JUST THE FACTS – VERNON BC.
City of Vernon - History
Incorporated in 1892, Vernon is the oldest community in the Okanagan and links to
the past are reflected in the historic downtown and East Hill neighborhoods.
Showcasing the history are the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives, downtown murals, ghost tours and visits
to historic ranches and mansions.
Stats
Population (2006 census) 35,944 Greater Vernon population 55,418
Elevation
416 m or 1364 ft. above sea level
Incorporation
December 31, 1892
Average mean temp
January -5.1C or 23 F; July 19C or 66F
Annual rainfall
248.1 mm or 9.76 in
Annual snowfall
102.2cm or 40 in.
Sunshine
1903 hours
Frost-free
152 days
The City of Vernon: The Okanagan's second largest city and the largest city in the North Okanagan.
Population: The population of Vernon is 38,000. Greater Vernon including the District of Coldstream is 58,000.
Weather: The Okanagan Valley has one of the most enviable climates in Canada. Vernon enjoys a four season
climate with dry, hot summers and winters that are relatively mild with significant snow at higher elevations.
Perfect weather for both skiers and golfers.
Location and Access
By car: At the intersections of Highways 1, 6 and 97. Easily accessible by highway, Vancouver (441 kilometres) and
Calgary (556 kilometres).
By air: A scenic 35-minute drive from Kelowna's International Airport. The airport is serviced by Air Canada,
Horizon Air, WestJet Airlines and Central Mountain Air.
Economy
Vernon remains the business center for the North Okanagan Region. The economy is based on services, forestry,
agriculture and manufacturing.
Environment
Located in the North Okanagan, the natural beauty of Vernon is created by three lakes (Okanagan, Kalamalka and
Swan), lush agricultural valleys and adjacent mountains. Over 100 lakes are within 1 hour drive and Silver Star
Mountain Resort and Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre are just 20 km from downtown Vernon. Over 100 lakes are
within 1 hour drive of downtown. Vernon is located at a transition point, the dry south facing hillsides feature sage
or rabbit brush and short bunch grass while the north facing slopes are forest covered.
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Major attractions
Vernon is known as a very family friendly community and our attractions feature activities for all ages.
Davison Orchards
Okanagan Science Centre
Planet Bee Honey Farm
Lakes and beaches
Historic O’Keefe Ranch
Silver Star Mountain Resort
Golf courses (Predator Ridge, The Rise)
Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre
Sparkling Hill Wellness Hotel
Historic Downtown
Atlantis Waterslides
Allan Brooks Nature Centre
Major festivals/events
Vernon Winter Carnival (52 years) - February
Funtastic Sport and Music Festival (27 years) - July
Creative Chaos - June
Sunshine Festival - June
Okanagan Summer Wine Festival - July
Sun Valley Cruise in – August
Vernon Dragonboat Festival - August
2012 Greater Vernon BC Winter Games – February 2012
City of Vernon – Tourism Services aka “Tourism Vernon”
In 2009, the City of Vernon created a tourism services department responsible for tourism development,
marketing, promotion and operation of the Visitor Centers.
A Tourism Advisory Committee made up of tourism sector representatives makes recommendations to City Council
on the initiatives and direction of the tourism within the community. They also make recommendations on the use
of the Additional Hotel Room Tax revenue.
Vernon Visitor Centers
A year round Visitor Centre is located in the historic Watson House located at 701 Hwy 97 South. This center is
part of the provincial Visitor Centre network. A seasonal Vernon and Area Discovery Centre is operated at Hwy 97
North to assist travelers driving into Vernon from the north. A mobile visitor center attends the special events in
our community and around the region, throughout the summer.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Media/Tourism Services
Michelle Jefferson
Manager, Tourism Services
City of Vernon
250.545.5493
michelle@tourismvernon.com
Vernon Visitor Centre
701 Hwy 97 South
Vernon, BC V1B 3W4
800.665.0795
250.542.1415
info@tourismvernon.com