The history of Penticton in short
Penticton lies on the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx people, also known as the Okanagan. The name snpintktn is often translated as a place to stay forever, or more precisely a place where people live all year round. The Syilx are a living community and not only a part of the past.
The modern town grew around the lake. Boats were the main link before roads and rail arrived. Today three traces remain: a restored sternwheeler on the shore, a former railway that is now a trail, and a heritage train in nearby Summerland. If you want to see the area itself, start with our guide to Penticton wine tours or the things to do.
Syilx land and the Penticton Indian Band
The people who have lived here the longest.
Penticton is the home of the Syilx, and the Penticton Indian Band is one of their communities. The band uses the spelling snpink’tn Indian Band today. Use the spelling the people themselves use.
Visitors should respect closures on band land and follow signs. The same applies to places that are sacred to the Syilx, such as Spotted Lake. The page on Osoyoos and Oliver explains how to view it.
Our pick: the historical trail by bike
A self-guided ride on the old railway route, with the bike and the transfer included.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Penticton tours and day trips
Lake trips, rail trail rides and wine country tours with live prices and availability.
Sternwheelers on Okanagan Lake
How the lake was the road.
Before roads and rail, water transport on Okanagan Lake was central to the valley. The SS Sicamous made her maiden voyage on 1 July 1914. In 1949 the City of Penticton bought her to preserve her. Today she is a museum on the shore at 1099 Lakeshore Drive West, not a working steamer.
Admission to the museum is CA$10 for adults, CA$8 for seniors, CA$5 for children and CA$25 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children (2026). Children under 6 are free. The age bands overlap at 13, so ask at the desk about 13-year-olds. Opening days change with the season, and the autumn schedule runs on selected days. Check the current schedule before you walk over.
The Kettle Valley Railway
From railway to rail trail.
1910 to 1915
In 1910 Penticton was announced as the railway's headquarters. Construction ran from 1910 to 1915.
Today's trail
The old route is now a walking and cycling trail and part of the Trans Canada Trail. It is not a passenger railway. Some sections are closed, so check the notices before you ride.
Kettle Valley Rail Trail guide →The heritage train
In Summerland a museum railway runs a scenic ride of 90 minutes. The regular 2026 season ends on 12 October. The adult fare is CA$35 (2026) plus 5 percent GST.
Summerland guide →Myra Canyon after the fire
A wildfire in 2003 damaged the trestles in Myra Canyon. They were rebuilt, and the reopening ceremony took place on 22 June 2008. Today the trestles are part of the park, and walkers and cyclists use them.
Sport and the city today
Penticton hosted IRONMAN Canada. The race on 25 August 2024 was announced as the last one in Penticton. A race called Challenge Penticton took place in 2013 and 2014.
The 2021 census counted 36,885 people in the city. That is a historical count, not a figure for 2026. For the wider valley north of Penticton, see the Okanagan Valley overview.
Plan the rest of your trip
Places linked to this story.
History of Penticton: frequently asked questions
What does the name Penticton mean?
The Syilx name snpintktn is often translated as a place to stay forever, or more precisely a place where people live all year round.
Can I still ride the SS Sicamous?
No. She is a museum on the shore and not a working steamer.
When was the Kettle Valley Railway built?
Construction ran from 1910 to 1915. Penticton was announced as the headquarters in 1910.
Is the IRONMAN still held in Penticton?
No. The last IRONMAN Canada race in Penticton was on 25 August 2024.
When was the SS Sicamous built and saved?
Her maiden voyage was on 1 July 1914. The City of Penticton bought her in 1949 to preserve her.