December to March
Winter in Summerland is a great time to really see the people and place that make up our community. From wine touring (yes, they are still open) to strolling the shops downtown, to meeting local artists, and enjoying brisk walks, there is always something going on in Summerland.
Don’t be afraid to get dirty! An ATV tour is one of the most exciting and exclusive ways to explore the picturesque Okanagan countryside and wildernesses. Okanagan ATV tours offers a variety of excursions for all confidence levels, whether you want to cruise gently along scenic paths or rip through backcountry trails.
Named for the face-like profile carved into it by glaciers, Giant’s Head Mountain is accessible by a switchback road with a parking lot near the summit. The best way to see it is to hike! Start from the trailhead on Milne Road and enjoy the stunning scenery on this 3.2 km return hike.
Summerland is on the 23,000 km long Trans Canada Trail. The Summerland trailhead is at Conkle Mountain Park, by the Summerland Rodeo Grounds on Bathville Road. Walk, bike, or in the winter snowshoe, this trail as it flanks farmland with towering ponderosa pine trees above. The trail turns into 5 kms of road at a parking lot on Fenwick Road, which crosses the railway line.The view of Trout Creek Canyon and the historic train trestle which spans it is stunning. From here, a five minute walk will take you to Summerland Sweets and shaded picnic tables.
Summerland Sweets produces a wide variety of fruit-based jams, syrups, jellies and candies and is a must see for all visitors. Summerland Sweets also houses an ice cream parlour and Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery.
Starting at the Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa lining the shore of Lake Okanagan, this paved path is approximately 3 km and takes you from the Boardwalk at the Resort and north through Rotary Beach, Summerland Pier, Peach Orchard playground and open field and it ends by the boat launch.
Located near Penticton in the Southern Okanagan, the Naramata Bench is home to 24 wineries that are situated above sweeping sand cliffs that rise from Okanagan Lake, with vineyards that gently slope up to the mountains behind, hence the name “The Naramata Bench.” Each winery on The Bench has their own specialties and philosophies of wine-making, but what they all share is a commitment to quality in their wine-making, and a belief that authentic wine experiences should be offered in a friendly and relaxed manner.
| Naramata Bench Wineries Association Website | |
| Naramata Bench Wine Country Map |
Big White Ski Resort, or simply Big White, is located 56 km southeast of Kelowna, a 45 minute drive from the Resort. It is the highest summiet in the Okanagan Highland. The ski resort is at 7,609 feet with a vertical drop of 2,549 feet serviced by 16 lifts. The Resort's village offers a variety of restaurants, bars and shops.
Oliver and Osoyoos, in the southerly end of the Okanagan valley, is home to 31 grape growers and winemakers united in a common vision: to grow fruit and make wines reflective of our distinct South Okanagan character, while taking care of the lands in our charge. There are many sub-regions within this area such as The Black Sage Bench features 21 wineries including Blasted Church, Jackson Triggs, Burrowing Owl, Osoyoos Larose. The Golden Mile is another sub-region in this area and is home to Inniskillin, Hester Creek, Gehringer. Just north is Okanagan Falls with another 21 excellent wineries.
| Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association Website | |
| Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country Touring Map |
Summerland and Trout Creek year round studio tour is a collection of artists in the area who open their studios, by appointment, for visitation.
The Summerland Community Arts Council is active in promoting and facilitating awareness and appreciation of the arts in Summerland BC. They offer a variety of programs, events and their downtown art gallery showcases a collection of local works.
The Museum’s mandate is to preserve and promote Summerland’s history through collections, displays, educational activities and outreach programs of various kinds. Here you will find a variety of artifacts, photo galleries, indoor and outdoor exhibits, even programs for children and ongoing research activities.
Experience Summerland’s new wine route among the unique, pastoral hills of Summerland, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Visit Bottleneck Drive’s eleven highly awarded wineries.
Ask for the Bottleneck Drive Wine Route Map at the Summerland or Penticton Visitor Centers or simply follow the wine trail signs through Summerland.
| Bottleneck Drive Wine Tour Website | |
| Bottleneck Drive Wine Tour Brochure |
Despite the Okanagan’s warmer temperatures, the Monashee Mountain Range are still cool enough to produce and sustain a lot of snow, providing some great skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Apex Mountain is 35 minutes from Summerland and offers 67 trails, tube park, snow boarding terrain park, outdoor ice skating rink and 1 kilometre adventure ice skating loop which is lit at night.
Over 30 wineries are located in Kelowna with well over 200 wineries in the whole Okanagan Valley region. The sun-drenched valley surrounding Kelowna is dotted with farm-gate wineries too, where each vintage is lovingly bottled by hand. All wineries offer wine tasting. Wine tours can last from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the winery. Some familiar wineries include; Mission Hill, Quail's Gate, Gray Monk and Summerhill, to name a few.
| Tourism Kelowna Website - Kelowna Wine Trails | |
| Kelowna Wine Trails - Virtual Brochure |
The place for outdoor adventures! Kayaking to climbing, biking to skills courses, Hoodoo Adventures has activities for all levels. The beginner will learn something new and the expert will be challenged. Discover all of the Okanagan's vast terrain with these guys!
The Ornamental Gardens, located 5 minutes from the Resort, feature stunning flowers, plants and landscaping all in one exceptional showpiece. Stroll the pathways and take in the amazing work of Mother Nature and the local people who have created and tend to these for everyone's enjoyment.
| 4:30 pm daily Dec 11 to 20 | |
| Website |
Ride Duration: 60 Minutes Experience the magic of Christmas at the Kettle Valley Steam Railway! Make this an annual... read more
| TENTATIVE Sat Nov 27 & Sat Dec 5 | |
| Summerland Waterfront Resort & Bottleneck Drive |
Join us for a magical weekend of wine tour and tasting overlooking the twinkling lights of Bottleneck Drive Wineries.... read more
| Nov 26, 2021 | |
| Website |
The perfect event to get you in the holiday spirit. This event kicks off with the arrival of Santa and continues with... read more
| Year Round | |
| 21 Lakeshore Drive W, Penticton BC | |
| Website |
Daily Tasting Bar Flight of 4 wines for $8.00 refunded with purchase Premium wine tasting of 4 wines for $15 per... read more