This small BC town with rolling vineyards feels like a slice of Europe without a plane trip

This little town is where rolling hills of vineyards meet serene lakes, and it's just a road trip away from Vancouver.

It's almost that time of the year, when our feeds fill up with photos of people travelling all around Europe. If you haven't got an overseas trip in the books but want a little taste of it, Summerland is reminiscent of an Italian vacation. You can imagine you're in Lake Como as you gaze out at the breathtaking hillsides of the area, and sip on the local wines.

Even the name of this place adds to the magic of it. Summerland is as idyllic as it gets, and comes alive in the warmer months.

The community is set in the Okanagan Valley, which is famed for it's warm weather, wineries, and summer fun. While many other places in the country face long a gruelling winters, the colder season is relatively short and mild here. The tourism website even said that "spring that features the most hours of sunshine of any place in Canada," so if you want and escape from the dreary weather a bit early, this is where to go.

It's about four and a half hours away from Vancouver to Summerland, making it the ideal weekend getaway, or longer vacation destination.

As you drive through the Okanagan area you'll see what makes the area so special. The climate gives way to a different landscape, with unique vegetation, warm lake waters perfect for swimming, and lots of orchards and wineries.

There's bunch of communities around the region, but Summerland offers a quaint atmosphere and a charming downtown with local shops, cute cafes, and cool boutiques. It's also the perfect beach getaway, with five different sandy shores. You can take your pick of stunning beaches, from quiet spots like Kinsmen Beach to more lively ones like Peach Orchard Beach.

Rotary Beach is a unique one to visit here, with picturesque rocky bluffs to one side and clear blue waters.

Sun-Oka Beach, Trout Creek is another popular spot here, with idyllic scenery but also lots to do volleyball courts, fire pits, and a concession stand.

Of course, a trip to the Okanagan often involves some vineyard tours. There are a ton in and around Summerland that you can take you pick from. Haywire Winery, Dirty Laundry Vineyard, and Lunessence Winery & Vineyard are all popular choice, but the tourism website has a list of spots in the area.

Not far from Summerland is Canada's only desert, set in the town of Osoyoos. If you want to make the hour-long drive from the town you can check out Osoyoos Desert Centre and the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre and explore the unique landscape.

While Europe might be calling your name, there's no shortage of incredible destinations right in B.C. to check out too. Summerland is the perfect example of getting all of the beauty, without the plane ticket.