Welcome to Summerland
Summerland is a quaint town sitting on the west shores of Okanagan Lake, surrounded by rolling mountains, vineyards, and an abundance of outdoor adventure. As the name suggests, the warmer months attract travellers from all over to enjoy the hot, sunny summers.
Home to about 12,000, Summerland has a mixture of long-time residents and newcomers. In the past few years, the town has seen an increasing number of people making the move here thanks to the nice weather, smaller town feel, and welcoming community.
Located 15 minutes north of Penticton and 40 minutes south of Kelowna, Summerland is an easy destination to get to. By vehicle, it is 4.5 hours east of Vancouver and 7.5 hours west of Calgary. The Kelowna International Airport and Penticton Regional Airport are both relatively close, allowing people from all over to be able to easily visit.
Hot, dry summers combined with mild winters make it an ideal place to visit at any time of the year. Get your vitamin D fix on the beaches in the summertime and head to the mountains in the winter for world-class skiing & snowboarding. With an abundance of family-friendly activities, it’s a great vacation destination for the whole clan.
Summerland can be captured in the photo of Giants Head Mountain at the top of this article. The view of Okanagan Lake, the mountain bikers riding the Test of Humanity, the rolling dry hills, agriculture and more outline the beauty of this place. We’ve outlined the best things to do, places to stay, and eat/drink options below for you to make the most out of your time here!
Things to Do
There’s no shortage of things to do at any time of year in Summerland. Whether it’s exploring the Kettle Valley Steam Train to relaxing on the sandy beaches on Okanagan Lake, you won’t be bored. Spend your days adventuring in this outdoor playground, visit local shops & markets, and embrace the wine culture that runs deep in this region.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking, biking, and everything in between. Explore the hiking trails of Giants Head Mountain, and climb to scenic views of the town and valley on Mount Conckle. For the mountain bikers, check out Test of Humanity, a Summerland classic that takes you through beautiful landscapes. For something more relaxing and less intense, check out the Summerland Oriental Gardens and the Adams Bird Sanctuary.
Wine
Like a true Okanagan town, the wine flows like water and the history runs deep. Explore the many wineries scattered around the town and learn how these unique wineries came to be. For the best experience, book a private wine tour for you and the crew so you can all enjoy the delicious wine there is to taste!
Beaches
On those hot summer days, there are few places better than the beach. Luckily, Summerland has no shortage of stunning beaches and waterfront parks that are perfect for the whole family. Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park offers amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and ample amounts of shade. Other popular spots are Powell Beach, Peach Orchard, and Crescent Beach.
Family Fun
The Kettle Valley Steam Train chugs along Prairie Valley and is the go-to family-friendly excursion in Summerland. In the warmer months, bring the kids to the Peach Orchard Water Park where they can run wild, or head to Dickinson Family Farm to pick fresh orchard cherries. For those rainy or cooler days, check out the Trout Hatchery Visitor Center where you can take a guided tour, learn about the fish, and have your little ones do arts and crafts.
Water Sports
No matter what your speed, there’s a rental option for you in Summerland. For kayaks, SUPs, and pedal boats, head to Okanagan Beach Rentals on Sun-Oka Beach. If you’re searching for a motorized boat to rip up and down the lake, check out Summerland Waterfront Resort for a large selection or Easy Boat Rentals to get your boat delivered wherever you want!
Golf
There are two courses to choose from here. Summerland Golf & Country Club is a beautiful par 72 course that overlooks Trout Creek Canyon and the Okanagan Valley. Narrow fairways, doglegs, and long holes are common here, so bring your “A” game. Sumac Ridge Golf & Country Club is a 9-hole course that features well-maintained greens, affordable prices, and is known as one of BC’s best short courses.
Arts & Culture
The George Ryga Arts and Cultural Center is a volunteer-led organization that supports the initiatives of local artists. Visit the gift shop to purchase local art and see the amazing talent these artists have. Another must-see is the Will Enns Fine Art Gallery & Studio which features stunning wine art, fashion art, and animal art.
Shopping & Markets
The Summerland Rotary Sunday Market is open from late June to late September and features a variety of local produce, farm products, and local artisanal goods. Supporting local is important in this town, and some of our favourite shops are McConel’s Fruit Market & Orchard, Fika Lifestyle Boutique, and Summerland Sweets.
Health & Wellness
Whether or not you’re on vacation, you deserve to pamper yourself. With a variety of wellness centers and day spas, you’ve got options when it comes to relaxation here. Enjoy a rejuvenating massage, manicure & pedicure, or a variety of other therapy treatments that work best for you.
Events
There’s a variety of annual events that bring the community together for celebrations of all sorts. The Summerland Action Fest takes place on the first weekend in June and features a slow-pitch tournament, a parade, rides, live music, and more. In late November, the Summerland Festival of Lights is the official kickoff of the holiday season and brings the town together to celebrate this magical family event.
Winter Activities
Believe it or not, Summerland actually turns into a winter wonderland. Skiing & snowboarding at Apex Mountain Resort, snowshoeing at Garnett Lake, or Ice Fishing at Darke Lake are all popular winter activities here. If you’re looking for some indoor fun, head to the Summerland Museum to learn about the rich history of the Okanagan.
Entertainment
Thanks to the abundance of wineries in and around the area, there is constant live music, performances, and events being held at various venues. Check out the events calendar for a full list of entertainment options during your time in Summerland.
Places to Stay
Summerland is one of the many Okanagan towns that live up to its idyllic name. Waterfront resorts, provincial campgrounds, and serene bed & breakfasts scatter the area. Stay in comfort and style without breaking the budget, and take advantage of everything this cute town has to offer.
Hotels & Motels in Summerland
Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa is located on the southern shores of Okanagan Lake and is an ideal place for a family getaway. With three suites options to choose from, this resort has everything you need. A swimming pool, boat rentals, easy lake access, and a day spa are all key features of this beautiful place!
La Punta Norte Guest Inn is unlike any other hotel in the Okanagan. This unique space mixes a Mexican atmosphere with endless Okanagan views. Enjoy the outdoor pool, BBQ area, comfortable rooms, and more at this Southern-themed Okanagan gem.
Summerland Motel is conveniently located along the highway, giving travellers easy access to the popular beaches, wineries, and hiking. With all the amenities for a comfortable stay, this motel is an ideal option for those travelling on a budget.
Rosedale Hotel offers both hotel rooms and cottage options. This budget-friendly accommodation has options for groups of all sizes. With restaurants, beaches, and shops nearby, you can’t go wrong by staying here.
Bed & Breakfasts in Summerland
Summerland Estate Guest House and B&B is an open-concept, four-bedroom house that features stunning views of Okanagan Lake. Located on Summerland Estate Winery, this is the ideal place for a group getaway to experience the beauty that Summerland has to offer.
Blue Iris B&B is a comfortable B&B that is made to be your home away from home. This comfortable B&B has 3 room options, each with its own unique draw. Enjoy breakfast on the patio overlooking the lake and get expert local tips from the friendly hosts.
Red Barn Ranch is a rustic yet comfortable B&B settled into a beautiful ranch in the Prairie Valley. This is the ideal spot for those looking to avoid the crowds and connect with nature, especially while horseback riding. Both the Lareda Room and Reata Room feature antique furniture, comfortable beds, and all the necessary amenities.
Camping & RV Parks in Summerland
Okanagan Lake Provincial Park North & South Campground are two of the most picturesque campgrounds in the Okanagan. Sitting lakeside, both the North and South campgrounds provide every necessary camping amenity, easy access to beaches and watersports, and a large selection of campsites to choose from. Make sure to reserve a spot far in advance as these get very busy during the peak season.
Peach Orchard Campsite is located just blocks away from the west shore of Okanagan Lake. With over 120 sites to choose from and all the amenities required for a comfortable stay, this campground is perfect for family trips and those looking to take advantage of the lakefront activities.
Summerland Beach RV & Campground sits directly on Okanagan Lake and is an ideal place to spend your Okanagan camping trip. Featuring lakefront fire pits, walking trails, and full hookup sites, it’s tough to beat. With options for both short and long-term rentals, this doesn’t just need to be a weekend trip!
Eat & Drink
Farm-to-table dining, casual lunch spots, and authentic restaurants from around the world. You won’t have a hard time finding delicious food and great service here in Summerland. Whether you’re after a romantic dinner with a loved one or want to start your day with a hearty brunch, the passionate local eateries and wineries will be sure to impress anyone.
Breakfast & Brunch in Summerland
Second Home Cafe & Grill is a quaint breakfast and lunch spot that serves hearty dishes at a great price. From buttermilk pancakes to breakfast bowls loaded with hashbrowns and bacon, you’ve got tasty options that will surely fuel you up for a big day ahead!
Country Cafe serves all of your breakfast favourites in a cozy, diner-style restaurant. If you’re searching for a home-cooked, well-priced breakfast, this is undoubtedly the place to be. Our favourite is the Ukrainian Breakfast, something you can’t find anywhere else and is sure to fill you up.
The Beanery Cafe is perhaps the most popular cafe in Summerland, and for good reason. Serving a variety of baked goods, hot drinks, and delicious breakfast options, The Beanery is a great place to start your day. Friendly staff, a cozy seating area, and good food, what more could you ask for?
Lunch in Summerland
Shaughnessy’s Cove is a Summerland hotspot. Delicious food, creative cocktails, and friendly service make it a great place to get a mid-day meal. When the sun is out, opt for patio dining for a beautiful view of Okanagan Lake while indulging in their well-priced happy hour menu.
Yaki’s Pizza & Subs is a great option when you need a filling meal on the go. Hot subs, delicious pizza with a wide variety of topping options, salads, and more. There’s a reason why this is one of Summerland’s favourite pizza spots, so come try it for yourself!
Dinner in Summerland
Zias Stonehouse Restaurant is a local favourite. This hand-built stone restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes – everything from their Cajun Chicken Sandwich to Seafood Feast is delicious. Friendly staff, an inviting atmosphere with outdoor dining, and exceptional cuisine are what make this place so great.
Peacock’s Perch Pub is known as Summerland’s most loved pub. Serving up delicious pub-style food, the Perch is a great place to catch up with friends, go on a casual date, or watch the game. Thursday is wing night, take your pick at over 20 flavours of wings and pair it with an ice-cold beer!
International Restaurants in Summerland
Happy House Chinese Restaurant serves up traditional (North Americanized) Chinese cuisine that is sure to satisfy your cravings. At the moment, they are takeout only, so pack a blanket and go enjoy it on your favourite beach nearby!
Summerland Indian Bistro & Pizza offers two of our favourite things, pizza and Indian food. Their secret to great-tasting pizza is using an ancient leavening method that creates the perfect texture. With a variety of flavours, combinations, and food types, you cannot go wrong by eating here.
Just Delicious Japanese Bistro is the best place around for sushi and other Japanese fusion. Their extensive menu is sure to have what you’re looking for, and if not, be sure to create your own sushi roll!
Wineries in Summerland
Savard Wines is a family-run boutique winery located just north of Summerland. Their award-winning wine, stunning views, and exceptionally friendly staff make it a great place to visit. Their vineyard plantings are a mix of Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris, with a touch of Cab Franc and Malbec.
Summerland Estate Winery sits on an incredible estate overlooking Okanagan Lake. This well-known winery features delicious wine, a wedding venue, and a beautiful vacation rental. Come enjoy a tasting, have a picnic with a view, or listen to the great live music that is often playing in the summertime.
Sage Hills Estate Winery & Vineyards specializes in certified organic, low-intervention wines. This family-owned and operated winery offers tastings in its beautiful tasting room as well as sipping space on the newly built patio that features 180-degree views of the valley. The Sage Hills team is passionate about renewable energy and is actually one of the first net zero wineries in the Okanagan.
Breweries in Summerland
Giant’s Head Brewing is the go-to spot for small-batch, unfiltered beer in Summerland. Located in the heart of Summerland, they offer a variety of core beers as well as a rotating tap that always offers unique, new flavours. Pair your beer with a delicious meal in the all-ages restaurant for the best experience
Cideries in Summerland
Summerland Heritage Cider Co. uses simple ingredients to create ciders bursting with flavour. The European apple varieties grown directly on these orchards set these ciders apart thanks to their high concentration of tannins. Come and enjoy a tasting, take in the incredible views, and be sure to pet Reggie, the friendly cider dog!
Dominion Cider Co. produces small-batch craft cider that is bursting with flavour. What sets Dominion apart is their approach to the production process – every step of the way is done by hand to ensure the highest quality and best taste comes to life. This cidery was created by 3 good friends with a shared passion for the drinks they create, so come and explore what makes it so great.
Nomad Cider takes a different approach to cider making – one that is meant to represent the many cider regions from around the world. Their tasty cider is produced from locally grown pears and apples and with the highest level of care. Their nomadic way of living constantly brings new tastes and flavours onto the menu, drawing inspiration from all around the globe.
Coffee Shops & Bakeries in Summerland
The Beanery Cafe is the local favourite in Summerland. This cozy cafe features a wide variety of hot drinks, freshly baked goods, and delicious breakfast and lunch options. The welcoming ambiance makes it an ideal place to work, meet up with friends, or grab a quick meal.
True Grain Bakehouse is an organic bakehouse that makes some of the best bread around. What began in a small town on Vancouver Island has quickly become a popular bakery for locals to get homemade bread, pasta, pastries, and breakfast goods. Come check it out for yourself to see the high level of care that goes into each batch.
Granny’s Fruit Stand, Bakery & Cafe is located on Highway 97 and is a must-visit in Summerland. Offering a wide variety of baked goods, hot drinks, pies, soups, and sandwiches, Granny’s is a great one-stop shop. Our personal favourite is the apple fritter…we could go on and on about them, but we’ll let you be the judge!
