Summerland

Located on the stunning Lake Okanagan, Summerland is a small community just north of Penticton in the Okanagan Valley. Home to Summerland Ornamental Gardens visitors can enjoy these stunning gardens year round which includes magnificent views and glimpses of the staggeringly-high Trout Creek Rail Trestle and the canyon below. The Kettle Valley Steam Railway offers visitors a steam-powered rail tour that will delight both young and old. Fruit stands offering local produce are definitely worth stopping by as is a tour of Bottleneck Drive to sample some of the local wines, ciders, ales, sweet delights and more. Trails, watersports, beaches, golf and the stunning views from atop Giant’s head Mountain all offer lots to do.

Summerland Ornamental Gardens | P. Cashin

Location

Located in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia Summerland is situated on Hwy 97 18 km (11 mi) north of Penticton and 46 km (29 mi) south of Kelowna.

A Step Back in Time

Drenched in sunshine on the shore of Okanagan Lake in the Okanagan Valley, Summerland was incorporated as a municipality in 1906, thanks to the vision of John Moore Robinson, who enticed future orchardists to the area proclaiming summer weather forever.

After establishing the community of Peachland on Okanagan Lake to the north, Robinson moved south to create a lakeshore community with the patronage of Sir Thomas Shaugnessy, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). The name Summerland was chosen by Robinson’s brother, a Methodist minister, inspired by a hymn sung at seances.

Old Summerland is located on the lake, but most of the town’s business now thrives up on the hill.