View source for Penticton

{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2014}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Penticton
| official_name      = The Corporation of the City of Penticton
| settlement_type    = [[List of cities in British Columbia|City]]
| nickname           = The Peach City
| motto              = A Place to Stay Forever
| image_skyline      = Penticton_Okanagan_Beach_Lakeshore.jpg
| image_caption      = Penticton waterfront and the [[Sicamous (sternwheeler)|SS ''Sicamous'']] at night
| image_flag         = Penticton BC Flag.svg
| flag_size          = 125px
| image_shield       = Penticton shield.jpg
| image_blank_emblem = Penticton, BC logo.png
| blank_emblem_type  = Logo
| pushpin_map        = Canada British Columbia#Canada
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Penticton
| coordinates        = {{coord|49|30|03|N|119|35|38|W|region:CA-BC|notes=<ref>{{Cite cgndb|JCVCH|Penticton}}</ref>|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = Canada
| subdivision_type1  = [[Provinces and territories of Canada|Province]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[British Columbia]]
| subdivision_type2  = Region
| subdivision_name2  = [[Okanagan]]
| subdivision_type3  = Regional district
| subdivision_name3  = [[Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen|Okanagan-Similkameen]]
| established_title  = Incorporated<br />{{•}} [[District municipality|District]]&nbsp;
| established_date   = <br />December&nbsp;31, 1908
| established_title2 = {{•}} City&nbsp;
| established_date2  = May&nbsp;10, 1948
| leader_title       = Mayor
| leader_name        = Julius Bloomfield
| leader_title1      = Council
| leader_name1       = Penticton City Council
| leader_title2      = [[Member of Parliament (Canada)|MPs]]
| leader_name2       = [[Richard Cannings (British Columbia politician)|Richard Cannings]]
| leader_title3      = [[Legislative Assembly of British Columbia|MLAs]]
| leader_name3       = [[Amelia Boultbee]]
| area_total_km2     = 43.03
| area_metro_km2     = 1,734.72
| area_footnotes     = &nbsp;(2021)<ref name="StatCan2021CSD"/><ref name="StatCan2021CA"/>
| elevation_m        = 344
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name="CFS"/>
| population_as_of   = 2021
| population_footnotes = <ref name="StatCan2021CSD"/><ref name="StatCan2021CA"/>
| population_total   = 36,885
| population_density_km2 = 857.3
| population_density_metro_km2 = 27.3
| population_metro   = 47,380 ([[List of census metropolitan areas and agglomerations in Canada|65th]])
| population_demonym = Pentictonite
| timezone           = [[Pacific Time Zone|PST]]
| utc_offset         = −08:00
| timezone_DST       = DST
| utc_offset_DST     = −07:00
| postal_code_type   = [[Canadian postal code#Forward sortation areas|Forward sortation area]]
| postal_code        = [[List of postal codes of Canada: V|V2A]]
| area_codes          = [[Area code 250|250]], [[Area code 778|778]], [[Area code 236|236]], [[Area code 672|672]]
| blank_name         = Highways
| blank_info         = [[British Columbia Highway 97|Highway 97]]
| blank1_name        = Waterways
| blank1_info        = [[Okanagan Lake]], [[Okanagan River]], [[Skaha Lake]]
| website            = {{Official URL}}
}}

'''Penticton''' ({{IPAc-en|p|ɛ|n|ˈ|t|ɪ|k||t|ən}} {{respell|pen|TIK|tən}}) is a city in the [[Okanagan|Okanagan Valley]] of [[British Columbia]], Canada, situated between [[Okanagan Lake|Okanagan]] and [[Skaha Lake|Skaha]] lakes. In the [[2021 Canadian Census]], its population was 36,885,<ref name="StatCan2021CSD">{{cite web|url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Penticton&GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1,4&DGUIDlist=2021A00055907041&HEADERlist=0 |title=Census Profile, 2021 Census Penticton, City [Census subdivision], British Columbia|date=February 9, 2022 |publisher=Statistics Canada|access-date=March 7, 2025}}</ref> while its [[Census geographic units of Canada#Census agglomerations|census agglomeration]] population was 47,380.<ref name="StatCan2021CA">{{cite web|url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Penticton&GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1,4&DGUIDlist=2021S0504913&HEADERlist=0 |title=Census Profile, 2021 Census Penticton [Census agglomeration], British Columbia|date=February 9, 2022 |publisher=Statistics Canada|access-date=March 7, 2025}}</ref>

==Name origin==
The name Penticton is derived from a word in the [[Okanagan language]]. It is conventionally translated as "a place to stay forever" but is actually a reference to the year-round flow of Okanagan Lake through Penticton where it enters Skaha Lake. Differing accounts of the meaning are given in the [[BC Geographical Names]] entry for the city:<ref>{{Cite bcgnis|id=38678 |title=Penticton (City)}}</ref>
{{blockquote|Place where water passes beyond.|Information from Isaac Harris, published in Vernon News, July 18, 1918; compare with: "Derived from the Okanagan dialect of the Salish tribe, the word Pen-tak-tin meaning 'a place of permanent abode where waters pass by'." (50th Anniversary booklet of Penticton, 1958)}}

{{Blockquote|From the Indian name ''Pente-hik-ton'', "ever" or "forever", referring to the constant, steady flow of the Okanagan River out of the lake.... applied by the Indians to the locality at the outlet of the lake, meaning that the stream ran on ever, or forever, in contrast to other streams which dried up during the summer (6th Report of the Okanagan Historical Society); compare with: "Derives from the Okanagan word Sin-peen-tick-tin, loosely translatable as 'permanent place'."|c1980 advice from Randy Bouchard, BC Indian Language Project.}}

==History==
[[File:KVR-Penticton-05311915.jpg|thumb|left|Headquarters of the [[Kettle Valley Railway]] were situated in Penticton.]]
The site of the city was first settled by the [[Syilx]] (Okanagan people), of the [[Interior Salish languages]] group,<ref name="Breese-Biagioni">[[#Breese-Biagioni|Breese-Biagioni (1998)]], p. 10</ref> who initially named the community Phthauntac, meaning the "ideal meeting place", followed by Penticton, meaning a "place to stay forever",<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |first=William |last=Sloan | url=http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/penticton | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315054306/http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/penticton | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 15, 2012 |title=Penticton |encyclopedia=[[The Canadian Encyclopedia]] |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref> or officially "a place where people live year-round" in the [[Okanagan language]].<ref name="officialhistory">{{cite web |url=http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/community/about-penticton/our-history.html |title=Our History |publisher=Penticton |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref> They settled around the city's two lakes: [[Skaha Lake]] and [[Okanagan Lake]]; the former was originally known as Dog Lake.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni"/> Their descendants form the [[Penticton Indian Band]],<ref name="Breese-Biagioni"/> a [[First Nations in Canada|First Nations]] government part of the [[Okanagan Nation Alliance]] situated near Penticton.<ref name="historyculture">{{cite web |url=http://www.hellobc.com/penticton/culture-history.aspx |title=Culture & History |publisher=[[Tourism British Columbia]] |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref>

In 1866, Irishman [[Thomas Ellis (Irish emigrant)|Thomas Ellis]] and his family travelled to Penticton, and became the first white settlers.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni"/> He started to develop a community by building a cattle empire, and planting fruit trees.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni"/> The Penticton Hotel was established in 1892 by Ellis, who positioned it around the local government area, and its first road: Front Street.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni"/> The sidewalks on the street were made from wood, with coal oil lamps being introduced to the sidewalk.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni"/> Ellis and his relatives retired in 1892, and sold a portion of their land to property dealers.<ref name="officialhistory"/> Around this time, a number of European fur traders travelled through Penticton and the surrounding communities.<ref name="officialhistory"/><ref name="historyculture"/>

The sternwheeler [[SS Aberdeen (1893)|SS ''Aberdeen'']], which began service on Okanagan Lake in 1892, meant that more services could be shipped to the area.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni"/> A group of residents formed their own local public government board for the community, by 1907, in the hopes of promoting the area.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni"/> It was referred to as the Board of Trade, who attempted to specialize in arts, commerce, education, and recreation.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni"/> Another sternwheeler was constructed at [[Okanagan Landing]] and launched that same year, the [[SS Okanagan|SS ''Okanagan'']], for use on Okanagan Lake, while other sternwheelers served Penticton and other communities on Skaha Lake.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni"/>
[[File:Penticton, British Columbia.JPG|thumb|left|An aerial view of Penticton; [[Skaha Lake]] can be seen in the foreground, while [[Okanagan Lake]] is visible in the background. [[Penticton Regional Airport]]'s runway can also be seen.]]
Penticton was incorporated as a district municipality on December&nbsp;31, 1908.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni2">[[#Breese-Biagioni|Breese-Biagioni (1998)]], p. 11</ref><ref name="bcgeonames">{{cite web |url=http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/38678.html |title=Penticton |publisher=[[BC Geographical Names]] |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref> Shortly after the district was incorporated, the fruit trees planted by Ellis, many of them apple trees, started to grow.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni2"/> Residents of the area packed fruit in boxes, so they could distribute it worldwide.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni2"/> In 1912, the [[Canadian Pacific Railway]] (CPR) developed the [[Incola Hotel]] for the city, which operated for approximately 70&nbsp;years.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni2"/> The [[Penticton Aquatic Club]] was a center of entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Masquerade dance Aquatic Club House - UBC Library Open Collections |url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/langmann/items/1.0432658 |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=open.library.ubc.ca |language=en}}</ref>

During World War I, the [[Sicamous (sternwheeler)|SS ''Sicamous'']] came to the community, while the [[Kettle Valley Railway]] train service began operating, by moving specific passengers.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni2"/> In 1949, Penticton purchased the ship from the Canadian Pacific Railway.<ref name="officialhistory"/> The [[Penticton Regional Airport]] was developed during World War II due to wartime military air transportation concerns, which acted as an emergency landing strip until its tarmac was completed.<ref name="McGrath">[[#McGrath|McGrath (1992)]]</ref><ref name=historyofairport/> Its land was expropriated from the Penticton Indian Band in 1949 under the [[War Measures Act]].<ref name=historyofairport>{{cite web |url=http://www.cyyf.ca/history.htm |title=History |publisher=[[Penticton Regional Airport]] |access-date=November 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207210414/http://www.cyyf.ca/history.htm |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="IndianBand">{{cite web |first=Tracey |last=Bonneau |url=http://www.ammsa.com/publications/ravens-eye/penticton-airport-closed-day-band-protest |title=Penticton airport closed for a day by band protest |work=Raven's Eye |year=1999 |access-date=January 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207130520/http://www.ammsa.com/publications/ravens-eye/penticton-airport-closed-day-band-protest |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 1948, a provincial highway opened between [[Hope, British Columbia|Hope]] and [[Princeton, British Columbia|Princeton]], which allowed access to Penticton, and created competition for the Kettle Valley Railway;<ref name="Breese-Biagioni2"/> headquarters for the railway were chosen to be in Penticton, in 1910, but the location burnt down in 1964. Much of the railroad's original route has been converted to a multi-use recreational trail, known as the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, which carries the [[Trans Canada Trail]] through this part of British Columbia.<ref name="historyculture"/><ref name="Langford">[[#Langford|Langford (2002)]], p. 85</ref> It was incorporated as a city on May&nbsp;10, 1948, with the [[Governor General of Canada]] declaring this.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni2"/> Reeve Robert Lyon served Penticton as the first mayor, while [[Harold Alexander, 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis|Lord Alexander]] was made a freeman of the city.<ref name="Breese-Biagioni2"/>

During a [[2021 Canadian church burnings|series of church fires]] in 2021–thought to be associated with the outrage following the [[Canadian Indian residential school gravesites|discovery of many purported burials]] at [[Canadian Indian residential school system|Canadian Indian residential school sites]]–Sacred Heart Mission Church in Penticton was burned on 21 June 2021. Sacred Heart Mission was one of two Catholic churches burned that day, the other roughly 40 minutes away on [[Osoyoos Indian Band|Osoyoos]] land.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Christine|last1 = Rousselle|first2=Joe|last2=Bukuras|title= Indigenous leaders condemn recent vandalism of churches in Canada|publisher= [[Catholic News Agency]]| date= June 29, 2021| url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248185/indigenous-leaders-condemn-recent-vandalism-of-churches-in-canada|access-date=30 July 2023}}</ref>

== Geography ==
[[File:Skaha Lake along the Okanogan River.jpg|thumb|left|[[Skaha Lake]] sits along the [[Okanagan River]] near Penticton.]]
Penticton is located at the geographical coordinates of {{coord|49|29|28|N|119|35|19|W|region:CA-BC_type:city|name=Penticton}} and covers an area of {{cvt|43.03|km2}}, with a maximum north–south distance of {{cvt|7|km}} wide between the [[Okanagan Lake]] to the north and [[Skaha Lake]] to the south; these lakes are part of the drainage system of the [[Okanogan River|Okanagan River]],<ref name="TourismBC">{{cite web |url=http://www.hellobc.com/penticton/geography.aspx |title=Geography |publisher=[[Tourism British Columbia]] |access-date=January 9, 2013}}</ref> a tributary of the [[Columbia River]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.colvilletribes.com/media/files/Barriers%20to%20anadromous%20fish%20in%20the%20Okanogan%20River.pdf |title=Barriers to anadromous fish in the Okanogan River |publisher=[[Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation]] |access-date=January 9, 2013}}</ref> Its borders are formed by Skaha Lake Road to the south and west, which changes to [[British Columbia Highway 97|Highway 97]] after city limits, Naramata Road to the east, and to the west, Highway 97. Penticton has an elevation of {{cvt|385|m}}, and is situated five hours from [[Seattle]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]], and [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]] in another direction; and eight hours from [[Calgary]], [[Alberta]], by highway.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/community/about-penticton/location.html |title=Location |publisher=Penticton |access-date=January 9, 2013}}</ref>

=== Topography ===
Penticton is the largest city by area and population in, and the seat of, the [[Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen|Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rdosmaps.bc.ca/min_bylaws/contract_reports/CorpBd/2011/21Nov3/Environment/ScheduleAAECOM.pdf |title=AAECOM Schedule |publisher=[[Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen]] |access-date=January 9, 2013}}</ref> which is part of the [[Okanagan]] as a whole, for which the city is the third largest in the region.<ref name="TourismBC"/><ref name="Our Okanagan">{{cite web |url=http://www.ourokanagan.ca/assets/files/OK%20VALLEY%20PROFILE.pdf |title=Okanagan Valley Regional Profile |publisher=Our Okanagan |access-date=November 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916044002/http://www.ourokanagan.ca/assets/files/OK%20VALLEY%20PROFILE.pdf |archive-date=September 16, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It is the [[List of cities in British Columbia|21st largest settlement]] in British Columbia itself by population,<ref name="BCdemo">{{cite web |url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table-Tableau.cfm?LANG=Eng&T=302&SR=1&S=51&O=A&RPP=9999&PR=59&CMA=0 |title=Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2011 and 2006 censuses (British Columbia) |publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] |access-date=January 9, 2013}}</ref> while its metropolitan area, including the city plus Okanagan-Similkameen Electoral Area D, serves as the [[List of census metropolitan areas and agglomerations in Canada|71st largest in Canada]];<ref name="metro">{{cite web|url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table-Tableau.cfm?LANG=Eng&T=201&S=3&O=D&RPP=150 |title=Population and dwelling counts, for census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations, 2011 and 2006 censuses (table). 2011 Census |publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] |access-date=January 9, 2013}}</ref> by area, Penticton ranks 20th in its province; statistics are based on the [[2011 Canadian Census]].<ref name="BCdemo"/> It lies at the south bottom of Okanagan Lake, and north beginning of Skaha Lake.<ref name="TourismBC"/> Between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake are a number of residential areas, farms, which grow orchard and wine products.<ref name="TourismBC"/>

Pine and fir are commonly found in the mountains and high country around Penticton, which include the [[Okanagan Highland]], and to its east, the [[Monashee Mountains]]. [[Apex Mountain Resort]], which sits {{cvt|33|km}} west of the city on the [[Thompson Plateau]], is home to the tallest mountain peak in the Penticton area; ski services are offered.<ref name="TourismBC"/> The Okanagan Highland is an intermediary plateau-like hilly country between the Okanagan Valley and the Monashee Mountains.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/30125.html |title=Okanagan Highland |publisher=[[BC Geographical Names]] |access-date=January 9, 2013}}</ref>

=== Climate ===
[[File:Penticton airport.jpg|thumb|The local and upcoming weather for the city is observed at the [[Penticton Regional Airport]].]]
Penticton has a [[semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''BSk''). Penticton has low precipitation, hot summer days with cool nights, and moderately cool, mostly cloudy winters. With {{cvt|346.0|mm}} of annual precipitation,<ref name="climate"/> Penticton is the fourth driest city in Canada.<ref name="statclimate">{{cite web |url=http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/winners/intro_e.html |title=City Data |publisher=[[Environment and Climate Change Canada]] |access-date=January 9, 2013}}</ref> It averages {{cvt|58.7|cm}} of snowfall per year. Penticton has the mildest winter of any non-coastal city in Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/winners/categorydata_e.html?SelectedCategory=4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125151335/http://climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/winners/categorydata_e.html?SelectedCategory=4 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 25, 2011 |title=Mildest Winters |publisher=Environment and Climate Change Canada |access-date=October 25, 2019}}</ref>

The high daytime temperatures throughout the summer means that Penticton has on average the second most number of days in a year over {{cvt|30|C}} (after [[Kamloops]])<ref name="statclimate"/> and the city has the lowest amount of fog in Canada.<ref name="statclimate"/> Penticton experiences 1,923&nbsp;sunshine hours annually, lower than one might expect in a dry climate. This is the result of temperature inversions during the winter that leave a layer of cloud cover at the top of the valley where warm moist air collides with the cooler dry air that fills the valley. During December and January, Penticton is one of the cloudiest places in Canada. By contrast, the summer months are some of the most cloud-free in the country. Overall the sun shines for 39&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent of daylight hours, varying between a low of 13&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent in December and January to 62.6&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent in August.<ref name="statclimate"/>

Mean relative humidity hovers between 63–77&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent in the morning throughout the year, but afternoon mean relative humidity is more uneven, ranging from 36&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent in July to 69&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent in January and December.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theweathernetwork.com/statistics/wind/cl1126150/metric |title=Statistics: Penticton, BC, Canada |publisher=[[The Weather Network]] |access-date=January 9, 2012}}</ref> The local and upcoming weather of Penticton is observed at the [[Penticton Regional Airport]] by [[Environment and Climate Change Canada]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-84_metric_e.html |title=Penticton, British Columbia&nbsp;– 7 Day Forecast |publisher=Environment and Climate Change Canada |access-date=January 9, 2013}}</ref> It typically experiences four distinct seasons annually, having hot summers, relatively mild winters, and little snow, according to the [[Executive Council of British Columbia|British Columbia government]] based on statistics from Environment and Climate Change Canada.<ref name="TourismBC"/> Despite having a mild winter by Canadian standards, Penticton often sees moderate stretches of below freezing weather, typically confined to December and January.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Penticton was {{convert|44.2|C}} on [[2021 Western North America heat wave|June 30, 2021]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/news/five-days-of-heat-records-in-penticton-3613984|title=Five days of heat records in Penticton|work=Penticton Western News|date=July 3, 2021|access-date=February 11, 2024}}</ref> and the lowest was {{convert|-27.6|C}} on January 13, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/weather/forecasts/temperatures-plunge-in-b-c-with-once-in-a-generation-cold-spell|title=B.C. and Alberta see record-breaking temperatures amid historic deep freeze|work=The Weather Network|access-date=February 11, 2024|date=January 13, 2024}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Penticton ([[Penticton Regional Airport]])<br>[[Location identifier#WMO station identifiers|WMO ID]]: 71889; coordinates {{coordinates|49|27|47|N|119|36|08|W|type:airport_region:CA-BC|name=Penticton Regional Airport}}; elevation: {{cvt|344.4|m}}; 1991−2020 normals, extremes 1907−present{{efn|Climate data was recorded at Penticton from April 1907 to March 1941 and at Penticton Airport from April 1941 to present.}}
|metric first = Y
|single line = Y
|width=auto
|Jan maximum humidex = 14.1
|Feb maximum humidex = 15.9
|Mar maximum humidex = 21.1
|Apr maximum humidex = 29.4
|May maximum humidex = 34.7
|Jun maximum humidex = 46.0
|Jul maximum humidex = 42.1
|Aug maximum humidex = 41.1
|Sep maximum humidex = 36.2
|Oct maximum humidex = 27.1
|Nov maximum humidex = 18.9
|Dec maximum humidex = 22.5
|year maximum humidex = 46.0
|Jan record high C = 15.7
|Feb record high C = 17.8
|Mar record high C = 21.7
|Apr record high C = 30.6
|May record high C = 34.4
|Jun record high C = 44.2
|Jul record high C = 40.6
|Aug record high C = 38.9
|Sep record high C = 36.6
|Oct record high C = 28.9
|Nov record high C = 19.4
|Dec record high C = 22.5
|year record high C = 44.2
|Jan high C = 1.6
|Feb high C = 4.7
|Mar high C = 10.2
|Apr high C = 15.7
|May high C = 21.4
|Jun high C = 24.6
|Jul high C = 29.2
|Aug high C = 28.4
|Sep high C = 22.6
|Oct high C = 14.3
|Nov high C = 6.7
|Dec high C = 2.1
|year high C = 15.1
|Jan mean C = -0.8
|Feb mean C = 0.8
|Mar mean C = 4.9
|Apr mean C = 9.1
|May mean C = 14.3
|Jun mean C = 17.6
|Jul mean C = 21.4
|Aug mean C = 20.6
|Sep mean C = 15.6
|Oct mean C = 8.9
|Nov mean C = 3.4
|Dec mean C = -0.4
|year mean C = 9.6
|Jan low C = -3.2
|Feb low C = -3.2
|Mar low C = -0.6
|Apr low C = 2.4
|May low C = 7.1
|Jun low C = 10.6
|Jul low C = 13.5
|Aug low C = 12.8
|Sep low C = 8.5
|Oct low C = 3.5
|Nov low C = 0.0
|Dec low C = -2.8
|year low C = 4.1
|Jan record low C = -27.6
|Feb record low C = -26.7
|Mar record low C = -17.8
|Apr record low C = -8.1
|May record low C = -5.6
|Jun record low C = 0.0
|Jul record low C = 2.2
|Aug record low C = 0.6
|Sep record low C = -5.6
|Oct record low C = -14.5
|Nov record low C = -22.3
|Dec record low C = -27.2
|year record low C = -27.6
|Jan chill = -32.6
|Feb chill = -34.0
|Mar chill = -27.8
|Apr chill = -11.0
|May chill = -10.1
|Jun chill = 0.0
|Jul chill = 0.0
|Aug chill = 0.0
|Sep chill = -6.0
|Oct chill = -21.2
|Nov chill = -34.0
|Dec chill = -39.7
|year chill = -39.7
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 28.1
|Feb precipitation mm = 19.3
|Mar precipitation mm = 22.7
|Apr precipitation mm = 25.6
|May precipitation mm = 38.2
|Jun precipitation mm = 43.8
|Jul precipitation mm = 28.3
|Aug precipitation mm = 27.0
|Sep precipitation mm = 24.5
|Oct precipitation mm = 28.9
|Nov precipitation mm = 28.1
|Dec precipitation mm = 29.6
|year precipitation mm = 344.1
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 12.9
|Feb rain mm = 12.6
|Mar rain mm = 18.0
|Apr rain mm = 25.1
|May rain mm = 38.2
|Jun rain mm = 43.8
|Jul rain mm = 28.3
|Aug rain mm = 27.0
|Sep rain mm = 24.5
|Oct rain mm = 28.9
|Nov rain mm = 21.9
|Dec rain mm = 12.2
|year rain mm = 293.3
|snow colour = green
|Jan snow cm = 19.1
|Feb snow cm = 8.6
|Mar snow cm = 5.2
|Apr snow cm = 0.6
|May snow cm = 0.0
|Jun snow cm = 0.0
|Jul snow cm = 0.0
|Aug snow cm = 0.0
|Sep snow cm = 0.0
|Oct snow cm = 0.2
|Nov snow cm = 7.5
|Dec snow cm = 20.4
|year snow cm = 61.6
|humidity colour = green
|time day = 1500 LST
|Jan humidity = 72.3
|Feb humidity = 61.5
|Mar humidity = 48.3
|Apr humidity = 39.0
|May humidity = 38.7
|Jun humidity = 38.8
|Jul humidity = 33.3
|Aug humidity = 34.0
|Sep humidity = 41.0
|Oct humidity = 52.6
|Nov humidity = 65.8
|Dec humidity = 72.0
|year humidity = 49.8
|unit precipitation days = 0.2 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 13.0
|Feb precipitation days = 10.1
|Mar precipitation days = 9.4
|Apr precipitation days = 8.9
|May precipitation days = 10.9
|Jun precipitation days = 10.9
|Jul precipitation days = 7.4
|Aug precipitation days = 6.4
|Sep precipitation days = 7.4
|Oct precipitation days = 9.7
|Nov precipitation days = 12.2
|Dec precipitation days = 14.0
|year precipitation days = 120.2
|unit rain days = 0.2 mm
|Jan rain days = 6.9
|Feb rain days = 6.8
|Mar rain days = 8.1
|Apr rain days = 8.7
|May rain days = 10.9
|Jun rain days = 10.9
|Jul rain days = 7.4
|Aug rain days = 6.4
|Sep rain days = 7.4
|Oct rain days = 9.7
|Nov rain days = 9.8
|Dec rain days = 6.4
|year rain days = 99.3
|unit snow days = 0.2 cm
|Jan snow days = 8.1
|Feb snow days = 4.4
|Mar snow days = 2.1
|Apr snow days = 0.35
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.09
|Nov snow days = 3.1
|Dec snow days = 9.7
|year snow days = 27.9
|Jan sun = 35.0
|Feb sun = 81.4
|Mar sun = 144.3
|Apr sun = 189.7
|May sun = 234.3
|Jun sun = 237.3
|Jul sun = 287.9
|Aug sun = 279.7
|Sep sun = 212.3
|Oct sun = 135.0
|Nov sun = 53.0
|Dec sun = 33.7
|year sun = 1923.3
|Jan percentsun = 13.0
|Feb percentsun = 28.6
|Mar percentsun = 39.2
|Apr percentsun = 46.1
|May percentsun = 49.3
|Jun percentsun = 48.8
|Jul percentsun = 58.7
|Aug percentsun = 62.6
|Sep percentsun = 56.0
|Oct percentsun = 40.3
|Nov percentsun = 19.3
|Dec percentsun = 13.2
|year percentsun = 39.6
|source 1 = [[Environment and Climate Change Canada]]<ref name="91-20normals">{{cite web
|url = https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1991_2020_e.html?searchType=stnProv&lstProvince=BC&txtCentralLatMin=0&txtCentralLatSec=0&txtCentralLongMin=0&txtCentralLongSec=0&stnID=342000000&dispBack=0
|title = Penticton A
|work = Canadian Climate Normals 1991−2020
|publisher = [[Environment and Climate Change Canada]]
|access-date = July 7, 2024
|url-status=live
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240707132548/https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1991_2020_e.html?searchType=stnProv&lstProvince=BC&txtCentralLatMin=0&txtCentralLatSec=0&txtCentralLongMin=0&txtCentralLongSec=0&stnID=342000000&dispBack=0
|archive-date = 2024-07-07}}</ref> (sun 1981–2010)<ref name="climate">{{cite web
|url = http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1981_2010_e.html?searchType=stnName&txtStationName=Penticton&searchMethod=contains&txtCentralLatMin=0&txtCentralLatSec=0&txtCentralLongMin=0&txtCentralLongSec=0&stnID=1053&dispBack=1
|title = Penticton A
|work = Canadian Climate Normals 1981−2010
|publisher = Environment and Climate Change Canada
|access-date = September 12, 2013
|url-status=live
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240707132709/https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1981_2010_e.html?searchType=stnName&txtStationName=Penticton&searchMethod=contains&txtCentralLatMin=0&txtCentralLatSec=0&txtCentralLongMin=0&txtCentralLongSec=0&stnID=1053&dispBack=1
|archive-date = 2024-07-07}}</ref> (June maximum)<ref name="June 2021">{{cite web
|url = https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?StationID=50269&Month=6&Day=1&Year=2021&timeframe=2&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2021
|title = Daily Data Report for June 2021
|date = June 28, 2021
|publisher = Environment and Climate Change Canada
|access-date = June 28, 2021
|url-status=live
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240707132818/https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?StationID=50269&Month=6&Day=1&Year=2021&timeframe=2&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2021
|archive-date = 2024-07-07}}</ref> (December maximum)<ref name="December 2021">{{cite web
|url = https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?StationID=50269&timeframe=2&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2021&Day=1&Year=2021&Month=12#
|title = Daily Data Report for December 2021
|date = July 7, 2024
|publisher = Environment and Climate Change Canada
|access-date = July 7, 2024
|url-status=live
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240707132842/https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?StationID=50269&timeframe=2&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2021&Day=1&Year=2021&Month=12%23
|archive-date = 2024-07-07}}</ref> (January minimum)<ref name="January 2024">{{cite web
|url = https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?StationID=50269&timeframe=2&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2021&Day=1&Year=2024&Month=1#
|title = Daily Data Report for January 2024
|date = July 7, 2024
|publisher = Environment and Climate Change Canada
|access-date = July 7, 2024
|url-status=live
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240707133344/https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?StationID=50269&timeframe=2&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2021&Day=1&Year=2024&Month=1%23
|archive-date = 2024-07-07}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{Historical populations
| footnote = Sources: [[Statistics Canada]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/Census/MunicipalPopulations.aspx?ctl00_ctl00_PlaceholderPageContent_PlaceholderPage3_usercontrols_general_csvviewer_ascx1_GridCsvChangePage=6_20&ctl00_ctl00_PlaceholderPageContent_PlaceholderPage4_ctl00_GridCsvChangePage=6_20 |title=British Columbia – Municipal Census Populations (1921–2011) |publisher=BC Stats |access-date=May 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054641/http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/Census/MunicipalPopulations.aspx?ctl00_ctl00_PlaceholderPageContent_PlaceholderPage3_usercontrols_general_csvviewer_ascx1_GridCsvChangePage=6_20&ctl00_ctl00_PlaceholderPageContent_PlaceholderPage4_ctl00_GridCsvChangePage=6_20 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| [[1921 Canadian Census|1921]] | 3979
| [[1931 Canadian Census|1931]] | 4640
| [[1941 Canadian Census|1941]] | 5777
| [[1951 Canadian Census|1951]] | 10548
| [[Census in Canada|1956]] | 11894
| [[Census in Canada|1961]] | 13859
| [[Census in Canada|1966]] | 15330
| [[Census in Canada|1971]] | 18146
| [[Census in Canada|1976]] | 21344
| [[Census in Canada|1981]] | 23181
| [[Census in Canada|1986]] | 23588
| [[Census in Canada|1991]] | 27258
| [[1996 Canadian Census|1996]] | 30987
| [[2001 Canadian Census|2001]] | 30985
| [[2006 Canadian Census|2006]] | 31909
| [[2011 Canadian Census|2011]] | 32877
| [[2016 Canadian Census|2016]] | 33761
|[[2021 Canadian Census|2021]]|36885}}

In the [[2021 Canadian census]] conducted by [[Statistics Canada]], Penticton had a population of 36,885 living in 17,361 of its 18,457 total private dwellings, a change of {{percentage|{{#expr:36885-33761}}|33761|1|% = &nbsp;per&nbsp;cent}} from its 2016 population of 33,761. With a land area of {{cvt|43.03|km2}}, it had a population density of {{Pop density|36885|43.03|km2|sqmi|prec=1}} in 2021.<ref name=2021census>{{cite web | url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=9810000202&geocode=A000259 | title=Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), British Columbia | publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] | date=February 9, 2022 | accessdate=February 20, 2022}}</ref>

In 2016. Penticton has a dwelling occupancy rate of 93.2&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent. The median value of a private dwelling is $359,167, just under the national median of $374,975. The median age is 52.4, much higher than the national median age of 41.2. 29.0&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent of residents are 65 years or older, compared to 16.9&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent nationally.<ref name="StatCan2016CSD">{{cite web|url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5907041&Geo2=CD&Code2=5907&SearchText=Penticton&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&TABID=1&type=0 |title=Census Profile, 2016 Census Penticton, City [Census subdivision], British Columbia and Okanagan-Similkameen, Regional district [Census division], British Columbia|date=November 29, 2017|publisher=Statistics Canada|access-date=January 17, 2020}}</ref> In 2024 The median value of a single family home is Priced at $750,000 cad

=== Ethnicity ===
As of 2021, 84.3&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent of residents are white, while 8.9&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent are [[visible minorities]], and 6.8&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent are [[Indigenous peoples in Canada|Indigenous]]. The largest visible minority groups in Penticton are [[South Asian Canadians|South Asian]] (3.2&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent), [[Filipino Canadians|Filipino]] (1.4&nbsp; per&nbsp;cent), [[Chinese Canadians|Chinese]] (1.0&nbsp; per&nbsp;cent), and [[Black Canadians|Black]] (0.7&nbsp; per&nbsp;cent), and [[Japanese Canadians|Japanese]] (0.5&nbsp; per&nbsp;cent).<ref name="2021censusB"/>

{| class="wikitable collapsible sortable"
|+ [[Panethnicity|Panethnic]] groups in the City of Penticton (2001−2021)
! rowspan="2" |[[Panethnicity|Panethnic]]<br>group
! colspan="2" |2021<ref name="2021censusB"/>
! colspan="2" |2016<ref name="2016census">{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2021-10-27 |title= Census Profile, 2016 Census |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5907041&Geo2=CD&Code2=5907&SearchText=Penticton&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&TABID=1&type=0 |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}}</ref>
! colspan="2" |2011<ref name="2011census">{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2015-11-27 |title= NHS Profile |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5907041&Data=Count&SearchText=Penticton&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&A1=All&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1 |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}}</ref>
! colspan="2" |2006<ref name="2006census">{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2019-08-20 |title= 2006 Community Profiles |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/prof/92-591/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5907041&Geo2=PR&Code2=59&Data=Count&SearchText=Penticton&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom= |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}}</ref>
! colspan="2" |2001<ref name="2001census">{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2019-07-02 |title= 2001 Community Profiles |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/english/Profil01/CP01/Details/Page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5907041&Geo2=PR&Code2=59&Data=Count&SearchText=Penticton&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom= |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}}</ref>
|-
![[Population|{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}]]
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
|-
| [[European Canadians|European]]{{efn|Statistic includes all persons that did not make up part of a visible minority or an indigenous identity.|name="euro"}}
| 30,110
| {{Percentage | 30110 | 35725 | 2 }}
| 28,000
| {{Percentage | 28000 | 32490 | 2 }}
| 28,050
| {{Percentage | 28050 | 31720 | 2 }}
| 28,510
| {{Percentage | 28510 | 31390 | 2 }}
| 27,990
| {{Percentage | 27990 | 30740 | 2 }}
|-
| [[Indigenous peoples in Canada|Indigenous]]
| 2,420
| {{Percentage | 2420 | 35725 | 2 }}
| 2,220
| {{Percentage | 2220 | 32490 | 2 }}
| 2,005
| {{Percentage | 2005 | 31720 | 2 }}
| 990
| {{Percentage | 990 | 31390 | 2 }}
| 960
| {{Percentage | 960 | 30740 | 2 }}
|-
| [[South Asian Canadians|South Asian]]
| 1,130
| {{Percentage | 1130 | 35725 | 2 }}
| 920
| {{Percentage | 920 | 32490 | 2 }}
| 710
| {{Percentage | 710 | 31720 | 2 }}
| 990
| {{Percentage | 990 | 31390 | 2 }}
| 755
| {{Percentage | 755 | 30740 | 2 }}
|-
| [[East Asian Canadians|East Asian]]{{efn|Statistic includes total responses of "Chinese", "Korean", and "Japanese" under visible minority section on census.|name="EastAsian"}}
| 685
| {{Percentage | 685 | 35725 | 2 }}
| 490
| {{Percentage | 490 | 32490 | 2 }}
| 295
| {{Percentage | 295 | 31720 | 2 }}
| 420
| {{Percentage | 420 | 31390 | 2 }}
| 485
| {{Percentage | 485 | 30740 | 2 }}
|-
| [[Southeast Asia]]n{{efn|Statistic includes total responses of "Filipino" and "Southeast Asian" under visible minority section on census.|name="SoutheastAsian"}}
| 670
| {{Percentage | 670 | 35725 | 2 }}
| 500
| {{Percentage | 500 | 32490 | 2 }}
| 280
| {{Percentage | 280 | 31720 | 2 }}
| 280
| {{Percentage | 280 | 31390 | 2 }}
| 305
| {{Percentage | 305 | 30740 | 2 }}
|-
| [[African-Canadian|African]]
| 265
| {{Percentage | 265 | 35725 | 2 }}
| 95
| {{Percentage | 95 | 32490 | 2 }}
| 120
| {{Percentage | 120 | 31720 | 2 }}
| 20
| {{Percentage | 20 | 31390 | 2 }}
| 65
| {{Percentage | 65 | 30740 | 2 }}
|-
| [[Latin American Canadians|Latin American]]
| 175
| {{Percentage | 175 | 35725 | 2 }}
| 105
| {{Percentage | 105 | 32490 | 2 }}
| 100
| {{Percentage | 100 | 31720 | 2 }}
| 75
| {{Percentage | 75 | 31390 | 2 }}
| 175
| {{Percentage | 175 | 30740 | 2 }}
|-
| [[Middle Eastern Canadians|Middle Eastern]]{{efn|Statistic includes total responses of "West Asian" and "Arab" under visible minority section on census.|name="MiddleEastern"}}
| 120
| {{Percentage | 120 | 35725 | 2 }}
| 55
| {{Percentage | 55 | 32490 | 2 }}
| 75
| {{Percentage | 75 | 31720 | 2 }}
| 25
| {{Percentage | 25 | 31390 | 2 }}
| 20
| {{Percentage | 20 | 30740 | 2 }}
|-
| Other{{efn|Statistic includes total responses of "Visible minority, {{abbr|n.i.e.|not included elsewhere}}" and "Multiple visible minorities" under visible minority section on census.|name="Other"}}
| 150
| {{Percentage | 150 | 35725 | 2 }}
| 100
| {{Percentage | 100 | 32490 | 2 }}
| 75
| {{Percentage | 75 | 31720 | 2 }}
| 85
| {{Percentage | 85 | 31390 | 2 }}
| 0
| {{Percentage | 0 | 30740 | 2 }}
|-
! Total responses
! 35,725
! {{Percentage | 35725 | 36885 | 2 }}
! 32,490
! {{Percentage | 32490 | 33761 | 2 }}
! 31,720
! {{Percentage | 31720 | 32877 | 2 }}
! 31,390
! {{Percentage | 31390 | 31909 | 2 }}
! 30,740
! {{Percentage | 30740 | 30985 | 2 }}
|-
! Total population
! 36,885
! {{Percentage | 36885 | 36885 | 2 }}
! 33,761
! {{Percentage | 33761 | 33761 | 2 }}
! 32,877
! {{Percentage | 32877 | 32877 | 2 }}
! 31,909
! {{Percentage | 31909 | 31909 | 2 }}
! 30,985
! {{Percentage | 30985 | 30985 | 2 }}
|}
*Note: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responses.
{{clear}}

=== Language ===
As of 2016, 86.4&nbsp; per&nbsp;cent of residents spoke [[Canadian English|English]] as their first language. Other common mother tongues are German (2.2&nbsp; per&nbsp;cent), [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] (1.8&nbsp; per&nbsp;cent), [[Canadian French|French]] (1.8&nbsp; per&nbsp;cent), [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] (0.7&nbsp; per&nbsp;cent) and [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]] (0.6&nbsp; per&nbsp;cent).

=== Religion ===
According to the [[2021 Canadian census|2021 census]], religious groups in Penticton included:<ref name="2021censusB">{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2022-10-26 |title= Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=penticton&DGUIDlist=2021A00055907041&GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1&HEADERlist=0 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}}</ref>
*[[Irreligion in Canada|Irreligion]] (19,645 persons or 55.0&nbsp; per&nbsp;cent)
*[[Christianity in Canada|Christianity]] (14,575 persons or 40.8&nbsp; per&nbsp;cent)
*[[Sikhism in Canada|Sikhism]] (750 persons or 2.1&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent)
*[[Hinduism in Canada|Hinduism]] (170 persons or 0.5&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent)
*[[Buddhism in Canada|Buddhism]] (155 persons or 0.4&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent)
*[[Islam in Canada|Islam]] (90 persons or 0.3&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent)
*[[Judaism in Canada|Judaism]] (60 persons or 0.2&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent)
*[[Mythologies of the indigenous peoples of the Americas|Indigenous Spirituality]] (45 persons or 0.1&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent)

As of 2011,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5907041&Data=Count&SearchText=penticton&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&A1=All&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1|title=NHS Profile, Penticton, CY, British Columbia, 2011|date=May 8, 2013 }}</ref> 52.9&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent of residents were Christian. The largest denominations were [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] (15.8&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent), other Christian (14.5&nbsp; per&nbsp;cent) [[United Church of Christ|United Church]] (8.6&nbsp; per&nbsp;cent), [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] (4.7&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent), and [[Baptists|Baptist]] (2.0&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent) The largest minority religions were [[Sikhism]], practised by 1.7&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent of the population and [[Buddhism]], practised by 0.5&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent, while 43.5&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent held no religious affiliation.

== Architecture ==
According to [[SkyscraperPage]], there are eight notable buildings in Penticton,<ref name="sky">{{cite web |url=http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?cityID=1790 |title=Penticton |publisher=[[SkyscraperPage]] |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> the largest of which are the Lakeshore buildings, which are 15&nbsp;floors, with the building's construction by concrete completing in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=53552 |title=Lakeshore Two |publisher=[[SkyscraperPage]] |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=53551 |title=Lakeshore Three |publisher=[[SkyscraperPage]] |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref><ref name="emporis">{{cite web |url=http://www.emporis.com/building/lakeshore-three-penticton-canada |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013044915/http://www.emporis.com/building/lakeshore-three-penticton-canada |url-status=usurped |archive-date=October 13, 2014 |title=Lakeshore Three |publisher=[[Emporis]] |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> The building is associated with an engineering organization, construction company, and real estate agency, but was made for residential use.<ref name="emporis"/> At ten stories each, The Athens Creek Tower and Alysen Place are tied for Penticton's second-tallest building.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=88373 |title=Athens Creek Towers – The Olympia |publisher=[[SkyscraperPage]] |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emporis.com/city/penticton-canada/all-buildings |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013045010/http://www.emporis.com/city/penticton-canada/all-buildings |url-status=usurped |archive-date=October 13, 2014 |title=Buildings in Penticton |publisher=[[Emporis]] |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> The third-largest building, Cherry Lane Towers, is eight floors, and is also residential.<ref name="sky"/>

== Public spaces ==
Due to its warm climate, the city has a diverse array of public spaces, from parks to hiking trails.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/community/parks-trails-beaches.html |title=Parks, Trails & Beaches |publisher=Penticton |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> It is home to ten public parks, including Gyro Park, Lakawanna Park, Marina Way Park, Okanagan Lake Park, Penticton Youth Park, Rose Garden, Rotary Centennial Pavilion, Rotary Park, Skaha Lake Park, and Munson Mountain.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/community/parks-trails-beaches/parks.html |title=Parks |publisher=Penticton |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> There are also seven&nbsp;beaches situated in the city, including Okanagan Lake Beach, Skaha Lake Beach, Airport Beach, Marina Way Beach, Okanagan Lake Park Beach, Sudbury Beach, and Three Mile Beach.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/community/parks-trails-beaches/beaches.html |title=Beaches |publisher=Penticton |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref>

The larger metropolitan area contains the [[Okanagan Falls Provincial Park]], located in the unincorporated community [[Okanagan Falls]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/okana_fl/ |title=Okanagan Falls Provincial Park |publisher=[[BC Parks]] |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> Penticton maintains a policy on dogs that are allowed at parks or beaches.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/community/parks-trails-beaches/dogs-in-parks.html |title=Dogs in Parks |publisher=Penticton |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> Other public spaces include trails, such as part of the [[Trans Canada Trail]],<ref name="Trails">{{cite web |url=http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/community/parks-trails-beaches/trails.html |title=Trails |publisher=Penticton |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> and [[Kettle Valley Railway]]; the former was formed throughout Canada, while the latter runs through Penticton and nearby [[Kelowna]]. Rock climbing area [[Skaha Bluffs]] is located south of city centre on a hillside above the Skaha Lake in the [[Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/skahaBluffs/ |title=Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park |publisher=[[BC Parks]] |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> With over 1,200 documented routes, it is the second most popular rock climbing area in British Columbia, after the Smoke Bluffs in [[Squamish, British Columbia|Squamish]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hellobc.com/penticton/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/climbing-caving.aspx |title=Penticton Climbing & Caving |publisher=[[Tourism British Columbia]] |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref>

== Education ==
Penticton is served by [[School District 67 Okanagan Skaha]], a school district with education institutions also based in nearby communities [[Naramata]], [[Kaleden, British Columbia|Kaleden]], and [[Summerland, British Columbia|Summerland]]; its head office is held in Penticton itself. The district administers children from kindergarten to grade 12&nbsp;locally, those of which are between kindergarten to grade five attend elementary schools, while children in grades between grade six to eight attend middle schools; ninth to 12th graders are served by secondary schools.<ref name="school">{{cite web |url=http://www.sd67.bc.ca/ |title=School District 67 – Okanagan Skaha |publisher=[[School District 67 Okanagan Skaha]] |access-date=January 10, 2013}} Note: Information is listed under the school header's elementary, middle, and high school sections.</ref> School District 67 Okanagan Skaha currently maintains 11&nbsp;elementary schools, four middle schools, and three secondary schools,<ref name="school"/> including [[Penticton Secondary School]] and [[Princess Margaret Secondary School (Penticton)|Princess Margaret Secondary School]]. On June 30, 2016, School District 67 closed McNicoll Park Middle School.<ref>{{cite web|title=Media Release|url=http://www.sd67.bc.ca/media/Documents/Media_Releases/SD_67_Media_Release_March_9_2016.pdf|website=SD 67 Okanagan Skaha|access-date=11 April 2016}}</ref> During the 2016/2017 school year School District 67 operated 10 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools. Penticton has three independent schools; Penticton Christian School, Holy Cross School, and Concordia Lutheran School.

The ''[[Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique]]'' operates two Francophone schools: ''école Entre-lacs'' primary school and the ''[[école secondaire de Penticton]]''.<ref>"[http://www.csf.bc.ca/ecoles/en-colombie-britannique/carte-des-ecoles/ Carte des écoles] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817050550/http://www.csf.bc.ca/ecoles/en-colombie-britannique/carte-des-ecoles/ |date=August 17, 2015 }}." ''[[Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique]]''. Retrieved on 22 January 2015.</ref>

The city is home to a [[Sprott Shaw College]] campus, and an [[Okanagan College]] campus, the latter of which, in 2010, had an enrolment of 610.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.okanagan.bc.ca/administration/publicaffairs/news.html?BlogEntryID=30934 |title=Record Enrolment |publisher=[[Okanagan College]] |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> It also contains the [[Okanagan Hockey School]], which has had partnerships with professional hockey teams, such as the [[Vancouver Canucks]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=639099 |title=Vancouver Canucks in partnership with Okanagan Hockey School open inaugural summer program |publisher=[[NHL]] |date=February 8, 2012 |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref>

The Penticton Public Library was founded in 1909; from 1948 to 1968, it was a part of the Okanagan Regional Library. In 1968, a successful referendum separated the library from the Okanagan Regional Library.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.library.penticton.bc.ca/About/LibHistory.html |title=Library History |publisher=Penticton Public Library |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref>

==Sports==
[[file:SOEC panorama.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|The [[South Okanagan Events Centre]] is the venue of a number of sport teams in Penticton.]]

The city hosts games played by ice hockey teams [[Penticton Vees (WHL)|Penticton Vees]], a [[Junior ice hockey|major junior]] team in the [[Western Hockey League]]. Prior to the 2025-26 season, the Vees were a [[Junior ice hockey|junior "A"]] team in the [[British Columbia Hockey League]], and one of the most successful Junior A teams in Canadian history. (BCHL),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pentictonvees.ca/leagues/front_pageVees.cfm?leagueID=8370&clientID=3172&link=Vees |title=Penticton Vees |publisher=[[British Columbia Hockey League]] |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref> The city formerly hosted the [[Penticton Lakers]], a junior "B" team in the [[Kootenay International Junior Hockey League]] (KIJHL).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pentictonlakers.com/leagues/front_pageLakers.cfm?clientID=4873&leagueID=17348 |title=Penticton Lakers |publisher=[[Kootenay International Junior Hockey League]] |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref> The Vees play at the [[South Okanagan Events Centre]], while the latter played in the arena of the neighbouring Okanagan Hockey School.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pentictonherald.ca/local-sports/penticton-vees-drop-three-more-spots-in-the-cjhl-weekly-rankings.html |title=Penticton Vees drop three more spots in the CJHL weekly rankings |work=[[Penticton Herald]] |date=November 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pentictonherald.ca/front-page-news/lakers-fall-short-in-late-game-surge.html |title= Lakers fall short in late game surge |work=[[Penticton Herald]] |date=October 26, 2012}}</ref> The former were founded in 1961,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vernonmuseum.ca/vernon-hall-of-fame/hockey.html |title=Hockey |publisher=Vernon Museum and Archives |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref> and have won the [[Doyle Cup]],<ref>{{cite web |first=Emanuel |last=Sequeira |url=http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/sports/vees/news/149390525.html |title=Penticton Vees clinch Doyle Cup championship |work=Penticton Western News |date=April 28, 2012 |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref> and [[Centennial Cup|Royal Bank Cup]],<ref>{{cite web |first=Kristi |last=Patton |url=http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/sports/151323365.html |title=Penticton Vees win RBC Cup |work=Penticton Western News |date=May 13, 2012 |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref> while the latter were established in 2009. The Penticton Upperdek Vees are also a junior ice hockey that were founded in 2008, and also play at the South Okanagan Events Centre; people who have special needs are part of the team's squad, which is in the Special Needs Hockey League (SNHL).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/departments/recreation/classes-programs/accessible-recreation.html |title=Accessible Recreation |publisher=Penticton |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref>

The Penticton Pinnacles are a soccer team that were established in 1997 that play at the Kings Park for the [[Pacific Coast Soccer League]] (PCSL),<ref>{{cite web |first=Emanuel |last=Sequira |url=http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/sports/157919605.html |title=Pinnacles FC district teams perform well at Kings Park |work=Penticton Western News |date=June 7, 2012 |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Emanuel |last=Sequira |url=http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/sports/vees/125983323.html |title=Pinnacles confident heading into PCSL championship |work=Penticton Western News |date=July 21, 2011 |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref> the Penticton Pistoleras, a local roller derby team part of the South Okanagan Roller Derby Association, and Penticton Harlequins, a local rugby team in the [[British Columbia Rugby Union]], also play tournaments for the city; the South Okanagan Event Centre serves as both of their venues.<ref>{{cite web |first=Emanuel |last=Sequeira |url=http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/sports/166193896.html |title=Pistoleras fired up for K City Rollers |work=Penticton Western News |date=August 14, 2012 |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Emanuel |last=Sequeira |url=http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/sports/180187421.html |title=Pistoleras shoot down the Fort McMurray Tar Sand Betties |work=Penticton Western News |date=November 22, 2012 |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=John |last=Moorhouse |url=http://www.pentictonherald.ca/front-page-news/harlequins-win-provincial-championship.html |title=Harlequins win provincial championship |work=[[Penticton Herald]] |date=September 17, 2012 |access-date=January 12, 2013}}</ref>

Beside team sports, the city hosted the [[2010 British Columbia Scotties Tournament of Hearts]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pentictoncurlingclub.com/provincials/Sponsor%20Types.pdf |title=Sponsor Types |publisher=Penticton Curling Club |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref> [[2010 World Junior A Challenge]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/68000/la_id/1.htm |title=2010 World Junior A Challenge |publisher=[[Hockey Canada]] |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref> [[2013 Continental Cup of Curling]].,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/winter/World+team+leads+early+2013+Continental+curling/7803492/story.html |title=World team leads early at 2013 Continental Cup curling competition |work=[[Edmonton Journal]] |date=January 10, 2013 |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/winter/curling/north-america-extends-lead-at-continental-cup-curling-event-1.1340488 |title=North America extends lead at Continental Cup curling event |publisher=[[CBC News]] |date=January 12, 2013 |access-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref> the 2016 [[BC Winter Games]],<ref>[https://www.bcgames.org/News/Latest-News/News-Category-List/PID/1035/ev/1/CategoryID/65/CategoryName/2016-BC-Winter-Games BC Winter Games]</ref> the 2017 International Triathlon Union Multisport World Championships and [[Curling Canada]]'s [[2018 Scotties Tournament of Hearts]].

==Events==
Penticton hosts many events annually, among them the Super League Penticton Triathlon, the Valley First Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan,<ref>[http://www.granfondoaxelmerckx.com Valley First Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan]</ref> the Okanagan Wine Festival,<ref>[http://www.thewinefestivals.com/fallfestival.htm Okanagan Wine Festival] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829051159/http://www.thewinefestivals.com/fallfestival.htm |date=August 29, 2011 }}</ref> the Okanagan Children's Festival, Meadowlark Nature Festival,<ref>[https://meadowlarkfestival.ca Meadowlark Nature Festival]</ref> Which takes place on the May long weekend Fest-of-Ale BC,<ref>[http://www.fest-of-ale.bc.ca/ Okanagan Fest-of-Ale {{!}} April 9th & 10th, 2010 {{!}} 1-800-663-1900<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> the [[Penticton Peach Festival]] (commonly known as "Peachfest"), the Miss Penticton Pageant,<ref>[http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/community/events/events-calendar/28724/38619.html Miss Penticton Pageant]</ref> which takes place during the Penticton Peach Festival, the Pentastic Hot Jazz Festival,<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20001007062015/http://www.pentasticjazz.com/ Pentastic Hot Jazz Festival]}}</ref> the Peach City Beach Cruise,<ref>[https://www.peachcitybeachcruise.ca/ Peach City Beach Cruise]</ref> and the Elvis Festival, which was featured in the Summer 2006 issue of ''[[British Columbia Magazine]]''. Penticton was home to the [[Ironman Triathlon|Ironman]] Canada race; the final Penticton Ironman was held in 2024.<ref>{{cite web | title=Penticton to Host Its Final IRONMAN Canada Event in 2024; Ottawa to Carry on the Legacy of IRONMAN Canada Beginning in 2025 &#124; IRONMAN | url=https://www.ironman.com/news_article/show/1313869 }}</ref>

==Recreation==
{{unreferenced section|date=February 2023}}
Penticton offers many kinds of recreation, including [[skiing]] at the [[Apex Mountain Resort]] ski area; [[boating]] and [[fishing]] on [[Skaha Lake]] and [[Okanagan Lake]], golfing on the area's many courses, hiking and biking the [[Kettle Valley Railway]] Trail, and [[rock climbing]] at [[Skaha Bluffs]]. In the summer many people enjoy floating down the river channel that connects Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. It is home to the BCHL hockey team [[Penticton Vees (junior A)|Penticton Vees]] who play throughout the winter season, and the PCSL soccer team Penticton Pinnacles, who play May–July.

Completed in 2011, the Penticton Community Centre is a modern facility with many health, fitness and recreation options. The Penticton Community Centre is located at 325 Power Street.

In September 2006, Penticton residents voted 80.3&nbsp;per&nbsp; in favour of the construction of the [[South Okanagan Events Centre]] (SOEC). The $73 million arena, sports complex and convention centre is the home of the BCHL's [[Penticton Vees (junior A)|Penticton Vees]], named in honour of the senior hockey team that won the 1955 [[Ice Hockey World Championships]] against Russia. The SOEC also serves as a summer or early fall training facility for the [[Vancouver Canucks]]. It has boosted the city's convention market and is a popular venue for concert tours and other special events. Notable shows hosted at the SOEC in recent years have been [[Rihanna]], [[Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band]], [[Def Leppard]], [[Carrie Underwood]] and several [[Cirque du Soleil]] shows.

From May–October, outdoor markets fill the downtown section of Main St. Two markets, the Downtown Community Market and the Penticton Farmers Market<ref>[http://pentictonfarmersmarket.org/ Penticton Farmers Market]</ref> combine to form one of the largest outdoor market events in BC. Visitors come from all around for this Saturday event which sees about 8,000 visitors at its peak in July–August.

The Penticton Art Gallery (formerly the Art Gallery of the South Okanagan) is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization. Exhibits feature international and local artists, and the gallery offers art workshops and seasonal events. During the winter holidays, there is a special "art under $500" event.

Penticton is the hub of [[Enotourism|wine tourism]] in the [[Okanagan Valley (wine region)|Okanagan Valley]], with 120 [[winery|wineries]] within an hour's drive and over 40 wineries within city limits. Craft beer, distilled spirits, and cider are also widely manufactured. Penticton is known for its early involvement in the craft brewing movement and is a featured route in BC Ale Trails.

The [[Kettle Valley Rail Trail]], with trail heads leading to more than {{cvt|160|km}} of flat, railbed trails for hiking and biking, can be accessed from Penticton. This trail is part of the [[Trans Canada Trail]].

== Infrastructure ==
=== Electrical===
The Electric Utility is owned and operated by the City of Penticton, providing electrical service to the community's residential, commercial and industrial customers.

=== Transportation ===
[[File:Penticton Transit 8031.jpg|thumb|Mass local transit in Penticton is offered by the [[Penticton Transit System]].]]
Mass local transit in Penticton and Okanagan-Similkameen is offered by the [[South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System]] under the [[BC Transit]] label, operating on six routes.<ref name="transit"/> There is also a service for people who are unable to use regular transit, [[HandyDART]].<ref name="transport">{{cite web |url=http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/community/moving-to-penticton/transportation.html |title=Transportation |publisher=Penticton |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> The bus transportation system is funded by Penticton, Okanagan-Similkameen, and BC Transit.<ref name="transit">{{cite web |url=http://www.bctransit.com/regions/sum/news/bpl/pdf/sum-bpl944.pdf |title=Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen |publisher=[[BC Transit]] |date=June 2006 |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> Its services are provided to points of interest, such as the [[Cherry Lane Shopping Centre]] Downtown Penticton.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bctransit.com/regions/pen/?p=2.txt |title=Penticton Transit System & Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System |publisher=[[BC Transit]] |access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> as well as traversing the distance lake to lake.<!--ref name="geotransport"/-->

A number of parks and recreation transportation services are offered in the city, including trails, such as part of the [[Trans Canada Trail]],<ref name="Trails"/> and [[Kettle Valley Railway]]; the former runs through Canada, while the latter runs through Penticton, and Kelowna. Headquarters for the trail was chosen to be in Penticton in 1910, but the location burnt down in 1964.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hellobc.com/penticton/culture-history.aspx |title=Culture & History |publisher=[[Tourism British Columbia]] |access-date=January 11, 2013}}</ref> The city has access to transportation corridors running north, south, east, and west, while the Highway 97 can also be accessed.<!--ref name="geotransport"/-->

It is served by the [[Penticton Regional Airport|Penticton Airport]], a regional airport located {{convert|1.8|nmi|km mi|lk=in}} southwest of city centre.<ref name="CFS">{{CFS}}</ref> In 2018 a $6million upgrade to the facility was initiated to expand the departure and arrivals lounges as well as increase capacity for managing passenger flow. Although it has historically provided flights to several destinations,<ref name=pra>{{cite web |first=Kristi |last=Patton |url=http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/news/137525618.html |title=Penticton hopes to land WestJet service |work=Penticton Western News |date=January 17, 2012 |access-date=November 24, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pilotpacific.com/pdfs/18_July_2007_Press_Release.pdf |title=Press Release |publisher=[[Pacific Coastal Airlines]] |date=July 18, 2007 |access-date=January 2, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/policy/report-aca-anre2009-2531.htm |title=Table A11 |publisher=[[Transport Canada]] |access-date=January 2, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Steve |last=Kidd |url=http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/news/176870461.html |title=Penticton lobbies Air Canada for Calgary service |work=Penticton Western News |date=November 1, 2012 |access-date=January 2, 2012}}</ref> the airport currently offers flights to the [[Vancouver International Airport]], which are provided by [[Air Canada Express]]; these services are provided three to four times daily, while the exception of Sunday, when two flights are available.<ref name=airlineplaces>{{cite web |url=http://www.cyyf.ca/ |title=Penticton Regional Airport |publisher=Penticton Regional Airport |access-date=November 22, 2012}} Note: Information is listed under the arrivals and departures headings.</ref> WestJet Encore flies twice daily to its Calgary hub.<ref>[http://infotel.ca/newsitem/penticton-getting-second-westjet-flight/it21992 Penticton getting second WestJet flight]</ref> The city is also home to the [[Penticton Water Aerodrome]], a water aerodrome situated adjacent to the Penticton Airport<ref>{{WAS}}</ref> and is home base to HNZ Topflight, an advanced helicopter flight training school operated by [[HNZ Group|HNZ]].

==Notable residents==
{{Div col|colwidth=40em}}
*[[Jeannette Armstrong]], Syilx Elder, Author, and Professor at UBCO
*[[Andy Bell (freestyle motocross rider)|Andy Bell]], pro freestyle motocross champion, host of [[MTV]]'s ''[[Nitro Circus]]''
*[[George Bowering]], poet, first ever [[Canadian Parliamentary Poet Laureate]]
*[[Tyler Breeze]], professional wrestler
*[[Layla Claire]], soprano
*[[Thomas Ellis (Irish emigrant)|Thomas Ellis]], the first European settler in the area in 1866
*[[Gordon Herbert]], basketball player and coach
*[[Brett Hull]], [[National Hockey League]] (NHL) hockey player, graduate of Penticton High School
*[[Paul Kariya]], retired NHL player, graduate of Penticton Secondary School
*[[Duncan Keith]], NHL hockey player, graduate of Penticton Secondary School
*[[Alan Kerr]], hockey player
*[[Jett Klyne]], actor
*[[Shane Koyczan]], spoken word poet
*[[Spencer Krug]], musician from the band [[Wolf Parade]]
*[[Richard H. Leir]], chief of maritime operations for the Canadian navy.
*[[Ivan McLelland]], [[Penticton Vees (senior)|Penticton Vees]] player and [[1955 Ice Hockey World Championships|1955 IIHF World Hockey Champion]]
*[[Andy Moog]], hockey player
*[[Brendan Morrison]], NHL hockey player, graduate of Penticton High School
*[[Terry David Mulligan]], actor and television personality
*[[Andi Naude]], [[2018 Winter Olympics|2018 Olympian]] on the Canadian National Ski Team
*[[Bob Nicholson (ice hockey)|Bob Nicholson]], CEO of the Edmonton Oilers
*[[Nakai Penny]], professional rugby player for the [[Seattle Seawolves]] of [[Major League Rugby]]
*[[Cameron Phillips (broadcaster)|Cameron Phillips]], radio broadcaster
*[[Justin Pogge]], hockey player
*[[Mike Reno]], musician from the band [[Loverboy]]
*[[Mark Allan Robinson]], political activist
*[[Mark Rycroft]], retired NHL player, Colorado Avalanche TV colour analyst
*[[Alexis Smith]], actress
*[[Blake Wesley (ice hockey)|Blake Wesley]], hockey player
{{div col end}}

==Media==

===Radio stations===
* AM 800 – [[CKOR]], soft adult contemporary
* FM 92.9 - [[CFUZ-FM]], Community radio station Peach City Radio<ref>[http://www.cfuz.ca Peach City Radio]</ref>
* FM 93.7 – [[CBTK-FM|CBTP-FM]], [[CBC Radio One]]
* FM 97.1 – [[CJMG-FM]], hot contemporary (Sun FM)
* FM 100.7 – [[CIGV-FM]], country music

== International relations ==
In early 1975, residents of the Penticton area travelled to [[Japan]], in order to search for business opportunities.<ref name="sister city"/> They met Kaneyasa Marutani, the mayor of [[Ikeda, Hokkaido|Ikeda]], [[Hokkaido]], a town in the [[Nakagawa (Tokachi) District, Hokkaido|Nakagawa]] regional district of Japan.<ref name="sister city"/> He claimed that the town was proposing a sister city relationship, and stated that Penticton was a reasonable option, due to its similarities with winery production, cattle industry, and geographic features.<ref name="sister city"/> Later that year, residents of the Ikeda area toured Penticton and met with the government of Penticton, reaching a decision to become a sister city in 1977.<ref name="sister city"/>

Since 1977, Penticton has served as a sister city of Ikeda.<ref name="sister city">{{cite web |url=http://www.pentictonikeda.org/about.htm |title=About Us |publisher=Penticton–Ikeda Sister City Society |access-date=January 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207064042/http://www.pentictonikeda.org/about.htm |archive-date=December 7, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/community/ikeda-our-sister-city.html |title=Ikeda – Our Sister City |publisher=Penticton |access-date=January 7, 2012}}</ref> The relationship is one of the oldest in Canada, with a number of residents having exchanged visits to the respective locations annually.<ref name="sister city"/> In 1993, there was consideration for building a [[Japanese garden]] in Penticton, in order to honour their agreement, with the garden's construction beginning in 1997.<ref name="sister city"/> It is known as the Penticton–Ikeda Japanese Garden.<ref name="sister city"/>

==See also==
*[[Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory]]
*[[Penticton Herald]]
*[[Penticton (crater)]]
*[[Penticton (electoral district)]]

==References==

===Footnotes===
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Notelist}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{refbegin|30em}}
# {{cite book |first=Janelle |last=Breese-Biagioni |title=Penticton, British Columbia: Silhouette of Four Seasons |publisher=Penticton |date=June 1, 1998 |isbn=9780969844952 |location=Penticton |ref=Breese-Biagioni}}
# {{cite book |first=T.M. |last=McGrath |title=History of Canadian Airports |publisher=[[Transport Canada]], [[Government of Canada]] |year=1992 |isbn=9780921633112 |location=[[Toronto]] |ref=McGrath}}
# {{cite book |first1=Dan |last1=Langford |first2=Sandra |last2=Langford |title=Cycling Kettle Valley |publisher=Rocky Mountain Books |date=March 1, 2002 |isbn=978-0921102885 |location=Penticton |ref=Langford}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Penticton}}
*{{Official website}}
*{{Wikivoyage inline}}

{{Geographic location
| Northeast = [[Naramata]]
| Northwest = [[Summerland, British Columbia|Summerland]]
| Center = Penticton
| South = [[Kaleden]]
}}

{{Subdivisions of British Columbia|city=yes}}
{{Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen}}
{{Okanagan communities}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Penticton| ]]
[[Category:Cities in British Columbia]]
[[Category:Populated places in the Okanagan Country]]
[[Category:Populated places on Okanagan Lake]]
[[Category:British Columbia populated places on the Okanogan River]]