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Edition
31: Dec 13, 2002
In the thirty-first
issue of the Bed and Breakfast Traveller, we take you to Penticton and
Wine Country, where a fantastic vacation can be had all year round!
 Picturesque
vineyards, gentle mountain slopes and dramatic clay cliffs surround one
of the province's busiest resort communities. Okanagan Lake to the north.
Skaha Lake to the south. And more than 2,000 hours of sunshine a year
make Penticton and Wine Country a spectacular vacation in any season.
Destination Resort
The city's many festivals and events make great centrepieces for family
or business vacations. Indulge in your favourite outdoor activity, ride
a trail, take a tour. Poke around in local shops, or just relax with friends.
You might even want to check out the waterfront destination casino.
Wine Country
 More
than 50 local wine makers welcome visitors to tour their pastoral vineyards
and busy wineries. Sign up for a taste-tour and sample award-winning world-class
vintages while enjoying the lakeside views. Visit the British Columbia
Wine Information Centre for assistance in planning your wine tour.
Four Season Playland
From wind-surfing and channel floating to downhill and Nordic skiing,
Penticton and Wine Country has something for everyone. Sun-seekers enjoy
some of the finest sandy beaches in the country. The Kettle Valley Railway
Bed attracts hikers and mountain bikers to many scenic and challenging
trails left open after the line was abandoned. Rock climbers test their
skills on world-class Skaha Bluffs. And with one of the longest-playing
golf seasons in the country (never mind a choice of more than 40 courses),
golfers return to the city year after year. In winter, skiers and snowboarders
attack the terrain at nearby Apex Mountain Resort.
City of Festivals
In May bird enthusiasts flock to the annual Meadowlark Festival. In July
film buffs cuddle up for the Beach Blanket Film Festival. And during the
fall the city-wide Penticton Jazz Festival cuts the air with lively music.
A true host city, Penticton welcomes visitors to a diverse range of annual
fetes and events, which include the Subaru Ironman Canada Triathlon, Peach
Festival and the Tour de Vine. Wine-industry accomplishments are celebrated
during the Okanagan Spring and Fall Wine Festivals. (And for those of
a more stout palette, beer-lovers sample the arts of micro-breweries at
the Fest-of-Ale.)
Cultural Landscape
Penticton and Wine Country offer many places to visit. Amateur natural
historians can tour desert research centres or agricultural sites. Museums
and historical sites offer a glimpse into the regions boisterous past.
The farmers' market is a great place to purchase in-season fruits, vegetables
and the wares of local artists. Public and commercial art galleries display
the works of painters, sculptors and photographers inspired by the scenic
beauty and serenity of the area. The region is also an active site for
the film industry, nurturing the dreams of students at the Okanagan School
of the Arts.
Indulge Yourself
 From
beach-side resort condos and executive hotels to RV parks and family motels,
wherever you choose to stay, you are close to quaint cafes, unique restaurants,
lush green parks, sandy beaches and great shopping.
For Your Dining
Pleasure
Enjoy elegant waterfront dining or pick up a snack for the beach. Savour
international cuisine, from Greek to Mexican, or drop by a coffee shop
to calm your caffeine craving. Tempt your tummy with delicious sweets
and gourmet sandwiches. With more than 100 eating establishments throughout
the city, visitors have extensive dining choices including Okanagan fresh
cuisine.
Shopping Spree
A visit to Penticton would not be complete without a tour of the local
shopping districts. Take the time to wander and appreciate the ambiance,
the scenery, and the local architecture.
A Golf Mecca
With one of the longest playing seasons running from mid-March to November,
this area attracts golf enthusiasts from around the world. The Okanagan
Valley is British Columbia's premier golf destination for both golfers
of all abilities. Whether you plan to visit in the spring while the orchards
are in full bloom or arrive in the summer when the fruit is ready for
picking, the Valley offers superb facilities and first-class tournaments
to satisfy avid and casual golfers.
Amusements and
Attractions
The best vacations are an inspired mixture of relaxation and excitement.
And once the summer reading is all caught up, you'll have no problem getting
the adrenaline flowing at one of Penticton's many attractions. Spend the
day at an amusement centre where you can opt for bumper boats, go-carts,
laser tag, mini golf or the batting cages. Hit a bucket of balls at a
local driving range to improve your golf game before tee time. Water beckons
vacationers on many hot, sunny Okanagan days and Penticton has endless
ways to beat the heat. Cool the kids off at a family water park. Float
down the Penticton River Channel, slide into a refreshing pool at a waterslide
park or rent one of the many watercrafts available on the lakeshore. For
a change of pace, test Lady Luck at an exciting Caribbean-style casino
situated on the shores of Okanagan Lake.
 If
you want a real adventure, Penticton is home to the world renowned Skaha
Bluffs site of extreme climbing pursuits. Whatever you're looking for
in outdoor fun, Penticton's postcard-perfect landscape makes a great backdrop
for an all-ages outdoor playground
Explore Wine Country
The area surrounding Penticton has long been known for its bountiful agricultural
industry. The climate that makes vacationing a dream is what nurtures
the area's farms, vineyards and orchards. Fruits, vegetables and quality
wines are the rewards of cultivating this lush region. The wine makers
at more than 50 local wineries invite you to sample their products and
tour their charming facilities. Each is uniquely stationed with breathtaking
views of lakes and valleys. Family tours through the surrounding vineyards
are carefully planned to take advantage of the area's ideal climatic and
soil conditions. Experience Penticton's wine country and discover why
Okanagan wines have taken their place among the best in the world. Penticton
is also proud to be the home of British Columbia's Wine Information Centre.
The only one of its kind in Western Canada, the centre features over 400
varieties of VQA wines from around the province.
A Winter Wonderland
 As
winter transforms the Okanagan's summer resorts into frosty play lands,
this is definitely not the season to go dormant. Stroll along Okanagan
Beach and marvel at the ice formations. Snowmobile through spectacular
back country. Snowshoe over miles of sunlit snow. Check out a Penticton
Panthers hockey game at the historic Memorial Arena. You'll fall in love
with winter in Penticton. Apex is a full-service mountain resort that
offers world-class skiing and boarding, breathtaking scenery and is renowned
for its intimacy. Experience a truly magical winter with something for
everyone including horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, ice-skating
on the new skating loop or tubing in the lift-accessed park.
Upcoming Events:
LIGHT UP SANTA
TRAIN
(Christmas Events)
This event is free for the kids and will work at the station with games
etc.
Start Date: Dec 14, 2002 Time:10:00:00
End Date: Dec 14, 2002 time: 14:30:00
Location: KVR Station in Summerland
Admission Fee: Kids free --bring an old fashioned ornament to help decorate
our Christmas Tree.
For Further Information:
Debbie
Phone:250 494-8422 for reservations
Christmas Wishes
& Dreams--A Christmas Musical--Presented by the Penticton Singers
and Players
(Theatre / Play)
This show is holiday fun for the whole family packed with local talent.
Start Date: Dec 19, 2002 Time:19:00:00
End Date: Dec 21, 2002 time: 22:00:00
Location: Cleland Comunity Centre Theatre
Admission Fee: Tickets at the community centre $12.00 for matinee performance
and $16.00 for evening performance
For Further Information:
Pat Lawrence
Phone:(250) 493-9296
LIGHT UP THE SANTA
TRAIN
(Christmas Events)
Come and enjoy Christmas in the Country with carols, hot chocolate, apple
cider, goodies and fun for the whole family. Children are invited to bring
an old fashioned ornament to help decorate our tree.
Start Date: Dec 21, 2002 Time:13:30:00
End Date: Dec 22, 2002 time: 15:00:00
Location: Kettle Valley Steam Train in Summerland
Admission Fee: Call toll free for prices--train departs at 1:30pm
For Further Information:
Debbie
Phone:1 877 494-8424
Christmas Eve Welcome
Reception
(Sports)
There will be presents from Santa & the Grinch plus Fireworks &
a Torch Light Parade
Start Date: Dec 24, 2002 Time:18:00:00
End Date: Dec 24, 2002 time: 20:00:00
Location: Apex Ski Resort
For Further Information:
Apex Resort
Phone:1 (877) 777-2739
For more information,
please contact:
Tourism Development
Services
Penticton & Wine Country
Phone: 1-800-663-5052 or 250-490-2464
888 Westminster Ave West
Penticton, BC
V2A 8S2
Email: tourism@img.net
www.penticton.ca
South Okanagan
B&B Association
Lawrie Belliveau, President, SOBBA
PO Box 363,
Kaleden, B.C., Canada
V0H 1K0
Email grumpysplace@shaw.ca
http://www.bbcanada.com/associations/southokanagan/
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