Major Highways
Penticton has convenient access to major Provincial transportation corridors running north and south, east and west. It is located at the junction of the major north-south highway (#97) and the main east-west highway (3A), sometimes referred to as British Columbia's most important southern-interior crossroads. Situated just 380 km (242 miles) from Vancouver and 670 km (416 miles) from Calgary, Penticton has excellent access to the vibrant markets of Western Canada, the United States, and the Pacific Rim. Penticton is well-connected to the BC and Trans-Canada Highway system. The Coquihalla Highway and Okanagan Connector (Highway 97C), is a four-lane divided toll freeway which puts Vancouver and the West Coast within only a half day's drive.
Highway 97 runs from the Yukon and Alaska through the centre of British Columbia to Washington, Oregon and California. This natural transportation corridor provides access to a potential market of more than 40 million people. |
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The segment of this highway that runs through the Okanagan has been designated the "Wine Route" as this is Canada's largest wine growing area and there are many excel-lent farmgate and cottage wineries to visit along the way. Highway 3, also known as the Crow's Nest Highway, traverses the southern part of the province from.
Truck and Rail Services
Local trucking firms offer local, provincial, national, and international inter-modal freight services. In addition, over 30 companies pass through Penticton on a regular basis. These companies provide services to the Vancouver market and International Airport and to Pacific ports in Vancouver and Seattle as well as inter-connections across Canada and the United States. Penticton is one of two British Columbian satellite hub centres for the Burlington Northern Rail Inter-modal Service (the largest railway network in the United States). This service is the largest and most comprehensive in North America and combines the speed of trains with the door-to-door convenience of trucks. Goods destined for U.S. markets are placed in containers and transported from Penticton by truck to Spokane. Upon reaching Spokane, the containers are then transferred from truck to Burlington Northern Railway (BNR) trains which offers three day delivery for most products to any-where in the continental United States. Freight service is offered from Penticton to the rest of Canada by CN and CP railways.
Ports and Water Transportation
Within a half day's trucking time from Penticton, Vancouver Port Corporation operates three major terminals, all equipped to handle any size ship, year round. Vancouver is the province's major sea port and the largest dry cargo dock on the North American pacific seaboard. Direct rail connections are available on most piers. Connections are also available for container traffic via the Port of Seattle.
Coach and Transit Services
Greyhound Bus Lines provides daily passenger and parcel bus service to regional Okanagan communities. There are direct routes to most major cities in British Columbia and Alberta, and connections to other points in North America. The bus line also provides connections to its feeder airline facilities in Kelowna. Charter bus companies also serve destinations within BC and in the US.
Penticton Transit has a modern fleet of "low floor" transit buses which are fully handicapped-accessible, serving the residential neighbourhoods and commercial area.
All accessible Penticton Transit buses (except on the Naramata Bus) are equipped with racks that can carry up to two bikes at a time. There are 6 regular transit routes, including a night route. Buses operate six days a week excluding statutory holidays. During the summer a lake-to-lake route is offered every Sunday and holiday from the last Sunday in June to Labour Day in September.
There is also transit service to the outgoing community of Naramata plus a "Handy Dart" service for people with special needs. Complete transit information including fares and schedules is available by phoning 492-5602.
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The South Okanagan Transit Society is a nonprofit society and community based. Its purpose is to provide transportation at a reasonable cost to residents of the South Okanagan to health services in the Okanagan and its environs..
South Okanagan Transit  |
Air Transportation
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The Penticton Regional Airport (YYF) provides scheduled daily flights to Vancouver and Calgary with connecting flights to smaller BC centres and international destinations.
Air Canada
Penticton Regional Airport |
There is an aver-age of more than 72 scheduled flights in and out of the airport every week. The 1,829 metre paved runway and navigational system allow for the landing of modern commercial jets and turbo-prop aircraft. Several private aviation companies provide charter, rental, flight training services, aircraft repainting, rebuilding and maintenance services.
For more information, contact the airport manager: (250) 492-6042 or visit "www.cyyf.org".
Penticton's Airport is a point of entry for international flights where Canada Customs Services are available. Penticton's Canada Customs office at the airport can be reached by phone: (250) 770-4464 or fax: (250) 770-4466.
Other services available at the Airport include: car and truck rental, courier services, etc. Helicopter Charters are also available through Canadian Helicopters, Eclipse and Apex Helicopters, along with training, rescue, and fire fighting.
The Kelowna Airport, (60 min. away) is serviced by two additional national airlines, Westjet and Horizon Air as well as seasonal charter flights to the USA, Mexico and other holiday destinations.
Kelowna International Airport
West Jet to Kelowna
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