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Summerland
Summerland
is located 18 km (11 miles) north of Penticton
and 48 km (30 miles) south of Kelowna
on Hwy 97.
Okanagan
Lake
Summerland is situated on the western side of Okanagan Lake directly
across from the community of Naramata
which lies on the east side of the lake. Summerland enjoys a very
pleasant climate and is well noted for the various fruit orchards
and vineyards that are grown in the area.
"Olde
English Towne"
Driving on Hwy 97 through Summerland, you tend to miss most of the
town. But if you take the drive into the main part of Summerland,
you will discover a town reminiscent of England, complete with a
town crier, floral gardens and English architecture. Summerland
has the slogan of being the "Olde English Towne."
Hwy
97
Summerland is basically divided into two halves with Hwy 97 being
the dividing point. There is the upper part where you will find
most of the restaurants, services, Memorial Park, medical facilities,
recreational centre and downtown. Then there is the lower part where
you'll find various orchards, view homes with panoramic vistas,
four different beach areas, yacht club and the Trout Creek area.
Vineyards
and Wineries
If you're doing a sampling of the wineries or on a wine tour, make
Summerland one of your destinations. There are two from which to
choose. Sumac Ridge is one of the largest wineries in the Okanagan
and has a long-standing reputation for quality. The other vintner
is Scherzinger Vineyards a smaller production cottage winery specializing
in award-winning wines crafted in a fruit-forward style.
Giant's
Head Mountain
You will find two very unique landmarks in Summerland: One is Giant's
Head Mountain which has a craggy-faced rock outcropping that has
a distinct outline of a human's head on it. Wherever you are in
Summerland the views of Giant's Head are all distinct and picturesque.
Hiking
Trail
There is also a hiking trail that leads to the top of Giant's Head
where you'll find scenic views of Okanagan Lake looking towards
Naramata, westward up Prairie Valley and down south to Trout Creek,
Penticton and the surrounding areas.
Trout
Creek Canyon
The other landmark is Trout Creek Canyon. This enormous canyon contains
the Trout Creek Canyon Trestle. This 73-metre (240 feet) high and
76-metre (249 feet) long deck truss bridge was the highest bridge
span of the now-defunct Kettle Valley Railway.
Trans-Canada
Trail
Now part of the Trans-Canada Trail, the old trestle gives you access
across Trout Creek Canyon. Make sure you bring your camera the views
are quite stunning especially from the lookout located on the grounds
of the Summerland Ornamental Gardens.
Pacific
Agri-Food Research Centre
If you enjoy gardens, the Summerland Ornamental Gardens are right
next door to the Trout Creek Canyon Trestle in the Pacific Agri-Food
Research Centre. There is a garden tour that follows the walls of
the canyon meandering through a rose garden and picnic area, eventually
leading to a museum.
Xeriscape-style
Gardening
Next door to the museum there is an excellent display of Xeriscape-style
gardening , a garden style that uses as little water as possible.
The gardens are a 'must-to-see' if you are in Summerland.
Kettle
Valley Steam Railway
If you do happen to visit the gardens or the Trout Creek Canyon,
another attraction close by is Kettle Valley Steam Railway. This
restored steam engine makes a short trip along the only section
where the Kettle Valley Railway still in operation. If you have
kids this makes an excellent place for them to marvel at this mechanical
wonder.
Winter
Season
Summerland has great recreational activities during all the seasons.
In the winter snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and downhill at
Apex Alpine Resort in Penticton is available.
For curlers there is a curling rink located in Summerland with all
sorts of bonspiels occurring throughout the season.
Other
Seasons
During the other seasons there are great hiking, biking and walking
opportunities on the Trans-Canada Trail. For boaters access to Okanagan
Lake can be made along the lower road at Powell Beach or Rotary
Beach. If you're a hunter, the hills and country have been known
to have some good game opportunities. Summerland also has a very
good recreation facility complete with pool and weight-training
facility.
Festivals
Summerland
is a proud host for a number of events during the year. If your
a fan of antique cars and hotrods try and make the Show & Shine
in Memorial Park during the May long weekend Blossom Run. Usually
you'll be able to view upwards of 250 "Rodtiques" on display.
There is also a Fall Fair and the Trout Creek Music Festival during
the month of September. Plus you'll marvel at the arrangement of
lights during November's Festival of Lights.
Summerland
Links
Accommodation
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