With the ongoing travel restrictions, many people are looking for new ways to enjoy spending time in their local area. Luckily for us, the Okanagan is full of great things to see and do. Now that the weather is heating up we can finally start to explore more ways to spend time outdoors with the people we care about.
The Penticton and wider Okanagan communities have been amazing at thinking up new ways to safely enjoy ourselves in 2021, and we’re excited about all of them. So here are some fun new ways to safely get outdoors and spend some much-needed time with loved ones in Penticton this spring and summer!
This great initiative has actually been run all over BC for many years and had more than 50,000 participants last year alone. However, it takes on extra significance this year and we’re expecting record numbers of people to take part. Designed to encourage people to cycle to work, this year it’s encouraging everyone to hop on their bike and start exploring the area!
Penticton has its own branch of the event, and where could be better to get out and explore on two wheels? We recommend a nice cycle around the lake, or you could venture out of town on some of our many well-maintained routes. Why not get out on the wonderful Kettle Valley Railway track for a trip through the beautiful Naramata Bench? You could even stop by at our craft distillery to enjoy a tasting along with a fabulous view!
Register online for GoByBikeWeek to get involved and start tracking your rides on Strava.
To support local restaurants and encourage people to spend more time with each other outside this year, the city has organized Picnic-Ton. As part of Picnic-Ton, the city has installed dozens of extra picnic tables in parks around town. Additionally, there are now several designated zones where alcohol is permitted in public, so you can enjoy some of the region’s locally made beverages right on the beach, or in several other beautiful outdoor areas. We recommend a glass of our Cherry Liqueur as the perfect sunny picnic treat!
40+ local businesses are taking part in Picnic-Ton, including our friends and neighbours at D’Angelo Estate Winery and Hillside Winery and Bistro. Take a look at the handy interactive map for more details about where you can take part in Picnic-Ton.
Aside from these officially organized initiatives, many local businesses across Penticton and the Naramata Bench have embraced the unique conditions this year and have made changes to accommodate guests safely. For example, many sites have added or upgraded outdoor areas, patios, and decks for customers.
Here at Maple Leaf Spirits, we’ve also worked hard to ensure guests can enjoy their visits in safety and comfort. We’ve added more outdoor space for tastings in addition to our other safety precautions to help you get out and enjoy the beautiful weather this year with your friends and family. We hope to welcome you this year so you can enjoy some of our spirits exclusively made from locally grown fruit and wine.