Penticton and the South Okanagan is a relatively Dog-friendly place. Many shops put signs on their window inviting dogs in out of the heat. In addition, while dogs are not invited to swim on the busiest parts of the beaches, there are dedicated dog beaches where you can let them off their leash and they can go for a dip.
Store Policies
Many stores like Rona and Home hardware have signs on their door specifically telling you NOT to leave your dog in the hot car and to bring them in.
Some of the wineries are the same – they invite you to bring your dog inside. Others provide a nice shady spot for you to tie them up outside with a big water dish and sometimes a treat or two. It’s best not to assume, but to ask wherever you go what their policy is. Most are quite accommodating.
Dogs are also welcome at the Saturday Penticton Farmers Market. You will see many beautifully behaved dogs wandering around, masters in tow. The North end of the farmer’s market (near the Lakeside Hotel) is very close to the dog beach on Okanagan Lake, so why not take them for a dip and a run before or after you wander through the market.
Off-Leash Spots
Penticton can get very busy in the Summer, and with all the kids running around as well as a large concentration of Senior Citizens out enjoying the fresh air, there is a very low tolerance for unleashed dogs in busy beach areas. When seniors fall down, sometimes the injuries can be very serious, thus they are quite outspoken about the issue of “rogue dogs”. The Okanagan Lake walkways in downtown Penticton are a “hot spot” in terms of complaints and (threats of) ticketing for off-leash dogs. Skaha Lake Park, while you will sometimes see unleashed dogs in off-hours, it is very much noticed and frowned upon during peak periods of the day. It is clearly advisable to avoid these areas – especially at peak periods.
Outside of the busy City, there are a number of areas that are far more “tolerant” of unleashed dogs, even if they are technically not permitted to be off-leash. Walking along the Kettle Valley Trail – the further you get away from town the more you will see well-behaved dogs running free. Also, many people have found that Naramata, Kaleden and/or Okanagan Falls a lot more tolerant of such activities. The biggest factor being that these areas are far less busy and are often frequented by fellow dog owners.
Throughout the Southern Okanagan, there are also a number of dedicated Dog Beaches (water access) and Dog Parks (with no water access), which are fenced in so dogs can play without restriction.
Dog Beaches
Penticton, Summerland, Kaleden and Okanagan Falls all have wonderful dog beaches where the dogs can play in the water. There are centrally located and close to a regular beach so if you are with a large group of people you don’t have to go that far away to throw a stick or a toy out for your dog to fetch in the water. (Scroll down for locations and pictures of dog beaches.)
Okanagan Lake Dog Beach Penticton
There is plenty of room to romp and play in the water at this beach, without the need of a leash
The Okanagan Lake dog park is located in a very convenient spot between the Lakeside Resort and the Japanese Gardens. The setting is wonderful, and you will meet many new “friends” who come to play. There is free parking if you park near the Japanese Gardens and walk through.
Skaha Lake Dog Beach in Penticton
This dedicated beach is a little more difficult to get to, as it is a little drive down Eastside Road. But the good news it is rarely that busy and there is plenty of space to romp and play.
This Dog Beach is not located where all the foot traffic is, or the main swimming areas are. You have to drive a little ways down eastside road, past the turnoff to Painted Rock winery and Skaha Bluffs to get to it. It can come up to you pretty quickly after the Skaha Bluff turnoff, so keep your eyes open. There is a small parking lot – or one could view it as an extra large pull-off area.
Kaleden Dog Beach
Kaleden is a small enough community that there us usually plenty of room on the beach for everyone. There is lots of space for dogs and humans to roam. When you drive down the hill off the main highway, you will meander down until you reach the lake. The Pioneer Park and beach is the first thing you will find.
Okanagan Falls Dog Beach
The Okanagan Falls dog park is located right along the main beach area in town.
The Okanagan Falls dog park is easy to find, and is a great place to stop on a hot day while travelling between Penticton and Oliver. The park comes complete with a fake fire hydrant.
Summerland Dog Beach
Summerland has a beautiful beach and a great waterfront path for a leisurely stroll. There is a leash-free dog zone with beach access right up on a point. There is lots of parking available and is a fairly laid back experience.
A Note to Those Thinking About Visiting Skaha Bluffs
It should be noted that Skaha Bluffs, a hiking and rock climbing venue on the east side of Skaha Lake, has banned dogs from the area because they have determined that the area is a protected wildlife habitat and that the dogs may chase/disturb some of the little creatures nesting and foraging in the area.
This changed in 2016, and some dog owners may be unaware of the change as it had, in the past, been a favourite spot to take your dog for a wilderness adventure.