Summerland lies on the shores of Okanagan Lake, a primary focus for outdoor recreation, while the surrounding farmland, highlands and mountains add many more recreational options.
Summerland also offers a selection of historic and cultural attractions.
Make a close connection with nature in Summerland. Try spotting a Williamson's sapsucker in the Adams Bird Sanctuary or the resident herd of mountain goats on the rocky bluffs above Highway 97. Learn about the process of stocking high country fishing lakes at the Summerland Trout Hatchery.
Urban green spaces range from the wilderness slopes of Giant's Head Mountain Park, with its sage grasslands and ponderosa pine forest, to the carefully manicured lawns and flowerbeds of Summerland Ornamental Gardens, to the shady picnic areas and hot sands of Summerland beaches.
Water Activities
Soak up some Okanagan sun on the beach, swim in Okanagan Lake or take to the water in a kayak, sailboat or power boat. Summerland is a prime spot for water skiing, wake boarding and jet skiing. Anglers troll in Okanagan Lake or cast a fly for trout in the many high country lakes, also great for ice fishing.
Land Activities
Summerland offers an abundance of hiking and cycling options. Walk the foreshore of Okanagan Lake, climb the dry sage and pine covered hillsides to lookout points with tremendous views of lake and mountains or hike into the past on two historic routes, the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) Trail and the Brigade Trail. For a different walking adventure, tee up at a Summerland golf course. The 6,656-yard Summerland Golf & Country Club overlooks Trout Creek Canyon, challenging golfers to hit a par 72 round, while the 9-hole Sumac Ridge course humbles players with narrow fairways and cross-ravine shots.
History & The Arts
Discover local history at the Summerland Museum. Learn about First Nations culture, fur trade routes, gentlemen ranchers, tent houses, the fruit industry and construction of the Kettle Valley Railway. Ramp up the adventure with an historic ride aboard the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. Art lovers check out the work of Summerland painters and artisans at the Summerland Arts Centre & Gallery and more than 40 private studios and galleries. Stroll around downtown for a close look at public sculpture, banners and murals. Performing arts fans, catch a show at the George Ryga Centre.
Farms
Summerland has never strayed from its agricultural roots. Buy fresh local fruits and vegetables produced by family farmers at roadside and farm gate fruit stands. Wander among the cherry trees and get a photo of the world's tallest orchard ladder at Dickinson Farm. Sample wine and fruit-infused vinegars at Valentine Farm's Vinegar Works. Stock up on fruit jams and syrups at Summerland Sweets. To meet a whole variety of local producers, drop by the Summerland Farmers' Market, Tuesday mornings from April to October.
Wineries
Summerland is home to one of the first wineries in the Okanagan, Sumac Ridge Estate Winery. Now wine lovers can sample the award-winning vintages of a whole new crop of wineries on Summerland's Bottleneck Drive. Taste the unique flavours imparted by the region's volcanic and clay soils.
Attractions
Car fans turn back the clock at Nixdorf Classic Cars. The collection runs to more than 100 automobiles with a rotating display of 50 models from 1937 to 1970. See vintage coupes, convertibles and muscle cars, some completely original, others returned to pristine condition from junk yard heaps.
Festivals & Events
Summerland hosts a variety of festivals and events each year. Fans of the bard check out the Good Will Shakespeare Festival in June. Board the Kettle Valley Steam Railway for a Great Train Robbery, staged throughout the summer or join the people of Summerland for the town's all-out Festival of Lights in November.
Stop by the Summerland Visitor Centre on Highway 97 for information, maps and brochures.
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