Penticton Real Estate
The only town in Canada sandwiched between two lakes. Okanagan to the north, Skaha to the south, and a lifestyle that costs $400K less than Kelowna.
$650K
Avg. Home Price
35,000+
Population
2
Swimmable Lakes
40+
Naramata Wineries
Giuseppe Gaspari
REALTOR® | Okanagan Real Estate Specialist
Helping families find their perfect Okanagan home since 2018
Last updated: January 2026
Why Penticton?
Penticton surprises people. They expect a retirement town, and they find craft breweries, Ironman athletes, and a downtown that actually has energy after 6 PM. The population skews older on paper—median age around 50—but the vibe is younger than Vernon, more active than you'd guess.
Here's the geography that makes Penticton unique: the town sits on a narrow strip of land between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. About 7 kilometres separate the two, connected by the Okanagan River channel. In summer, thousands of people tube down that channel in a single day. Both lakes have legitimate sandy beaches—not rocky shores you have to tolerate, but proper beach sand that rivals anything coastal.
Real estate here costs about 40% less than Kelowna. The average single-family home runs around $650,000. Condos start in the low $300,000s. You can still find a detached home with a yard for under $600,000—try doing that in Kelowna's Lower Mission.
The trade-off? Kelowna has the hospital, the university, and most of the corporate jobs. If you need to be in Kelowna for work, that's a 45-minute drive each way. But remote workers, retirees, and anyone who prioritizes lifestyle over commute time often find Penticton is the better call.
Penticton is great for:
- ✓Remote workers who want beach mornings and winery afternoons
- ✓Active retirees seeking sun, wine, and outdoor access
- ✓Young families priced out of Kelowna
- ✓Endurance athletes—Ironman literally runs through town
What you won't find:
- ×A hospital (Kelowna General is 45 min away)
- ×Big-box retail (Costco requires a Kelowna trip)
- ×A major university campus
- ×Peace from tourists July-August
The Two-Lake Lifestyle
This is Penticton's unfair advantage. No other Okanagan town offers this much water access.
Okanagan Lake (North)
The big one. 135 km long, up to 232 metres deep. Penticton's north beach stretches along the downtown waterfront—sandy, swimmable, and lined with the SS Sicamous sternwheeler museum and restaurants.
- • Okanagan Beach: Main public beach, lifeguards in summer
- • Rotary Park: Family-friendly, shallow entry
- • Marina: Boat launches, kayak rentals
- • Lakeshore Drive: The "front porch" of Penticton
Skaha Lake (South)
Smaller, warmer, and often calmer. Skaha Beach is arguably better for families—gentler entry, more grass for picnics, and the Skaha Lake Park waterslides nearby.
- • Skaha Beach: Sandy, warm water, excellent for kids
- • Sudbury Beach: Locals' favourite, less crowded
- • Channel float end point: Tube in, walk out
- • Skaha Bluffs: World-class rock climbing nearby
The Channel Float
Every summer, locals and tourists alike grab inner tubes, air mattresses, or whatever floats and drift down the Okanagan River channel from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake. It takes 2-3 hours, depending on water levels. There's a shuttle bus to get you back. It sounds gimmicky until you do it—then you understand why people plan their summers around it. If you buy in Penticton, this becomes your Tuesday afternoon activity.
Penticton Neighbourhoods
Penticton is compact—you can drive from one end to the other in 15 minutes. But the neighbourhoods have distinct personalities and price points.
West Bench
$750K - $1.2MViews & elbow room
Perched above the city with panoramic lake and valley views. Larger lots, many with 0.25 to 1+ acres. A mix of established homes from the 1980s and newer custom builds. You'll need a car for everything, but the sunsets make up for it.
Best for: Families wanting space, retirees seeking quiet, view-chasers
Wiltse
$650K - $900KFamily-friendly newer builds
Penticton's growth area. Most homes built after 2000, with modern layouts and efficient construction. Close to schools, parks, and the climbing gym. The neighbourhood has a young-family energy—block parties, kids on bikes, that sort of thing.
Best for: Young families, move-up buyers, people wanting turnkey
Columbia / Duncan
$500K - $700KAffordable & central
Working-class roots, improving steadily. You'll find 1960s-1980s ranchers, some with legal suites. Walking distance to both Okanagan Lake beach and Skaha Lake. Best value in Penticton for buyers who want a detached home near the water.
Best for: First-time buyers, investors, anyone prioritizing location over finishes
South Main
$550K - $750KBeach access, local character
The stretch between downtown and Skaha Lake. Older homes with character, some fixer-uppers, and a few hidden gems. Walk to Skaha Beach, the channel float put-in, and local restaurants. Less polished than Wiltse but with more personality.
Best for: Beach lovers, buyers who see potential, downsizers wanting walkability
Downtown Core
$350K - $600KUrban walkability
Mostly condos and townhomes. Walk to restaurants, the farmers market, Okanagan Lake beach. Older buildings along Main Street, newer developments closer to the waterfront. Limited parking is the trade-off for not needing a car.
Best for: Young professionals, retirees, seasonal residents
Lifestyle & Recreation
Penticton punches above its weight for a town of 35,000. The outdoor access is obvious, but the food and drink scene catches people off guard.
Beach Life
Two public beaches, multiple smaller access points, warm water by July. Paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming—whatever you want. The channel float is a rite of passage.
Naramata Bench
40+ wineries on a single 14-km road. Small-lot, family-run operations. Therapy Vineyards, Laughing Stock, Poplar Grove. These wines win international awards and you can bike to them.
Apex Mountain
45 minutes west. 1,112 vertical metres, 80 runs, champagne powder. Smaller than Big White, often less crowded. Season passes run around $900—a steal compared to Whistler.
Ironman Country
Ironman Canada has run through Penticton since 1983. The triathlon community is serious here—swim in the lake, bike the hills, run the trails. You don't have to race to enjoy the infrastructure.
Skaha Bluffs
World-class rock climbing 15 minutes from downtown. Over 1,000 routes on gneiss cliffs. The climbing community is welcoming, and the views are ridiculous.
Brewery Scene
Cannery Brewing, Bad Tattoo, Neighbourhood Brewing, Tin Whistle. More craft beer per capita than most BC cities. The downtown brewery crawl is walkable and doesn't require a designated driver.
What Your Money Gets You
~$500K
Older rancher in Columbia/Duncan (1,200-1,400 sq ft, needs some work) or a decent 2-bed condo downtown. Entry-level territory, but you're in the game.
~$650K
Solid single-family in Wiltse or South Main. 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,500-1,800 sq ft. Updated finishes, functional yard. This is the Penticton sweet spot.
$800K+
West Bench views, newer construction in Wiltse, or larger lots. 2,000+ sq ft, updated kitchens, proper landscaping. $1M+ gets you acreage or exceptional locations.
Penticton vs. Kelowna: The Numbers
Average single-family home:
Penticton: ~$650,000
Kelowna: ~$1,090,000
You save roughly $440,000
What that means in practice:
The 3-bed, 2-bath home you'd buy in Penticton for $650K would cost $950K+ in Kelowna's Glenmore or $1.1M+ in the Mission area. Same house, different city.
Why Work With Giuseppe?
I cover the whole Okanagan, but Penticton is special to me. Two lakes, real downtown energy, wine country in your backyard—it's what people imagine when they dream about Okanagan life.
My value to you: I know which streets in Columbia/Duncan are improving and which to avoid. I know which Wiltse builds have construction issues. I know when a West Bench listing is priced for the view it has versus the view it'll have after the neighbour builds up.
I don't push. If a house isn't right, I'll tell you why—even if it means you wait another month or look somewhere else entirely. My job is to help you make a good decision, not to close a deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Penticton compare to Kelowna for real estate?
Penticton averages about $400,000 less for single-family homes. You get two beaches instead of one, less traffic, and a more walkable downtown. The trade-off: fewer big-box stores, no hospital (Kelowna General is 45 minutes away), and a smaller job market. Many buyers find Penticton offers better lifestyle value, especially remote workers and retirees.
What are the best neighbourhoods for families?
Wiltse is the top choice—newer construction, excellent schools nearby, and a community feel. West Bench offers more land and a rural atmosphere while staying close to town. Columbia/Duncan is affordable and improving, with good access to both lakes.
Why does Penticton have two lakes?
Geography. Penticton sits on a narrow strip of land between Okanagan Lake (north) and Skaha Lake (south). The Okanagan River channel connects them—about 7 km long. In summer, thousands of people float the channel on inner tubes. It's a defining feature of the town and why Penticton has more beach access per capita than anywhere else in the Okanagan.
Is Penticton good for wine lovers?
Absolutely. The Naramata Bench—a 20-minute drive from downtown—has over 40 wineries on a single road. Most are small-lot, family-run operations. The wines regularly compete with Napa and Burgundy in international competitions. If you care about wine, Penticton puts you closer to the action than Kelowna.
What's winter like in Penticton?
Milder than you'd expect. Penticton is one of the warmest places in Canada, with average January highs around 2°C. Snow falls occasionally but rarely sticks for long in town. For serious skiing, Apex Mountain is 45 minutes west—1,112 metres of vertical, often less crowded than Big White.
How much house can I get for $650,000?
Around $650,000 gets you a solid 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family home—likely 1,400-1,800 sq ft with a decent yard. In Kelowna, the same money buys a townhouse or a dated rancher in Rutland. This value gap is why many Kelowna buyers are looking south.
Explore Other Okanagan Communities
Ready to Find Your Penticton Home?
Two lakes, world-class wine, and a lifestyle that costs less than Kelowna. Let's talk about what you're looking for.
Start the Conversation