Penticton was made for the spotlight.
Home to a giant hillside sign that’s even larger than Hollywood’s, this South Okanagan city has been turning heads since 1937. In fact, the iconic landmark stands two feet taller than its U.S. counterpart and has been recognized as one of Canada’s Historic Places.
These days, Penticton is attracting something else, too: film crews.
This week, the city takes a turn on screen in Netflix’s new holiday movie, A Dog’s Perfect Christmas, starring Dennis Quaid, with several scenes filmed in Penticton’s festive downtown.
A Dog’s Perfect Christmas
The film features some of the city’s favourite winter attractions, including the outdoor skating rink at Gyro Park, and the 180-foot light tunnel illuminated by 30,000+ lights (as featured in the movie trailer at the 1:30 mark).
Both attractions are free to enjoy throughout the holiday season. The annual light display returns on Nov. 29, 2026, as part of Magic on Main Street, featuring the Santa Claus Parade and the official holiday light-up celebration.
A Dog’s Perfect Christmas, airing starting this Wednesday, is a story about a family in crisis at Christmas. The movie also stars Milo Ventimiglia, Brooke Lena Johnson, Kathleen Rose Perkins, Jennifer Tilly, Mary Steenburgen, and Thomas Haden Church as the voice of the dog, Winstead.
Coming Soon…
Horror film Vested, starring Milo Gibson, was filmed throughout Penticton and Summerland in April 2026, including inside the Capitol Restaurant on Main Street in downtown Penticton. This movie is currently in post-production.
Film crews provide significant economic value to Penticton and the surrounding communities, with crews staying and eating locally, hiring local talent including extras, and shopping in local businesses.
Past Productions
Wild Goat Surf (2022): Set in a rundown Okanagan RV park during the summer of 2003, Goat, a surfing-obsessed, twelve-year-old skater girl, navigates the unbridled, unstructured, summer days of youth, dreaming about becoming a surfer. Key filming locations included Skaha Lake Beach, downtown Penticton and areas along Okanagan lake Park.
Drinkwater (2021): A coming-of-age story set in Penticton. Mike Drinkwater’s father, Hank (Eric McCormack), is hardly the role model Mike deserves. A young woman moves to town, and their friendship gives them the courage to overcome their challenges. This movie was filmed in various locations throughout the city, showcasing landmarks including Skaha Lake Park, Munson Mountain, Penticton Secondary school and residential areas.
My American Cousin (1985): The Canadian classic that helped put the Okanagan on the cinematic map. This film follows 12-year-old Sandy in the 1950s, whose dull summer is upended when her charismatic older cousin Butch arrives from California in a flashy Cadillac.
Hollywood, Meet Penticton
Want to get close up to the PENTICTON sign? Munson Mountain is a favourite hike known for its breathtaking scenery and photo opportunities.
Start from the parking lot at the base of the mountain and follow the trail to the summit, which offers panoramic views above Penticton, Okanagan Lake and beyond. The trail is short – approximately 1km round trip – and suitable for all ages. The access road to Munson Mountain is located off Middle Bench Road North. Turn onto Munson Mountain Road to access the parking area (view a map here).
For more ideas, upcoming events or to plan your visit to Penticton, visit visitpenticton.com.
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