Summerland

The small community of Summerland is located on the west side of Okanagan Lake within Province of British Columbia's interior area. The town had an estimated population of 11,000, according to 2006 numbers. Penticton lies 12 miles or 20 km south of Summerland, whilst the small community of Peachland is the nearest community to the north, about 28 km or 18 miles away. Kelowna is the biggest city centre in the region and it is located about 50 km to the north on Highway 97. The community of Naramata is located directly across Okanagan Lake from Summerland. Vancouver City is roughly 264 miles or 425 km away to the west.

The theme of the town has Summerland being intended as an olde English Tudor style town. The majority of the companies in the town of Summerland are located up on the hill even if Old Summerland is considered to be the area down on the water.

The main economy in the town of Summerland is growing fruits. The town is rivaled only by Kelowna as being the biggest fruit processing and growing town within the Okanagan. There are world renowned Eden-like orchards and farms, wineries and several heritage ranches, giving the town of Summerland a rustic surroundings.

With a name like Summerland, one can imagine warm beaches, bright blue skies and smiling, friendly people. The town certainly lives up to its name and has a lot more to offer.

Summerland has become a famous getaway for those who live within the 3 major Canadian cities of Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary. It provides an idyllic location to visit with its sandy beaches and how wonderfully it is situated on Okanagan Lake. Tourist attractions and tourism used to be the major industry, even if this is disappearing rapidly due to pressure from residential subdivision developers.

Until the late 20th Century, agriculture featuring fresh fruit trees like for instance cherries, pears, peaches, and apples, along with canneries were the economic mainstays of the time. Ultimately, the focus left fruit trees and focused more on grape production so as to support the wine trade. Summerland is now proudly home to several world famous wineries. The town of Summerland is also home to the historic Kettle Valley Steam Railway and has numerous golf courses.

Due to the dry and arid weather, the Okanagan area has become a popular region to make wine. In the town of Summerland, there are 6 wineries to experience. They provide special events during the Fall and Spring Okanagan Wine Festivals and self-guided wine tours are also really suggested.