Planning an Okanagan road trip from Penticton
Penticton lies on Highway 97, between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. That makes it a base for day trips in both directions: south to Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos, north to Summerland and Kelowna, and west into the Similkameen Valley. You can sleep in one place and drive out each day, or move on every night.
The drive times below are plain driving times without stops. Do not add them into a day plan with a guaranteed return. For the towns themselves, see Osoyoos and Oliver, Summerland and getting to Penticton.
Distances from Penticton
Orientation values, driving time only.
| Destination | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Naramata | 14 km | 20 minutes |
| Summerland | 15 km | 15 minutes |
| Okanagan Falls | 19 km | 15 minutes |
| Peachland | 33 to 40 km | About 30 minutes |
| Osoyoos | About 60 km | About 1 hour |
| Kelowna | 61.5 km | 55 minutes |
| Kamloops | 237 km | 2 hours 31 minutes |
| Vancouver | 415 km | 4 hours 54 minutes |
For Peachland the distance depends on the end points you pick, roughly 33 to 40 km. For most visitors, a base in Penticton with two day trips, one south and one north, is the simplest plan.
Our pick: a wine day in Oliver
On a road trip south, a guided day lets the driver taste too, with pickup and return 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.
Okanagan tours and day trips from Penticton
Wine tours, lake days and day trips along the Okanagan, with live prices and availability.
Three day trips from Penticton
Each one starts and ends in town.
South: Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos
Drive south along Skaha Lake to Okanagan Falls, then on to Oliver and Osoyoos. Oliver sits in the Golden Mile Bench wine land. Osoyoos Lake averages 24 °C in July and August. Osoyoos has a cultural centre of the Osoyoos Indian Band, open on days that you should confirm in advance. See Osoyoos and Oliver.
North: Summerland and Kelowna
Summerland is 15 km from Penticton. Kelowna is 61.5 km and about 55 minutes away. For the city itself, see Kelowna. The valley's wine areas continue along both sides of the lake.
Along the water: Naramata Bench
The winding wine route runs from Penticton toward Naramata village, 14 km and about 20 minutes away. Rely on a driver who does not drink. Read about the Naramata Bench.
Similkameen Valley and Keremeos
The Similkameen Valley is a separate official wine region from the Okanagan Valley, not part of it. Highway 3 runs through the valley and connects to Highway 97 by Highway 3A near Kaleden or by Highway 3 at Osoyoos. Keremeos and Cawston are the villages to know. Check the drive time to Keremeos on a map before you plan the day.
Do not mix up the road link with the old railway grade. The road link into the Similkameen is not a Rail Trail cycling route. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail page explains the sections.
Roads and routes in 2026
After the 2026 wildfire, the road between Princeton and Summerland is closed to through traffic, and local access needs a pass. Use Highway 5A or Highway 3 instead. Do not take gravel or forest roads as a shortcut. Before each drive, check DriveBC and the BC Wildfire Service.
From Vancouver or Kamloops
The road distance from Vancouver is 415 km, about 4 hours 54 minutes. Highway 5 runs through Hope and Merritt, and Highway 97C is the connector toward Highway 97. The exact time depends on the route you choose, so do not count on one being the fastest. From Kamloops it is 237 km, about 2 hours 31 minutes. See getting to Penticton for flights and transfers.
Buses
Regional bus routes link towns: route 10 serves Naramata, route 40 serves Osoyoos and route 70 serves Kelowna. Route 70 is a separate fare. Check the timetable before you rely on it for a day trip.
Okanagan road trip: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from Penticton to Osoyoos?
About 1 hour for roughly 60 km, without stops.
How far is Kelowna from Penticton?
61.5 km, about 55 minutes by road.
Is the Similkameen Valley part of the Okanagan?
No. It is a separate wine region. Highway 3 runs through it, and it joins Highway 97 via Highway 3A near Kaleden or via Highway 3 at Osoyoos.
Can I drive between Princeton and Summerland?
After the 2026 wildfire, that road is closed to through traffic. Use Highway 5A or Highway 3 and check closures before you leave.
How far is Penticton from Vancouver by road?
415 km, about 4 hours 54 minutes. The route can go over Highway 5 and Highway 97C.