Summerland Resort Blog

Fantastic Dining is at your Doorstep in Summerland

5/26/2013 12:21:28 AM

When you look back at vacations past, which memories do you cherish the most? Is it the attractions you visited? The landmarks you saw? For most of us, it’s the experiences that we savour: the time spent in the company of family and friends in in beautiful and unique surroundings. And as far as experiences go, there are few that can leave their impression on as vividly as that of truly superb dining. When cuisine, service and setting combine in just the right way, the experience can encapsulate everything we treasure about a vacation.

No matter what brings you to Summerland—the beaches, the festivals, the lake—you can count on having a variety of dining options to choose from. Our city’s world-class restaurants serve some of the finest cuisine in the Okanagan, paired with local wines and served amid always-charming ambience. We’ve listed some of our favourites here.

Local Lounge • Grille

When it comes to dining in Summerland, your best option is just steps from your room. Located next door to the Summerland Waterfront Resort and Spa, the stylish and award-winning Local Lounge • Grille serves a diverse array of locally inspired dishes prepared with high-quality ingredients. Local scours the Okanagan to proudly select only the tastiest ingredients at their peak of freshness from local farms and suppliers. Local is also a partner of the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program and only chooses seafood that is ocean-friendly and ecologically sustainable.

Local is proud to use Certified Angus Beef selected from the top percentile of beef in Western Canada. Their wine list features multi-award winners, most of which arrive fresh from Okanagan wineries within 100km of the Resort and their mouth-watering, hand-crafted draught beers are brewed in small batches in Penticton. All this awesomeness has earned Local awards in several categories by OpenTable.com. It was a 2013 Diners’ Choice Winner and boasts the rank of #1 Restaurant in Summerland on TripAdvisor.

Zias Stonehouse Restaurant

Zias’ website describes their restaurant as an “Italianate Utopia”, an apt title for their gorgeous property which is approached by a flowered archway and surrounded by idyllic gardens and greenery. Housed in a beautifully restored 1916 heritage building, Zias serves Italian cuisine that honours the old world tradition of preparing food with care and quality. Enjoy steaks, pasta, pizza and more and choose from an impressive array of amazing local wines. One reviewer on TripAdvisor calls Zias “a perfect spot for a date”!

Bonita’s Bistro

Summerland is home to some of the Okanagan’s most breathtaking scenery: lush vineyards, rolling hills and crystal blue waters. There are few better places to experience all of this that on the patio of Bonita’s Bistro which overlooks a picturesque vineyard vista. At Bonita’s, the wine is just as important as the food (which is excellent). Showcasing some of the areas best vintages, along with their very own varietals, the Bistro is the place to come to sample great Okanagan wine in a truly beautiful setting. Their menu offers features European inspired dishes served with local flair. Bonita’s executive chef Colin Rayner has leveraged his talent and experience to craft a menu to please the pallet and balance perfectly with fine wines.

Wine & All Things Fine Package

Treat yourself to Summerland Waterfront Resort’s ultimate package for that special occasion, or just because. From $657 (2 adults, 2 nights), the package includes:

Two nights stay at Summerland Waterfront Resort and Spa
Two luxurious spa treatments
$50 dinner voucher for Local Lounge ? Grill
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Tour & Tasting
Bottle of red or white wine

Hello Sun Lovers! Okanagan Getaways on Sale until May 19

5/26/2013 12:21:28 AM


HERE'S WHAT's NEW in SUMMERLAND	MAY 10, 2013

SUMMER PROGRAM

SUMMER FILLED WITH FREE FUN!

We have a fun-filled line up of activities to discover and delight all ages.

From beach yoga to our popular "Meet the Artist" sessions and "Wandering Wonderers Kids Camp" to Cinema Sundays, there is always something going on in July and August to keep your schedule as busy as you like.

Click to check out the program

WINE TASTING WEDNESDAYS

NEW! We are very excited about our newest addition at the Resort - Wine Wednesdays Each Wednesday a local Bottleneck Drive Winery will be showcased and pouring their best. Explore the varietals and choose a new favourite without leaving the Resort!

FEATURED PACKAGE

Wine & All Things Fine

The ultimate package for that special occasion, or just because. Package includes:

two nights stay
two spa treatments
$50 dinner voucher
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Tour & Tasting
bottle of red or white

From $555 (2 adults, 2 nights)

Click here for more information

We have Wine Tour Packages & Golf Packages too.

VIEW ALL OFFERS

Coming Soon...

The Okanagan Valley is busy with exciting events and first class festivals this summer.

July 07 — Valley First Axel Merckx GranFondo — 160 km bike race
August 7–11 — 66^th Annual Peach Fest, Penticton
August 25 — Challenge Penticton (formerly Ironman)

What's in Season?

Cherries — July 15-Aug 15
Apricots — July 28 - Aug 10
Peaches — August 5 - Sept 6
Plums — August 1 - Sept 28
Pears — August 25 - Oct 15
Prunes — Aug 25 - Sept 10

Be sure to visit Dickinson Family Farm for the best of the season.

BRING ON THE SUN SALE

Envision yourself stretched out on a lounge chair poolside, or perhaps enjoying the spray of water from your wakeboard. You are likely smiling, relaxing and relishing the moment – it's even better when you get a great deal on your hotel.

SUMMERLand's Bring on the sun Sale

May 09 to June 27, 2013, all days
One Bedroom Suite Bluff View–$169
(reg $209) + $30 for lake view or poolside
Two Bedroom Suite Bluff View–$219
(reg $269) + $30 for lake view or poolside

valid: all days of the week. Not available May 17-19, May 31, June 1, June 21 & June 22

June 28 to Sept 1 2013, midweek
One Bedroom Suite Bluff View–$239
(reg $289) + $30 for lake view or poolside
Two Bedroom Suite Bluff View–$289
(reg $349) + $40 for lake view or poolside

Valid: Sunday to Wednesday (not available June 30, July 07, July 21, July 22, Aug 04 & Aug 11)

CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW

10 day sale only! Expires May 19, 2013 9 pm

Call us direct 877.494.8111 or click above button to book online.

SWEET TOOTH BISTRO NOW OPEN

Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa is proud to announce the opening of "Sweet Tooth Bistro" in May 2013. The Sweet Tooth Bistro at the Resort will be a sister location to the popular Sweet Tooth Cafe in downtown Summerland.

With comments on TripAdvisor like - "Yummy! Very tasty. I frequent the Sweet Tooth and have never been disappointed! Staff are very friendly too" - you can see why we are excited about them setting up shop at the Summerland Resort.

You can except a variety of ice creams, sorbets, smoothies, light snacks, breakfast items, lunch specials, soups, salads, beer, wine and specialty coffees. They are well known for excellent cheesecakes and cinnamon buns too! Yum!

The Sweet Tooth Bistro will be open 7 am - 3pm from May 15 to October 15. During the summer months of July and August they will be open 7 am - 7 pm.

Walk or Bike to Attractions Near Summerland Resort

5/26/2013 12:21:28 AM

At Summerland Resort, we strive to make our resort a place where families can spend an unforgettable beachfront vacation. This means providing a range of fun amenities geared towards both kids and parents alike. Our outdoor pool, barbeques, bistro and onsite spa are enticing features for families looking to relax and enjoy time together in the beautiful Okanagan.

But apart from what you’ll find inside our property, an important benefit of choosing Summerland Resort for your family vacation is our proximity to attractions within walking or biking distance. It means the kids always have somewhere to explore and you can make the eco-friendly choice by leaving your car behind at the resort.

Although Summerland has its own exclusive private beach for guests to enjoy, you will find some gorgeous stretches of Okanagan lake beach as you walk north along Lakeshore Drive. But before you go anywhere, why not walk next door to Local Lounge and Grille for locally sourced cuisine and unique cocktails?

Maybe you’d like to take to the waters of Lake Okanagan on a kayak, canoe or 25 ft. pontoon boat. SWR Boat Rentals, located onsite, has you covered with a variety of rental options for all needs and budgets.

Take a two-minute walk up Lakeshore Drive and you’ll find yourself at the Summerland Trout Hatchery, the oldest continuously operating trout hatchery in the province. At the hatchery’s visors centre, guests are taken on a guided tour with fun activities for kids.

A little further from our hotel, around a 35-minute walk or 15-minute bike ride is the Vintage Auto Showroom of Nixdorf Classic Cars which features an exhibit of over 50 immaculately resorted vehicles from decades past.

Last but not least, we are surrounded by wineries and vineyards some of which, like Okanagan Crush Pad Winery, can be reached in less than 30 minutes on foot.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Summerland Resort where the ultimate Okanagan Lake vacation experience is at your fingertips.

Celebrate Spring at the Okanagan Wine Fest

5/26/2013 12:21:28 AM

Spring is upon us, and what better way to usher in this season of rejuvenation than with 10 days of fantastic wine and food from the Okanagan. From May 2 to 12, 2013 the annual Okanagan Spring Wine Festival will feature over 100 events at wineries throughout the valley. With tastings, dinners, picnics, patio parties, live music and more, the festival is a joyous celebration of this most welcome season in what could easily be called the winemaking capital of the country.

All manner of epicurean delights await you at the festival’s events, which take place all across the Okanagan from Kamloops to Osoyoos. Here in Summerland, home to some of the region’s top vintners, there are some marquee events that you won’t want to miss.

On May 1st, just before the festivities get into full swing, the Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery will be hosting their Taste of Spring event with picnics, local art exhibits and a showcase of their amazing fruit wines.

On Saturday, May 4, the 8th Generation Vineyard invites wine and cheese lovers to partake of this divine pairing with a guided introduction to the world of artisan cheeses. Learn a little about the history and process of cheese making as you sample some fine examples from around the world and pair them up with 8th Generation wine.

If you miss these events, you can always head over to Heaven’s Gate Estate Winery where, throughout the festival, they will be hosting daily tastings of their hand-crafted vintage from their gorgeous patio.

Check out the festival’s calendar of events for more info on all the events. And for the ultimate Okanagan wine experience, choose one of the acclaimed wine festival packages at the Summerland Waterfront Resort and Spa.

No Need to Go South for a Gorgeous Beachfront Wedding

5/26/2013 12:21:28 AM

Take a minute to picture this: azure skies, golden sand, white lace blowing softly in the ocean breeze. A sun-kissed bride and groom embrace as gentle waves lap at their feet. It sounds like the picture perfect wedding ceremony, the stuff of magazines and daydreams. It also sounds like something destined for a tropical locale far from our rugged northern climes. But, in fact, here on Lake Okanagan in Summerland, BC, our beaches are just as idyllic, just as breathtaking, and just as magical as the ones you’ll find down south. At the Summerland Waterfront Resort and Spa, we can help you plan a beachfront Okanagan wedding that will be as gorgeous as anything your imagination can create—without the hefty travel expenses.

From our lush lavender-lined lawns to the stately elegance of our Waterfront Ballroom, our resort offers a charming and well equipped wedding venue, suited to ceremonies big and small. Our experienced wedding coordinator, gourmet catering and exceptional service staff work closely with you to ensure that your Summerland Resort wedding will match your dreams, with no stress.

The bride, groom and entire wedding party can enjoy luxury Okanagan accommodations among our 114 suites with fireplaces, balconies, most with lakefront views. Guests can pamper themselves at Beyond Wrapture Body & Soul Day Spa, enjoy fantastic on-site cuisine at Local Lounge • Grille or cruise the lake with SWR Boat Rentals.

So skip the airfare and have your beachfront wedding right here in beautiful BC, where you can keep the family together and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa specializes in all inclusive wedding celebrations for up to 100 people, as well as elopement packages and Wine Wednesday theme weddings. To start planning your Summerland wedding, send us an inquiry or contact Lisa, our Group Sales Manager at 250-494-8180.

MOVE OVER IRONMAN - PENTICTON CHALLENGE IS HERE!

5/26/2013 12:21:28 AM

Here’s an opportunity for athletes, their families, and anyone who simply wants to watch, to step into history... twice! History will be made on Sunday, August 25 of this year when Challenge Penticton kicks off a unique event: the only Challenge Family race in Canada, and the first ever Challenge event in North America.

What is a Challenge Family event, you might ask. Challenge Roth started Challenge events by featuring a long distance or iron distance triathlon in Germany ten years go. Roth annually boasts over 5000 participants, making it the world’s largest iron distance triathlon. Challenge Family events now occur around the world in venues such as Barcelona, Vichy, Copenhagen, Henley-on-Thames, and will this year offer its first long distance race in Asia as well as Penticton.

The Penticton course replaces its previous Ironman event, which, incidentally, is older than the local Ironman race. Due to its popularity with athletes and spectators alike, the course of the Penticton Challenge will be followed again. Everyone moving along this beautiful, exciting course will be stepping into history on the third oldest long-course triathlon in the world and the oldest race in North America. A bonus this year is that

Challenge Penticton is for the first time inviting participation by relay teams.

Participants of all ages are sure to be inspired as they race alongside, or perhaps a little behind, world class triathlon champions including Macca, that’s Chris McCormack who has won more iron-distance races (12) than any other male. No wonder, ESPN named him the World’s Fittest Man. Lothar Leder has won Challenge Roth no less than five times. Australian Belinda Granger has finished over forty long-distance races. Not intimidated by these international athletes are locals Janelle Morrison, who races competitively at the University of Alberta, and Jeff Symonds, named by Triathlon Magazine Canada as their 2011 triathlete of the year. Just think how proud you will be when your name is added to the list, making you a part of history.

Visitors to Penticton will mingle with thousands of others racing or enjoying a week long festival. If too much pandemonium occurs, you will be glad you decided to chill out in the quiet seclusion of the Summerland Waterfront Resort. Our spectacular resort setting on the shores of beautiful Okanagan Lake is only ten minutes from Penticton.

When you book your stay with us, you will be stepping into history for the second time, since our resort is Summerland’s newest addition. Our establishment offers more than the casual visitor expects. Our amenities are numerous and second to none, as a quick look through this website will verify. Both racing and non-racing guests alike are invited to check out our superb exercise facilities and our pool and hot tub. Judging from the number of guests who want to stay before, during or after Challenge Penticton, we urge you to book early. Remember to ask for our special rates. Thank you, and welcome to a historic inaugural event and a fantastic resort hotel you will never forget!

Youtube link for Penticton Challenge Registration:

All Aboard the Historic Kettle Valley Steam Railway!

5/26/2013 12:21:28 AM

From the Wild West to the Great Canadian North, railroads are the centerpieces of legends and the records of some momentous chapters in history. In Summerland, the Kettle Valley Steam Railway brings legends to life and history to the present as it invites you to hop aboard a 1912 steam locomotive for a journey through the picturesque Okanagan countryside.

10 km of the century-old and nearly forgotten Kettle Valley Railway provides track for the magnificently restored “No. 3716” locomotive, winding through a sublime landscape of orchards, vineyard and rolling hills. Every detail of the awe-inspiring steam-powered machine is meticulously maintained by a devoted crew who operate it not for profit, but for the love of this essential piece of our heritage.

The 90-minute journey begins at the Prairie Valley Station, 6 km west of Highway 97 in Summerland. Travelling through the Prairie Valley, passengers are regaled with historical narration, live music and fun games for kids. Crossing Trout Creek Bridge—once ranked among the highest in North America— offers passengers a breathtaking view of Okanagan Lake and the canyon below.

Regular departures operate during the spring and summer and special departures take place throughout the year. The upcoming Easter Train on Saturday, March 30 will mark the first departure of 2013. A hit with kids, this ride features live music and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny who will be hopping through the coaches, greeting passengers and handing out treats to the kids.

For an even more vivid and fun glimpse into a bygone era, you can take a trip on the Great Train Robbery tour, which operates weekly during the summer. This immersive historical experience combines a locomotive ride with a lighthearted reenactment of an old-fashioned railroad stick-up by the Garnett Valley Gang performers. Once it’s all over, you’ll be treated to a BBQ buffet fit for a king. And, of course, any cash that you hand over to the bandits will be donated to charity!

The Kettle Valley Steam Railway is just a 15-minute drive from our Summerland Waterfront Resort Hotel and Spa, making it a hugely popular attraction with our guests and one that we hope you will enjoy as much as we have.

MAN’S BEST FRIEND WILL LOVE THE OKANAGAN’S BEST RESORT

5/26/2013 12:21:28 AM

“We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It’s the best deal man has ever made.”

M. Facklam

The above quote describes the relationship of pet owners and the animals they love. It’s the precise reason many humans would not even think about leaving their cuddly creatures behind during their holidays. They instead try to combine the best features of their vacations to the benefit of their beloved pets and themselves. The best deal for these guests is a stay together in our Pet Friendly Hotel. At the Summerland Waterfront Resort, pets receive the same respect granted their owners. No longer is there a need to leave Furry at home or in a kennel away from their families. Bring them along and take advantage of the many features of our resort, which caters to both 4-legged creatures and owners.

We are proud of the certification of our property as pet friendly by Pets Can Stay Canada. The lengths we go to pamper your pet while maintaining standards appreciated by our non-pet guests are noted in the Pet-Friendly page on our website. We meet all hotel requirements for pets described in the Pets Can Stay guidebooks. Amenities such as pet treats, fresh water, food bowls, special towels and pet beds are available in abundance. Waste-disposal bags can be found throughout our property. Unlike other hotels which insist on owners being present 100% of the time Fido is in your room, we allow owners to leave for short periods of time as long as their pooch is crated in an approved pet carrier. Leashes, however, are required in all public areas.

The preceding considerations alone will make Bowser feel right at home in our home. The Summerland Resort does have an advantage over other resorts, which will make you, your pet, and your family want to return year after year. One of the greatest pet-friendly features commented on by our guests is our breathtaking physical setting. Situated on the shoreline of beautiful Lake Okanagan, seconds away from your doorstep await enticing boardwalks, jogging trails and more relaxing walking trails. These and our other luxurious amenities allow you to either mingle with the other guests and their families and pets or find your own private getaway spot within the Okanagan’s best getaway resort. Both you and Bowser will salivate as you head out each day to explore our unique environment.

For more helpful advice on how to make traveling with Furry more enjoyable, click the Pet Travel Tips. Additional information for maximizing your stay at our outstanding resort, Summerland, and the Okanagan with your family, as well as your pet, is available on this website. Don’t miss any of the many opportunities to participate in a wonderful experience. And, don’t forget to thank your pets for their part in making your vacation at Summerland Waterfront Resort as wonderful as possible, since, as Bob Barker once said, “A person who has never owned a dog has missed a wonderful part of life.”

Booking your Okanagan Vacation Early Pays!

5/26/2013 12:21:28 AM


Newsletter update	JANUARY 29, 2013

Hearts & Vines

20% off Valentine's Package

Valentines Day is only 2 weeks away and if you don't have anything special in mind, let us take care of the details for you!

Save 20% this Month of Valentines Couples Escape Package from $129 per night for two adults includes:

One night stay in one bedroom luxury suite
$50 Local Lounge • Grille or Zia's Stonehouse dining certificate
Bottle of red or white upon arrival
$20 per person Spa Vouchers
Early check-in/late check out 1 pm

* Package regular price is $162 per night

Available for entire month of February 2013.

Book online or call 877.494.8111

Beyond Wrapture Spa

This year marks the 5 year anniversary of Beyond Wrapture Day Spa's location at Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa.

It has been a pleasure working with Brenda and her team to provide our guests an outstanding spa experience.

Beyond Wrapture offers highly personalized spa treatments ranging from manicures, sacred art stone massage, couples massages and even red or white wine vinotherapy.

Click MENU for a full list of spa services.

Click here to Contact the Spa

Meetings Made Easy

from $129 single package includes accommodation, breakfast buffet, morning coffee & tea station, meeting venue all taxes and gratuities.

Download our Meetings Package

Call Lisa Jaager, Sales Manager at 250.494.8180 or email Sales


	VIEW ALL OFFERS

72 Hour Spring & Summer Sale

This special is proof that booking early pays!

BOOK BY FRIDAY, FEB 1st at 5:00 p.m.

Spring Getaways - 30% Off

Available from Feb 1st - May 30, 2013

Valid all days of the week

Summer Vacations - 30% Off

Available from May 31 - August 31, 2013

Valid Sunday to Thursday

Valid August 30 & 31 weekend too

Valid for Room types: Studio Bluffview, Studio Lakeview, One Bedroom Bluffview, One Bedroom Partial Lakeview

Not available: March 14-18 / July 12-14 / July 26-28 / Aug 1-4 / Aug 15-19

Valid credit card is required at the time of booking. First night's room and tax is processed to guarantee your reservation.

Book Online or call 877.494.8111


	SEARCH AVAILABILITY

Summer Program is Back

Last summer at the Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa was a lot of fun, so much fun that we decided to bring back our summer program.

It was great to see our many young, and not so young, guests partake in the many activities (most of which were free). From Bricks 4 Kidz (Lego) nights to Yoga on the Beach, and from Learn to Fish to Artists Workshops you told us you loved these new events at the Resort.

There are many fun and educational activities planned for this summer so stay tuned to our website!

Coming Events

The South Okanagan Events Centre, just 15 minutes drive from Summerland Resort in Penticton has an exciting entertainment lineup.

Eric Church - country's hottest star "Blood, Sweat & Beers" tour - February 1st

Heart Fanatic Tour - These rock sisters have sold over 35 million albums since the 70's - March 9th

Alan Jackson - Country Music Legend playing at the South Okanagan Events Centre on August 3, 2013

Stay the Night! Click here for Event rates from $76 per night - Taxi service available.