Best Free Things to Do in Penticton: 17+ Recommendations From a Local

Back view of JR standing in front of panorama on Canyon View Trail, with city of Penticton and Okanagan Lake visible below

The best things in life are free! This is particularly true in Penticton, a city blessed with beautiful surrounding scenery. There’s no need to get out your wallet to enjoy many of the wonderful experiences that Penticton has to offer. Discover the best free things to do in Penticton!

Nichol Vineyard

Nichol’s great reputation for winemaking is purely based on quality, and being one of the oldest wineries on the Naramata Bench means they have plenty of experience to draw from. If you want to try some true Naramata reds, this is the place. Small yet bright tasting room with fabulous views and patio.

Daydreamer Wines

Daydreamer is a small family owned and operated winery, located almost at the very end of the Naramata Bench. The winery has a focus on sustainable winemaking, with the aim to conserve resources, minimise environmental impacts and keep vineyards healthy long-term.

Serendipity Winery

Serendipity winery entrance gate

Serendipity is something of a hidden gem. From the road, the winery looks unassuming. But true to this winery’s name, it’ll feel like a happy accident as you turn the corner to find one of the most beautiful properties on the Naramata Bench.

Therapy Vineyards

Everyone needs a little therapy! Wine therapy, of course. And what better place to get it than this stunning property overlooking Okanagan Lake?

Kettle Valley Winery

Close up of six wine bottles at Kettle Valley Winery, with photographs in background

Kettle Valley Winery is one of the oldest on the Bench, being issued only the third winery license for the area way back in 1992. Keeping things modest, the tasting room is located in the garage they used to make wine in during those early days.

Joie Farm Winery

Joie Farm tasting room featuring a modern bar looking out to floor to ceiling window with views of Okanagan Lake visible in background

Celebrating the ‘art of good living,’ JoieFarm has one of the larger acreages on the Naramata Bench. Taking a fairly non-interventionist approach towards winemaking, the self-taught owner sways towards Burgundian varietals such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gamay plus Alsatian varietals like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.

Van Westen Vineyards

Van Westen Vineyards building exterior with gray warehouse featuring large doors and forklift parked outside, red truck on left. The winery's logo is on both sides of the building

Any fans of big, bold reds should make a beeline for Van Westen. Despite having over 50 years of farming tradition, the Van Westen family are unpretentiousness and enthusiastic about making great wine.

Elephant Island Winery

Close up of Elephant Island winery elephant shaped road sign in front of orchard

Named after what was originally believed to be a ‘white elephant’ venture, this long-standing winery is a Naramata Bench icon. Family-owned Elephant Island Winery is also one of the most unique local wineries, producing both premium fruit and grape-based wine. The same hardworking team also runs Naramata Cider Co.

Deep Roots Winery

Deep roots winery driveway road sign and building

The ‘Deep Roots’ in question are the Hardman family’s 100+ years of experience farming the Naramata Bench. As many as four generations of family members have toiled land locally!