16 minute read
Trade the summer crowds for winter walks, year round ice cream, and a chance to truly slow down together.
There is a common misconception that Summerland is only for the summer. While we love the energy of July and August, a special kind of magic settles over the resort once the crowds head home. For families, the off-season (from late October through April) offers a rare opportunity to trade the rush for a rhythm that actually feels like a vacation.
In this guide to the "Secret Season," we are breaking down exactly why a winter or spring escape might be the best trip you take all year, including:
Here are 11 reasons why your family might just prefer a getaway during the quieter months.
Here are 11 reasons why your family might just prefer a getaway during the quieter months.
One of the best things about the South Okanagan is our climate. Even in the middle of winter, our weather is often much milder than the rest of Canada. Weatherspark.com notes that Summerland temperatures usually average between 5°C to -5°C (41°F to 23°F). For us, this is usually "light jacket" weather rather than "heavy parka" weather.
This means you don't have to hibernate; you can still get outside and explore.
Because the landscape changes so dramatically throughout the year the views are always stunning. You might find yourself surrounded by the red and golden foliage of autumn, the crisp white snow on the distant mountains, or the soft pink of apricot blossoms in the early spring.
The scenery is packed full of vibrant colours as far as the eye can see which makes for incredible photos. You may decide to spend your time simply wandering through the landscape or you might want to capture the memory professionally. Feel free to email us for a recommendation for our resort family photographer who can help you plan a family photoshoot during your stay.
In July, getting a table at Summerland’s best restaurants often requires a reservation in advance or standing in a long line. In the quiet season, you can walk right in and get the best seat in the house.
It is the perfect time to try the local favourites that are usually packed:
Who says frozen treats are only for hot days? The photos in your camera roll will look just as cute in February as they do in July.
A short 8 minute drive reveals that Summerland’s sweet side is open year round. Our team specifically recommends a trip to Summerland Sweets to browse their famous fruit syrups and jams before grabbing a generous scoop of their orchard-fresh ice cream. If you are looking for a cozy warm-up, pop into The Bistro right here at the resort. Wrapping your hands around a rich hot chocolate and sharing a fresh pastry is the perfect way to cap off a morning walk. Treating the family feels a little more relaxed when you aren't melting in the heat.
Throughout the fall, winter and spring, many guests rave about having the hot tubs all to themselves! Whether you like to start your day with a dip or come back and warm up after a wintery walk, soaking is a favourite activity for guests throughout the year.
For parents this is your moment to "put your feet up." You can soak in the hot tub and watch the steam drift over the lake while the kids splash happily nearby. It is the perfect way to tire them out before bed.
If you have ever tried to share a standard hotel room with two energetic kids, you know it is the opposite of relaxing. That is why our suites are designed to give parents their sanity back.
We know families come with a lot of gear. Our goal is to let you unpack and feel organized, rather than living out of a suitcase for your entire stay.
Did you know we have a "Take a book, leave a book" library in the Phase II lobby? It is stocked with a selection of reads just waiting to be cracked open. Go ahead... grab a novel, sink into a soft chair in a cozy alcove or in your suite, and put your feet up. You are on "lake time" now, after all.
Curling up by the fireplace while the weather is crisp outside isn't just cozy; it is the definition of vacation. It is a simple pleasure that reminds you to slow down, take a deep breath, and get lost in a new world for a while. From picture books for the toddlers to thrillers for the teens, there is a story here for everyone to enjoy.
If your family craves a bit more action, the off-season delivers. While the lake is quiet, the community is busy with events that locals look forward to all year.
And for a daily dose of adrenaline? Apex Mountain Resort is just a scenic 45-minute drive away. It is perfect for a family day trip to ski the champagne powder or spin down the tube park.
One of the best kept secrets of the off-season is the incredible value. With more relaxed rates, many families find they can afford to upgrade to a larger suite or simply extend their stay by an extra night without breaking the budget.
Are you looking for a hotel or resort to get some serious work done? Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa is the spot! If you have the flexibility to work remotely, you can set up your office at the lake for a week or even a month! With reliable, high-speed WiFi and a panoramic view of Okanagan Lake from your balcony, it certainly beats the view from your home office.
Insider Tip for Spring: If you love a bargain, plan your visit for April. Our popular 3rd Night Free Offer is a favourite among deal-seeking travelers looking for a getaway in the Okanagan. We use this quiet window to complete annual maintenance projects to keep the resort sparkling, so while you might see us sprucing things up around the property, you are guaranteed the best value of the entire year.
You are likely working hard right now. You might be telling yourself, "I just need to push through until summer vacation." We often treat rest like a giant prize we only get once a year.
Here is a different perspective. Research shows that you don’t have to wait months to feel good again. In fact, waiting for one big trip isn't the best way to recharge.
A major study from Syracuse University brought us some very good news: Frequency matters more than length. The researchers found that people who took more small trips throughout the year actually had healthier hearts and lower stress levels than those who saved it all for one big holiday. This backs up findings from the University of Pittsburgh, which showed that regular leisure activities (like a quick weekend away) are the key to keeping your blood pressure down.
Think of a weekend getaway like a phone charger. You don't wait until your battery is dead to plug it in. You charge it a little bit, often, to keep it running smoothly.
You don’t need to plan a huge expedition. You don't need flights. You just need 48 hours where you do not have to look at the to-do list on your fridge.
Don't wait for summer. Give yourself the boost you deserve now.
We can think of countless reasons to book an off-season getaway, but sometimes it helps to hear it directly from a parent who has been there.
Codi (from the blog Creative Wife and Joyful Worker) has visited us in both the spring and the fall. The photos throughout this blog post were from her last trip to the resort. Here is why she calls Summerland Waterfront Resort a place her family "would love to repeat."
On The "Home Away From Home" Feeling: For Codi, the secret to a successful trip was the suite itself. She noted that having a full kitchen "made our stay less expensive and more relaxing by not having to take the kids out for every meal."
"Our 2-bedroom suite had more than enough space for our family. With two full bedrooms, a dining table, living room, and full kitchen we felt completely at home, away from home."
On The "Slow Season" Magic: Visiting in November didn't mean being bored. Codi described their fall trip as a "slower style holiday" that allowed for more connection. She specifically loved the hotel hot tub for a "cool day/night soak to relax your body."
"With fall being a slower season it's often that you will have the hot tub to yourself... we had 2 families relaxing most of the weekend and there was still plenty of space to move around."
On Family-Approved Adventures: Her family found plenty to explore right outside our doors, even in the shoulder season:
Her Final Verdict?
"Believe me when I say we will be back... this is one family vacation that we would love to repeat."
Summer in Summerland is amazing but so are the other seasons throughout the year. Make the most of your favourite place by visiting from September through April and you will experience all the best parts of SWR in an entirely different way. You will see what you have been missing.
We have put together several packages for you to experience the resort in a style that suits you. Check out availability and book your dates today.
Collaboration Credits: Creative Codi Lynn and Julie Christine Photography
Posted January 20, 2026
Perfect for:
Deal Seekers, Family Adventures
| From $238 + taxes | |
| Valid: Dec 22, 2025 to Apr 5, 2026 |
What's Included:
This package includes a one-night stay and a one-day adult Apex lift ticket, bringing together great snow, relaxed skiing, and post-slope comfort in one simple booking. Get it all for a great price.
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