The hot weather has already arrived, which means you need to start planning your summer immediately if you have not done so already.

Penticton no doubt will once again be the Okanagan’s summer hot spot—both literally and figuratively—and the perfect home base is on the south end of town at Skaha Lake. There are three sublimely located hotels: Beachside Motel, Sunny Beach Motel and Waterfront Inn. They are all part of the Skaha Lake Motels group, and combined they offer all the amenities anyone would want. You just have to find the one that is right for you.

Once you’re settled into your home base, you will not have to go far to enjoy a wide range of fun and rewarding experiences. From simply hitting the beach to finding the perfect book, Penticton offers plenty of options as you create your memorable summer of fun.

Here are the top 13 things to do in Penticton and area during the summer of 2023:

1. Skaha Lake Park

This vast green space offers a multitude of attractions including beach access, various sports courts, a kids’ water park and picnic areas. It provides amenities like washrooms, food stands and free parking. Plus, the Skaha water’s warmth is notable, owing to its smaller size than Okanagan Lake.

2. Skaha Lake Motels

While visiting Penticton, you’ll want to stay at the family-friendly Skaha Lake Motels, which include Beachside Motel, Sunny Beach Motel and Waterfront Inn. They are located right next to Skaha Lake, ensuring the shortest commute to fun. These accommodations offer not only pools, hot tubs, saunas and game rooms, but they are also a stone’s throw away from the myriad activities available at Skaha Lake Park and the beach.

Photo: Contributed

Cruise the channel this summer with Coyote Cruises.

3. Penticton River Channel

Coyote Cruises rents inner-tubes for a leisurely float along a seven-kilometre channel from Okanagan to Skaha Lake. The journey, influenced by water speed, takes between one to three hours. It’s a quintessential Penticton experience.

4. SS Sicamous

A prominent Penticton landmark, the SS Sicamous is B.C.’s largest preserved stern wheeler that now functioning as a museum. Positioned on Okanagan Beach’s west end, on Lakeshore Drive, it offers ample free parking. Visitors should allocate about 45 minutes for a self-guided tour to fully appreciate its historical significance.

5. Kettle Valley Rail Trail

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a stunning recreational…