Sports Events

Chain of Events is a 3 community bike festival between Summerland, Penticton and Naramata in the South Okanagan. Designed to welcome the bike season in the Pacific Northwest, the festival features biking and related events in each community. Join us in the South Okanagan in 2017!
As part of Chain of Events, Summerland will be hosting two biking events.

Tea at the Top – May 28 – 11.30 am – 3:00 pm. This event celebrates the Okanagan Fur Brigade Linear Park’s recognition with a prestigious Heritage BC Award of Recognition for Heritage Conservation.
Join riders on an 8 km round trip bike ride on rough road from Priest Camp to the Fur Brigade Lookout and back. Stop for lunch 400 metres above Okanagan Lake to enjoy a spectacular view unchanged through the centuries.

The Giants Head Grind – May 20 – Race from ‘beach to peak’ from Peach Orchard Park on the shores of Okanagan Lake to the top of Giant’s Head Mountain. Started in 2014, the race was traditionally only for those on foot but last year added a morning bike race that will cover 5.6 kilometers and gain 500 meters in elevation up Summerland’s volcanic landmark.

For more cycling events in May click here.

Bike To Work Week – If you’re local don’t miss this annual week of special events.

In Summerland, whether you want to bike or hike there are so many options for you to choose from with everything from lakeside to mountain high trails for you to explore. Before you get here check out our accommodation options from a lakeside resort to charming B&B’s. When you’re here, after a hard ride, why not visit one of our wineries, hike up Giant’s Head Mountain for more stunning views, and take advantage of our eclectic stores and varied eateries. Or learn more about the history of the area at one of our local attractions.

Can’t come in May? Don’t worry there is something here for everyone in every season. Just view our event calendar to see what’s on offer year round.

In May, hundreds of runners, hikers, bikers and those who prefer to stroll will be scaling Summerland’s volcanic landmark to raise funds for Colon Cancer diagnosis and to continue the upkeep of the mountain’s hiking trails.  The Giant’s Head Grind participants will race beach-to-peak, covering over 5 kilometers and gaining 500 meters in elevation.  Find a strategic spot on the scenic route and cheer them on, or take part in a full day of activities as a registered runner.

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During the first weekend of June, Summerland celebrates sports and families in a three day ActionFest bonanza.  The lively event, centred around Summerland’s Memorial Park, brings together a midway, a parade, live music, a kids’ fishing event, vendors and three sporting challenges.

If you love the buzz and excitement of softball you’ll be like a kid in a candy store at ActionFest!  The two-day 72 team Slo-Pitch Tournament takes place in Dale Meadows Park, and at ball diamonds around Summerland.

The Man of Steel Triathlon is staged on Saturday.  It begins with a bike race around Giant’s Head Mountain, followed by laps at the Aquatic Centre.  It ends with a run around Giant’s Head Mountain in the opposite direction.

Saturday evening finds families participating in the Giant’s Head Run, a race for all ages in 22 categories.  Register, or cheer for the participants as they run the 5.4 km course through the orchards and back roads of Summerland, or tackle the 10 km route around Giant’s Head Mountain.

Billed as ‘Three days of mayhem for the wise’, the Giant’s Head Freeride Longboard Competition takes over Giant’s Head Mountain Park each year. The 2017 event is being held June 26-28, with a special “skate with the pros” day.  The 2.1 km course, which consists of 13 hair raising hairpin corners and 700 stomach-churning vertical feet of drop, is like none other in North America. Over 250 participants are stoked to ride the mountain and show off their amazing moves on the steep switchback road and specially installed banks and ramps.

The first two days of August’s UltraMan Canada Championships set the stage for a thrilling Summerland finale. Setting off from Princeton on day three of this grueling, invitation only triathlon, the athletes run a double-marathon on the scenic, but steeply undulating Princeton-Summerland back road, and then gather their reserves to race to the finish line at Memorial Park. After this unique 514.5 km UltraMan endurance test, the athletes are delighted to consume tasty calories at a celebration picnic – and make plans for the next big race.

Photo: Orca Swim Club

Kids of steel test their mettle in this triathlon, which takes place at Peach Orchard Beach and along the lakeshore in lower Summerland.  The Kids of Steel Sprint Triathlon is a great way for children to dive into sports and have fun as they develop stamina and confidence.  There’s a Sprint Triathlon and a relay race for adults too, and all proceeds go to support the Summerland ORCA Swim Club.

It’s amazing to see the town of Summerland come out in force for the Terry Fox Run every September.  In conjunction with millions of participants in over 60 countries, Summerlanders band together in camaraderie to raise vital funds for Cancer Research and carry on the legacy of Terry’s Marathon of Hope.  Adults and children of all ages cheerfully complete the 5 km, 3 km or 1 km downtown course.

Photo Mike Boissonneault

Every September hundreds of mountain bike enthusiasts gather in Summerland to enjoy a unique challenge while raising funds for an important cause: Canadian Humanitarian and their projects in Ethiopia.  With multiple race options available, Test of Humanity is accessible to people of all ages and abilities.  Endurance riders will tackle the 9.75 km loop as many times as they can over four hours, taking on nine hills and 280 metres of climbing.  Moderate riders can still enjoy the panoramic views while completing just one loop.  There are also several categories for children, making Test of Humanity a fantastic event for families who want to be active while making a difference.  Check out the mini-documentary of Test of Humanity.

On the first day of each year our dedicated dippers head to Sun-Oka Beach to take the plunge into the icy waters of Okanagan Lake and raise funds for local families and parks.  What better way to ring in the New Year than warming yourself by a fire on a beautiful beach, hot-dog and hot chocolate in hand, knowing that you are supporting a great cause.