05/20/2026
Why Race in British Columbia?
Turn your Race Weekend into an Extreme BC Adventure
Beautiful British Columbia
The Ogopogo Extreme Triathlon takes place in the heart of one of the most spectacular regions in the world. From the mountains and lakes of the Okanagan to the wild coastline of Vancouver Island and the towering peaks of the Rockies, British Columbia is built for adventure.
You’re already travelling here for an extreme triathlon — why not stay a little longer and turn your race into something even bigger? Explore mountain towns and vineyards, paddle the Pacific coastline, road trip through the Rockies, or discover the endless outdoor adventures that make this corner of Canada unforgettable for athletes, supporters, friends, and family alike.
Why Race in Penticton?
Set between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, Penticton offers warm water, sunny weather, and iconic South Okanagan scenery. It’s one of Canada’s most established triathlon communities for a reason.
Beyond race day, you’ll find vineyard patios, orchard fruit stands, paddleboarding at sunrise, and quiet beach afternoons to soak it all in. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and built for endurance athletes and families alike.
Make It More Than a Race
Extend West to the Coast
From Penticton, you can make your way to the Pacific and experience an entirely different BC.
Drive to Vancouver, catch a ferry to Vancouver Island, and continue west to Tofino and Ucluelet — where the mountains meet the ocean. Walk the long sandy beaches of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, hike through moss-covered rainforest trails, try a surf lesson, or book a whale watching tour to see grey whales and orcas offshore.
Stay in a cozy oceanfront lodge, explore tide pools at low tide, and finish the day with fresh seafood while watching the sun sink into the Pacific. It’s rugged, wild, and restorative — the perfect contrast to race intensity.
If you have extra time, explore more of Vancouver Island: Cathedral Grove’s ancient Douglas firs, the vibrant food scene in Victoria, or the remote northern stretches of coastline where you’ll feel far from everything.
Road Trip Through the Rockies
Heading east from the Okanagan opens the door to one of the most scenic drives in the world.
Make your way through Glacier National Park and into Banff and Lake Louise. Paddle on the iconic turquoise waters, hike to alpine tea houses, or take a gondola up for panoramic views of the Bow Valley.
Continue north along the Icefields Parkway toward Jasper — a stretch of highway that winds past glaciers, waterfalls, and jagged peaks at every turn. Stop at Peyto Lake, Athabasca Glacier, and Maligne Canyon. Wildlife sightings are common: elk, mountain goats and bears.
Plan it as a 4–6 day loop, moving at a relaxed pace with hikes, short scenic stops, and quiet evenings in mountain towns. It’s bucket-list Canada.
Paddle Into the Wild
If you really want to experience BC, explore it by water.
Vancouver Island Sea Kayaking
The Broken Group Islands in Barkley Sound and the Johnstone Strait region offer incredible wildlife encounters — from sea lions to orcas. Multi-day guided trips are widely available, or plan your own supported adventure with coastal campsites and marine parks.
Northern BC Lakes & Coast
For a more remote experience, head north. Paddle glacier-fed lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks, or explore wild coastal inlets where you may not see another group all day. Northern BC offers true wilderness — quiet, vast, and humbling.
Sunshine Coast & Desolation Sound
Accessible via ferry from Vancouver, this region offers warm, sheltered coastal waters ideal for multi-day kayak trips. Paddle between forested islands, camp on white-shell beaches, and watch seals and dolphins swim past your campsite. Desolation Sound is famous for calm conditions and clear summer waters — perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Whether you choose saltwater or freshwater, BC’s paddling routes offer a powerful way to slow down and recover after race day.
