There’s a lot of talk stateside about moving to the Great White North these days. Destinations like Penticton, BC, make that chatter real tempting for Canada’s neighbours to the south.

The city is a gateway to the Okanagan Valley, which has long had a reputation as one of Canada’s top producers of pinot noir, ice wine, and plenty of other vintages. But the region is much, much more than picturesque vineyards. It’s a place where mountains snug up to a sparkling lake; hiking trails wind through landscapes under clear, blue skies; and a fire crackles next to a relaxing lounger at the spa. This is Penticton, where adventure and relaxation come together in perfect harmony on the shoreline of Okanagan Lake.

Realistically, you’re probably not picking up stakes and moving to Penticton anytime soon, whether you live in the US or elsewhere in Canada. But the best things this region offers — its natural beauty, local charm, and unforgettable experiences — come completely duty-free. And unlike imported goods, you can enjoy them anytime you want. (Really, anytime! There’s no such thing as a bad season here.) Make your stay bustling, low-key, or both. Opt for kayaking, biking, hiking, or rock climbing one day and spend the next strolling the shops, sipping premium wines, and getting a taste for the place (literally) at a farm-to-table dinner. The best part? There are no tariffs on the spirit of adventure.

Outdoor adventure to spare

Photo: Kari Medig/Destination BC

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a decommissioned rail line covering approximately 650 kilometres (400 miles) across BC. And the views along the trail around Penticton are nothing less than stunning. Start downtown and head for the village of Naramata and the Little Tunnel lookout for a healthy 2.5-hour return trip by bike. Or hop on the south spur in the city and pedal toward Wright’s Beach Camp, then to Skaha Lake and across the Trestle Bridge into Okanagan Falls. If all that sounds a bit too strenuous, know that most bike rental shops stock e-bikes.

Penticton also has the longest climbing season in Canada. Fit for novices and advanced climbers alike, Skaha Bluffs is one of country’s top climbing destinations. It’s the easy access to over 1,200 established routes that makes it such a draw — plus, it’s just 10 minutes south of downtown Penticton. Guides and tour companies will help beginners learn the ropes in the northern section of the provincial park. Download the climbing area trails map and pick one that’s right for you: Rattlesnake Ledge, Doctor’s Wall, or Raspberry Mourning, perhaps?

Penticton is one of only two cities in the world located immediately between a pair of lakes (Interlaken, Switzerland, is the other). It’s an enviable position and one that delights travellers who love to be near the water. With Okanagan Lake to the north and Skaha Lake to the south, it’s easy to reach the beach whether you’re into swimming, sunbathing, boating, fishing, or kayaking.

Wine, dine, repeat

Photo: Visit Penticton

Yes, you could pop into Wesbert Winery for a tasting, but it’d be even better to spend the night at one of the guest suites on this three-acre working vineyard. Located on the Naramata Bench Wine Route, Wesbert produces its own varietals, plus it’s close to 52 other wineries (eight within walking distance). There’s a pizzeria on site, too, and those breathtaking sunsets over the lake and vines can be viewed from your balcony while enjoying a glass.

If brandy, gin, liqueur, and spirits are more your speed, the family owned Maple Leaf Spirits welcomes you to its tasting room. Fruit liqueurs celebrate fresh sun-ripened Okanagan cherries, pears, and peaches, all crafted in the European tradition. Take home a bottle of Canadian Kirsch for your Black Forest cake, cheese fondue, and winter drinks.

Beer? Penticton has plenty of that, too. Hop on the Penticton Ale Trail and make your first stop Highway 97 Brewery, where the Dreamweaver Strawberries and Cream Wheat Ale is made with plenty of fresh berries. Then head over to the historic Cannery Trade Centre, a former fruit cannery now home to Tin Whistle Brewing Company. Finally, stop at Barley Mill Brew Pub for a hearty meal of halibut and chips, made with the pub’s own beer batter.

The Grist Mill and Gardens is more than worth the 30-minute drive to Keremeos — check out its waterwheel-powered flower mill, expansive gardens, gift shop, and tea room serving buttery scones with local jam and fresh lemonade. Back in Penticton, with views of Okanagan Lake, The Hooded Merganser is newly remodeled and features a Mediterranean menu, complete with a bouillabaisse made with charred salmon, mussels, clams, prawns, tomato saffron broth, herbs, and fingerling potatoes.

For late-night fun, The Dream Café is the city’s premium live entertainment venue, prized for its excellent acoustics. If you get a little peckish, indulge in the vegan chocolate cake for dessert.

The best kind of nothing

Sometimes, the best thing to do on a stress-free (read: tariff-free) trip to Penticton is, well, nothing. Relaxation is the name of the game at Tiki Shores Inn & Suites, where the heated outdoor pool is the perfect antidote to busy days of adventuring. Guest rooms range from a lakefront studio to a three-bedroom suite, plus there’s a restaurant on site if you don’t want to venture too far.

Over in Naramata, the log lodge at Sandy Beach Lodge & Resort is a picture-perfect spot with over 120 metres (nearly 400 feet) of sandy beach, canoes, tennis courts, a heated outdoor pool, and hot tub. Take your pick from lodge guest rooms or cottages — and rest assured that all come with fantastic views of Okanagan Lake.

For pampering, it’s all about the facial at La Crème de la Crème, starting with a personal analysis to select a service that’s just right for you. Take home some premium products to keep that glow going long after your trip. That means you, too, men — unless you’re too busy getting a haircut or hot shave at Okanoggin Barbers, the spot in Penticton for stylish grooming. The shop also stocks menswear, so you can score a shave, a haircut, and a new outfit all in one place.

All fun, no tariffs

Photo: Visit Penticton

With no penalties in sight for a good time, that’s your cue to enjoy BC this year — and the anytime playground of Penticton is waiting. Keep your trip-planning easy with a package deal (still no tariffs, mind you) or map out your dream trip with a little itinerary inspiration — whether you’re seeking three days of family fun, a downtown culinary trail, or a classic Naramata Bench wine country tour. Your trip to Penticton will be a lot of things, but taxing sure won’t be one of them.