PNE Parade Runs Friday August 20, 2010

Enjoy the last lazy days of Summer!

• The final days of Vancouver summers have been signaled by the Pacific National Exhibition for 100 years!  If you haven’t been in some time then make it happen this August 21 to September 6, 2010.  Opening Day concert with our own Bryan Adams and the forever young, Beach Boys!  Online pricing for 6 to 64 yrs is only $16.80 per person.

• Ranked by Michelin as one of the top three drives in Canada, the trip to Tofino’s Long Beach Lodge Resort is a perfect destination for road trippers. Facing one of the best surfing beaches in North America, dude experiences include grabbing your board, to ocean fishing and kayaking.  Rooms start at $229.00. Instructor rate (for five bros) start at $169.00 and $29.00 for equipment rentals for each person per day (includes board, wetsuit and booties).

• Wine and dine local while savouring the views at Summerland Resort Hotel.  Chef Paul Cecconi sources local markets and farms for his seasonally fresh menus so book a spa, then dinner and stay the night in deluxe studio suite.

• Haida Gwaii fishing is the BEST in years!  If you still haven’t booked the guys for the annual fishing trip, check out availability with West Coast Fishing Club!

• Beachside Forno in West Vancouver is fast becoming one of the most popular breakfast spots on the North Shore.  How about scrambled eggs with bacon and a yummy cheddar with salsa or, take out the s’mores and head to Ambleside beach to watch the sun set over Vancouver!  Delici-oso!

• 

  Visit Granville Island for farm fresh corn!

  Corn on the cob is synonymous with summer days, and longtime Granville Island resident Ocean Construction is paying tribute to the treat in its annual art unveiling – a colourful and fun design covering the entire drum of one of its husky cement mixers.  Visit during the Farmer’s Market every Thursday from 9a to 3p.

• Local foodie, Cyndi Hunter of Silver Spoon Food Tours takes guests on fantastic culinary tours every Thursday from 364 Water Street in Gastown. Learn the local history while checking out amazing restaurants in this cool area of Vancouver.

• Visit the larger-than-life, hands-on FREE Animal Grossology exhibit at Metropolis at Metrotown running until August 22^nd.  The interactive, 3D exhibit is based on the premise that laughing through science will make it more memorable and prompt kids to question “why?” and “how?” more than they would from reading it from a text book.

• 

  Silver Spoon Food Tour in Gastown, Vancouver

  Saturna Islanders have refurbished the most photographed place in the Gulf Islands. The fog alarm building is now a multi-use community-operated centre in a charming place to visit. Accessible by BC Ferries via Maine Island, from Tsawwassen and Schwartz Bay ferry terminals.

• Last minute, mid-week getaways at Bellstar’s Hotels & Resorts spell magical memories for the family.  Rates start at $129 in Whistler/Adara and Pemberton/Pemberton Lodge for deluxe studios, and $195 for 1 bedroom suites in Osoyoos/Spirit Ridge and Vernon/Strand Lakeside Resort.  Visit Kimberly for only $139 at the Mountain Spirit Resort.

Local Lounge • Grille Executive Chef, Paul Cecconi

only opened in October, 2009.  Located in what is arguably one of the Okanagan’s sweetest locations – lakefront in Summerland, this is where Executive Chef Paul Cecconi and his dynamic team produce utterly ‘yummy’ creations for…you guessed it; locals and visitors alike!

Born and raised in North Vancouver, this talented food specialist honed his skills at a young age.  Thirteen to be precise.  After attending Vancouver Community College he left for international climes, developing a taste for everything from Thai to European cuisine. Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts held his attention in Vancouver, BC and Sydney, Australia where he experienced the Summer Olympics.

Chef Paul is now thrilled to be working his culinary prowess in consort with the success of BC wine legend Harry McWatters and his family, particularly in the opening of this Okanagan gem.  His comment echos the sentiment of many who are fortunate to call this area home.  “I’m excited about being in the Okanagan with everything that it has to offer.  My wife Holly and I have enjoyed making our home here with our daughter Sofia and son Simon.”  Check it out on your next getaway – then head back to your suite at Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa. 

www.thelocalgroup.ca and www.summerlandresort.com

Exquisite and oh so easy to make, Dungeness Crab Falafel

DUNGENESS CRAB FALAFEL

2.5 lbs           Dried Chick Peas

2.5 cups       Diced onion

3/4 cup        Parsley

1 cup             Cilantro

1.5 tbsp        Salt

1.5 tbsp        Red Chile Flakes

3/4 cup        Garlic

1.5 tbsp        Cumin

1.5 tbsp        Baking Powder

1.5 cups        Flour

1.5 lbs            Dungeness Crab – Picked through

1                      Lemon – zest

1/2 tbsp       Old Bay Spice

Method:

• Soak Chick Pea overnight
• Drain Chick Pea and rinse
• Put chick pea in food processor with remaining ingredients except baking powder, flour and crab
• Process until blended but not pureed
• Sprinkle in baking powder and flour and mix through gently
• Cover and leave several hours
• Mold into balls, cakes or whichever shape you like
• Shallow fry in grapeseed oil or olive oil until golden and depending on size, place in an oven at 350′ to warm through (10 – 15 minutes maximum)

Yum, and yum again!  Enjoy…Compliments of Chef Paul Cecconi,  Local Lounge • Grille

Pentage Winery Owners, Paul and Julie, with their best pal! Penticton, BC

A tag line playing up the double entendre – “time to breathe” – couldn’t be more àpropos for Penticton and Wine Country.  While this clever play on words describes a great bottle of wine, it reminds us of the value in slowing down and breathing, Penticton- style.  Located in a spectacular region of British Columbia, Penticton and nearby Summerland and Naramata boast over 2,000 annual hours of sunshine, over 80 wineries to explore and some of the Okanagan’s liveliest and most enjoyable eateries.  Waterfront views to downtown hideaways, Kelly Reid of Tourism Penticton enthusiastically summed up this outstanding getaway to me.  “It’s a small town with great stuff – amazing food and wine, intriguing retailers and fantastic outdoor adventure for all skill levels.”

Fly in (Penticton Airport is small but efficiently handles Air Canada Jazz daily scheduled flights), pick up your rental – Best Choice Car and Truck has a warm welcome waiting, or if you’ve driven up from the lower mainland, head over to your hotel and simply get settled in.

Beyond Wine

One more point to consider.  Take a day off in between your tastings to discover some of the fun activities in and around Penticton.  You’ll be awed by the natural beauty of the lakes (Okanagan and Skaha hug the shoreline drives and rides), and the heritage and cultural aspects including the magnificent Kettle Valley Railway trail system and the popular Penticton Museum and Archives.

www.tourismpenticton.com

www.aircanada.com

Penticton and Wine Country Visitor Centre and Wine Shop

www.bestchoicecarrentals.com

Should the notion of owning a vineyard be somewhere on your ‘bucket list’, here’s a suggestion.  Head out to Penticton & Wine Country for a sample of the lifestyle.  Recommended first stop is at the BC Wine Information Centre on Railway Street in Penticton.  Open seven days a week, a veritable wealth of information waits inside as this is the first VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance-the Canadian wine makers’ standards organization) retail wine store established in British Columbia over ten years ago. General Manager, Laura Kowalchuk and her team passionately share wine knowledge over complimentary wine tastings, including providing tips on how to enjoy the experience of a tasting as well as the art of the spit.  The venue has wine-related gift suggestions for you and your home, and picnic goodies available to take out on your tour.  With over 400 VQA wines available, the Centre is a great stop before you head home too.  You can top up your case, or make another one, and if flying home, the Centre’s staff can assist with shipping.

www.bcwineinfo.net

Summerland Revisited

One of many great properties in the Okanagan, the Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa just keeps getting better and

The Boardwalk at Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa

better. Overlooking the gorgeous lakefront, the property boasts 115 suites – each with full kitchens and most with romantic views of the lake – so call it home during your getaway and truly take time to breathe!

The last year delivered a couple of exciting additions to the Resort. Blissful relaxation and superb aesthetics are delivered Tuesday to Saturday (Sunday and Monday appointments book in advance) at Beyond Wrapture Day Spa & Retreat.  After a day of swirling and sipping, there is nothing sweeter than a Vinotherapy Spa experience. If you’ve got any energy left, head back to your suite to freshen up for a culinary delight at the Resort’s restaurant.

The fall of ’09 saw “LOCAL – lounge • grille” open on the most gorgeous waterfront setting adjacent to the Summerland Waterfront Resort and Spa.  The much anticipated restaurant is a joint partnership between Harry McWatters (Founder of Sumac Ridge Winery), son-in-law Cameron Bond and Summerland Waterfront Resort Developer Stanley Yasin.  With Cameron heading up the operation, guests will enjoy something very special.  Bond shares “We are thrilled to bring this exciting new concept together. To us the name ‘Local’ speaks to our mandate of showcasing regional foods, wines and brews to celebrate the best that the Okanagan Valley and British Columbia have to offer.”

Should a lifestyle option be on your list of things to seek out this year, there are ‘getaway’ units available at the property.  For information on how to own at the Summerland Waterfront Resort and Spa contact stanleyyasin@shaw.ca

www.summerlandresorthotel.com

Grape Connections

Elephant Island Orchard Wines Owner, Del Halladay and his best friend! Naramat, BC

It seems great winemakers are also the best of friends with an adorable collection of dogs.  So much so, at See Ya Later Ranch (Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards), customers can even purchase a poster of man’s best friend along side a popular vintner.  Your first day out, sample the outstanding wines created by a boutique style group of wineries located on the Naramata Bench and Penticton. Laughing Stock Vineyards, Howling Bluff Estate Winery, Elephant Island Orchard Wines and Pentage Winery each deliver incredibly good wines – the prices range from the low $20’s to the high $30’s for great wines.  Take a day off between sipping then tour wineries right down to Osoyoos and back.  From Nk’Mip Cellars at Spirit Ridge (the first winery owned and operated by First Nations), to Inniskillin, and Jackson-Triggs;

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery - Editor's Pick - Steller's Jay Brut '04

sip your way through the delicious wines of Vincor, wrapping up with a Founder’s Tasting at beautiful Sumac Ridge in Summerland. Dinner in the Cellar Door Bistro is an outstanding experience and the perfect way to end a day of touring.   From here it’s a five minute drive back to the comfort of your lakefront accommodations.

www.sumacridge.com

www.pentage.com

View of Spirit Ridge Resort & Spa from the vineyards, Osoyoos, BC

vacation enthusiasts from around the world. Mainly because of its spectacular location sitting due north of the US border, Osoyoos is an arid desert climate which reaches down through Oregon and Arizona, touching on the borders of Mexico.  The overall appeal of the region is further complemented by having Canada’s warmest fresh water lake – yes, Lake Osoyoos, located amongst one of the most geographically desirable settings in the country.

A Hotel Is A Place

A place where you come to rest for any number of reasons including but not limited to, putting a little romance back into that special relationship or, travel somewhere special with family in tow, or best of all – simply to just get away! Regardless of your reason, Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa located in the relaxed community of Osoyoos, fulfills all these needs and more.

The Resort is adjacent to the Nk’Mip (pronounced in-ka-meep)Desert Cultural Centre owned and operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band under the leadership of Chief Clarence Louie. The magnificent Nk’Mip development also includes the award-winning Nk’Mip Cellars Winery – the first Aboriginal owned and operated award-winning winery in North

The patio view from NK'MIP Cellars Winery, Osoyoos, BC

America and, as of October, 2009, the newly opened Conference Centre.

All of this plus spectacular scenery is located just steps away from the front door of the individual villas of Spirit Ridge. One of the most popular comments heard from guests is how peaceful the environment is considering all that is going on around the Resort.  The magic lays in the design.

One of only six 4.5 star resorts in British Columbia, the south-western designed property provides 226 condo-style villas and suites in a gorgeous Santa Fe style.  Decorated in warm, deep colours taken from nature’s desert palette, there’s a certain calm radiating from this place.  It definitely sets the tone for a great getaway…and a desire to return sooner than later as evidenced by the accolades bestowed since opening in 2006.

With a fantastic outdoor pool and comfortable fitness area, there are no excuses not to stick with your fitness plan for

Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa Pool Area

2010! Slip into the spa for a private treatment or simply rent one of the cabanas poolside, curl up with a book and while away an afternoon.  Spirit Lodge is the heart of the development providing a fully stocked games room for kids and adults alike, concierge services can help with access to the golf, winery and cultural centre.  For more information, take a look at www.spiritridge.ca or call toll free 1.877.313.9463.  For the winery, please visit www.nkmipcellars.com.

From Meetings to Management Retreats

The South Okanagan has some heady attributes with which to parlay into outstanding tourism experiences.  Most notably on the horizon is the recent opening of Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa’s Conference Centre. The facility is the largest meeting space in the region. At over 9,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility provides an outstanding meeting venue suitable for up to 350 people, with remarkable recreation and culture to complement even the most intense conferences.

“The development of the Conference Centre enables us to increase our shoulder season business for the destination by targeting a growing meetings market that we could not attract to the South Okanagan without this new facility,” said General Manager of Spirit Ridge Resort, Mohamad Awad.

As the only First Nation 4.5 Star resort, Nk’Mip Resort now provides an incredible option for hosting First Nations health, education, council and business meetings; as well as a variety of private sector meetings and events. And what a bounty for the delegates – from the cultural centre to wine tastings and tours, golf at the executive style desert links course, pampering and relaxation at the spa to upscale dining at Passa Tempo Restaurant.
“Native bands and organizations host meetings, conferences and retreats every month dealing with a multitude of issues, including: youth, health, social services, education, governance and economic development. Too many times, these meetings are held off-reserve at venues that do not support First Nation employment, or provide revenue to a First Nation community,” states OIB Chief Clarence Louie. “If First Nation’s are serious about creating economic opportunity and supporting each other; then they need to consider our new Conference Centre – where quality is a commitment.”

Are We There Yet?

Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa gets full thumbs up for families. In-suite amenities have got travelling with kids nailed and mom covered.  Stock up on the basics for the fully functional kitchens include fridge, stove, microwave and dishes, plus a very quiet dishwasher, two bathrooms in the two bedroom villas, complete with washer/dryer (not meant as a reminder of home, simply a great convenience if you’ve got kids who tear through their travel wardrobe in a day and a half!).  Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is directly across the parking lot and open year-round. Be sure to view

NK'MIP Cultural Centre, Osoyoos, British Columbia

this architectural marvel which houses fascinating stories of Canada’s only desert, and the Okanagan First Nations people who inhabit it. With over 50 acres of self-guided hiking trails around the surrounding Nk’Mip Resort Development – the view of Osoyoos Lake from the Chief Lookout is simply stunning.  Truly, there’s no end of activities to do within the property.  Visit www.nkmipdesert.com.

Of course a trip into town is worth it too.  Ride a bike (the Resort has complimentary bikes available), or hop in the car and check out the marvelous Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad on 115 Street.  There’s over 2,000 sq. feet of a miniature world, connecting 4000 hand painted little people via a dozen computer controlled trains running through European villages!  It’s an inspiring attraction which will definitely enthrall the kids while adults admire with immense respect for the talent and patience involved in creating it. Take a peek at www.osoyoosrailroad.com – also open year-round!

For a first hand view of the land and her bounty, please visit www.destinationsosoyoos.com or call toll free 1.888.676.9667. For more information on NK’MIP First Nations tourism and more aboriginal tourism experiences, visit www.atbc.com.

Summerland supports Research and Development at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre with over 100 scientists to support innovation in the agricultural sector. The three areas of expertise at the Centre are Horticultural and Environment, Food Science and Biotechnology.

While Summerland boasts all the amenities and services of larger centers, the community maintains a strong sense of community pride with incredible volunteer participation making Summerland one of the friendliest towns around.

The local government is committed to assisting you with all your business expansion and relocation needs.

Residential life in our relaxed community by the lake is a healthy mix of new construction, historical homes, lake front homes, apartments, specialized living and senior complexes that secure friendly and safe neighborhoods.

Contact Information:

Scott Boswell, Director of Economic Development, District of Summerland

tel: 250-404-4042 e-mail: sboswell@summerland.ca website: www.summerland.bc.ca

People, Plants and Pride; Growing Together.”

The Communities in Bloom program, inspired by national beautification programs in Europe, was launched in Canada in 1995. The friendly competition has grown extensively across the country at both the national and provincial levels. Canadian towns and cities are working towards creating better communities and healthier places to live and work out of their commitment to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community participation.

The program strives to improve the tidiness, appearance and visual appeal of Canada’s neighbourhoods, parks, open spaces and streets through the imaginative use of flowers, plants and trees. A focus on environmental awareness and preservation of heritage and culture also goes a long way in the pursuit of enhancing a community’s quality of life. Citizens of all ages, municipal governments, local organizations and businesses take part in the program.

Communities in Bloom competitions involve an evaluation by a volunteer jury of professionals on the accomplishments of the community on eight key criteria: tidiness, environmental awareness, community involvement, natural and cultural heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscaped areas, floral displays and turf and ground cover areas.

More Than a Beauty Contest

The District of Summerland has participated in Communities in Bloom since 2006 and our efforts have not gone unrewarded! In the first year of competition our neighbour to the north, Kelowna, mentored Summerland in the Canadian Classic category and we received national honours. Five blooms gave special recognition for the riparian habitat conservation at Summerland’s lakefront. The following year, five blooms again were awarded in the provincial competition (for communities with a population of 10,000 to 20,000) for the creation and efforts of the Summerland Asset Development Initiative (SADI), a unique non-profit youth organization focused on developing a responsible, entrepreneurial spirit in our youth. An example of one very successful SADI venture is the Tree Fruit Project. Produce, collected by donations from the community’s orchards, is picked by volunteers and members of SADI. One third of the produce is returned to the owner, one third is donated to the food bank and one third is canned and sold by the SADI members as a fundraising activity.

In 2009 Summerland enters the Communities in Bloom competition on a national level but regardless of the outcome, our community is a better place for having taken on the challenge.;

If you are looking for an action packed day, explore these activities:

- Train rides on the Kettle Valley Steam Railway & experience a real train robbery on the KVSR.

- Tour the Trout Hatchery, it’s free!

- Practice your stunts at our Skateboard Park.

- Discover the famous Ornamental Gardens on Hwy 97. Bring a picnic and your camera.

- Play ground entertainment at Memorial Kids Park.

- An ancient volcano – Giants Head Park.

Farm Life

- Take to the trails and do some Horseback riding at Red Barn B & B.

- Thistle Town Farm where horses, goats and ducks come out to greet you.

- Pick fruit at Dickinson’s Family Farm 17208 Bentley Rd.

- Visit the Buffalo on Garnet Valley Rd.

- Visit the BC Fruit Packers co-op.

- Visit a U-pick orchard and pick fresh fruit from cherries, apples, peaches, pears, plums and nectarines, or visit a vegetable farm for raspberries, cantaloupe & watermelon.

- Farmers Market Tuesdays from 9 – 1 pm.

On those rare rainy days,…

- Go swimming at the Aquatic & Fitness Centre 13205 Kelly Ave.

- Enjoy some down time at the Library on 9525 Wharton St. for story time.

- Skate at the Arena.

- Visit Summerland Sweets 6206 Canyon View Rd.

- See the miniature train station at the Museum on 9521 Wharton.

- Have a ball and go Bowling on Prairie Valley Rd.

- Register for Glenfir School Day Camps.

- Nixdorf Classic Car Museum.

- Go Curling at the Club on Jubilee Road.

Outdoor Water & Sand Fun

- Go boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, or jet skiing. Rentals available at Summerland Boat Rentals.

- Swim & play at our clean beaches.

- Kid’s sailing lessons (SOSA) Lakeshore Dr.

- Our Water Park and playground at Peach Orchard Beach is well known for its lakeside location.

- Soak up the sun at Sunoka Beach and park.

- Fishing at Agur Lake, Darke Lake, Garnett Lake, Headwater Lakes, Isintok Lake, Munro Lake, Okanagan Lake, MacDonald Lake, Osprey Lake, Link Lake, Chain and Eneas Lake.

- Go sailing at the Summerland Yacht Club and the South Okanagan Sailing Association.

Family Fun

- Picnic at 250 picnic tables. throughout Summerland

- Hike the Trans Canada Trail – 61 kilometers are within the Summerland area.

- Golf at Summerland Golf & Country Club or Sumac Ridge Executive 9 golf course.

- Discover the secret paths and floral walkways at the Ornamental Gardens.

- Bring your camera and hike Giant’s Head Mountain Park for a 360-degree panoramic view of Summerland.

- Cycle or mountain bike across the trestle on Canyon Road.

- Investigate historic walking trails, see the murals and sculptures in around town.

- Play tennis by the lake, then cool off at Kinsmen Beach.

- Play a game of volleyball at Peach Orchard Beach.

- Take an off road adventure to Sunflower Hill and enjoy the bursts of yellow, bunny grass, sage, and evergreens.

Shop until you drop

- along the Tudor Revival Streetscape.

- Tour 11 wineries on Bottle Neck Drive

- Tour an Art studio or gallery. Summerland has over forty to explore.

History Loves Company

- Take a stroll along Lakeside Summerland and discover many historic sites including: 1922 Log Cabin, Trout Hatchery, Methodist Church Manse (private residence – permission), K.S. Hogg Drugstore, Lakeside Baptist Church, Dr. Andrew’s Home, Stark Home, Fenner’s Gluch, Landslide area and Storehouse Point. A descriptive tour map of each site is available at the Museum.

- Drive and tour the area encountering the many historically significant homes, barns and churches lovingly preserved by their owners. Watch for interpretive signage denoting local heritage sites.

- Kettle Valley Steam Railway

- Summerland Museum

- Penticton Museum

- The En’owkin Centre, home of Canada’s Aboriginal Arts Training Centre

- The Mascot Gold Mine

- The Bassett House and Museum in Okanagan Falls

- The Oliver Heritage Museum.

The South Okanagan Heritage Alliance invites you to discover our fascinating past. More information may be found at www.exploreheritage.ca

If you prefer indoor activities, there’s curling, ice skating at the Summerland Arena. Or go for a swim and hot tub at the Summerland Aquatic and Fitness facilities on Kelly Avenue, in down town Summerland.

NEAR BY SKI RESORTS

- Apex Mountain Ski Resort & Nickel

- Plate X-Country Ski Trails – Penticton

- Crystal Mountain & Telemark

- X-Country Ski Trails – Westbank

- Big White Ski Resort – Kelowna

- Silver Star Mountain Ski Resort &

X-Country Ski Trails – Vernon

- Mt. Baldy Ski Resort – Osoyoos;

Summerland, located on Okanagan Lake in the heart of the Okanagan Valley between Penticton and Kelowna offers Lakeside Summerland, Trout Creek and Downtown Summerland providing all amenities and services of the two larger centers. This friendly community is rich in Art & Culture, History & Agriculture serving a population of almost 11,000.

Air Travel: Penticton Regional Airport (YYF), offers scheduled daily flights to Vancouver with connecting flights to other BC centers, as well as national and international destinations.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is approximately one hour from Summerland and is serviced by Westjet as well as BC regional air carriers. International charter flights originate from Kelowna to the United States, Mexico and other holiday destinations.

Bus Travel: Greyhound Bus Lines of Canada Ltd. Connects travelers with destinations across Canada and connection service to the United States. For connecting service to the US, call 1-800-231-2222. For the Summerland depot, 250-494-8009.

By Road: Summerland is easily accessed via Highway 97 and one hour away from the US border crossing. Other connecting highways include Highway 1, Highway 5 and Highway 3.

Climate

Summerland is known for its warm dry weather and mild winters. The hours of bright sunshine per year in Summerland is 2027 hours. Average annual total precipitation 326mm (13 inches). Average daily maximum temperatures Winter (January) 32 F or 0 and Summer (July) 84 F or 28 C.

Nicola Prairie, Penticton Indian Reserve # 3,Trout Creek Ranch, “The Flat,” West Summerland; many names over the years for Summerland; many historic places and faces.

For thousands of years the Okanagan First Nations called Nicola Prairie home and Indian Reserve # 3 was the home to the Pierre family. In 1812 fur traders developed a route to the north through Nicola Prairie. Fur traders on the Brigade Trail, gold miners along the Gold Rush Trail and cattlemen travelling the same route made their way north through the Valley. Many stopped at Priest Camp a settlement near Garnett Lake where Father Nobili founded St. Joseph’s Station in 1845.

In 1887 a trail called the Granite City Wagon Trail linked the Similkameen Valley with the Okanagan and Storehouse Point (Crescent Beach) received supplies from the lake boats. These goods were taken over the trail to the gold mines of the Similkameen.

In the late 1800s the region was still cattle country and young men like George Barclay, E.R. Faulder many more boys from Harrow School in England made their way to the Valley, for a new life…and a little adventure. Some people had already decided that this was a fine place to settle. In 1887 the James Gartrell family travelled from Ontario and started the first commercial orchard in the district.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Pacific Railway was looking for land in BC to develop their own source of fruit for CPR hotels and dining cars. Sir Thomas Shaughnessy, President of the CPR, developed a great love for BC and in 1902, having decided to make an investment; he formed the Summerland Development Company. He hired J. M Robinson to promote the new fruit ranching community and asked wealthy businessmen such as R.B. Angus and Sir Herbert Holt to invest. Prairie Valley in Summerland, where their properties were situated, was then called “Millionaire’s Row.”

A town site grew on the lakeshore where the sternwheelers docked and delivered people and supplies to the blossoming community and exported the fruits to market. It wasn’t long before the lakeside town ran out of growing room and homes and businesses began appearing up on “the Flat.” Developer James Ritchie promoted that area, West Summerland, the present-day town site.

In 1914 the Dominion Experimental Farm was established at Summerland to help the orchardists. A research ornamental garden was part of their studies and still blooms today! By 1916 the Kettle Valley Railway steamed through the region crossing the formidable Trout Creek Canyon with a steel girder bridge ― the largest on the line. A steam train is on the rails again.

Summerland has had its share of notable residents through the years. Renowned pastel artist, a very young Irvine Adams arrived in 1903 with his family. Photographer Mary Spencer, known for her shots of the infamous train robber Billy Miner, chose Summerland for her home in 1906. Robert Service’s poem gave notoriety to a man named Sam McGee and in 1909 Sam could be found living and working in Summerland. Many years later, Canadian playwright George Ryga would continue his work here, his former home now named in his honour. In 1992, Nicole Dunsdon, born and raised in Summerland was chosen the “last” Miss Canada.

The heroes of our community are the men, women and the families who worked and developed the district into a world-renowned fruit growing region and a strong, friendly community.

Discover more of our fascinating history at the Summerland Museum, 9521 Wharton Street.

Kettle Valley Steam Railway

Summerland is home to one of BC’s few operational steam railways. The Kettle Valley Steam Railway is celebrating 15 years of preservation and operation on the only remaining section of the historic Kettle Valley Railway built during 1910 – 1915. Learn about the fascinating story of a railway that changed the face of southern BC – its ultimate demise and its “rebirth” as a heritage attraction as you travel through Prairie Valley – a quilted patchwork of lush orchards, vineyards and fields of green. Rock cuts and natural landscapes provide another kind of beauty as the train takes you onto the Trout Creek Trestle Bridge built 238 ft above the canyon floor.

Powered by a restored 1912 consolidation steam locomotive called “the 3716″ you can see all from a vintage passenger or open-air coach. An observation game for kids, historical commentary and lively musical entertainment make regular train runs a memorable experience for the whole family. You’ll also want to experience a “Great Train Robbery & BBQ” theme train, which brings the “Old West” alive. The notorious Garnett Valley Gang delights passengers as they ride out of the hills to rob them of their spare change which the gang donates to local charities and organizations throughout the South Okanagan.