The Best Dog Friendly Locations in Penticton, British Columbia [By a Local]

Visiting Penticton and wondering where you can go with your dog? The good news is that there are some great options for dogs and their owners, especially during the warmer months!

The small city of Penticton is situated between two lakes, which makes it a particularly ideal destination for water-loving dogs.

This post showcases Penticton’s best dog beaches off-leash areas as well as dog friendly downtown stores, restaurants, breweries and wineries.

Full disclosure – I’m nothing but honest! – that we’re not dog owners ourselves. I’d love a dog eventually but right now we just travel too much. The following information is based on our personal experiences of exploring Penticton for last 10 years and hanging out with our friends’ dogs!

There are affiliate links in this post. If you click one and make a booking/purchase, we may receive a small percentage of the total sale.

View of Okanagan Lake from Munson Mountain in Penticton, with the head of a golden retriever in frame on right hand side, looking out at the views — This golden retriever loved the views from Munson Mountain in Penticton!

Dog friendly Penticton

Before we get started, please keep in mind:

Penticton can get hot in summer (30°C in July and August) and the sidewalk can easily burn dog paws. Plan to walk your dog early or late when the weather is hot. I’d recommend booking accommodation with air conditioning
By cleaning up after your dog, you help preserve dog-friendly areas and encourage other businesses to allow pets
Dogs should always be leashed in public places, with the only exception being the specific off leash and leash optional areas
There are a bunch of great festivals and events in Penticton, but some of them are not suitable for dogs (Peach Fest, for example, is not)
Looking for somewhere pet friendly to stay? My top pick is the Penticton Lakeside Resort. It has a super scenic, convenient location and offers pet friendly rooms. A lot of the motels along Lakeshore Drive allow pets, including my favourite, Tiki Shores.

Dog friendly restaurants, breweries and wineries

Many places in Penticton describe themselves as dog-friendly. This section of the guide will concentrate on the spots that are most welcoming to dogs, from restaurants and cafes to breweries and wineries.

Wineries

Ruby Blues Winery – This longstanding Penticton winery on the Naramata Bench is very dog friendly. There are outside tastings and a lovely grassy picnic area where you can enjoy a bottle of wine (bring your own food)
Deep Roots Winery – The owners of Deep Roots love dogs – they have two winery dogs of their own. The tasting room has a shaded patio area and is bordered by a large grassy space, with views of Okanagan Lake
See Ya Later Ranch – This Okanagan Falls winery is absolutely worth the 25 minute drive from Penticton as it’s one of the most dog friendly places anywhere in the Valley (note the dog on the wine bottle labels!) The staff are very welcoming to dogs, both inside the tasting room and also out on the patio

More options in our best wineries guide.

Picnic area views at Ruby Blues Winery with wooden picnic table in front of sloping vineyard with Okanagan Lake visible behind — The dog friendly picnic area at Ruby Blues Winery

Breweries

Cannery Brewing – The outside ‘Backyard’ area of this very popular Penticton brewery is open during the warmer months and is super dog friendly, with fake grass, water bowls, misters and umbrellas
Abandoned Rail Brewing – Naramata Bench brewery surrounded by orchards and vineyards. The outside area is grassy and shaded. It’s very popular with dog owners and families. Dogs are allowed inside too
Highway 97 Brewing Co – Dogs are welcome inside and out at Highway 97. Note the wall of polaroids featuring many dog visitors! There is a small, partially shaded patio on the side of the building
Neighbourhood Brewing – One of the most popular dog friendly patios is located at Neighbourhood Brewing. It’s very large, with shades and misters
Yellow Dog Brewing – True to its name, Yellow Dog Brewing has a very dog friendly patio to the side of the main bar area. It has a mix of seating, with lots of good options for dogs and their owners

For more information on all of these wineries, head to our Penticton breweries guide.

Two glasses sit on wooden picnic table in Cannery Brewing Backyard with other picnic tables and umbrellas in background — Cannery Brewing’s Backyard

Restaurants and cafes

Dragonboat Pub – Super dog friendly restaurant next to Skaha Lake Park (very close to the leash optional area!) The patio has beautiful views of the lake
Cue’s Game Room – This downtown pool hall has a streetside patio, where dogs are very welcome. So welcome in fact, that they offer a dog menu so they can eat alongside you. Dog bowls available too
Chain Reaction Winery – OK, so technically it is a winery, but since this Naramata Bench spot has wood fired oven pizzas served on a dog friendly patio with amazing lake views, I felt like it had to be included!

Most Penticton restaurants and cafes will allow dogs on their patios, including Wayne & Freda (very popular for coffee and light bites), Black Antler (modern Canadian cuisine for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch), the Bench Market (neighbourhood coffee and lunch spot), Stillfood Bistro & Cappuccino Bar (coffee, sweet treats, creative brunch, lunch and dinner dishes).

Dog friendly stores in downtown Penticton

Downtown Penticton has a bunch of dog friendly shops! Some of the following businesses will even offer treats to your furry friend.

Eskala Mountain Sports, 210 Main Street – The home of Santo the bichon mix! He’s usually waiting at the door to greet customers into this locally owned outdoor store (hiking, climbing and camping gear)
The Bumwrap, 285 Main Street – A mainstay of Penticton for over 45 years, the Bumwrap loves to welcome dogs. Browse swimwear, clothing, accessories and a plethora of BC and Canadian made items
Tickleberry’s, 202 Main Street – Although dogs can’t come inside this iconic Okanagan Valley ice cream shop, they do sell K9 cones that your dog will love!
The Vault Liquor Merchants, 201 Main Street – This modern liquor store at the heart of downtown loves dog visitors – a water bowl is made available and good boys may get a treat

More dog friendly stores: Canadian Handmade, Knights Pharmacy, La Creme Skin Care & Boutique and Delicato Kitchen Goods.

Dogs are permitted at the Penticton Farmers’ Market (and neighbouring Downtown Community Market) on Saturdays but keep in mind that both get very busy from 9.30am during the summer months. The sidewalk gets pretty hot too. It’s outside, so there isn’t much shade either.

Visiting the market early (8.30am) is a great way to beat both the crowds and the heat from the sidewalks. There are usually a few booths selling dog treats and pet supplies.

Dog friendly stores beyond downtown: Rona, GardenWorks, PetSmart, Canadian Tire, Winners and Home Hardware.

Back view of small black and white dog sat waiting at a store front door in downtown Penticton — Santo waiting to greet customers at Eskala Mountain Sports in downtown Penticton

Dog friendly Penticton beaches

Set between two lakes, you bet there are some great dog friendly beaches near town! Dogs must be under verbal control at all times.

Okanagan Lake Park Beach – There is a fenced off-leash area on the eastern side of this sandy beach, close to the Ikeda Japanese Garden. It’s only a few minutes walk from downtown. Note that this area is more difficult to access (and noisy) during major events, such as Peach Festival in August
Skaha Dog Park – Situated on the other side of town is Skaha Dog Park, a tucked away spot next to Lakeside Road. While there isn’t much of a beach, it does have lake access and shady areas. Please note that it is not completely fenced
Three Mile Beach – This peninsula beach is a good option when exploring or staying on the Naramata Bench. The narrow, pebbly beach faces south, towards Penticton, and is shared with boaters. The other side of the peninsula is a nude swimming beach. Note that it is not fenced.
Sun-Oka Beach – The best dog beach in the Penticton area is actually in Trout Creek, near Summerland. The designated dog area is located to the east of the main beach, around the point. To reach it, walk the 200m trail along the edge of the rare old growth cottonwoods (not from the main beach).

Back view of golden retriever walking on grass area next to lake at Skaha Dog Park in Penticton — Skaha Dog Park

Penticton off-leash and leash optional areas

There are a few off-leash areas that are not located on Penticton’s beaches. Again, dogs must be under verbal control at all times.

City Yards, 2088 Dartmouth Road – Large mostly dirt fenced area on the corner of Dartmouth Road and Dartmouth Drive
Water Treatment Plant,1900 Penticton Avenue – Another large, also dirt, fully fenced space behind the treatment plant. The green areas bordering the approach road are leash optional (no fences) – introduced after the 2024 pilot project
Ellis Creek Park, 100 Industrial Place – This fully fenced space was upgraded in 2024, with a dog activity zone, seating area and new walkways. There is access to the creek. It’s in a bit of a noisy area
Skaha Lake Park, East and West Zone – These two leash optional areas were introduced following the 2024 pilot project. Refer to the maps on the City of Penticton website for the exact areas. Please note that these areas are not fenced
Riverside Park, 187 Riverside Drive – Another new leash optional area is situated next to the Penticton Channel at the north end of the city. It starts southwest of the basketball court and extends to the pathway next to the river.