IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2026
PENTICTON, British Columbia — Penticton, B.C., has earned global recognition as one of the world’s fastest-rising travel destinations, ranking fifth on Skyscanner’s list of the most-searched destinations worldwide.
The South Okanagan city saw a 137-per-cent increase in travel searches year-over-year, placing it alongside trending destinations in Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.
In its latest travel trends report, Skyscanner, a travel search and booking platform, cited Penticton’s unique combination of outdoor adventure, lakeside relaxation, wine country experiences and year-round recreation as key drivers of its growing popularity. The report describes Penticton as an easy domestic escape for Canadians seeking unforgettable experiences closer to home.
“We’re incredibly proud to see Penticton recognized on a global stage,” said Kevin Pearce, Executive Director of Visit Penticton. “Within minutes, visitors can be on the water, on a bike, at a winery, enjoying a meal inspired by local ingredients, or taking in a world-class event. From vineyard-covered hillsides and sunny patios to dramatic bluffs and lake views, many visitors compare the landscape to some of the world’s most iconic regions.”
“As one of only two cities in the world situated between two lakes, Penticton offers a unique blend of four-season recreation opportunities that’s attracting travellers from across Canada and around the world,” added Pearce.
Just two Canadian cities – both in B.C. – ranked among the top 10 in the Skyscanner list, including:
- Cardiff, Wales
- George’s, Granada
- Tivat, Montenegro
- Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
- Penticton, Canada
- Salzburg, Austria
- Bergen, Norway
- Olbia, Italy
- Podgorica, Montenegro
- Tofino, Canada
Penticton hosts a robust calendar of major sporting events, festivals and community celebrations throughout the year. The destination also offers hundreds of kilometres of hiking, cycling and trail-running routes, access to two nearby downhill ski resorts, extensive Nordic skiing opportunities and a wide range of four-season outdoor experiences including rock climbing, paddling, boating and water sports.
Beyond its outdoor appeal, Penticton is a premier culinary, craft beverage and cultural destination. Surrounded by more than 88 wineries within a 20-minute drive and home to a thriving brewery district, the city was named Canada’s Craft Beer Capital by Lonely Planet in 2020. Visitors enjoy unparalleled access to award-winning wineries, breweries, cideries, distilleries and farm-to-table dining experiences. Penticton also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, featuring more than a dozen galleries and studios, live theatre, public art, live music and a diverse calendar of cultural events throughout the year.
About Visit Penticton
Visit Penticton is the official destination marketing and management organization for Penticton, British Columbia. Through its tourism and Meet in Penticton convention bureau programs, Visit Penticton promotes the city as a leading destination for travel, meetings, conventions and events. Learn more at visitpenticton.com.
Media Contacts:
Kevin Pearce
Executive Director, Visit Penticton
250-276-2162 | Kevin@visitpenticton.com
Katya Irwin
Director of Market Development & Communications
604-897-8277 | katya@visitpenticton.com
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