ARTS & CULTURE

PENTICTON HAS A RICH AND DIVERSE HISTORY JUST WAITING TO BE EXPLORED, PLUS A VIBRANT AND FLOURISHING ARTISTIC COMMUNITY.

AŁI KWU SUKNAQINX | WE ARE OKANAGAN

From the Interior Salish word snpintktn, the name Penticton has been commonly translated as “a place to stay forever,” but more accurately means “a place where people have always been all year long.” For over 7,000 years, our region has been home to the Syilx First Peoples, who were instrumental in helping the first European fur traders travel through the Okanagan in the early 1800s. You can learn more about local Indigenous cultures and the history of the syilx, through a variety of community events, including the Pow Wow Between the Lakes or by visiting the En’owkin Centre.

Historic Penticton

Bring Penticton’s history to life through the fascinating exhibits and interactive learning spaces at the Penticton Museum & Archives. It’s a great place to start a self-guided walking tour of the historical buildings and landmarks of the downtown core.

A must see iconic landmark is the PENTICTON sign adorning Munson Mountain, constructed in 1937 it remains a source of civic pride, as well as being a great spot to take incredible panoramic pictures of the city and Okanagan Lake. Just below, running along the Naramata Bench, you will find the famed Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail, a decommisioned railroad system built in 1910-1916. Another great photo op and local museum is the SS Sicamous, which was once a luxury stern wheeler used to transport passengers and cargo to remote communities along the shores of Okanagan Lake. As the largest surviving stern wheeler in BC, the SS Sicamous is a unique part of Okanagan history and heritage.

Inspired Setting

For decades Penticton has been a draw for artists of all genres from around the world, who are happy to share their works and the stories behind them. Creativity blossoms here, as naturally as fruit trees and grape vines.

LOCAL ART & PERFORMANCES

Numerous art galleries, exhibitions, theatrical performances and a range of musical events take place throughout the year in Penticton, both indoors and out. Take in live music or a show at a cozy local cafe or theatre, or stop into one of many local art galleries. Soak up the ambiance on a walking art or sculpture tour along colourful Front Street, throughout Downtown Penticton and along the Okanagan Lake promenade.

Visit in the spring for the Ignite the Arts Festival, which features an amazing extravaganza of over 50 musical acts, theatre, dance, workshops and activities for the whole family throughout Penticton’s downtown core.