Plan Your One Day Trip: Summerland, BC

The town of Summerland is the perfect place to retreat if you’re seeking solitude and tranquility. In the 1900s, Summerland was the place to be, with big energy and big plans. They were the first to get electricity, open an Okanagan College, and introduce the telephone in 1907. Home to the historical KVR, better known as the Kettle Valley Steam Railway, this massive stretch of railway was a huge deal, connecting the Okanagan to the Kootenay to Coast Connection. It powered the local fruit industry into world markets, transported families on vacations and errands, and created employment opportunities. Although the town of Summerland started with a bang in the early 1900s, it’s kept its small-town charm and has just over 12,000 residents.

What would I do if I had just one day to explore the charming town of Summerland?

Morning Café: Wake Up and Be Awesome

The Beanery Café is extremely popular among the locals. They have an endless assortment of baked goods, most the size of your head, perfectly made for sharing or for that sweet-toothed person in the group. They serve elevated espresso, lattes, and brew that will satisfy the diehard coffee fan or most basic lovers of coffee. They cater to Vegans, Paleo, and Gluten-Free loving people. A treat for everyone, making it a must-visit while in Summerland.

Attraction: All Aboard

If you want to capture a moment in time, climb aboard the Kettle Valley Steam Railway, offering guests an opportunity to travel back in time. Although the KVR isn’t fully operational anymore, they kept a 16 KM stretch intact for tourism purposes. Picture open-air carts, closed carts, and a well-maintained steam train cutting through the countryside. They offer a few fun and creative themed events throughout the year, including a Great Train Robbery, the Christmas Express, the Sommelier Express, and many others. Each ride lasts about 90 minutes and is a fun adventure for all ages!

Lunch: Patio Lantern Vibes

The Red Iron Grill is located at the Dirty Laundry Vineyard and offers guests a chance to enjoy an amazing patio setting! It’s covered in vines, surrounded by vineyards, and offers everything from delicious made-to-order pizza, a selection of smoked meats with sides, and a well-stocked cooler filled with charcuterie items if you’d like to make a board for the table. And wait, there’s wine! It is a winery, after all, so you can sneak in a wine tasting before and choose your favourite bottle to enjoy with lunch or opt for a pint of cold beer.

Afternoon Activity: Giant's Head Mountain

If you’re looking for a bit of exercise after lunch, there’s nothing like a hike up a mountain top that also happens to be a dormant volcano to set the stage for an unstoppable day. Named “Sleeping Giant's Head Mountain,” this massive mountain appears to have a head carved into it as a result of the glacial periods. Located right in the centre of town, watching over the area, ensuring all is well. Climbing to the peak of the mountain offers scenic views of Lake Okanagan and the entire town centre.

If you prefer a relaxing and leisurely activity over a hike, consider taking a peaceful stroll through the Summerland Ornamental Gardens. Explore 6 hectares of experimental farmland established in 1916, designed to help residents choose ornamental plants for their gardens, all of which are suitable for the dry Okanagan climate. As you walk through the various paths, you will see several gardens, including a Butterfly Garden, Vegetable Garden, Canadian Heritage Rose Garden, a Fairy Garden, and so much more. It truly is a peaceful experience located on top of the mountain overlooking Lake Okanagan, Giant's Head Mountain, and the Trout Creek Trestle railroad bridge, an outstanding engineering feat constructed for the Kettle Valley Railway.

Dinner: Made of Stone

Zias Stonehouse is a heritage building built in 1916 with the ambition of a horse and a man. The walls are an impressive 18 inches thick, made from large stones, each hand-selected by the original owner, Alfredo Biagioni. After a year-long renovation, the Stone House was reimagined, and Zias Stonehouse was born. You can expect hearty meals, generous portions, and lots of choices. During the warmer months, you can enjoy your meal in a romantic garden patio setting or dine inside and take in the original charm of Zias.

Accommodations: There’s Something About Being On The Water

Located on the water's edge, the Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa is a little slice of paradise. Great for a couple’s getaway, family holiday, or special event. They have a large outdoor pool and hot tub, onsite spa and restaurant. A dock on the water should you arrive by boat! What else do you need?

Extend Your Adventure: Relax and Stay Awhile Longer!

If you have more time, consider booking a Private Custom Summerland Wine Tour with Lust 4 Luxury Tours. This service allows you to explore without having to plan, drive, or arrange anything yourself. Simply book your tour and everything will be taken care of for you.

Summerland is home to the Bottleneck Drive Wine Route that features 17 wineries: Dirty Laundry Vineyard, Sage Hills Winery, 8th Generation Vineyard, Giant Head Winery, Haywire Winery, Lunessence Winery, Heaven’s Gate Winery, Oak & Estate Winery, Savard Vines, Silkscarf Winery, Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery, Solvero Winery, Sonoran Winery, Summergate Winery, Summerland Winery, Thornhaven Winery, Backdoor Winery. There are also 4 cideries: Dominion Cider Co., Millionaires Row Cider Co., Nomad Cider, and Summerland Heritage Cider Co.; 2 breweries: Giant’s Head Brewing, and Detonate Brewing; and 1 distillery: Alchemist Distiller. With no shortage of adventures and something for everyone, you might need more than a day.

Start planning your visit today!