The Okanagan Valley is a region defined by its natural bounty, but recently, it has also been defined by its remarkable resilience. Following the recent wildfires, the #SummerlandStrong initiative emerged as a rallying cry for the community.
Wanting to show my support for this beautiful region, I anchored my late-September getaway at the Summerland Waterfront Resort. This four-star lakeside property understands the profound impact of a thoughtful first impression – a truth telegraphed immediately by the generous charcuterie board and beautifully branded wine waiting in our room upon arrival. When a hotel genuinely cares about its guests and its community, you can feel it the moment you walk through the doors.
Our base for the trip was the 2-Bedroom Lakeview Suite. It is an incredibly spacious footprint, anchored by a master bedroom that functions as its own private sanctuary, complete with a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a deep soaker tub. Yet, the star of the suite is the balcony. Overlooking the serene expanse of Okanagan Lake, it provides a front-row seat to the surrounding marshlands and vibrant local water birds.
A great resort functions as a seamless extension of its environment. The property offers complimentary cruiser bikes for effortless trips to nearby vineyards and Peach Orchard Beach Park, as well as seasonal boat and paddleboard rentals right off the dock.
The wellness facilities are equally dialed in. We spent ample time cycling through the outdoor heated swimming pool and the outdoor hot tub, where we even managed to make friends with a lovely local magpie.
Indoors, a steam room, sauna, and fitness room provide a complete recovery circuit, while the on-site iKhaya Day Spa delivers a tranquil, expertly managed reprieve that easily melts away any lingering travel fatigue.
While the resort features a highly convenient on-site Bistro, venturing just next door to Shaunassy Cove restaurant is an absolute must to round out the waterfront experience. We enjoy our dinner at Shaunassy Cove with the local wine legend, Christine Coletta (Haywire Winery), and her husband & business partner, Steve Lornie. Sharing a meal with pioneering figures of the BC wine scene, whose own dedication mirrors the grit of the valley, elevated a great dinner into a deeply memorable Okanagan evening.
Stepping onto the wooden dock that extends from the back of the resort over the water, the sheer natural beauty of the Okanagan comes into sharp focus. The panoramic expanse of the lake meets the rugged, rolling hills in a pristine, quiet display of the region’s landscape. Just steps away at Shaunassy Cove, a simple sign proudly reads “Summerland Summer”—and framed by the calm water and clear sky, that phrase really says it all.
Choosing where to stay in wine country often comes down to logistics and proximity. But when a property intertwines its own comfort with the resilience and warmth of its surrounding town, the stay becomes something much more meaningful.
