Start Your Day at Bliss Bakery
There is a sign hanging outside of this bakery that reads 'You haven't been to Peachland if you haven't been to Bliss'. And based on the massive crowd it drew when I visited, I believe the sentiment.
It is a solid bakery/coffee shop. There is a huge variety of sweet baked goods, and the quality of the snacks and the drinks are top-notch, but I don't think they fully explain the crowds. The other factor drawing in the masses is the incredible waterfront location.
About 70% of their seating is an outdoor patio that sprawls out onto the large sidewalk area, directly across from the water. Across from the shop, there is a small beach and a flat paved path that could lead you all the way down to the main Peachland waterfront (which would be nearly an hour walk each way).
Catch The Farmers Market
If you happen to be visiting on a Sunday, start at the farmers market before anything else, since that timing won't come around again the rest of the week. If you've been to any of the other markets nearby, like Summerland, Penticton, or Naramata, you will see some familiar faces. And just like those other markets, you will have a huge variety of stands to pick from.
All the markets in the Okanagan do a great job of blending the old-school farmers market culture where it is all just vegetables, with the newer take on markets that includes more artisans, local drink makers, and more unique offerings like tarot card readings.
It's a great balance of different kinds of stands, and there are some great food options if you want to make this also your breakfast stop.
The market runs every Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM between May 24 and September 28 and is located in Heritage Park, which is right on the water and across the street from all the most popular shops and restaurants.
Walk The Peachland Waterfront
After the market, walk the waterfront stretch between Swim Bay and the red pub at the other end, and grab lunch somewhere along that same strip while you're at it.
Peachland might be one of the most charming communities in the Okanagan, and the waterfront is where that charm really shows. This is essentially downtown Peachland, with shops, restaurants, and bars all clustered along a single street facing the lake.
Across the street, closer to the water, there's a walking path that links together several parks, beaches, and public docks. Benches and picnic tables are scattered generously throughout, so there's never really a bad spot to stop, sit, and just watch the lake for a while.
Lunch Time
For lunch, stick to the same waterfront strip and take your pick. The Blind Angler Grill has been a Peachland institution for years and sits right on the marina, so you get that classic dock-and-boats view while you eat. It's a solid choice, casual enough that you don't need to think twice about walking in fresh off the beach, with a menu that covers enough classics that everyone in your group will find something.
If you're after something a little more elevated, Porto Peach leans more into the Mediterranean, with a good mix of seafood and pasta, and the patio is right on the water so you're not giving up the view.
Gasthaus on the Lake is another name that comes up constantly, and it's worth it if you're in the mood for schnitzel and a beer instead of the usual lakeside fish and chips.
Beach Time
After lunch is when your day splits depending on who you're with. If you've got kids, head to Swim Bay and let them loose for a few hours. If you're after something quieter, Antler Bay is a short drive away and has a completely different vibe. And if the weather isn't cooperating for a beach day, or you're just not feeling it, Hardy Falls is a solid alternative for the afternoon instead.
Swim Bay
Swim Bay is exactly what it sounds like, and it might be the best swim spot for kids in the entire valley, adults too if the place isn't overrun. There are several docks here, each set up with its own water feature, like a rope swing that lets you launch off the dock and fly a solid distance before hitting the water.
There's also a diving board suspended startlingly high above the water, which never seems to stop a steady line of fearless kids from launching off it without a second thought. And then there's the zipline, which might be the most fun feature of the whole bay.
Beyond the docks, there's a sandy beach area, plus a grassy stretch behind it with big shade trees where parents tend to post up and keep an eye on things. It's fun for every age, but it does get dominated by kids, which means it can also get noisy and a little chaotic. If you're hoping to relax with a book, Antler Bay is close by and much better suited for that. But if you're travelling as a family, this is essentially a free public waterpark.
Antler Bay
Antler Bay is a long, narrow pebble beach that stretches over a kilometre, and with parking for maybe 25 vehicles at most, there's always room to walk out and claim a decent stretch of beach entirely to yourself.
It's not without its downsides. It sits right next to the highway, so you'll hear the occasional truck rumble by, and being pebbles rather than sand means it's not the most comfortable for lying down without a good chair or mat. There's also no full-service washroom, just pit toilet-style outhouses with no running water.
That said, the tradeoffs are worth it if quiet is what you're after. It's noticeably calmer than the other beaches nearby, skews toward an older crowd rather than families, and it's more sheltered from the wind than the beaches closer to Penticton, which makes it a great option if you're bringing a floaty or a paddleboard along, or just want to sit in your camp chair by the water and read your book (which is what I did).
Hardy Falls (Optional)
If you've been having too much beach time on this trip and want to cut the afternoon at the beach short, consider a visit to Hardy Falls.
This is a great family-friendly activity and is perfect for when the weather is not quite cooperating for a beach day. There is ample free parking at the trailhead, and the hike is really just a short walk along a mostly flat trail.
The trail meanders through a nice forest that is actually quite lush compared to everything else in the surrounding area. You will cross over a little river several times before eventually finding yourself at the wooden viewing platform.
The whole hike only takes about 30 minutes and is completely stroller-friendly.
The waterfall is nice, but if you're having a great time at the beach, I wouldn't worry too much about making the trip. We were having a nice time at Antler Beach when the clouds rolled in and the winds picked up, so our visit to the falls was great, but if the sun had stuck around, I think I would have preferred sticking to our spot on the beach.
Dinner Time
By dinner, you'll probably have sand in your shoes and a good amount of sun on your shoulders, so this is your chance not only to fill your belly, but also to get a break from the sun.
Cibo & Vines is a great option if you want Italian, with wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta, plus two patios looking out at the lake and the boutiques nearby.
If you didn't make it to Gasthaus for lunch, dinner is an even better time to go. The rustic, wood-beamed dining room feels right for an evening meal, and there's something satisfying about digging into a plate of schnitzel or bratwurst after a full day of hiking and swimming.
For something more casual to close out the day, Edgewater Bar and Grill is the spot, especially if there's live music or a theme night going on. It's a fun, no-frills way to wind down.
Wherever you choose for dinner, take your time with it and have a cold drink and sit in the shade or the AC, because we're not quite done sweating today.
Pincushion Hike
Close out the day with Pincushion Mountain. It's a proper hike rather than a stroll, so plan to do it when you've still got some energy left, and ideally when the heat has backed off a bit.
This is probably the most well-known hike in the Okanagan, and once I saw the views from the top I understood why. The hike takes you way above the lake, so the views are expansive and stunning both up and down the lake.
Don't go in thinking this is a walk. It's close to 4km round trip with almost 300 metres of elevation gain, and you'll feel every bit of it. The trail itself isn't officially maintained, but it's straightforward with nothing technical about it. The real challenge is a handful of steep sections that turn quite slippery in dry weather, since the dust builds up and gets loose underfoot.
Trail Map
The bigger challenge honestly is the heat. The trail is exposed almost the entire way up, so on a hot summer day you're getting cooked with no real relief. I'd suggest going early in the morning or closer to sunset to dodge the worst of it, and whenever you go, bring more water than you think you'll need.
At the top there's a Canadian flag and a picnic table, and attached to the table is a small wooden cubby that's become a bit of a tradition. Inside there's a tin stocked with hiking snacks like nuts and granola bars, along with a plastic bag full of old notebooks. Flip through them, and you'll find notes left behind by everyone who's made the climb before you, which is a nice little payoff after the sweat it took to get there.
This is a great spot to watch the sunset, but once the sun's ducked behind the mountain, I would suggest starting your descent, so you're not taking on any of the steep dusty sections in the pitch black.
FAQ
Is Peachland worth a day trip from Kelowna or Penticton?
What is the best time to visit the Peachland Farmers Market?
Which beach is best in Peachland, Swim Bay or Antler Bay?
How hard is the Pincushion Mountain hike in Peachland?
What should I do in Peachland if the weather isn't good for the beach?
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