Whether it’s your first visit to Penticton or you’re a local searching for spring activities, this guide highlights the top things to do in Penticton this season.
Every season in Penticton has its charm, but spring arrives especially early here compared to many other places in Canada, making it feel that much more special.
Blossoms and spring bulbs typically begin to emerge by mid-March. Green is returning to the trees, the birds are chirping and the marmots at Marina Way Park come out from their burrows. Sunny days in late March can reach 14 to 15°C, sometimes higher. While it may rain in spring, it never usually lasts very long in Penticton.
In town, businesses begin ramping up to full operations around Easter. There’s a great mix of spring events, long daylight hours and many calm days on the lake (perfect for paddling) For all these reasons and more, Penticton is a wonderful place to be at this time of year!
The following activities have all been tried and tested by us as Penticton locals. I hope this post inspires you to experience all the springtime beauty Penticton has to offer!
Enjoy spring events
Some of Penticton’s best events are held in the spring. They all have a distinctly local vibe as well.
As I write this, Ignite the Arts is about to begin. I’d describe it as a three day multi-venue indoor celebration of creative arts. A wristband provides access to as many events as you can attend (subject to venue space), with most being music based. It happens every year in late March, a week after the Spring Art Walk.
One of the most long running spring events in Penticton is the Okanagan Fest of Ale. This beer festival has been running annually since 1996 and features more than 50 different craft breweries and cideries from around BC. It’s held indoors at the Penticton Trade and Convention Center in mid April.
As I’ll explain later, Easter is the time when many local wineries open their doors for the year. There are a few that offer special Easter events, such as Upper Bench Winery and Creamery (adult egg hunt) and Township 7 Winery (Family friendly egg hunt).
While there is no City of Penticton affiliated event for Easter, Lakeside Resort usually hosts an Easter Brunch Buffet.
Explore the wildflower lined trails
Spring is my top pick for hiking around Penticton for a few reasons. First of all, the weather is often perfect hiking weather (cool or warm, not too hot) and the trails are dry. Second, it’s arrowleaf balsamroot season! These beautiful yellow flowers are native to the region and lit up the hills from mid/late April to mid May.
One of the most accessible spots to see them is on the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) Trail on the Naramata Bench, specifically near Hillside Winery. Otherwise, the slopes of Campbell Mountain are full of blooms and many of the trails in the White Lake area near Okanagan Falls. My favourite trail there is Guy’s Cache.
Another reason to explore the trails in spring? It’s bird migration and breeding season! The hills are alive with the sound of birds! And you don’t have to be a birder to enjoy it. Download the Merlin app and find out what is chirping around you.
Biking is popular in spring too, with the KVR being the most family friendly place to cruise. Vancouver Place to the Little Tunnel is 36km return, ideal for a day trip (and made easier with an e-bike!) For mountain biking, head to Three Blind Mice or Campbell Mountain.
Heads up! Ticks can be found on the trails in spring. Or rather, they may find you. We usually wear full pants when hiking on trails (with the exception of the KVR) in April and May. Always do a tick check afterwards. We’ve only found a couple in the last 4-5 years.
Paddle on the lake(s)
Spring is one of my favourite times to paddle Okanagan Lake or Skaha Lake. The lakes can often be calm and there are very few boats. Due to the cold temperatures of the water (especially on Okanagan Lake), it is important to still be mindful of safety. Wear a PFD, tell someone where you’re going and stay close to shore.
If you don’t have your own SUP/kayak/canoe, rentals are usually available on the Okanagan Lake waterfront from the Victoria Day weekend (third Monday) in May. There are several locations, with two being close to the Lakeside Resort. Sun n’ Sup in Naramata usually start renting paddleboards in mid April.
Several times we have camped overnight at Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park in late spring. There are seven marine campgrounds along the Okanagan Lake shoreline. We usually launch at the Indian Rock Beach Access north of Naramata (there are alternatives). If you go, I would recommend having some paddling experience. Large waves can whip up on the lake without much warning.
Check out the views from Munson Mountain
No matter the season, Munson Mountain is a must-visit. The short trek to the 496m summit of this extinct volcano, home to the iconic Penticton sign, delivers incredible views of the city, lake, and surrounding valley.
Spring is particularly wonderful time to visit Munson as there are some lovely wildflowers to spot. The vineyards below are usually getting more lush in May as well. The walk to the top is 1km return from the parking area. There is a wheelchair accessible viewpoint (with a shelter) as well.
Visit wineries and breweries
Salute the season and the vineyards coming back to life with a glass of locally made wine (or two!) Even better if you head to a winery with a view of Okanagan Lake.
While a handful stay open all year round, many of Penticton’s wineries open for tastings again around Easter. Most will operate with only weekends to start, extending the schedule in May in time for the Victoria long weekend (third Monday).
If you have your heart set on a particular winery (and/or winery restaurant), be sure to check their operating hours first to avoid disappointment. Upper Bench and Poplar Grove are two of the wineries with the longest operating hours at this time of year.
Penticton’s craft breweries are open all year round but will typically start to move to extended hours around Easter. Abandoned Rail Brewing, located on the KVR, usually moves to daily opening in mid June.
Browse the Farmers’ Market
The Penticton Farmers’ Market runs downtown on Saturdays from April to the end of October. Although the produce is usually pretty limited until June, spring is still a lovely time to go.
All of the vendors have to “make it, bake it or grow it,” so there’s a good range of crafts, baked goods, artwork and other locally made items.
Every market typically has three or four local craft alcohol producers, such as wineries, cideries and breweries. And, yes, they do offer tastings!
It is our Saturday morning tradition to take part in the 8am parkrun (5km) along the lakefront and then visit the Farmers’ Market afterwards. The Market starts at 8.30am and runs until 1pm.
Go rock climbing
Did you know that Penticton has one of the largest rock climbing areas in BC? Just 15 minutes drive from downtown Penticton, Skaha Bluffs hosts over 1000 different routes over 66 crags.
Spring is a very popular time to go climbing in Penticton as other climbing locations are often either wet (Squamish) or under snow still (Purcells, Rockies). Here in Penticton, the crags are often ready for climbing from late February onwards! The gate to the park typically opens in early March.
Weekends in April and May can be exceptionally busy at the Bluffs, so if you can go on a weekday, I’d recommend it. The busiest time of all is the Easter weekend and Victoria long weekend in May (third Monday).
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