbathe. the man-made river runs alongside the highway from Okanagan Lake (north) to Skaha Lake (south). Almost like an oasis, some sections of the Channel are very peaceful, with ducks and geese swimming alongside tubers.
The Penticton Channel Float is 5.4km long. Choose to float the full distance (just before the Highway 97 crossing near Skaha Lake) or stop at the half-way point on Green Mountain Road.
More information in our Penticton Channel Float guide!
Visit a 100+ year old railway tunnel
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail runs through Penticton, a 600km+ long multi-use path constructed on the old railway. One of the most scenic sections in Penticton leads to the Little Tunnel, a rugged shaft blasted through pure rock.
The Little Tunnel sits 600m above Penticton and offers amazing views of Okanagan Lake. It’s the perfect destination on a walk or cycle. There are some picnic tables by the tunnel.
Walking through the tunnel, it is interesting to imagine the days when steam trains powered through the rockface. Try to spot the patches of soot on the ceiling.
There are a few different ways you can reach the Little Tunnel. The most used trailhead is on Smethurst Road in Naramata. It is 4.4km one way to the Little Tunnel. All the details can be found in our Little Tunnel guide!
Go au naturel at Three Mile Beach
Penticton is host to many great beaches with Three Mile Beach being one of the most unique.
Three Mile Beach is located on the Naramata Bench about 10 minutes drive from downtown. Situated on a peninsula, it is a beach of two halves – the most southern half is a designated off leash dog beach. The northern half is a longstanding (unofficial) nude beach.
If hanging out in the buff if your thing, you’ll probably love Three Mile Beach! For those who prefer hanging out in a swimsuit, there are plenty of other beaches to visit in Penticton.
Explore the Apex Skating Loop
For a unique winter activity in Penticton, head to Apex Ski Resort. While you go ice skating at many BC resorts, Apex has something a different on offer.
The Skating Loop is a 1km long adventure through the forest, a more natural experience than any rink. The loop is maintained by Zamboni and is open when the weather permits (be sure to check first).
The price? Just $5 if you have your own skates. If not, Apex provides rentals for a fee. Other ideas for things to do in Penticton in this dedicated guide.
Drive up a mountain at Giant’s Head
Giant’s Head Mountain in Summerland is not only host to a fantastic network of trails, but it’s also one of the most accessible peaks around. From mid April to mid October, there is a road access almost all the way to summit.
For this reason, Giant’s Head is an ideal place to bring friends and visitors who may not have the ability to walk uphill for an hour or more. The parking area is just below the summit, about a 10-15 minute walk for most people. It is still uphill but the gradient is mostly gentle.
At the top, there are several amazing viewpoints over Trout Creek and Okanagan Lake, along with a time capsule, Canadian flag and some picnic tables.
