RV Lifestyle Sparkling lakes, golden beaches, rolling vineyards, vast mountain ranges and one of the best climates in Canada are just a few of the things that entice people to Penticton and the South Okanagan. Penticton is ideally situated in the beautiful southern interior of British Columbia. The area enjoys a mild climate with little precipitation. Warm summers andmild winters make it an ideal place to be. Penticton is a year-round destination city with sandy beaches, two lakes, ski hills, orchards, wineries and golf courses – and enjoys more than 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, thanks to its semi-arid climate. The community is known for its long-running Peach Festival (71st annual; August 8-12, 2018), summer hockey school, worldclass rock climbing on Skaha Bluffs, recreational opportunities and surrounding orchards and wineries. Penticton is nestled between two scenic lakes with sandy beaches. Okanagan Lake to the north and Skaha Lake to the south offer myriad summertime activities to cool you down while you relax. With more than 60 wineries within a 20-minute drive, local farmers’ markets, more than three miles of golden sandy beaches and many festivals and events throughout the year, the area has something for everyone. Penticton, as translated by the local Salish Native Americans, means “a place to live forever” (the commonly accepted translation) or “a place to live year-round.” Tom Ellis, the first non-native settler in the area took the meaning to heart when he landed here in 1865. Ellis, originally from England, planned the formulation of the new town. In 1892, a site was laid out around the Smith Street area (now Front Street). The early days were difficult for road travel but, with the introduction of the automobile and the constant increase in population, road-building was in full force by the 1920s. Prior to this, travel was done primarily by SOUTH OKANAGAN Beaches, Peaches, Wine & More An introductory article on the South Okanagan appeared in the summer 2017 issue of CSANews. 26 | www.snowbirds.org
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