Summerland

Summerland began its life on the lake. At first, Summerland was nestled in the tiny strip of land between Okanagan Lake and the foreboding clay cliffs that covered the settlement in shadow by mid afternoon. The first recorded settler to this area was in 1887, and some of his family's descendants are still in the area. The area had electricity in 1905, telephones in 1907, and a newspaper the next year. Growth was fast.

This area is commonly referred to as lower town.

With the arrival of the Kettle Valley Railway in 1915, West Summerland (the location of the present town centre) was born. When the alignment of Highway 97 was moved from lowertown up to the plateau in 1955 and the post office was moved to "West Summerland" in 1964 the 'West' was dropped and the entire area was then referred to as Summerland.

Summerland has grown to include Trout Creek, which arcs into Okanagan Lake south of town, Prairie Valley, which leads west of town, and the huge agricultural benchland that sits behind Giants Head Mountain.

The downtown core is easily walked in under 15 minutes from end to end. While Summerland has a modest population, the residential area is spread over a huge area with many steep hills to climb while you enjoy the breathtaking views this wonderful town has to offer.

• 🌍 Trout Creek Canyon and Trestle (Canyon View Road). This bridge was built in 1913 as part of the Kettle Valley Railway, considered one of the greatest railway engineering feats of its time. The last train rolled over the bridge in 1985 and the tracks were removed ten years later. Today you are welcome to wander across and see if you can withstand vertigo when peering down 73 m (238 ft) to the rushing creek below. This trestle is the highest railway trestle in British Columbia, and the third highest in North America. (updated Mar 2023)
• 🌍 Gartrell Barn, 3117 Gartrell Road. It may be dilapidated today, but this barn which was built circa 1890 by one of Summerland's pioneer families is a tangible link to the past. Please be respectful of the many families that live in this area. (updated Mar 2023)
• 🌍 Giant's Head Mountain, 9296 Milne Rd. Is an extinct volcano in the center of town, has 360-degree views of Summerland to the north and west, Okanagan Lake to the east, and Penticton to the south. The entire mountain is designated as parkland, and there is a narrow windy road that leads to a parking area near the top. A ten minute climb will take you the rest of the way. There is also a time capsule at the top, to be opened in 2067 coinciding with Canada's bicentennial. (updated Mar 2023)
• 🌍 Summerland Ornamental Gardens, 4200 Highway 97, ☏ +1 250-494-6385. 8 AM-4 PM (winter), 8 AM - 6 PM (spring, fall), 8 AM - 8 PM (summer). Part of Agriculture Canada's fruit tree research facility created in 1916, the pristine gardens feature a picnic area on a vast lawn as well as annotated displays of the local flora. Also features stirring views of Trout Creek Canyon and the Trout Creek Trestle. $5 suggested donation. (updated Mar 2023)
• 🌍 Summerland Museum, 9251 Wharton St, ☏ +1 250 494-9395, info@summerlandmuseum.org. Visit displays and collections that provide insight into this area's vast and interesting history and heritage. Contains town records and photographs dating from 1909. (updated Mar 2023)

• Spend the day at one of Summerland's six beaches:
  • 🌍 Powell Beach in Trout Creek.
  • 🌍 Gordon Beggs Rotary Beach in lowertown.
  • 🌍 Kin Beach Park in lowertown.
  • 🌍 Peach Orchard Beach Park in lowertown.
  • 🌍 Sun-Oka Beach Park in Trout Creek.
  • 🌍 Crescent Beach in lowertown.
• Bottleneck Drive, Around Summerland. Step off the busy highway and enjoy this self-guided winery tour to go tasting various types of alcohol made in Summerland. As of 2023, there are 11 wineries, 4 cideries, one distillery, and one brewery. (updated Mar 2023) See also "Drink" section for some of the locations.
• 🌍 Kettle Valley Steam Railway, 18404 Bathville Road, toll-free: +1-877-494-8424. A 90-min, 16-km round-trip on the only remaining part of the historic Kettle Valley Railway. Disembark and enjoy the view from the Trout Creek Trestle, 73 m (238 ft) above the creek. It operates May-October, December, Mothers Day, and Easter. Reservations required. Adults $29, seniors (65+) $27, teens $24, children (3-12) $19. (updated Aug 2022)

• 🌍 Summerland Sweets, 6206 Canyon View Rd, ☏ +1 250-494-0377, toll-free: +1-800-577-1277. Homemade preserves, fruit leather, and ice cream. (updated Mar 2023)

• 🌍 Cellar Door Bistro, 17403 Hwy 97 N (part of Sumac Ridge Estate Winery), ☏ +1 250-494-0451. (updated Mar 2023)
• 🌍 Zias Stonehouse Pub, 14015 Rosedale Ave, ☏ +1 250 494-1105. Upscale dining in an old converted stone house. (updated Mar 2023)
• 🌍 Second Home Cafe & Grill, 13229 Henry Ave, ☏ +1 250-494-7811. Locally owned and operated. Standard fare. Good prices. (updated Mar 2023)
• 🌍 Yaki's Pizza and Subs, 9902 Main St, ☏ +1 250-494-7600. Try the tank sub. If you can eat it all in one sitting you probably need to go on a diet. (updated Mar 2023)

• 🌍 Peacock's Perch Pub, 14218 Rosedale Ave, ☏ +1 250-494-9727. The only pub in uppertown. Pub menu. Friendly staff. Pool table, darts. Pub-style menu. (updated Mar 2023)
• 🌍 Shaughnessy's Cove, 12817 Lakeshore Dr N (set on Lake Okanagan), ☏ +1 250-494-8855. It offers a fantastic view and good food. (updated Mar 2023)

For nightclubs, you will have to go fifteen minutes south to Penticton.

• The nearest hospital is in Penticton.