Cute Cozy Character Cottage - Downtown Penticton

This character home sits on a corner lot near Penticton Creek and the paved path that takes you downtown and to Okanagan Lake. Shopping is a short walk, as is the beach, craft breweries and the KVR trail. The property has a significant tree canopy which keeps the house and the yard cooler during the hot summer months. The Saturday market is only a 5-minute walk, and is a great way to connect with your friends and neighbours while picking up some fresh produce and baked goods!

This 90-year-old home has had significant updates with all new stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, while still retaining much of the original character. The main floor has 2 bedrooms and a full bathroom which are nicely separated from the main living area, while the unfinished basement has roughed-in plumbing for another bathroom and can accommodate an additional bedroom if desired. The basement height is 6’9”.

The rear yard is private and spacious, and with the tree cover feels like an oasis of shade during those intense sunny days. The fence configuration allows 2 vehicles to park off the street, with more street parking available along the side of the house on Wade Avenue. A built-in shed sits in the corner of the yard for your outdoor tool storage. The entire property contains mature landscaping elements with irrigation, giving the home an attractive curb appeal and provides privacy and shade.

This cozy home is just the right size for people with busy lives and limited time, with the ability to easily walk most places downtown, allowing you to leave the vehicle at home.

396 Van Horne Street - Penticton, BC

Location & Geography

Region: South Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada
Population: ~37,000 (city), ~50,000 including surrounding areas
Unique Setting: One of only two cities in the world situated between two lakes—Okanagan Lake to the north and Skaha Lake to the south
Elevation: ~344 m (1,129 ft)

Climate

Type: Semi-arid (one of the driest cities in Canada)
Summers: Hot and dry, with temps often exceeding 30°C (86°F)
Winters: Mild compared to most of Canada, with occasional snow
Growing season: Long and ideal for orchards and vineyards

Culture & History

Indigenous heritage: Home to the Syilx/Okanagan Nation, especially the Penticton Indian Band
European settlement: Grew through agriculture, rail, and lake shipping
Historic sites: SS Sicamous, Kettle Valley Railway trail, Okanagan historical architecture

Economy

Key sectors:

Tourism & Hospitality: A major driver year-round
Agriculture: Fruit orchards (peaches, cherries, apples), wineries
Wine Industry: Dozens of vineyards on the Naramata and Skaha benches
Construction & Real Estate: Ongoing residential and recreational development

Tech & Remote Work: Growing sector thanks to lifestyle appeal and fiber-optic internet

Recreation & Outdoor Activities

Summer:

Swimming, kayaking, sailing, beach lounging
Floating the Channel between lakes
Wine touring and farmers’ markets
Climbing at Skaha Bluffs
Biking the Kettle Valley Rail Trail

Winter:

Apex Mountain Resort (skiing/snowboarding)
Nickel Plate Nordic Centre (cross-country skiing & snowshoeing)

Wineries & Culinary Scene

Wine regions: Naramata Bench, Skaha Bench, and Okanagan Falls
Local specialties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah
Dining: Farm-to-table restaurants, local breweries, cideries, and artisanal bakeries

Surrounding Communities

Naramata: Charming wine village on the Bench with artisanal shops
Kaleden: Lakeside hamlet with rural charm and wineries
Okanagan Falls: Wine-producing area south of Skaha Lake
Summerland: North of Penticton; historic town with fruit and wine focus
Oliver & Osoyoos: Desert-like areas further south with heat-loving vineyards

Culture, Arts & Events

Penticton Art Gallery, Cannery Arts Centre, and public murals
Major events: Penticton Peach Festival, Okanagan Fest of Ale, Challenge Penticton

Education & Infrastructure

School District 67: Includes French immersion and Indigenous programs
Okanagan College campus
Penticton Regional Hospital: Major healthcare center for the South Okanagan

The vegetation in Penticton, British Columbia, reflects its unique semi-arid climate and diverse terrain—ranging from lakeshore to forested hillsides. Here's an overview of what you’ll find:

Natural Vegetation Zones

Grasslands & Shrub-Steppe (Valley Floor & South Slopes)

Dominant plants: Bunchgrasses (like bluebunch wheatgrass), sagebrush, and rabbitbrush
Adaptations: Drought-tolerant species thrive in the hot, dry summers
Wildflowers: Arrowleaf balsamroot, lupines, and mariposa lilies in spring

Ponderosa Pine Forests (Low to Mid Elevations)

Trees: Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir
Understory: Saskatoon berry, Oregon grape, snowberry
These open forests are adapted to periodic fire and found on hillsides around Skaha Bluffs and Carmi Road

Montane Forests (Higher Elevations near Apex and Carmi)

Trees: Lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir
Ground cover: Mosses, lichens, huckleberries, and beargrass

Penticton is a recreation-rich destination with an exceptional mix of lake activities, hiking and biking, wine touring, and winter sports. Here’s a breakdown by season and interest:

Summer Recreation

Water-Based Activities
- Okanagan Lake & Skaha Lake: Swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing
- Floating the Channel: A signature Penticton experience—float down the 7 km Penticton River Channel between the lakes
- Beaches: Sandy public beaches like Skaha Beach and Okanagan Lake Beach with amenities and family areas
Cycling & Mountain Biking
- Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail: Scenic, flat gravel trail for cycling and walking—famous for its trestles, vineyards, and lake views
- Three Blind Mice Trails: Technical singletrack mountain biking on the hills above Naramata
- Road cycling: Popular training grounds with challenging climbs and lake vistas (also part of IRONMAN Canada)
Hiking & Trail Running
- Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park: Excellent for hiking and panoramic views of Skaha Lake
- Apex Mountain trails (summer use): Subalpine hikes with wildflowers and cooler temps
- Munson Mountain Lookout: Easy climb with views of the Penticton “P” and Okanagan Lake
Wine Touring & Agritourism
- Dozens of nearby wineries (e.g., Naramata Bench, Skaha Bench)
- Cideries, breweries, and distilleries also offer tours and tastings
- Fruit stands & U-pick: Peaches, cherries, apricots in summer
Climbing
- Skaha Bluffs: One of Canada's top sport climbing destinations with hundreds of bolted routes and sunny faces, great from spring through fall

Winter Recreation

Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
- Apex Mountain Resort (45 min drive): Powder-filled runs, terrain park, and Nordic trails
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
- Nickel Plate Nordic Centre: Over 50 km of groomed trails at high elevation

Penticton’s history is rich with Indigenous heritage, agricultural development, and resort-town evolution, all shaped by its stunning geography between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake.

Indigenous Roots

Original Inhabitants: The Syilx (Okanagan) people have lived in the region for thousands of years.
Name Origin: Penticton comes from the Syilx word snpintktn, often translated as “a place to stay forever” or “permanent place.”
Cultural Significance: The lakes, valleys, and surrounding hills were vital for fishing, hunting, root-gathering, and spiritual practices.
The Penticton Indian Band (a member of the Okanagan Nation Alliance) continues to play a vital role in the community and regional development.

Early European Contact & Settlement (1800s–Early 1900s)

Fur Trade & Missionaries: In the 1800s, fur traders and Christian missionaries passed through the area.
Agricultural Settlement: By the late 1800s, settlers began farming; irrigation systems developed for orchard and vineyard expansion.
Hudson’s Bay Company operated a post in the region in the mid-1800s.

Growth Through Infrastructure (1900s)

1908: Penticton was officially incorporated as a town.
Kettle Valley Railway (opened in 1915): Connected Penticton to the rest of British Columbia and encouraged tourism and agriculture.
S.S. Sicamous sternwheeler: Served as a major passenger and cargo boat on Okanagan Lake (now a museum).

Agriculture & Tourism Boom (Mid-20th Century)

Orcharding: Apples, peaches, and cherries dominated the economy.
“Peach City” nickname emerged, leading to the Penticton Peach Festival (established in 1947).
Wine industry: Took off in the 1970s and 1980s, especially along the Naramata Bench.

Modern Era

Tourism Hub: Penticton evolved into a summer resort town with beaches, wineries, climbing, and cycling.
Sport Destination: Hosts IRONMAN Canada, GranFondo races, and a booming climbing scene at Skaha Bluffs.
Cultural Investment: Home to the Penticton Art Gallery, South Okanagan Events Centre, and revitalized downtown core.