Hiking
Two hikers admiring the views (Picture BC photo)
Panoramic views, varied landscapes, historic sites, wildlife sightings and bird watching opportunities make for fascinating hikes around Summerland.
In the city, walkways follow the shoreline of Okanagan Lake, climb hoodoo-lined gulches, thread among vineyards, peach and cherry orchards and lead to the summit of Giant's Head Mountain.
Further afield, walk sagebrush grasslands, ponderosa pine woodlands, the deep forest of the Thompson Plateau and the shores of high country lakes.
Summerland Trails
Trails follow the path of the fur trade and run along the rail bed of the Kettle Valley Railway, climb mountains and skirt lakeshores. Most are ideal for day hikes (and cycling) although the Trans-Canada Trail is a through-route with a 61km/38mi section between Summerland and Osprey Lake. Trails are frequently travelled and appropriate for self-guided hikes.
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Summerland Centennial Trail
Explore the first Summerland town site via the Centennial Trail (rated easy). Pick up a brochure at the Summerland Visitor Centre for information on the historic sites along the way. The 4.5km/2.8mi loop begins near Highway 97, taking in deciduous woodlands, dry grassy hillsides, clay bluffs and the lakeshore. At a viewpoint with panoramic views of Okanagan Lake and the original lakeside location of the town, interpretive signage explains the heritage highlights.
Summerland Rotary Loop
Start on the lakeshore for this 6km/3.7mi circuit (rated moderate), with ideal locations in grassy lakeside parks for a snack or picnic. The trail continues through orchards and vineyards, with some hefty climbs and descents on municipal roads. Make a slight detour for a walk through the Adams Bird Sanctuary.
Trans-Canada Trail
Spanning 61km/38mi between Summerland and Osprey Lake, there are numerous access points for shorter hikes along the Summerland section (rated easy to moderate) of the Trans-Canada Trail. Much of the route uses the former rail bed of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR). Features include the 73m/240ft high Trout Creek Bridge, the highest on the line. The trail runs by the Summerland Ornamental Gardens and later follows an old irrigation flume. If the timing's right, catch sight of the Kettle Valley steam train making its run on the last remaining section of KVR tracks.
Giant's Head Mountain
Hike from the bottom in the heart of downtown Summerland or drive to the parking area near the 845m/2771ft summit of Giant's Head Mountain (rated moderate to advanced) and make the final assault on foot. The 360-degree views include Okanagan Lake, the Monashee Mountains and the Cascades as well as downtown Summerland and the agricultural Prairie Valley.
The Brigade Trail
Follow the path of Hudson's Bay Company fur traders who trekked through the Okanagan Valley from 1812 to 1846 with pack trains of up to 300 horses. The same trail was later used during the Cariboo Gold Rush and was the first automobile route to Summerland. Drive from downtown through the Garnet Valley (actually following the original route) to the trailhead at Priest Camp Historic Park. The 4.1km/2.5mi trail (rated esay) leads to a lookout with terrific views of Okanagan Lake.
Practical Points
- When hiking in the dry grasslands, be aware that this is habitat for the western rattlesnake.
- Black bears are not uncommon: hikers should carry bear spray and make enough noise to have their presence known.
Ask at the Summerland Visitor Centre on Highway 97 for the The Centennial Trail guide and the Summerland Walking and Hiking Trails brochure, which outlines six local hikes.
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