Food

Penticton [1] has a wide variety of restaurants spread along the beach and through downtown. My favorite is the Dream Café (74 Front St., 250/490-9012, Wed.–Fri. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., $6–19), away from the water but with a dreamy ambience (think eclectic furniture, colorful kites hanging from the ceiling, and soothing background music), friendly staff, and innovative cuisine. The menu takes from throughout Asia: mango roasted chicken, salmon spinach pie, vegetarian Thai curry, rice noodle wraps, and crab cakes with roasted vegetables.

Across the road from the beach along the busy downtown tourist strip is Salty’s Beach House (1000 Lakeshore Dr., 250/493-5001, daily from 11 a.m., $12–26), with tables inside and out. The menu blends conventional pub fare with Thai and Caribbean cuisine such as pad Thai and a mango chicken sandwich. The fruity drink menu befits the location.