There’s lots of reasons to love Summerland, BC. It is central and half way between Kelowna and Penticton, the two largest centres in the Okanagan wine valley. It is also a year round destination with wine touring and events occurring throughout the seasons. Yet Summerland and its Bottleneck Drive routes have more affordable accommodations, restaurants, wine tastings compared to the more popular cities in the Okanagan Valley. It’s affordability and unique artisans make Summerland an ideal Okanagan itinerary. You can spend as little as a few hours here or make it a weekend Summerland itinerary, either way you won’t get bored!

Getting to Summerland, BC

If you’re flying you have your choice of choosing Kelowna International Airport (YLW) or the Penticton Regional Airport (YYF). Either way, from there you will need a vehicle to get to as well as explore Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive. Summerland is a smaller community where it is tougher to get a cab or UBER than in larger centres like Kelowna. So a vehicle is essential in this area of British Columbia. If you are driving from Kelowna to Summerland, it is only about 45-52 minutes depending on traffic. If you are arriving from Penticton it is a shorter 16 minute drive to get to Summerland. 

I do issue a word of caution: There are the occasional rock slides that can interrupt your drive and typically it is the route from Kelowna to Summerland. In this case you would have to take a lengthy detour. Be sure to check your route before you travel.

Where to stay on the Bottleneck Drive

The reason Summerland is more affordable is due to more motels being offered. I actually prefer to stay in Motels, especially in the Okanagan because they are clean, central and affordable. Here are a list of locations I suggest and have stayed in:

Rosedale Motel: Very comfortable and clean rooms with kitchenettes. The pool didn’t appear to be cleaned but parking was ample and beds were comfortable. Location was central to downtown Summerland so you can walk around downtown.

Summerland Motel: Not as central but located on the highway closer to Penticton. There is a large yard and BBQs for everyone to use. The rooms were a bit dated but clean and comfortable. 

Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa: If budget isn’t as much of an option you can stay here with views of the Okanagan Lake, an onsite restaurant, spa and boat or water rentals for the entire family. Rooms are very clean with stunning views, a kitchen and living rooms.

Canada’s Wine Train in Summerland, BC

Before I begin the Summerland itinerary, I want to alert you about a local event that is growing in popularity each year. It is the Grand Sommelier Express event that happens over 1 weekend in June. Tickets go on sale in December or January and sell out by Spring so get on the newsletter to grab you tickets as soon as they become available. This event is well worth planning your trip around! If you can’t get tickets to the Grand Sommelier you can still enjoy a historic train ride and various events that happen year round including the Christmas train in November and December.
The event is just as it sounds, a historic steam train takes you on a portion of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail while members of the Bottleneck Drive pour samples of cider and wine. I highly recommend it! 
Unlike previous years, they now offer seat selection so you can book an interior or exterior seat. If it doesn’t rain, the exterior seats are well worth it and offer unobstructed views of the Okanagan wine valley. When your train ride ends you are treated to a catered grazing “dinner” and live music with more wine, cider and spirits. Be sure to book a safe ride home!

Bottleneck Drive Routes – North, East & West

There are three distinct routes along the Bottleneck Drive. Your Summerland itinerary will involve all 3 so that you get the best experience of this little piece of heaven in the Okanagan wine valley. You can find an interactive map of the Bottleneck drive on the official website here. 

Each route contains a mixture of cider artisans, distilleries and wineries so that no matter which route you select, you are getting a broad offering of everything this portion of the Okanagan wine valley has. The North Route is on your way into town if you’re coming from Kelowna. The West Route is tucked away in the upper portion of Summerland around downtown and into the rural areas of the town. The East Route is on your way out of town towards Penticton but you’ll find the East and West Routes overlap quite a bit while you’re exploring the Bottleneck Drive.

Day 1 on the Bottleneck Drive

As much as I love to create an itinerary, I do suggest you keep an open mind while exploring the Bottleneck Drive routes in Summerland. I am not typically a cider drinker but I absolutely loved my tasting and supporting a small local business. Try new things, order new dishes, you’ll be surprised what you get in return!

I am going to start you off just as I would, on the East Route.

Mid-Morning 11 am at Lightning Rock Winery

This is a great winery to stop at first. The views are stunning and you get to try their extensive wines outdoors surrounding by vineyards. Lightning Rock makes 8 sparkling wines as well as white and pinot noir. No blends are made which makes them stand out in a valley that tends to lean that way. Ron Kubek took us through their wine line up and we learned so much including how wineries plan to tackle the lack of grapes after the January cold snap. If you care to learn more watch a portion of our visit here.

Lunch & wine tasting at Noon, Dirty Laundry Vineyards

This is a showstopper of a winery and you’ll probably want to spend the rest of your afternoon here as you enjoy watching the train go by over a glass of rosé. You can also see the historic train bridge from the outdoor patio drenched in table grape vines. As long as it isn’t a heat wave the patio is a VIBE! If wine isn’t your preferred drink enjoy a cocktail and their delicious pizzas & BBQ.
After a lunch a tasting is in order (outdoor or indoor) where you’ll learn about where the winery draws its name from (or you could just watch our Youtube video). 

Early Afternoon – Check into hotel/motel 

Refresh at your hotel or motel and hydrate. Especially in the summertime, the heat can creep up on you and make it an early night (or day) for those who don’t drink enough water!

Dinner at Shaughnessy Cove at Summerland Waterfront Resort or

Be sure to get a reservation and request a spot on the patio. Even when we booked a patio seat there were none to provide us when we arrived. It was disappointing but it being the resort restaurant, it is very popular in the summer months.
If you prefer to grab something and dine back at your room I recommend Summerland Smoke Shack for the best BBQ in the valley. 
I cannot stress enough that Detonate Brewing has THE BEST smash burgers so if you really want a chill locale then head here for great beers and tasty eats.
Giant’s Head Brewing is also a great option in the heart of downtown Summerland with a relaxed vibe.

Day 2 Bottleneck Drive Summerland Itinerary

Today is all about the North Route but before we start our day…coffee!

Morning Breakfast & Coffee, The Beanery Cafe

Downtown Summerland you’ll find The Beanery Cafe and as an added bonus you can pre-order online to grab and go. Simple breakfast sandwiches and baked goods will get you going this morning along with well made coffee. Besides…most wineries don’t open until 11 am so take your time!

Mid Morning snack & wine tasting at Sage Hills Estate Winery

A truly stunning viewpoint awaits you at Sage Hills. This boutique winery has the best spot on the North Route on the Bottleneck Drive. It looks down Okanagan Lake heading towards Peachland with the voluptuous peaks of the Okanagan hillside gently cascading towards the water. Good wine and a picturesque patio is available in the back if you prefer a glass of wine and a simple charcuterie. 

Snack and Wine Tasting at Haywire Winery

Haywire Winery is a favourite among visitors and locals. The newly renovated tasting room is a great spot to relax while they pour your flight of Haywire wines. Small wine friendly bites are available. You can also take advantage of their wine experiences including a Bubble Bar or a more extensive wine tour that takes you into the vineyard and through the wine making process with the concrete eggs, all with wine in hand of course.

Wine Tasting at Solvero Winery

Solvero Winery is a gorgeous new winery tucked into the Garnet Valley of the North Bottleneck drive route. If you’re looking to experience a winery that is using the land without too much manipulation and really maintaining the biodiversity of the land they farm on. During our visit we have a lovely tasting with the vineyard manager, Matt Sartor, who walked us through 4 wines and even gave us a sneak peak at what a blanc de noirs tastes like before it gets its bubbles.  

Stop at Granny’s Fruit Stand

I love to stop at this historic and iconic fruit stand for some local snacks, baked goods and a light lunch. But no one said it is cheap! Grab renown Okanagan fruit, a pie to take home and whatever else tickles your fancy.

Further Afield

Two wineries that are on the way out of town are also worth a stop so if you have completed your itinerary OR you want to keep exploring before you head back to Kelowna or Penticton then stop at either of these two Okanagan wineries.

On your way back to Kelowna – Fitzpatrick

You’ll see the Greta Ranch archway and turn in there. A delicious wine tasting with a stellar view or a patio lunch is available. This was once a show home as this property was to be a community of homes but luckily was saved and restored as a winery. 

On your way back to Penticton – Generation 8 Vineyards

I really love to stop here. The property is picturesque and easy to get to just off of the highway. Have a lovely wine tasting outdoors and hear about the history of the family who is now on the 8th or so generation of wine making and counting. The family is from Germany and has brought the lineage of knowledge to Canada.

Let me know where you go on the Bottleneck Drive in Summerland in the renown Okanagan wine valley, BC!

Let us know what we should add to our Summerland Itinerary!

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