Explore Penticton's Skaha side of town

“More to explore” is a 10-part collaboration between Castanet and Travel Penticton, a follow up to the popular "Tourists in your own town" series. Watch for it every Monday morning.

Penticton is one of just two cities in the world that sits between two lakes: Okanagan and Skaha.

Explore the Skaha side of town for endless beach fun as well as exciting and varied culinary experiences including sushi, classic pub fair, fine dining and beachside bistros.

When it comes to picking which lake has the most family friendly fun, Skaha is where it’s at, with lots of grassy areas and trees to provide shade. It also has the softest sand of the two lakes, great for lounging and making sandcastles.

Skaha Lake has been rated one of the best beaches in Canada with over 21 acres of park, sand and playgrounds. The lake offers warm and calm waters – ideal for swimming – and a beachfront promenade that connects to open grass and picnic tables, a nature-based rock playground and two Tickleberries concession stands that offer everything from poutine and hot dogs to fries and ice cream.

The park is home to Penticton’s largest playground, a water park, sand volleyball courts, tennis and basketball courts, an outdoor gym and fire pits.

There is a boat launch and a bustling marina that is home to delicious Nautical Dog Cafe. If you are looking for fun on the lake, there is Skaha Marina. The family-run marina rents out speed boats, pontoons, including the double decker slide pontoon, seadoos and kayaks.

For a totally unique experience, head to Glow SUP Adventures. There you can book a guided night paddle where you glide along the lake, lit by glowing LEDs under the paddleboards.

And a day at the beach can make a person hungry. There are plenty of gastronomic adventures to experience on the Skaha side of town.

Sushi Kojo is within walking distance from Skaha Park, featuring some of the best sushi rolls, poke bowls and ramen noodles in town.

Tatsuo Kan brought his family from Japan to Vancouver and chose Penticton to call home, opening Kojo restaurant in 2017.

“We have four kids and we are so happy here. We are never moving. We like to contribute to the community and do the hot lunch program and seniors cooking lessons,” said Kan.

Before COVID, Kojo’s was lined up outside the door on most weekends. The interior seating isn’t open for now, but they are open for take out, delivery and patio service.

Kan said he is grateful for the community, his staff and family.

“We really care about the work culture at Kojo’s. We care more about team work than getting the most talented people to work here. We want to win by our people and making the most impact with them. I think that reflects in what guests see with our food and service,” he said.

If you are looking for some night life, check out one of Penticton’s oldest pubs -- the Barley Mill on Skaha Lake Road

“We love being part of Penticton’s history. The building has been standing since 1982.  We took advantage of being closed for the past few months and sanded down the wood floors and refreshed the paint on the exterior of the building,” said Kori Iceton, events and marketing manager.

“The Barley Mill is your traditional neighbourhood pub. Everyone who walks through the doors are treated like family. The food is delicious and the servers are all so friendly.”

The Barley Mill makes their own award-winning beer too, adding to the amazing craft beer scene in Penticton.

“Shawn has just finished brewing his Berry Dayz kettle sour. Just the perfect amount of sour that makes for the perfect patio pint. If you like a bit more hops you’re after the Rude Pony New England I.P.A. is hazy with a refreshing citrus finish,” said Iceton.

Many people don’t know that families are welcome in the upstairs bistro where they have a sports memorabilia museum and foosball table.

Barley Mill is also one of the only spots in town with a drive-thru beer and wine store, which worked out well during the height of the Corona virus.

Like every business in Penticton, Barley Mill is adhering to provincial social distancing guidelines and sanitizing protocols to keep guests and staff safe. They are grateful to offer their large patio as well.

“For many people in this past month, it was their first time getting out in public. Seeing the staff take precautions to provide a safe place to interact is important.  Everyone has been very appreciative and supportive along the way,” she added.

If you want to get a bird’s eye view of Skaha Lake -- dine and sip on the patio at Play Estate Winery and bistro located in Skaha Hills. With a new chef creating a farm to table menu that pairs beautifully with Play’s wines, this is fine dining, Skaha-style.

Play Estate Winery has been a passion project for the Pechet family, featuring a 14 acre vineyard and unique tasting room.

But if you’ve got sand in your hair and you just don’t care, head over to Barefoot Bar and Grill at Barefoot Beach Resort and it’s like stepping into the beach parties of the 1950s. Enjoy a margarita or pina colada, burger or pizza in your flip flops and swim suit on the beach patio.

All of this and more, on the Skaha side of town.