Hikes, bikes, beaches and beers! These are our absolute favourite things come summer. And if they are yours too, chances are, like us, you too are dreaming of a suds-soaked summer complete with warm beaches and scenic trails. Lucky for us, we don’t have to travel far to enjoy summer or some of the best craft beer in BC, courtesy of Penticton. Or more precisely, the Penticton Ale Trail.
The place might be a hidden gem for the rest of the world, but its breathtaking beauty and delicious beer are no secret to us Vancouverites. This is where you can find some of the best craft beer in BC. It has, after all, been decreed Canada’s craft beer capital by The Lonely Planet for a reason.
From lakes and beaches to forests and trails to restaurants and breweries, Penticton is dripping with summer adventures. And you can find them all along the Penticton Ale Trail. Yes, this ale trail has more to offer than just top-quality, lip-smacking brews.
Below are 7 experiences along the Penticton Ale Trail that make it a vacationer’s paradise. Take a look—
Soak up the sun on the beach
Beaches and summers make for a great pairing. And even more so when you enjoy some of the best craft beer in BC while lounging on the beach. Yes, you can consume alcohol at select Penticton beaches and parks, as long as you do so responsibly. So, pack a picnic, grab some local craft beer from the Penticton breweries and hit the beach at Skaha Lake and Okanagan Lake. Go for a swim in the lake, walk the boardwalk and have a jolly good time. If you’re at the Skaha beach, head to Barley Mill Brew Pub. Or if you’re at Okanagan Lake, you have 5 downtown breweries in walking distance – Neighbourhood, Yellow Dog, Slackwater, Highway 97 and Cannery – to refuel.
Hike or bike the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail
If there is one thing you do in addition to enjoying beers, it has got to be this. It is one of the most scenic trails and a joy to walk or bike along. You don’t even need to tug your bike along. You can rent an e-bike from Hoodoo Adventures and bike out to the little tunnel. Be sure to stop along the way at Abandoned Rail Brewing. And end your ride at Cannery or Highway 97, both of which are near the trail. If you still have some energy, head down the new lake-to-lake bike trail.
Embark on an epic brew tour
One of the absolute best summer adventures in all of BC is to embark on an epic pedal-powered tasting tour to the five downtown Penticton breweries & taste some of the best craft beer in BC. Get on the PenBrewTour Bike, a 12-seater pedal-powered vehicle, and pedal your way to a fab selection of local craft beers, wines and ciders. The 2.5-hour guided tour is a super fun experience that is single-handedly enough to give you your trip’s worth.
Get your tee on at the golf club
This may sound repetitive but the Penticton Golf & Country Club is among some of the most beautiful golf clubs we’ve seen. Whether or not you are a golfer, the club is worth visiting. After your game, spend some time in the clubhouse and talk about that putt you missed over a local craft beer.
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Enjoy a patio meal (or three)
The great thing about the Penticton breweries is that their bites are just as fresh and delish as their sips. And given that most breweries feature family-friendly patios or seasonal backyards, they make for a great setting for the perfect summer meal. Some will even let you bring your furry fam along. You can even check out the food trucks at some of the breweries, including Tin Whistle in the historic Cannery Trade Centre.
Relish the non-brewery culinary experiences
The breweries certainly are a delight but the thing is that delicious eats are all around Penticton. Want a hearty breakfast? The Bench Market it is. Looking for a cute brunch spot? Visit The Nest. Craving a Neapolitan-style pizza? Make your way to Tratto Pizzeria. Wish to chow down on some sandwiches, soups and salads? Head over to Brodo Kitchen. The place boasts some incredible eateries.
Don’t miss out on the wine
Sure, you are in Canada’s beer country. But you are also in the heart of BC’s wine country. So, go ahead and check out some of the wineries and delicious local wines. In addition to tastings, many wineries also have restaurants and many even feature local craft beer (in case you’re a beer loyalist).
Find a great place to stay in Penticton for a few days to enjoy all of these adventures. Whether you want to camp, stay in an RV, enjoy a bed and breakfast, a lakefront hotel, or a beautiful resort, Penticton has it all. Stay at the beautiful Penticton Ramada to enjoy their pool, hot tub, courtyard and onsite restaurant, and get points on the BC Ale Trail app while you are there.
There you have it folks, all the amazing things to enjoy in addition to some amazing craft beers in BC along the Penticton Ale Trail. Gear up for an epic beercation!
Oh, and be sure to sign up for BC Ale Trail’s newsletter here and Visit Penticton’s newsletter here to get your hands on some exclusive deals and special offers. And also, to stay in the know about upcoming festivals and events and all the fun stuff to do around Penticton!
