Penticton is a beautiful small city in British Columbia's South Okanagan region. Surrounded by forested mountains and squashed between two lakes, this destination is visually stunning and a hub for outdoor recreation. Best of all, it's hot in summer and not that cold (by Canadian standards) in winter.

If you want to relax by the beach, paddle on a lake, float down a river on an inflatable tube, visit some local wineries and hike some scenic trails, Penticton is an ideal place to go.

I've lived in Penticton for 10 years and have hosted many friends and family in that time. This guide features the best local activities, tried and tested over many years. For more info, check the Best of Penticton website.

Although Penticton is a popular summer destination, it's very much a Canadian tourist spot. So I've marked it as 'off the beaten path' with international visitors in mind.