Penticton is located in the south central region of British Columbia, in an area known collectively as the Okanagan Valley. According to Environment Canada statistics, Penticton has the most attractive climate of all cities in Canada. With over 2,100 hours of sunshine and only 15 inches of rain annually, Penticton has beach weather in the summer and in the winter the local mountains get great snow for winter sports, while the streets stay clear in town.
Living in Penticton lets people enjoy the outdoors year round without bug spray! Penticton lifestyle embraces activity, healthy living and community. Known as the Festival Centre of the Okanagan, Penticton residents comment that there is always something happening in town to do, see or get involved in. Annual festivals such as the Peach Festival, Elvis Festival, Meadowlark Nature Festival, Peach City Beach Cruise classic car festival and the Challenge Race Series bring entertainment, fairs and the opportunity to participate or compete or just observe all sorts of activities.
Whether it’s just for fun or competitive, athletes, clubs and teams of all ages enjoy their outdoor or indoor sport on our modern fields and facilities. In the words of a new resident, “Hike, Walk, Bike, Swim every day, It’s just bliss. Whether it’s our world class mountain biking or world class wines, we love it all. From its location in the centre of the world renowned Okanagan wine region with famous areas such as The Naramata Bench, and Summerland right next to town and over 100 wineries within an hour’s drive, we all find our way to enjoy the rolling benchlands with vineyard, lake, and mountain views on our afternoon drive, climb, boat, ride, run or walk.”
Penticton is the largest city by area and population in the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District, which is part of the Okanagan as a whole, for which the city is the third largest in the region. It is the 21st largest settlement in British Columbia itself by population, while its metropolitan area, including the city plus Okanagan-Similkameen Electoral Area D, serves as the 71st largest in Canada; by area, Penticton ranks 20th in its province; statistics are based on the Canada 2011 Census. It lies at the south bottom of Okanagan Lake, and north beginning of Skaha Lake. Between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake are a number of residential areas, farms, which grow orchard and wine products.