Where to stay in Penticton
Penticton sits on a narrow strip of land between Okanagan Lake in the north and Skaha Lake in the south. That gives you two main bases and a third in the centre. Pick the one that fits your plan: the beach and promenade, the quieter south end, or downtown with the market. For a wine trip, Naramata is a separate village on the east shore.
If tastings are the point of your visit, read about Penticton wine tours first. Where you sleep decides how far you drive or ride each day.
Penticton hotels by area
The four bases compared.
| Area | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeshore Drive, Okanagan side | Beach days, the promenade, the sternwheeler | Not every property has direct beach access |
| Skaha Lake Road, Skaha side | The southern beach and park | Distances to the lake differ by property |
| Downtown | Market and downtown on foot | Parking in town is paid |
| Naramata | Wine country | A village, not a base for downtown Penticton |
For most first-time visitors, the Lakeshore Drive side or downtown is the easiest choice. Choose Naramata if wine is the main goal and you do not need the city around you.
Our pick: a half day with pickup
If you stay in the Penticton area, this tour collects you at your accommodation, so location matters less.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. 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 from your hotel
Wine tours, lake trips and rail trail rides that start in Penticton, with live prices and availability.
Okanagan Lake side: Lakeshore Drive
The beach end of town.
Rooms along Lakeshore Drive put you near Okanagan Beach, the promenade and the SS Sicamous museum. Check each property's own description before you assume that you can walk straight onto the sand. The Okanagan Beach guide shows what is near the water.
Skaha Lake side: Skaha Lake Road
Rooms along Skaha Lake Road are closer to the Skaha Beach and park at the south end. Say Skaha Lake only when the property really sits there. Distances are not the same for every room. See the Skaha Lake guide for the beach, the bluffs and Okanagan Falls.
Downtown and Naramata
Town centre and wine village.
Downtown Penticton
Downtown stays put you near the Saturday farmers' market on the 100 block of Main Street, which runs 18 April to 31 October 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Downtown parking is CA$2 per hour, Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (2026).
Naramata
Naramata is its own village and bench area on the east shore, not a downtown location. Places to stay exist in the wine country, and it suits a trip focused on wine.
Naramata Bench guide →Rural and retreat stays
Lodging ranges from downtown and lakeside to retreat-style stays. Check the location of a retreat stay before you book.
Camping near Penticton
Overnight stays are not allowed in Skaha Bluffs Park. The nearest alternative is sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Park near Okanagan Falls on Green Lake Road, which the Osoyoos Indian Band operates. Public camping there is closed on the third weekend of September for the Salmon Feast. Opening dates and free sites vary, so confirm before you drive.
BC Parks added a CA$20 surcharge for non-residents in 2026. In frontcountry campgrounds it applies per group and campsite. In the backcountry it applies per adult for each trip into a park. It is not charged per night, and children and teenagers are exempt. Higher frontcountry fees apply from 15 June to Labour Day 2026 at busy parks, including sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Park. Transaction fees are separate.
Getting around without a car
BC Transit local single fares are CA$2.25 and the local DayPASS is CA$4.50 (2026). Regional single fares are CA$4 and the regional DayPass is CA$8. Route 10 serves Naramata, route 40 goes to Osoyoos, and route 70 runs to Kelowna at its own fare of CA$5. Children up to 12 ride free. See the Kelowna guide if you plan to stay north of the lake. The airport and rental details are on our getting there page.
Plan the rest of your trip
Other pages for planning.
Where to stay in Penticton: frequently asked questions
Which area suits a first visit?
For most first visits, the Lakeshore Drive side or downtown is the easiest. You are near the beach, the museum and the market. Pick Naramata only if wine country is the main reason for your trip.
Is Naramata part of Penticton?
No. Naramata is its own village on the east shore, about 14 km and 20 minutes from Penticton.
Can I camp in Skaha Bluffs Park?
No, overnight stays are not allowed. Look at sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Park near Okanagan Falls instead, and confirm dates and sites in advance.
What is the non-resident camping surcharge?
CA$20 in 2026, charged per group for a frontcountry campsite or per adult for a backcountry trip. It is not charged per night.
Do I need a car if I stay downtown?
Not for the beach, the market or downtown. For wine country, Osoyoos or hikes, a car, a tour or a driver helps.