Explore Summerland

	Explore Summerland

There's no town like it anywhere in the Okanagan Valley or in British Columbia, for that matter. Summerland is a close-knit community of 12 thousand people who bring warmth and spirit to their year round festivals and activities and who take pride in their rich history, offering a wide range of agri-tourism and heritage attractions. Old English Tudor architecture prevails throughout its downtown streets, along with wrought iron lampposts, brick sidewalks, flower planters, unique shops and a Town Crier crying "oyez" at almost every event that occurs in town.

Summerland began in 1906 and was one of the first communities in the Okanagan to develop its fruit industry. The history of that journey can be found at Summerland's Ornamental Gardens' Agriculture Museum, which is housed in the historic Superintendent's residence of the former Dominion Experimental Farm, now known as the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre. Over the years, agri-tourism ventures have blossomed in Summerland which is home to bountiful fruit stands, a syrup and jam factory, a dried fruit company, a pickle production line and year round tours and sales at our fruit packing plant. The community has also seen positive growth in its wine industry. There are three cottage and estate wineries, operating in Summerland and their development along with others in the region is owed in no small measure, to Sumac Ridge Estate Winery's, Harry McWatters, who helped spearhead the VQA Wine Industry that we know today.

Summerland also has a bustling manufacturing industry, which makes oak furniture; stain glass & RV windows, metal sculptures, birdhouses and floor mats out of recyclable goods. There are two manufacturers who produce over 400 truck canopies per week for shipment to markets all over the world. Summerland is currently working hard to beautify its existing industrial areas and to find available land to expand its industrial space.

The diversity of Summerland residents has allowed for the cultivation of a strong theatre, arts and cultural community as well. The community's year round festivals celebrate children, sports, food, music, the light of Christmas and the works of Shakespeare. Summerland is also home to the Summerland Singers and Players(circa 1912), which is one of the oldest community theatre groups in British Columbia. The now famous George Ryga Centre and the Summerland Arts Council are also vibrant members of the theatre, arts and music community. Summerland, along with eight other Thompson-Okanagan communities, participated in the International Sculptural Symposium in 2002 and is now home to two beautiful sculptures located in the downtown core.

At the Beach

A story on Summerland wouldn't be complete without mention of its beautiful sandy beaches, Giant's Head Mountain Park and it's panoramic views; and the Kettle Valley Steam Train, which continues to attract visitors from far and wide. The train, pulled by a 1924 Shay Locomotive, makes its way along 10 km (6.2 mi) of the historic Kettle Valley Rail line and offers passengers a delightful 90-minute experience.

Come and explore Summerland any time of year and experience all the warmth of yesterday with today's adventuresome spirit.