One of the world’s only cities to sit between two lakes is in B.C., with a lazy river connecting them

One of two cities in the world to be situated between two lakes, Penticton is undoubtedly a popular summertime destination, and for very good reason. The city is home to what might be Canada’s laziest river, which stretches 7 km from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake.

Float down the Penticton Channel

According to Visit Penticton, the float starts at Coyote Cruises on Riverside Drive, slowly drifting from lake to lake. Those who want to stop halfway can hop out at the midway stopping point at Green Mountain Road.

Floating down the Penticton Channel is a summer rite of passage, and visitors can either bring their own floats or rent everything from single tubes to 12-seater floating islands from Coyote Cruises.

Once you’ve reached the end of the channel, regular shuttle buses will bring you back to the starting point.

If you’re ready to do some quality beach lounging, there are nearly 15 acres of pristine, sandy shorelines to explore at Okanagan and Skaha Lakes alone. Even more scenic beaches await at four other public beaches in Penticton: Okanagan Lake Park, Marina Way, Sadbury, and Three Mile.

Cyclists and hikers can journey across the famed Kettle Valley Trail, a former rail trail stretching 660 km from Hope to Castlegar.

Craft Beer Capital of Canada

Considered the Craft Beer Capital of Canada, Penticton has tons of year-round tasting rooms to check out, including eight craft breweries, two cideries, and three distilleries – all within walking/biking distance of the downtown core.

If you’re more of a vino lover, there are nearly 90 wineries in Penticton and the surrounding region to visit, which means it’s a great time to book a wine-tasting tour.

So, if you’ve caught the travel bug but don’t want to venture too far from Vancouver, Penticton deserves a spot on any summer bucket list.

Penticton

How to get there: Drive four hours and 25 minutes from Vancouver to Penticton via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 E, BC-5 N and BC-97C

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