Backpacker Buzz

Penticton loves summer. And it had better, being situated in semi-arid desert conditions in British Columbia's Okanagan. They've already hit 27 degrees this month, which is undoubtedly a sign of things to come over the next few months.

Oh but there's more. Penticton is rife with festivals over the summer months, and homey HI-Penticton has an excellent multi-day deal on offer all season long. Does anybody smell a long-weekend road trip?

Something is on in Penticton dang-near every weekend, but here are a few of HI's top picks.

June 25 - 27
A double whammy of a weekend to get things started. Get the Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival and the Peach City Beach Cruise simultaneously. A blast for the nostalgic this weekend, Penticton will be overrun with competitive Elvis impersonators and classic cars.

July 16-18
For three summer evenings, you can sprawl out at the Beach Blanket Film Festival and watch Canadian films on a giant screen floating 25 feet offshore on Okanagan Lake. This solves two of the problems of watching movies in theatres: being inside and not lying down. Stay tuned to their website for this year's film offerings.

August 1
Penticton will be Venice Beach of the North during this year's Mr. Muscle and Miss Bikini Contest. It's the 28th birthday of this event so you can expect a well-oiled event. If skin is your thing, Skaha Beach is the place to be on August 1st.

August 4-8
The Okanagan is a fruit grower's paradise and the peach is a time-honoured specimen 'round these parts - a testament to which is the giant peach beside Okanagan Lake. Peach Fest returns for the 63rd time with live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts exhibits, two parades, various competitions and, sit down for this one... a square dance festival.

Stay in Penticton

Stay for three nights at HI-Penticton for only $24/night in a shared room. HI-Penticton is three blocks from Okanagan Lake, and a block from unique restaurants, pubs, night clubs and shops.

BOOK NOW

Penticton is about a five-hour drive from Vancouver and an hour south of Kelowna. Greyhound travels from Vancouver to Penticton four times a day. Get 25% off Greyhound fares with your HI membership card.