Since the early years, Summerland, B.C. has been a big part of the strong agri-tourism industry in the Okanagan Valley. But before orchards, farmer's fields and vineyards, Summerland was a rest stop along the "Okanagan Fur Brigade Trail". A roughshod walking trail used by cattle herders, miners and fur trappers from 1815 - 1885.

As early as the 1800's, the orchardists started arriving in Summerland and began farming in "Rivere a' la Truite" (Trout Creek Summerland area) because of the good soil, plenty of sunshine and the abundance of water. One of the said initial settlers, J Robinson, was quoted once as saying, "Heaven on earth with summer weather forever, " when describing Summerland.

The original townsite of Summerland, BC was located on the shores of Okanagan Lake, near Trout Creek. Incorporated in 1906, Summerland, British Columbia was a thriving community until the great fires of 1922 reduced the community to dust. The idea of starting from scratch meant they could move the village and move they did.

The arrival of the new railway service in 1915, the less reliance on the lake for transportation, and the fires... the community opted to move inland, where it is today overlooking Okanagan Lake.