Getting here
The race is based in Penticton, British Columbia, and finishes at Apex Mountain Ski Resort.
By Plane:
The most connected options are Vancouver or Calgary International airports.
The best local option is Kelowna airport.
It is possible to fly to Penticton airport but the flights are limited and not always possible with a bike.
By car:
Penticton is:
4.5 hours drive from Vancouver
7.5 hours from Calgary
1 hour from Kelowna.
Apex Village is a 40 minute drive from Penticton.
Accommodation
Lakeside Resort Penticton
We pleased to have partnered with the Lakeside Resort Penticton to arrange a discount on your stay. The hotel is perfectly placed by Okanagan Lake and for all you race needs. It is walking distance to the bike and run shop as well as all the local restaurants and wineries.
•The discount is valid for the race weekend as well as for 3 days before and after the event.
•If booking Friday to Monday you can book online using the code OGOPOGO2027.
•If booking a longer stay email or call and mention you are racing the Ogopogo Extreme to receive the discount.
Apex Mountain Lodge
Apex Mountain Lodge have kindly agreed to welcome athletes and supporters after taking on the challenges of the Ogopogo at Apex. For $100 per adult, you can stay at the lodge Friday through Sunday nights around the Ogopogo weekend.
It is minutes from the finish line and saves you a late night drive back into town. They have also kindly offered to stock some post-race food and coffee.
The lodge consists of 10 hotel-style rooms (the majority of which can accommodate up to 6 people) as well as a separate 4-bedroom condo--plenty of room to bring your friends and family along at a rate that doesn't break the budget!
Email stay@apexmountainlodge.ca if you are interested. They also offer great deals for winter skiing at Apex and nearby Nickel Plate Nordic Centre.
Looking to bring the family or make it a longer trip…
September is one of the best months of the year to visit Penticton and the South Okanagan. Warm days, cooler nights, fewer crowds, and harvest season make it an ideal time to race — and to explore.
Wine Country at its Best
September is peak harvest season in the Okanagan Valley. Penticton is surrounded by world-class wineries in Naramata, Skaha Hills, Okanagan Falls, and Oliver. Enjoy wine tastings, vineyard patios, and stunning lake views — perfect for post-race relaxation.
Lakes, Beaches & Paddle Sports
With both Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake bordering the city, Penticton offers beautiful beaches, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and easy lakeside walks. September water temperatures are still warm, and beaches are far quieter than in midsummer.
Iconic Cycling Routes
Whether you’re pre-riding sections of the Ogopogo Extreme course or spinning the legs out post-race, the South Okanagan is a cyclist’s paradise. Quiet backroads, long sustained climbs, rolling vineyard roads, and panoramic lake views make it one of the best riding regions in Canada. For those looking to mix it up, the area also offers excellent gravel riding on scenic rail trails and backcountry roads, as well as all levels of mountain biking on nearby singletrack networks like Three Blind Mice or Skaha Bluffs — making Penticton a true multi-discipline cycling destination.
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
Explore nearby trails in Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park, Munson Mountain, or along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. September offers ideal hiking conditions with cooler temperatures and golden fall colours beginning to appear.
Local Food & Craft Beer
Penticton has a vibrant food scene featuring local ingredients, casual lakeside dining, and excellent coffee shops. The city is also home to several craft breweries and cideries — perfect for celebrating your finish or unwinding after a long day.
Arts, Culture & Community Events
September often features farmers’ markets, live music, art galleries, and small festivals throughout the region. It’s a great time to experience the relaxed, friendly character of Penticton beyond the race weekend.