Looking for a winter escape that blends adventure, amazing food, and family-friendly vibes?
Penticton has it all. Whether you’re carving up the slopes, indulging in incredible eats, or sipping your way through local wineries, this itinerary will have you planning your next trip before you even leave.
Stay: Four Points by Sheraton – Comfort & Culinary Delights
Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen
Our home base for this trip was the Four Points by Sheraton, and let me tell you—it checked all the boxes.
Spacious rooms, a great location, and, best of all, Palmer Kitchen + Spirits, the hotel’s on-site restaurant that delivers seriously good food with an elevated family-friendly atmosphere.
They even had an adorable drink list on the kids menu.
Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen
They recently launched a new menu, and we had to try it all.
- Scallops appetizer – perfectly seared and packed with flavor.
- House-made macaroni and cheese – served in a skillet, this was an instant hit with the kids.
- Pesto Gnocchi – soft potato gnocchi tossed in a rich basil pesto sauce, topped with grated Parmesan and toasted pine nuts. So. Good.
- Local wine list – because no meal is complete without a perfectly paired Okanagan wine.
Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen
Oh, and did I mention brunch? Their brunch menu is next-level, so make sure to plan at least one lazy morning to enjoy it.
Ski & Tube: Apex Mountain Resort – Powder Days & Iconic Apres-Ski
No winter trip to Penticton is complete without a day at Apex Mountain Resort. Just a 35-minute drive from the city, Apex delivers serious snow, with perfect powder days for skiing and snowboarding.
Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen
Since the littlest one isn’t quite ready to hit the slopes, I took him tubing instead, and it was a blast. (Nothing like flying down a hill at top speed and pretending you’re not a little scared yourself.)
Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen
For après-ski, we headed straight to Gunbarrel Saloon, because let’s be real—this place is iconic. Think massive windows with snow falling outside, a cozy indoor fireplace, and a menu that delivers.
Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen
We went all in with:
- Pitchers of beer – because après isn’t complete without one.
- Burgers – juicy, messy, and delicious.
- Panang Curry Bowl – unexpected on a ski hill menu but highly recommended.
Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen
The atmosphere alone makes it worth the stop, but the food seals the deal.
Evening Plans: Monster Trucks vs. Wine & Fine Dining
After a full day at Apex, we split up for the evening:
Jake took the boys to the South Okanagan Event Center, literally a two-minute walk from our hotel, to catch the Motorsports Spectacular – Monster Trucks event. (Because what’s more thrilling than giant trucks launching through the air?)
Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen
If you’re in Penticton during an event, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Upcoming events can be found here and include: the 2025 CSSHL Western Championships, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, and Whose Live Anyway?
Photo Credit: Orolo
Meanwhile, my sister-in-law and I went a different direction for the evening—a portfolio wine tasting at Chronos Winery, followed by an unforgettable dinner at Orolo restaurant + cocktail bar.
Taste incredible wines inside the historical building that used to be a movie theatre.
Photo Credit: Orolo
If you haven’t been to Orolo, let me tell you: this place is next level.
The menu is spectacular, and having eaten here several times, I can confidently say everything is high quality, delicious, and memorable.
Their wine pairings are exceptional, and the ambiance? Edgy, modern, and totally unique. With different tasting and dining experiences to choose from, you can even learn to saber here!
Penticton in the Winter is a Must
Penticton may be known for its summer lakeside vibes, but don’t sleep on winter here.
Between world-class skiing, cozy après-ski hangouts, incredible food, and fun for the whole family, it’s the kind of getaway that keeps everyone happy (and well-fed).
For more video content of these and other amazing itineraries, follow @thiswildpassport on Instagram!
Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen
