Introduction Penticton is situated in the Okanagan Valley between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. Both lakes are joined to each other by the Okanagan River. The Okanagan Lake is 120 km (74,5 miles) long and is one of the warmest lakes in British Columbia. Supposedly the Ogopogo monster would swim around in this lake. Because of the very mild climate in this area, it is very popular with tourists. These tourists can enjoy among other things the many beaches, farming festivities and the big supply of fruit.

History About 19,000 years ago glaciers covered the valley. These glaciers cut deep into the surrounding mountains and the bottom of the Okanagan Lake. After the withdrawal of the glaciers, glacial lakes remained. About 3 to 4 thousand years ago the Salish Indians were the first inhabitants of the valley. They established themselves in a little village on the west bank of the Okanagan River and called  the place  “Pen-tik-tan” which means “a place to stay forever”. Later on the name Penticton was derived from this. One of the first pioneers was Thomas Ellis. He came here in 1865 and appropriated himself a piece of land. In 1866 he planted the first orchard in the Okanagan valley. His influence has been very important for the growth of Penticton. Since 1906, the inhabitants started planting fruit orchards, so nowadays there is fruit in abundance in this area.