Skip to content

Expect a busy Canada Day weekend with 3 major events in Penticton

A party at Gyro Park and fireworks at the Lakeside Resort headline Canada Day
29622987_web1_170630-PWN-2016fireworks-T
Fireworks over Okanagan Lake in Penticton. (Western News File)

Three major parties and festivals make for a busy Canada Day long weekend.

Canada Day is almost here and a number of Penticton’s major parks and outdoor spaces will be closed for most of the planned festivities.

Along with the planned gatherings on Friday at Gyro Park and Lakeside Resort, the Peach City is bound to stay busy throughout the weekend, thanks to Ribfest at Skaha Lake Park (July 1 to 3), the Penticton Scottish Festival at King’s Park (July 2) and the Okanagan Trestles Tour along the KVR Trail (July 3).

The city is reminding people that Okanagan Lake Park’s beach area, including the dog park, will be closed on Friday from 9 a.m. onwards for Canada Day celebrations, as well as the 100-block of Main Street from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“All citizens are reminded to be patient, watch for on-site signage and prepare for road and park closures,” the city said.

After a quiet two summers, fireworks in recognition of Canada Day will be launched from Okanagan Lake Park, prompting the closure of the area at 9 p.m.

READ ALSO: Fireworks for Canada Day returning to Penticton’s Lakeside Resort

As part of its announcement, the city suggested a number of places where people can view the fireworks, including:

• Anywhere along Lakeshore Drive

• Marina Way Park

• Munson Mountain

• Higher elevations including Carmi, Valleyview Road and West Bench

• Local restaurants and patios

The Okanagan Trestles Tour will see cyclists wrap up the weekend with an 80-kilometre ride, starting from Kelowna’s Myra Canyon and ending at Penticton’s Lakeside Resort on Sunday.

READ ALSO: Penticton Scottish Festival and Highland Games back

Parking in the city will be free on July 1.

Bike valet parking, meanwhile, will be free on July 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. near Gyro Park during the Penticton Farmers’ Market.

READ MORE: B.C. government grants Penticton $1M for return of 22 local events and festivals