BACKGROUNDER – VERNON, BC
Vernon is an active city surrounded by three large lakes, numerous parks and more than
100 lakes within a one-hour drive. World-class golf and skiing along with mountain and wellness resorts, attract
regional and international visitors every year. Easy access to lakes, hiking trails, outstanding mountain biking,
spectacular farmers’ markets and family-friendly attractions and festivals all make up the Vernon lifestyle for
locals and visitors.
What Vernon has in common with other Okanagan communities
“Peaches and beaches”. For generations, that’s what the Okanagan has been known for. Relaxing, lazy days of
summer fun spent at the beach, eating fresh fruit and vine ripened tomatoes. Now the area is well known for its
year round lifestyle with numerous world class ski resorts featuring dry “Champagne” powder in winter. Similar to
other Okanagan communities, Vernon can use the phrase “In March, you can golf, boat and downhill ski on the
same day.”
What makes Vernon different
As the oldest community in the Okanagan, we are rooted in our history as a trading and commerce centre.
Agricultural land surrounds the community and it is well known for the abundant fruits and vegetables the land
produces. A signature destination and a multi generational family farm is Davison Orchards who have been
farming on Bella Vista since the 1930’s. The Country Village sells local products and giftware and Auntie May’s is a
wonderful place to enjoy fresh home baking and the legendary “Applelanche” frozen apple drink. The Johnny
Popper orchard ride takes guests into the orchard to learn more about local and sustainable farming practices that
are used by 3 generations of Davisons. Vernon has 3 farmer’s markets each week from April to October so
connecting the farm and the dinner table is easy. Vernon is home to a “World Master Class” distillery – Okanagan
Spirits, and a well regarded local brewery – Okanagan Springs. The latest addition in 2011 is mead or honey wine
which is being produced at Planet Bee Honey Farm which offers educational tours about the importance of honey
bees in agriculture.
The local “Klinker Opal Deposit” of gem quality opals was the first opal mine in Canada. You can visit the Opal
Miner on Hwy 97 to learn more about the deposit and how the raw material is mined and refined into beautiful
stones and jewelry or you can book on to a trip to dig for your own opals and agates.
Hiking and mountain biking are easy to access and enjoy in our area. Numerous bike trails are built to “Whistler
Standards” making Vernon a destination for both downhill and cross country mountain biking. With slightly cooler
temperatures in summer, hiking opportunities abound in the adjacent hillsides and mountains.
In 2009, Vernon was selected as the most entrepreneurial city in BC by the Canadian Federation of Independent
Business and it continues to attract those who seek work/life balance. Vernon welcomes new residents every
month as ‘urban migrants’ seek a slower, more authentic lifestyle.
Parks and Beaches:
Ellison Provincial Park, Fintry Provincial Park, Kekuli Bay Provincial Park and Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park all offer
a variety of activities. These include water sports, scuba diving, mountain biking, hiking, wildlife watching,
geocaching and horseback riding. Beach life is an integral component of “summer in the city” in Vernon. Beaches
favoured by the locals include: Lake Okanagan - Ellison Point Beach, Kin Beach, Paddle Wheel Park Beach and
Lakeshore Beach. Kalamalka Lake - Kal Beach, Jade Bay Beach and Juniper Bay Beach.
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Accommodation:
Vernon offers approximately 1350 rooms in a variety of accommodation facilities at a range of price points. From
lakeside camping, cabin and condo style accommodation, to family friendly motels, to mountain and wellness
resorts of international calibre.
History and Culture:
Vernon was the first city in the Okanagan Valley incorporated in 1892. Like many Canadian communities it has a
history rich in the Canadian fur trade with the Hudson’s Bay Company. The early settlers from England and
Scotland were employed in mining, ranching and farming.
Greater Vernon Museum and Archives – Explore the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives, where an impressive
collection of artifacts is cleverly displayed to demonstrate a wealth of natural history, native history and modern
growth and development in the region. The museum offers a gift shop with an array of mementos and books for
further reading. 3009-32 Avenue, Vernon BC Phone 250 542 3142 www.vernonmuseum.ca
Vernon Public Art Gallery – Exhibitions featuring local, national and international artists are sponsored by The
Vernon Public Art Gallery. The Gallery offers an extensive art education program through our local schools, hosts
the "Riot on the Roof” event in mid August showcasing young artists and music. The Gallery also houses an
excellent gift shop, filled with quality, handcrafted, local, unique art items. 3228 – 31 Ave Vernon, BC Phone: 250545-3173 www.vernonpublicartgallery.com
Downtown Mural Art – Tour on your own or take a guided tour .This is an interesting look at the heritage of
Vernon with dramatic murals painted on the walls of downtown buildings. All tours begin at the Downtown
Vernon Association Office located in an old train station. $6/person for mp3 tours. Drop-ins welcome. Suite 4,
3101 29th Street, Vernon BC Phone: 250-542-5851 www.downtownvernon.com
Attractions:
Allan Brooks Nature Centre- Located just five minutes from downtown Vernon, with its spectacular 360 degree
views of Greater Vernon and the three surrounding lakes, it is a great place to experience the diverse nature of the
North Okanagan. ABNC is a very popular attraction for bird and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can tour the
grasslands trail to learn more about the local wildlife and plant life. A discovery room with hands on nature exhibits
enables young minds to learn about the diversity of nature in landscape in the surrounding valleys. 250 Allan
Brooks Way Vernon BC Phone: 250-260-4227 www.abnc.ca
Davison Orchard Country Village – This family owned and operated farm consists of 50 acres of fruits and
vegetables, a farm market, gift shop, bakery as well as a picnic and children's play area for families. Tours of the
fruit orchards are available. Visitor can stroll the vegetable and flower gardens, sip pure apple juice squeezed right
at the farm or visit the farm animals. Seasonal activities include picking your own bouquet of flowers or fruit and
vegetables. A visit to Auntie Mae's gift shop and in-house bakery are a must. 3111 Davison Road, Vernon BC
Phone: 250-549-3266 www.davisonorchards.ca
Farmers’ Market – Vernon is surrounded by market gardens and orchards and so it is no surprise that Vernon is
home to one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the Okanagan and one of the best! There are more than 100 growers
and artisans offering everything from fresh fruits, vegetables and plants to handicrafts, eggs and fresh-baked
delicacies. Buskers and entertainers add to the festive atmosphere and “Special Event Mondays” are featured every
long weekend. Open Monday and Thursdays 8am- 12 pm -Wesbild Centre Parking Lot, 3445-43rd Ave, Vernon, BC
www.vernonfarmersmarket.com
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The Historic O'Keefe Ranch- The ranch has been designated as a B.C. Heritage Site, serving as an important tourist
attraction in the Okanagan Valley. You will discover some of the oldest remaining structures in the Vernon area, all
carefully preserved or restored, as well as a fine collection of vintage farm machinery and model railway display.
The experience is complete with a visit to the many farm animals. Restaurant and guided tours are available.
9380 Highway 97N, Vernon BC Phone: 250-542-7868 www.okeeferanch.ca
Klinker Opal Deposit – Canada's first "commercial grade" precious opal deposit, the “Klinker Opal Deposit" was
found near Vernon, B.C., in October 1991. The precious opal from this site was given the name "Okanagan Opal"
by the prospectors who found the deposit. This deposit has already attracted significant local and international
attention and has been undergoing exploration and development since the summer of 1993. Day trips are
available Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June through September. Visit the Opal Miners Gift Shop where you can
design your own jewelry. 7879 Highway 97, Vernon BC, Phone: 250-542-1103 www.opalscanada.com
Okanagan Spirits - A world master class distillery that has been crafting fine fruit liqueurs using local fruit for 4
years. Sample “Taboo” Canada’s only Absinthe made using traditional methods. Watch the copper still create an
aromatic Gin and learn about the process of distilling wine to create the fortifying product used in ‘port’ style
wines. 2920-28th Avenue, Vernon BC Phone: 250-549-3120 www.okanaganspirits.com
Planet Bee Honey Farm and Gift Shop – Western Canada's premiere Honeybee Attraction and Interpretive Centre
where the focus is on learning about the world of the honeybee and providing a full range of the finest honeybee
products available. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe honeybees busily working behind glass in a live
bee display performing their amazing bee dance. New in 2011 is the Meadery which is producing honey wine in 4
styles. Groups are welcome. 5011 Bella Vista Road Vernon BC 1-877-233-9675 Phone: 250-542-8088
www.planetbee.com
Wineries – Although the vineyards of the South Okanagan Valley are legendary, the North Okanagan is developing
its own reputation as a destination to sip, sample and swirl delectable wines. The vineyards of the north specialize
in cool climate growing with many grape varieties not found in the south. Self guiding or guided tours are available
from a variety of operators in Lake Country and the North Okanagan. There are six vineyards to the North and
more than 100 as you travel south.
Outdoor Pursuits
A wide variety of outdoor activities are available all year round including world class skiing and boarding, Nordic
skiing, golf, mountain biking, snowmobiling and fishing.
Mountain biking destination- The Bike Park at Silver Star Mountain Resort offers challenging routes and Kalamalka
Provincial Park and Ellison Park have mountain bike trails that are developed to "Whistler Standards" by the North
Okanagan Cycling Society. Information on trails is available at www.mountainbikingbc.com
Golf - The Okanagan has become a world class golf getaway with championship golf courses throughout the valley.
There are 4 golf courses in the Greater Vernon area. Vernon is home to two of the most popular courses in
Western Canada. The championship Predator Ridge course with 36 holes of play and The Rise, a Fred Couples
signature course. They are both set in dramatic locations with views of pine covered ridges, meadows, and natural
lakes and streams. The golf courses in and around Vernon offer price points affordable to all.
www.predatorridge.com; www.therise.ca; www.vernongolf.com
Skiing/boarding – Silver Star is a mountain with many attractions. The mountain's stunning 3,065 acres (1,240
hectares) are blanketed by 23 feet (700 cm) annually with what Canadians call champagne powder. 2,500 vertical
feet (760 metres) of descent from the top of the mountain with 11 lifts and 115 runs. But skiing and boarding are
not are not the only activities on mountain. Visitors can stay in a quaint ski in and ski out Victorian Village setting
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with excellent restaurants and pubs for après ski. Snowmobile tours, snowshoeing to a remote cabin, skating,
sleigh rides or tubing are popular with all visitors, but especially families. www.skisilverstar.com
Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre - Sovereign Lake boasts over 1900 members and offers world class cross country
skiing located a mere 22 kilometres from Vernon. It includes more than 50 kilometres of manicured trails and 14
kilometres of snowshoe trails, a full service day lodge, ski school, rentals, night skiing and a biathlon range.
Combined with Silver Star it has more than 100 kilometres of interconnected trails. The terrain suits novice to
advanced skiers. Sovereign regularly hosts international competitions and is regarded as one of the best Nordic
centres in Canada. It recently hosted the 2011 Sparkling Hill Masters World Cup with 23 countries represented.
www.sovereignlake.com
Outrigger, Dragon boat, Rowing - There are two paddling centres in Vernon. The Vernon Rowing and Paddling
Centre on Swan Lake (www.gorowandpaddle.org) is home to Canada’s largest adaptive rowing facility as well as
single, double, quad and 8 man rowing boats. Dragon boating is also available and they organize the Vernon
Dragon boat Festival in August. The Vernon Paddling Centre is located on Lake Okanagan and is host to the
North American Fresh Water Challenge in July. It supports any self propelled water craft – canoes, outriggers,
kayaks, SUP and surfskis. www.vernonpaddlingcentre.ca.
Hiking and Fishing – Being on the doorstep of the Monashees provides unlimited easy access to hiking and fishing
opportunities. The Vernon Outdoors Club has written guides to some of the best hikes.
www.vernonoutdoorsclub.org
Stand-up Paddle boarding – A relative new sport but fast growing in popularity, stand-up paddle boarding can be
done on any of the many lakes surrounding Vernon. The Kalamalka Classic SUP race takes place in June and is
gaining international attention. www.oksup.com
Longboarding – Home to the North American Championships of the International Gravity Sports series, Vernon
hosts this race on Middleton Mountain each June. The race is unique as it takes place in a residential area of
Vernon – yes, the roads are closed! www.igsaworldcup.com
Festivals and Events:
There are numerous music, sport and arts/cultural festivals throughout the year. Two signature Vernon events
are:
Funtastic Sport and Music Festival - July Long Weekend – For 27 years Vernon has hosted Canada's largest slopitch tournament with 300 teams and 3,500 players participating each year from competitive to very recreational.
Teams from BC, Alberta, Washington and as far away as New Mexico play in this tournament. Offering a four or six
game guarantee, Funtastic sells out each year, especially the highly popular Costume Division. www.funtastic.org
Vernon Winter Carnival – Since 1961 during the first week of February, Vernon has been celebrating winter with
the largest winter festival in Western Canada. Visitors can experience a variety of activities over the 12 day festival.
Fan favourites are the hot air balloon competition, BC Snow Sculpture championship, “Suds and Cider” event,
parade and chilli cook off. www.vernonwintercarnival.com
For more information, contact:
Michelle Jefferson
Manager, Tourism Services
City of Vernon
250.550.3649
mjefferson@vernon.ca
www.tourismvernon.com
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