Looking for a getaway where stunning lake views meet thoughtful, barrier-free design? Set between Okanagan and Skaha lakes in British Columbia, Canada, Penticton combines beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation with practical accessibility features that make visiting easier and welcoming, proving that adventure and relaxation truly belong to everyone.
(1). An accessible beach day
Sudbury Beach
More visitors can now experience Penticton’s sandy beaches and lakeshores. Mobi-Mats provide stable pathways across the sand at Okanagan Lake Beach, Skaha Lake Park and Sudbury Beach. Accessible ramps, smooth pathways and wheelchair-friendly picnic areas create more options for reaching the waterfront and spending time with family and friends. Complimentary floating Mobi-Chairs are also available at select locations during the beach season, giving visitors another way to enjoy the water.
(2). Make your way through the outdoors at a pace that suits you
KVR Trail, McCulloch Trestle
Visitors can enjoy Penticton’s scenery without having to navigate a rugged hiking trail. A 4.8-kilometre section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail and the 1.8-kilometre Penticton Creek Pathway have received Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification. Open year-round, these routes provide accessible pathways, seating, viewing areas and wayfinding, with public washrooms available along the rail trail. Follow the creek, cycle a former railway route or stop along the way to take in the scenery. There is no need to rush. In Penticton, fresh air and beautiful surroundings are yours to experience at your own pace.
(3). Move around the city with confidence
Penticton Farmers’ Market
A trip to the Penticton Farmers’ Market, an afternoon by the lake or dinner across town becomes much easier when accessible transportation is available. Penticton’s low-floor transit buses accommodate wheelchairs and scooters, while handyDART provides door-to-door shared transportation for eligible people who cannot use the regular bus system without assistance. Participating car rental companies can also provide adaptive driving devices, including hand controls, spinner knobs and pedal extenders, as well as assistive equipment such as transfer boards. Local businesses rent wheelchairs, scooters and walkers, giving visitors additional flexibility to get around and experience more of the city.
(4). Make recreation part of your getaway
KVR Trail
Visitors who enjoy staying active will find several accessible recreation options in Penticton. The Penticton Community Centre includes accessible change rooms, zero-entry pool ramps, aquatic wheelchairs and fitness equipment designed to support different abilities. Outdoors, Skaha Lake Fitness Park features accessible exercise equipment near the lake. Combined with accessible picnic tables and gathering areas throughout the city’s parks, these facilities give visitors more ways to build movement, relaxation and time outdoors into their vacation.
Skaha Lake Park
(5). Access the information you need
Penticton Visitor Centre & Gift Shop
Clear information can make travel planning less stressful. The single-level Penticton Visitor Centre & Gift Shop includes accessible parking, automatic doors and an accessible washroom. They are service animal friendly and have spacious aisles to move around. Staff can help visitors find accommodations, restaurants, attractions and events that may suit their requirements. Visitors can also use the wheelchair symbols in the Penticton Visitor Guide to identify businesses listed as wheelchair accessible.
Start planning your Penticton visit . . .
Accessibility features, equipment availability and seasonal operating times may change. Contact individual businesses and plan your trip using the Visit Penticton website before travelling to confirm that an experience meets your specific requirements.
