Summerland

History

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.

Summerland is a theme town done in the same spirit as Osoyoos, only this time they chose to do it olde English Tudor style. Old Summerland is down on the water, but most of the town's business now thrives up on the hill.

Location

Summerland is located on Okanagan Lake in southern British Columbia, in the heart of the Okanagan Valley between Kelowna and Penticton.

Places to See

• Summerland Business and Visitor Info Centre
  
  Make the Summerland Business & Visitor Information Centre your first stop in Summerland. This Tudor Style two-story building is located at 15600 Highway 97 just on the outskirts of the community. Easily accessible from the highway, and with ample parking for both cars and RVs, the centre offers you visitor guides, maps, and accommodation brochures for Summerland, the Okanagan Valley, and locations around British Columbia and Canada. Internet access, BC Parks Passes, and Hello BC Accommodation Reservations are also available through the Centre.
  
  Summer hours:
  May Long Weekend to Thanksgiving
  Open Daily: 9am to 6pm
  
  Winter hours:
  October - May
  Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
  
  
• Downtown Summerland
  
  Visit downtown Summerland where hanging flower baskets and colourful artist banners adorn the old-fashioned lampposts set in the Tudor style architecture of the shopping and restaurant district. There is plenty to see and do from a visit to the Art Centre & Gallery on Main Street to a leisurely browse at a variety of antique & collectible shops dotted throughout the downtown core. You'll find hand-stitched silk lampshades, vintage clothing, gifts, flowers, imports, pottery, linen; custom print fabrics and original clothing designs. Restaurants, Coffee Bars, Museum, Library, Aquatic & Fitness Centre and Country Markets in Memorial Park are all located within a short walking distance of where ever you park your car in the downtown core.
  
  To complete the picture, Summerland has its own Town Crier; toting his bell and crying the traditional "oyez" welcome. The Town Crier often opens the many Festivals and Events that take place in Summerland each year.
  
  
• Summerland Museum
  
  Discover Summerland's rich history of agriculture, transportation, and human memoirs at the Summerland Museum. Enjoy your self guided tour of unique collections and displays. The staff is very knowledgeable about Summerland's history and would be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.
  
  
• Nixdorf Classic Cars
  
  Car enthusiasts will love to visit and tour Nixdorf Classic Cars on Logie Rd. With over 85 vintage cars in the collection, visitors will be able to take a trip down memory lane when they view over 30 cars in the 9500 sq ft showroom. You will find everything from a red 1941 Ford Thunderbird to a 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible to the 1970 Ford Mustang.
  
  Nixdorf Classic Cars now offers tours, with an experienced chauffeur picking you up and delivering you to your event in style. Please call to find out more about their special Wine Tours. They are open daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
  
  
• Kettle Valley Steam Railway
  
  There's something about traveling anywhere - even a short distance on a steam-powered train. Your senses come alive as you hear the haunting whistle; as you feel the reverberation and power of the chiselled locomotive drawing closer to the platform; as you see the explosion of steam as it brakes to let you board.
  
  Summerland's Kettle Valley Steam Railway brings back memories and creates new ones for all those who step aboard and travel the only remaining portion of the historic Kettle Valley Railway. Powered by a 1924 Shay, or a 1912 Consolidation engine, you can see all from a vintage passenger or open-air coach. Conductor commentary, the KVR bingo game for kids, anecdotes, song, and the lively banjo pickin of Felix Possak make regular train runs a memorable experience for the whole family. You'll also want to book a spot on one of The Great Train Robbery & BBQ theme trains, which are an all time favourite. Experience the thrill of seeing the Garnett Valley Gang ride out of the hills to board the train and rob passengers for donation to local charities and organizations. The volunteer gang, formed in 1996, consists of about 20 riders who adhere to a strict dress code for both horse and rider to create the feel of the era. The gang and the KVR won first place honours for best western themed float at the Calgary Stampede in 2002. Other special events featured throughout the season include Easter, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, and the Christmas Trains. The train is also available for group bookings, or private charters.
  
  
• Summerland Ornamental Gardens
  
  A beautiful garden brings delight to the heart and solace to the soul all can be found at the 15-acre (6 hectare) historic Summerland Ornamental Gardens, which has stunning views of Okanagan Lake, Trout Creek Canyon, Giants Head Mountain, and the breathtaking Kettle Valley Railway Bridge. Operated by the Friends of the Gardens, a non-profit, volunteer society in partnership with the Pacific Agricultural Research Centre; it is responsible for the maintenance and enhancement of the garden.
  
  Well-labeled plantings provide the opportunity to take a leisurely self-guided tour. The Friendship Plaza with its rock walls, wooden arbour, rustic urns, and graceful steps is the setting for many Okanagan weddings with a backdrop of tall and majestic evergreens. Visitors are welcome to tour the stately museum building (afternoons), which was the residence of the Station superintendent for many years in the earlier part of the 20th century.

Things to Do

• Hiking / Biking / Horseback Riding
  
  Exploring the natural terrain in and around Summerland is an adventure for the physically fit visitor who likes to hike, cycle, or ride horse back. The views are spectacular affording plenty of photographic opportunities for taking that million-dollar shot. Order a great picnic lunch from one of the delis, cafes, and restaurants and then head out for an exhilarating day.
  
  
• Fishing
  
  The Summerland Trout Hatchery in Lakeside Summerland offers self guided tours of its facility year-round. Learn more about freshwater fisheries, conservation, and enhancement. Watch the videos on fish habitat, fly tying and angling. The hatchery is one of five major hatcheries that supply over 1.5 millions rainbow trout and brook char to 280 lakes in the region. Summerland Trout Hatchery- 494- 0491- is located at 13405 South Lakeshore Drive and is open to all every day from 9am to 3pm.
  
  There are plenty of small lakes around Summerland to try your luck, including Darke Lake (called Fish Lake by the locals, and which offers 5 camping spaces), Headwaters, Osprey Lake, and of course of the mighty Okanagan, which stretches for over 128 kilometres.
  
  If it's trout you're after, try a family fishing experience at Hobo Hollow Trout Farm. This manmade lake, stocked with trout, offers everyone in the family a chance to catch the big one! Call 462-0839 for appointments, rates, and hours of operation.
  
  
• Golfing
  
  With one of the longest playing seasons in Canada, Summerland's prime Okanagan location is a draw for golf enthusiasts from around the globe. The Summerland Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole regulation golf course that rambles along the cavernous Trout Creek Canyon, while Sumac Ridge Golf and Country Club is a 9-hole, par 28 course offering bent grass, club and cart rentals, a clubhouse, a restaurant, and a bar.
  
  
• Skiing
  
  Summerland offers fabulous cross country skiing along the Kettle Valley Railway. The city is also close to several major alpine and cross-country ski courses: Apex Alpine Ski Hill, Crystal, Big White and Silver Star.
  
  
• Bird Watching
  
  A wide range of bird species call Summerland home, including the beautiful Blue Bird. Grab your binoculars and your camera and head out for a walk and see how many species of these feathered friends you can find!

Events

• Okanagan Spring Wine Festival
  
  The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival is a perfect marriage of wine and culinary tourism. For the first four days in May each year, it offers a tantalizing experience for anyone who loves fabulous wine accompanied by fine cuisine. And what better way to announce the grape growing season than to hold a Festival during bud break!
  
  Guests can choose an incredible 100 plus events throughout Okanagan Wine Country at a time of year when it is absolutely delightful to savour Spring in the warm sunshine. The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival has been described as "one of Canada's best small festivals" and it is no wonder that its success continues to grow.
  
  
• Good Will Shakespeare Festival
  
  Ye old towne festival celebrates a playwright of some renown, William Shakespeare, who penned the script for Baz Lurhmann's 1996 MTV award-winning classic "Romeo and Juliet". Those unfamiliar with the Bard are encouraged to come out to learn more about his life and his work.
  
  
• Annual Blosson Show & Shine
  
  Car enthusiasts are encouraged to come out for a great weekend in Summerland. The festivities include camping, the popular show 'n' shine, a dance, a campfire party, a rod/run mystery cruise, an engine blow-up, trophies, special prizes, and much more! There's a $60.00 early registration prior to April 15th, or $75.00 after that date. There's an early bird draw for $100.00. The event is for cars from 1967 or earlier. Register with Pat Hickerson at 250-765-1378 or Brian Woods at 250-768-1912.
  
  
• Annual Summerland Bluegrass Campout
  
  Three exciting days of bluegrass jammin' and parking lot pickin'.
  
  
• Canada Day Celebrations
  
  A full day of activities, including a pancake breakfast, a flag raising ceremony, live entertainment, and children's activities. There will also be an evening concert and a laser light show.

Contact Information

Summerland Chamber of Economic Development Tourism

15600 Hwy 97, PO Box 130
Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0

Phone 1-250-494-2686
Fax 1-250-494-4039
E-mail: summerlandchamber@shawbiz.ca
Website: www.summerlandchamber.bc.ca

District of Summerland

13211 Henry Avenue
Box 159
Summerland, British Columbia
Canada V0H 1Z0

Telephone: 250-494-6451
Fax: 250-494-1415
Email: info@summerland.ca
Website: www.summerland.ca