Top Things to do in Summerland
10 Things to do in Summerland That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Summerland, Canada including Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, Dirty Laundry Vineyard, Kettle Valley Steam Railway, 8th Generation Vineyard, Thornhaven Estates, Heaven's Gate Estate Winery, Giant's Head Mountain Park, Summerland Ornamental Gardens, Sage Hills Organic Vineyards and Winery, Back Door Winery.
Restaurants in Summerland
1. Sumac Ridge Estate Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 398 reviews
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery was the first operating estate winery in British Columbia. We have been dedicated to producing wine from 100% BC grown grapes since our inception. We are the home to three unique brands in one iconic location, Sumac Ridge Private Reserve, Steller's Jay traditional method sparkling wines are wonderfully vivacious, perfect for any occasion. The bold wines of the Black Sage Vineyard speak to the terroir, telling the story of the right vines planted in the right place at the right time. Visit the winery for a tasting, food and wine pairing experience or picnic. We are open year round for tastings and our experiences run from May to October.
Reviewed By Kirsten_JL11
I loved our wine tasting with John C! It was well done-despite covid- and I wanted to package him up and bring him home to my mom! Loved the wine and will continue to purchase their wines.
2. Dirty Laundry Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 684 reviews
Reviewed By IslaGringa - Isla Mujeres, Mexico
"The dirty laundry," became the whispered subject of ridicule among the local businessmen and their wives in the late 1800's. The upstairs waiting room at the laundry in Summerland BC, was a place where the working men could get their clothes cleaned and enjoy an illicit drink, play a game of cards, or spend time in the company of a woman. My friend Sharon and I popped up to the Dirty Laundry Vineyards on a warm Friday afternoon for pizza and wine on their outdoor patio. With the COVID19 protocols enforcing social-distancing between tables, the restaurant was busy and had a waitlist of guests. But, we didn't have to wait too long, just enough time to check out the fun merchandise in the company store. The restaurant concept is self-serve with one kiosk to order freshly made pizza, another for beer, and a third of course for ordering their own wines to enjoy with your food. The view from the patio overlooks the vineyards, the remnants of the Kettle Valley Railway, and Okanagan Lake. The food was great, the atmosphere relaxing, and the wine good.
3. Kettle Valley Steam Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 511 reviews
Reviewed By Chainani - Sooke, Canada
Took my husband for a treat, he loves trains. This is a very pleasant and relaxing thing to do. It lasts only 90 minutes and the history and scenery was so interesting. The conductor was funny, knowledgeable and now I might have to admit I like trains too. They provide blankets on board if you get chilly, this train goes all year with special rides at Halloween, xmas etc…. They also have a train robbery and BBQ certain times of the week. No food sold on board but when the train stopped to turn around there was a local lady selling fresh raspberries. This was Oct and they were so big and juicy I couldn’t believe it. Really a great activity for anyone in any age group. Note there are picnic tables at the station where you can sit and eat if you have brought along food.
4. 8th Generation Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Our family's heritage in wine making dates back to 1783. We are the eighth consecutive generation to produce fine wines, and the first generation to do so in the New World. 8th Generation Vineyard is an ultra contemporary winery, deeply rooted in tradition. We welcome you to experience our wine making history! Bernd H. Schales, 8th Generation Winemaker Stefanie Schales, 10th Generation Winegrower
Reviewed By RetinaOne - Gold Canyon, United States
My wife and I visited the winery this month. We were very impressed with not just the wines but also with the way the tasting was conducted. All done very cordial and yet professional. Mrs.Stefanie Schales is a great host and their Riesling is an absolute winner, it’s an amazing wine. But then, their Pino Noir is also excellent. Meine Frau und ich besuchten das Weingut im Oktober dieses Jahres. Wir hatten das große Glück das die Chefin persönlich, Frau Stefanie Schales, die Weinprobe vornahm. Euer Riesling ist einsame Spitze, einfach herrlich aber der Pinot Noir ist mindestens ein Kauf von 2-3 Flaschen wert.
5. Thornhaven Estates
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By Mdecker17 - Calgary, Canada
We came here yesterday to buy wine for friends. The place has a great lookout from their patio. Very quiet there on this visit since it is off season.
6. Heaven's Gate Estate Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Peaceful serenity, natural beauty and romantic ambiance ... In our unique log cabin tasting room and wine shop we offer an array of award-winning wines. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with your favorite bottle of wine on our beautiful patio. Relax with the soothing sounds of the fountain while soaking in the breathtaking view. We are OPEN DAILY until October 14th 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm. Please contact us for an appointment in December through April. Join us on the patio on Saturdays in July and August for live entertainment. Seating is limited.
Reviewed By SSVan - Vancouver, Canada
We visited Heaven's Gate Winery at early in July and had the most wonderful time. The winery and patio area are absolutely stunning with views of Okanagan Lake and rolling hills. Definitely bring some snacks and grab a bottle of wine to sit and take in the views. Tyson's wines are all fantastic but I'd like to point out that his 2018 Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon is amazing (crisp, clean and refreshing) while the Gamay Nouveau served chilled is like "Heaven" in a bottle. It's light red has notes of strawberries but finishes clean and soft in your mouth. Unlike anything we've ever had. Thank you Tyson for your exceptional hospitality and amazing wines. We look forward to what the coming years bring us from your winery. Cheers from Vancouver!
7. Giant's Head Mountain Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By Sylwia_JKU - Surrey, Canada
Great hike up to the top with an amazing view. No matter the weather, great exercise. The drive up to the parking lot is a little nerve wracking for someone who is afraid of heights. But still a great and fun place to visit.
8. Summerland Ornamental Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Originally established in 1916 as part of the Federal Agricultural Research Station, now the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, the 6 hectare, 15-acre Summerland Ornamental Gardens expanse was designed to help new residents, many from the U.K. and other rainy climates, choose ornamental plants for their gardens that would be suitable for the dry Okanagan climate. In collaboration with Agriculture Canada, the site is maintained with help from the non-profit society, the Friends of Summerland Ornamental Gardens. As you stroll through the Gardens you will have views of Okanagan Lake, Giant's Head Mountain and the Trout Creek Trestle railroad bridge, an outstanding engineering feat constructed for the Kettle Valley Railway. Walk by the demonstration garden beds and learn principles of water-smart gardening with the diverse Welcome Garden, the Xeriscape Garden, the Cactus Garden, the Iris Beds, the Meadow, the Butterfly Garden, the shade gardens, and more. The gardens are open year round and the Friends of the Garden Society request a $5.00 per person donation.
Reviewed By P6425HImarkm - Surrey, Canada
Even though the weather wasn’t very good (a little snowy and chilly we really enjoyed the grounds, beautiful trees, a gorgeous heritage home, great view of a trestle bridge and rushing creek, we were lucky enough to spot some Bohemian Waxwings, California Quails and a Red Tailed Hawk as we were leaving, I would highly recommend visiting in the spring when the gardens are in bloom!
9. Sage Hills Organic Vineyards and Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Organic Natural Wine Producer focusing on small batch premium wines. Primarily sold only to fine restaurants in Vancouver, Victoria, Tofino, Whistler and through our tasting room. Can't find our wines? Join our wine club, we ship Canada wide for free.
Reviewed By NotreDameRob - Vancouver, Canada
Family run winery specializing in organic wines. Did not disappoint and I’m glad we found our way off the highway to this vineyard. The vintner (son of the owner) was manually pressing grapes when we arrived as he was experimenting on new products. The tasting should only have been 5 wines but the owner was so proud of their product and we were so keen that we took the time to go through a number of selections. We were provided the history of the winery as well. Bought a number of selections to take home and all were incredible wines. Great view of the lake. No food service here though (but we didn’t mind as it was the wine we came for). Their product appears in a lot of hotels and high end restaurants. They are only represented in one wine store in the Vancouver area. They do ship direct to your door. Will definitely return and recommend this winery to family and friends.
10. Back Door Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Chainani - Sooke, Canada
This is also located in Summerland so if you’re doing the Kettle Train ride catch this after. I heard their Sparkling Cherry Wine was really good and yes it was. The Okanagan has lots of cherry trees so I thought it would be unique to try. My husband picked out a rare white wine whose grapes are only grown in two vineyard in the world. He had only heard of this wine when he lived in Europe but had never tasted it. The staff were really knowledgeable about their products, which helped me out as I don’t know that much about wine.
