Penticton, BC

Slather on the sunscreen and roll out your beach blanket! When the sandy Penticton beaches call, we must not refuse. Located at the southern tip of Lake Okanagan and the northern tip of Skaha Lake, Penticton is a beach lover's paradise. Offering cool relief from the warmth of the summer sun, the local lakes attract visitors and locals alike with some of the best waterskiing and parasailing opportunities in the province. Watch out for Ogopogo! In late August, join the city in cheering on 1,700 international competitors in the annual Ironman Canada Triathlon. Watch in amazement as men and women from more than 20 countries flex their muscles in the 3.9-km (2.4-mi.) swim in Okanagan Lake, the 180-km (112-mi.) bike ride over the dry hilly terrain of the South Okanagan, and the 42-km (26.2-mi.) full marathon run. While the fastest can complete the course in a grueling eight hours, the rest of the field has up to 17 hours to finish. You’ll be exhausted just watching!

What trip to Penticton would be complete without a tour of the many wineries and orchards in the area? Moist winters and hot summers lead to stellar fruit growing conditions, ensuring that fall-picked grapes have adequate time to brew before the summer wine tours. Sample award-winning labels as you learn the tricks that make each vintner's bottle unique. First raspberries, then cherries, peaches, and apricots, are in their juicy prime just in time for the summer picking season. Stop by the local fruit stand, or pick your own for a perfectly "peachy" Penticton experience.

Penticton is located on Highway 97, 78 km (48 mi.) south of Kelowna and 393 km (244 mi.) east of Vancouver. Daily commercial air and bus service are available. Population: 32,627 Elevation: 344 m (1,129 ft.) Average July High: 28ºC (83ºF) Average January Temperature: -2ºC (28ºF) Annual Rainfall: 25 cm (10 in.) Annual Snowfall: 73 cm (29 in.)

5 Day Weather Forecast for Penticton

Date	Weather	High	Low
March 18, 2010	Cloudy	14	-1
March 19, 2010	Sunny	14	0
March 20, 2010	Partly Cloudy	16	3
March 21, 2010	Cloudy	14	1
March 22, 2010	Few Showers	13	-1