You can tell a lot about a town by how it gathers around a pint. In Penticton, craft beer isn’t just something to drink—it’s part of the culture. My best friend Josh and I discovered this on a besties weekend, after a scenic four-and-a-half-hour drive from Vancouver that brought us straight to Cannery Brewing for dinner and drinks on their lively patio.
Penticton: Between Two Lakes, Built on Stories
Penticton is a small city with a laid-back spirit and a major hub in British Columbia’s renowned wine country. It’s surrounded by vineyards and dozens of tasting rooms, making it as much a pilgrimage site for oenophiles as it is for beer lovers. The town balances the feel of a close-knit community with the amenities of a destination town, and its charm lies in how easily visitors are welcomed into the local rhythm.
The city sits on a narrow stretch of land between Okanagan Lake to the north and Skaha Lake to the south. The name “Penticton” comes from the Interior Salish word sn’pintktn, meaning “a place to stay forever.” Once you’re here, it makes perfect sense. This small city, surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and trails, feels like it was made for lingering.
Long before craft breweries popped up, the area thrived on fruit canning—processing local peaches, apples, and cherries in the early 20th century. Cannery Brewing’s very name nods to that past, continuing a legacy in each glass.
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Cannery Brewing: A Family Legacy in Every Pint
Cannery Brewing is located just a short stroll from Penticton’s walkable downtown core. It sits on Ellis Street, around the corner from other local favorites and only a few blocks from Okanagan Lake. The brewery is perfectly placed to catch foot traffic from the beach, nearby hotels, and the city’s popular Saturday farmers’ market. It feels tucked-in enough to feel local, but central enough to be a hub.
Cannery Brewing is one of the originals—founded in 2001 by Ron and Patt Dyck in a former fruit cannery. Today, with the addition of their son, Ian, and head brewer Ross Thompson, as co-owners, they continue the family tradition, mixing hospitality, community, and exceptional brewing.
We arrived just before dusk and grabbed a seat on the Cannery Backyard patio, a colorful, casual setup with sturdy picnic tables, upbeat menu boards, and vintage-style graphics of dancing fries and cheeseburgers. It felt more like a block party than a brewery. Two corgis in tiny dog-sized bandanas lounged under one table, tails thumping whenever someone walked by. A labradoodle rested its head on its owner’s flip-flopped foot. The place wasn’t just pet-friendly; it was pet-welcoming.
Our server dropped off menus and grinned. It read of good old-school backyard BBQ fare: hot dogs, burgers, the lone salad…You get the idea. Behind us, someone’s golden retriever barked once at a skateboarder.
Sips, Slushies, and Satisfying Bites
I kicked things off with the White Ale topped with a splash of berry slush. The base white ale offers citrusy sweetness, coriander, and orange peel, resulting in a bright and crushable brew. The berry slush twist made it a revitalizing summer refresher.
Josh chose the Berry Sour Slush, a cold blend of Cannery’s Sunblink Berry Sour, tart yet fruity and perfectly balanced. It’s like dessert in a glass.
Dinner was the Cannery Burger: a double smash burger served on a toasted Portofino brioche bun, loaded with Two Rivers bacon, Cannery pickles, nut brown ale caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and their house backyard burger sauce. Every bite was sweet, smoky, and dripping with flavor – just as a backyard burger should be.
We added a basket of crispy fries and watched as two staff members brought water bowls to a table where a Boston terrier and a shepherd mix were alternately sharing treats and ignoring each other. The crowd was a relaxed mix: families with toddlers passing tortilla chips, couples sharing beers and leaning in close, and groups of friends easing into their weekend with pints in hand and nowhere else to be.. These weren’t forced conversations. This was just how Cannery Brewing worked.
The Best Time to Visit Penticton and Cannery Brewing
Penticton shines from late spring through early fall. May to September brings warm weather, lake days, farmers’ markets, and festival fun like Peachfest. That’s peak patio season for Cannery – food trucks, live music in the Backyard, and a vibrant crowd.
Prefer a quieter vibe? Early fall is perfect: cooler temps, fewer crowds, and the harvest season infuses new energy into local food and drink. If you love winter sports, Apex Mountain Resort is only 30 minutes away, but note that some breweries reduce hours in winter.
When the Air Cools, the Vibe Does Too
We stayed long after dinner was over. The air cooled just enough to make the beer extra crisp and the conversation even easier. Josh and I caught up on life: work updates, travel dreams, the kind of honest laughs that only come when you’re sharing a table with someone who knows your stories.
String lights blinked on as dusk fell, casting a warm, ambient glow across tables filled with people who weren’t in a rush to be anywhere else.
What struck me at Cannery, and across Penticton’s beer scene, was that sense of belonging. These aren’t stop-in-and-out breweries; they are places where locals gather, visitors connect, and stories unfold over a shared pint.
If You Go
Getting There
Penticton is a scenic 4.5-hour drive from Vancouver via the Coquihalla Highway. The route is beautiful year-round, but winter tires are required in colder months. Alternatively, Penticton has a small airport with direct flights from Vancouver.
Getting Around
Once you’re in Penticton, park the car. The town is wonderfully walkable, especially around downtown and the lakes. Rent bikes to explore the Kettle Valley Rail Trail or to brewery hop without worrying about parking.
When to Visit
- May to September: Ideal for warm-weather activities, patio dining, lake days, and festivals like Peachfest.
- Late September to October: Quieter, with fall colours and wine harvest celebrations.
- Winter: Apex Mountain Resort is just 30 minutes away for skiing and snowboarding, but note that some breweries may have reduced hours.
Where to Stay: Balcomo
Just under a mile west of downtown, balcomo offers eco-minded comfort along with a courtyard pool, hot tub, fitness center, BBQ area, and pet-friendly options. Its deluxe rooms and suites feature private patios, mini-fridges, and wine glasses. It’s located beside Penticton Golf Club and close to lakes, trails, and breweries. With on-site dining at The Station Public Eatery, focus on fresh, local flavor.
Local Tips
- Pack layers as evenings can cool quickly, even in summer.
- Reserve ahead in peak season for hotels and popular patios.
- Support local. Farmers’ markets, cafes, and breweries often collaborate. Ask staff for seasonal recommendations, they’ll have great suggestions.
Brewery Route: A BC Ale Trail Experience
One of the best parts about Penticton is that you don’t need a designated driver to enjoy its beer scene. These stops are all walkable or bikeable:
- Cannery Brewing – Start with a burger, a berry slush-topped ale, and a conversation.
- Neighbourhood Brewing – Creative IPAs, bright interiors, and a lively crowd.
- Slackwater Brewing – Two floors, rooftop views, and a strong lineup of lagers and ales.
- Highway 97 Brewery – Lake-adjacent with a classic sports bar vibe.
- Tin Whistle Brewing – One of BC’s oldest craft breweries, now focused on sustainability.
- Abandoned Rail Brewing – A beautiful ride out along the KVR trail to orchard country.
- Barley Mill Brew Pub – Hearty pub fare and a retro brewpub setting.
Download the BC Ale Trail app for maps, tasting notes, and rewards as you explore.
Mary Sheridan writes about food, wine, and travel at maryinvancity.com.
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- Lake Country’s Renaissance: How Two Wineries are Redefining Wine Tourism in the Okanagan
- The Charming Allure of North Vancouver
