9 of the Best Hikes in Penticton to Explore
July 24, 2026
Living near Skaha Lake means the beach doesn’t have to be a whole-day plan. It can be a quick morning walk, an afternoon paddle, or the place you head after dinner when the day starts to cool off.
That easy access is a big part of life in this corner of Penticton. You still have the city’s restaurants, shops, services, and events nearby, but the south end has a quieter, more relaxed feel. Skaha Hills sits above the lake, close to outdoor activities, wineries, golf, and dining.
Skaha Lake Park Becomes Part of Your Routine
Skaha Lake Park is the kind of place you use differently depending on the day. On a warm weekend, you might pack lunch, grab one of the picnic tables, and spend a few hours near the sandy beach. On a weekday morning, it may be a walk along the promenade before the rest of the day gets busy.
The 21-acre park includes playgrounds, a seasonal splash pad, sport courts, green space, washrooms, and access to the water. There are also shaded areas where you can get out of the sun without leaving the lake behind.
The beach has a shallow entry, which makes it popular with families. Spring and fall are quieter, but the shoreline is still a great place for a walk, a coffee, or an hour outside.
Getting Out on the Water Is Easy
When the lake is close, getting outside feels less complicated. You don’t need to build a full weekend around it. You can take a paddleboard out for an hour, go for a morning kayak, or head down for a swim when the afternoon gets hot.
Some days on Skaha Lake are active. Others are just about finding a quiet spot near the water and enjoying the view. Swimming, paddling, sailing, and other lake activities are all part of outdoor life in Penticton.
There’s More to Do Than Go to the Beach
The lake may be the main draw, but it isn’t the only reason people enjoy this part of Penticton.
Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park is nearby and offers hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. Some access trails are steep and rocky, so it’s worth checking trail details and choosing an outing that suits your experience.
Cyclists and walkers also have routes around Penticton and the wider South Okanagan. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is one of the best-known options, although sections may close because of trail conditions. It’s smart to check current updates before heading out.
Penticton Gives You Two Lakes
One of the nicest things about living in Penticton is having a lake at both ends of the city.
Skaha Lake is on the south side, while Okanagan Lake sits to the north near downtown. Okanagan Beach has a busier waterfront feel, with plenty of activity along Lakeshore Drive. Skaha Lake Park feels more spread out and residential.
You can spend a quiet morning near Skaha Lake, then head north for dinner, an event, or a walk along Okanagan Lake later in the day.
Wine Country Is Close to Home
Living near Skaha Lake also puts you close to the vineyards, tasting rooms, and restaurants of the South Okanagan.
That doesn’t mean every weekend needs to become a wine tour. Sometimes it’s lunch on a patio, picking up a bottle for dinner, or taking visiting friends somewhere with a view.
Lake Life Goes Beyond Summer
Summer gets most of the attention, but living near Skaha Lake is enjoyable throughout the year.
The cooler months are good for quieter walks and time outside without the midsummer crowds. In winter, the lake and hills take on a completely different look. You can still enjoy the view, then head home to the clubhouse, hot tub, or fitness room at Skaha Hills.
That balance is what makes living here feel different. The lake is close enough to be part of an ordinary Tuesday, not just somewhere you visit on vacation.
At Skaha Hills, residents can enjoy views of Skaha Lake, direct access to the water, resort-style amenities, and a location close to the best parts of Penticton. It’s a way to settle into the Okanagan lifestyle without waiting for the weekend to enjoy it.