Penticton Things to Do

Originally posted in reply to a question, but good advice for all.

Go to http://www.coyotecruises.ca/ for the current pay to float info. Since 2004 the native band has been running the operation, which is a great thing, but sadly, the infrastructure on the channel, the bike path, and the garbage cleaning, are both getting bad. This is just a cash cow for some member on the band.

1) Other option, depending on how many of you there are. Call a cab company ahead of time, ask them how much lead time they need, and then call a cab from the waterproof cellphone you bring down the channel, that is attached to a large floating object.

2) Dont bring glass containers down the channel .. you idiots.

3) Wear some footwear, even sandals, if you walk on the bottom, there is broken glass.

4) Unless you want to sound like a tourist, its called the CHANNEL.

5) Dont bring anything down that you cant afford to lose.

6) Dont leave expensive crap in your vehicle at the top. The thieves know you are gone for at least 2 hours, and may well be drunk when you get back, and not notice whats missing.

7) The channel is often slow, you only want to go half way, and Coyote Cruises will only go half way.

8) Go to Canadian Tire, and buy an airmattress with a built in pump. It beats waiting an hour to pay to get Coyote Cruises to pump yours up.

9) Drop everyone off at the top, I suggest the parking lot near the SS Sicamous / Loco Landing. They can sit in the park 'preparing' for the ride. Then drop the biggest capacity vehicle(s) at the bottom. You may have to use the parking lot on the East side of the airport on busy days. Take your smallest car back to the top with all the drivers.

10) Drinking alcohol in public is illegal. So dont be public with your alcohol. ie, at the top of the channel you are easy pickings. Keep your cooler closed, and dont be an idiot.

11) The RCMP do bike patrols, but generally, the biggest risk from alcohol is drowning at the bottom, or being stupid and jumping of the bridge at the bottom.

12) One of the best things to do is to stop half way and watch the Elvis impersonator at the hot dog stand on the rez. (The stage fronts onto the channel). Good chance to stop for snacks at the store on the rez.

Home Hardware is right there too if you need to buy, build, or repair your raft. Has a big parking lot too.

13) Really, really, put your WATERPROOF sunscreen on at least a half an hour before going in the water. The lobsters in the walk in clinic attest to the power of sun, water, booze, and ignorance. This is pain. I suggest a crappy cowboy hat, and crappy Tshirt.

14) Dont wear your wedding ring or any ring. This advice is great advice for letches, but mainly meant for people who dont realize that water is a lubricant, and you stand a high chance of losing the ring if drinking, and if in the water, or if you start handpaddling.

15) Look at the weather forecast. Those few clouds in the sky can turn nasty around 3pm.

The channel is quite comfortable in the sun, you can even tread water the whole distance if the feeling so hits you. But if its cloudy, it gets cold, quick.

Enjoy it, dont expect serenity though.

Fantastic beaches, so many wineries it's impossible to visit them all, wonderful golf courses, all wrapped up in a pretty, friendly place make Penticton pretty hard to beat. We like to head there in the spring and fall - the weather's better than on the Coast!

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If you are looking for something fun to do by yourself or with a group of your friends... Go Wakeboarding/Wakesurfing. Check out Wake Up Water Sports!!! Excellent value. If there is a group of you... plan on a few hours of fun and excitement. You won't be disappointed. If you come out when the Pro Tour hits the Okanagan... you might even get to watch some of the pros ride. They will go to either lake depending on the water conditions... So give them a call at 250-488-0386 or www.wakeupwatersports.homestead.com Trust me... you wont be disappointed! Enjoy!!!

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If you Visit Pier Water Sports in Penticton, on Okanagan Beach behind the giant peach You can Rent Boats sea doos, paddle boats, they even have a 42 foot party barge with barbeque and washroom for awesome parties on the lake!!. You can also Take wakeboard or waterski lessons right there. Having PIER WATER SPORTS take care of you will end up being the highlight of your trip!!

Penticton is a small city - more like a large town, located on the southern shore of Lake Okanagan. Okanagan Lake Park is a popular beach in Penticton, nearby the many small motels that dot the nearby streets.

Charming Caribbean wharfside theme.

Spacious and luxurious gaming floor.
Real coin and interactive video slot machines in multiple denominations.
Table Games including Blackjack, Roulette and Texas Shoot Out and now offering Texas Hold’em Poker.
Tables games are subject to change due to player demand and availability.
Enjoy a delightful meal overlooking the lake at the Sand Bar - fully licensed restaurant inside the casino
Open daily from 10 am to 2 am

Founding of the Museum

The Penticton Museum started out as the hobby of Reg Atkinson, back in the early 1920's, when his boyhood collection of militaria, Native artifacts and guns became "out of hand" so to speak. At one time he had a museum in his home.

By the early 1960's it had outgrown the ship, so when the city announced a new Arts Centre, Reg and his museum became part of the new complex. In 1965, the museum moved to its present location. Enlarged several times, the museum was named in Reg's honour when he died, still in the saddle aged 75 in 1973.

Today, the Museum holds over 8,000 artifacts. Although Penticton was not incorporated until 1908, it has a history that stretches much further back. The collection represents the life of our pioneers and First Nations people, as well as presenting natural, industrial and military history.

collection falls into the following categories:

Decorative Arts
Human History
Pioneer Life First
First Nations
Industry & Agriculture
Military
Natural Sciences

Rent or bring a tube and float down the canal for a lazy 2-4 hour ride. Bring a bathing suit, water shoes of some sort, sunglasses and lots of sunscreen if you are anything like me and burn at the drop of a hat.