Summerland Vacation Rentals

Looking for accommodation close to nature, in the middle of Canada's best wine region? Look no further than Summerland, on the western side of Okanagan Lake in British Columbia. Whether a cozy bed and breakfast in town or a large lakeside family house, vacation rentals in Summerland offer a comfortable base for enjoying this beautiful region.

Explore British Columbia's Premier Wine Region

Thanks to its unique location in the Thompson-Okanagan Plateau ecoregion that makes it one of the driest and warmest places in Canada, Summerland is the centre of one of the country's most productive wine areas. Before it became a wine region, Summerland was known primarily for its stone fruits. You can still taste delicious local apples, apricots, peaches, pears, and cherries from local fruit stands, as well as products made from them.

In Summerland itself, there are several boutique shops and exclusive cellars offering tastings and selling bottles from the many local wineries. To get to the source, travel on Summerland's famous Bottleneck Drive, a collection of roads connecting many acclaimed wineries. These include famed labels like Thornhaven, Sleeping Giant, Dirty Laundry, 8th Generation, Giant Head, and Heaven's Gate. Most offer tours, tastings, and adjoining restaurants.

Lakeside Family Vacation Homes Surrounded by Wildlife

Vacation rentals in Summerland are great for summer family excursions. In addition to the natural beauty and outdoor activities around Summerland, there are plenty of things in town to keep kids entertained. The historic Kettle Valley Steam Railway is popular with kids and railway enthusiasts alike. The Summerland Museum and Archives on Wharton Street provides interesting information and fun displays for kids.

Wildlife watching is another family-friendly activity in Summerland. There are many walking trails from town leading into the surrounding landscapes, including the famous hike to Giant's Head. It's only an hour's hike to the summit of this extinct volcano looking over Summerland, with spectacular views at the top. The Summerland Ornamental Gardens are also good for family walks, and provide plenty of great spots for family picnics.

Okanagan Provincial Parks and Sandy Beaches

Summerland's sandy beaches and idyllic location on the western shores of Okanagan Lake make it a popular summer destination for swimming, boating, and sunbathing. Powell Beach is great for kayaking and canoeing, while Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park has large immaculate beaches, Manitou & District Regional Park provides safe, easy swimming for kids, and Kickininee Provincial Park offers scenic picnic spots and quiet swimming holes.

It's not only beaches, though. There are plenty of other provincial parks within easy driving distance of Summerland that are great for hiking and mountain biking, such as Eneas Lakes Provincial Park (37km from Summerland) and Darke Lake Provincial Park (29km away). In winter, you can skate on these frozen lakes, or go snowshoeing in the forest.

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