Penticton tourism businesses assure visitors of safety measures

Penticton’s tourism operators are ready and able to safely host visitors, said Thom Tischik, executive director of Travel Penticton.

The tourism sector, from restaurants, breweries and wineries to hotels, motels and activity-based businesses have gone above and beyond the safety regulations that the province has set out.

"Our tourism operators have our visitors’ safety top of mind. They all have safety protocols in place and staff are busy making sure equipment, rooms and all touch-points are clean and ready for visitors," said Tischik.

Poplar Grove Estate Winery and Restaurant is one of those popular visitor attractions that is taking safety and cleaning seriously to make their guests feel cared for.

“The team at Poplar Grove Estate Winery and restaurant is taking every precaution to ensure the comfort and safety of our guests, our staff and our community,” said Michael Ziff, Poplar Grove food and beverage manager.

“We have implemented a reduced seating model to ensure that we maintain an appropriate social distance between tables. We will ensure we properly sanitize between guests and continue our commitment to go above and beyond the Health Canada guidelines to protect our guests and our team.”

Because the community supported Poplar Grove so much during April and May when the restaurant was closed, they have created a local menu that reflects their gratitude.

“With a new chef and service team, guests can expect delicious and approachable food with enough surprises to keep it interesting. The menu will be dynamic and changing as often as Chef Rob Ratcliffe gets new produce from our local farms and fresh fish and meat from B.C. suppliers.”

Although the view is certainly a highlight, the food and service are on point too, he said. Expect picnic baskets on the lawn later this month.

“I think we’ve been able to adjust well by being creative, keeping an eye on all the changing guidelines and working well as a team,” said Ziff.

It’s been wonderful to “re-open the restaurant and be able to host our guests on our beautiful patio again.”

All businesses around Penticton have ground markers or stickers to indicate appropriate distancing and directional signs to help maintain appropriate space from staff and other guests.

Hand sanitizer are provided everywhere and extra cleaning and sanitizing is taking place across every business sector. Most businesses have outfitted their staff with face masks.

At LocoLanding Adventure Park, custom-made face shields attached to ball caps were made for each of the staff.

The staff ask that all guests using their activities like the high ropes or bumper boats to use hand sanitizer first.

At the Lakeside Resort, the hotel has purchased several fog machines that can sanitize a room in 15 minutes.

Everything at Lakeside Resort is open again, including Hooded Merganser restaurant, the pool, private beach, gift shop, the Barking Parrot, the spa and Pure Gym. Nearby boat and seadoo rentals are available too.

They have done everything to provide their guests with the comfort of knowing all safety measurements are being strictly followed.

“What we are saying to guests is if you are healthy, then come on up to beautiful Penticton,” said Penticton Lakeside Resort general manager David Prystay.

The Bench Market is another business that went all in to provide safety for its staff and customers while being determined to still provide that great local experience.

“At The Bench Market, we are 100 per cent committed to providing you with an amazing experience through our delicious food and drinks and fantastic customer service. Even though circumstances have changed, our devotion to you has not,” said Heather Glynes who co-owns the Bench with her husband Stewart.

“We have taken many steps and implemented new policies and procedures to provide you with a worry-free Bench Market experience,”

“You'll notice some changes on-site - including plexiglass, sanitizer and new signs - but our rock star staff with their friendly smiles and our amazing food and coffee are the same,” said Heather. The Bench was lined up out the door from locals and visitors alike taking in the Canada Day weekend.

This year marks the Bench’s 15th anniversary. The eatery café and grocery store is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. The Bench is on the way to wine tasting on the Naramata Bench.

Adding a summer patio was a must, as visitors and locals alike often bike or walk to the Bench and enjoy a coffee, pastry or their freshly made brunch and lunch menu, including their famous chicken panini.

Travel Penticton’s Thom Tischik said announcing Phase 3 of re-opening the province was critical to give visitors and locals alike the confidence to start enjoying all Penticton can offer from the Wibit and LocoLanding to dining, sipping and staying at hotels and motels.

“The great thing is more activities are able to operate with their proper COVID safety plan in place. We are pleased to see more activity in restaurants, wineries, craft breweries etc. Now many of our activity providers can offer tours, instruction, rentals. The next two to three months will be critical for all tourism businesses throughout the province.”