Penticton BC - There's a festival for everyone

If you're visiting British Columbia, one of the best places to go is Penticton in the Okanagan. The Okanagan valley is famous for its wineries and great views. And what better place to stay and enjoy all the Okanagan can offer than stay in Penticton. With easy access to 88 wineries within short drive distance away, you might think that the town is only for wine lovers. Sure, wine connoseur will love there stay here but Penticton is not just for them. With so many festivities and events scattered all year long, anybody can come and enjoy the town's offering. It doesn't matter if you are a retiree, a sports buff, a writer, a single guy or with a family. There is something for each and every one to enjoy.

Blessed with the best climate in all of Canada, Penticton has been the preferred summer destination for a lot of urbanites from Vancouver. Here, they relax and unwind. With Apex Mountain Resort for skiing, the Skaha and Okanagan Lake for boating and fishing and of course for the beaches, the Kettle Value Railway for those who love hiking or biking, just to name a few, who wouldn't want to spend their vacation time here.

Dubbed as BC's City of Festivals, the town celebrates festivals in all four seasons. Take a look at some of them below:

1) Okanagan International Children's Festival.Usually held around May, this festival celebrates the arts and stimulates global awareness and cultural diversity. For kids, it opens their mind to the creative world as it presents some the world's finest dancers, actors, comedians and storytellers.

2) Ironman Canada Triathlon. If you like challenges then join the annual Subaru triathlon. It is usually held in the latter half of August. This event is not for the weak, you have to swim about 2.4 miles, bike for about 112 miles and run for 26.2 miles. It is something that you have to be physically prepared for. Be ready, otherwise you can always enjoy the event and watch the participants from the sidelines.

3) Elvis Festival. Held around the end of June, this festival is a tribute to who else but the King. Lively performance are held and not to mention impersonators roving around. I guess if you are into Mr. Presley or just would like to have fun then check out this festival.

4) Okanagan Fest-of-Ale. Held around April, beer drinkers and afficionados all around can come and enjoy a great selection of the world's finest ales. For twenty dollars, plus the cost of your samples, thirsty festival-goers can try a wide variety of traditional beers, like lagers and porters, as well as more unusual ales bearing mouth-watering descriptions that boast of bananas, cloves, cherries and chocolate.

5) Okanagan Fall Wine Festival. The fall is the perfect time to visit if you'd like to see the grapes ripen and join in the celebration of the harvest. This is probably the only North American festival held during the harvest season. Wines abound and paired with fabulous food and not to mention the scenic background makes it the perfect autumn season for everyone. Indulge in the vineyard tours the hops across the wineries all around the Okanagan.

6) Penticton Peach Festival. This summer event is held around the first week of August. It has been a summer tradition for 62 years. It features entertainment for the whole family that includes pancake breakfast, concerts, parades, crafts and the annual Square Dance Festival.

7) Meadowlark Festival. This event takes place around mid May. If you'd like to experience the natural beauty of South Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys then come during this festival and enjoy. You can visit different parts of the valley including Canada's only desert near Osoyoos. What Canada has a desert? Hmm, yes and during this event you will have the chance to visit it.

8) Pentastic Jazz Festival. Jazz and music lovers should come during this three day festival of Jazz music.This event is headlined by some of the world's finest jazz musician. It takes place around the second week of September. Live concerts happens on different venues all over town.

While not exhaustive, the list above should give you an idea as to why Penticton is dubbed as BC's City of Festival. It's simple, in addition to the natural beauty of its surrounding, there is a festival for everyone all year round. A lot of Canadians have actually relocated to the town and made it their second home or retirement home. Because of this, the condo market is getting hot again, you might wanna check out Alysen Place which is nicely located close to the lake and everything the town offers. You never know, you might fall in love and decide to live in Penticton.