Winter activities
During the winter, Vernon transforms into a magical winter wonderland. The city is decorated with Christmas lights and offers many activities for the whole family to enjoy. From horse-drawn sleigh rides to dogsledding and Nordic skiing, Vernon has something to keep everyone entertained. The town even has its own Hot Air Balloon Fiesta every December.
Snowmobiling is another popular activity in Vernon. The city has over 200km of groomed trails for the sport. You can either bring your own machine or rent one. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy a fun day out on a snowmobile. You can also indulge in a romantic getaway at the town’s Sparkling Hill Resort. The state-of-the-art facility features 3.5 million Swarovski crystals and offers stunning views of the Monashee Mountains.
The area also offers scenic hikes that highlight the area’s three lakes. The largest, Okanagan Lake, is a massive body of water, while the smallest one, Swan Lake, is a small cove perfect for paddling. Both are perfect for viewing wildlife and are located in a nature reserve.
Lakes
If you are looking for a scenic spot to visit in Vernon, British Columbia, there are several lakes to consider. The first one is Swan Lake. This lake is in the Osoyoos Division Yale Land District in the Southern Interior of British Columbia. It is one of the prettiest lakes in the province and is a beautiful destination for a family getaway.
The lakes in Vernon are one of the town’s main attractions. The area has over 50 lakes, which draw millions of visitors each year to the Okanagan Valley. Those who enjoy water sports may want to rent a kayak or canoe and take a scenic tour. There are also several watersports rental companies available in the area.
Ellison Provincial Park has a large boat launch and open grassy lawn next to a playground. The park also offers many water sports activities, inflatable flamingos, and a graveled 2.6-km nature trail loop. If you enjoy hiking and cycling, you may also want to take a trip down the Okanagan Rail Trail, which runs from Coldstream to Kelowna.
Sailing
If you’re looking for an exciting activity in Vernon, British Columbia, you’ve come to the right place. Vernon is home to the North Okanagan Sailing Association. This organization is affiliated with Sail Canada and World Sailing. There are many things to do and see in Vernon. Luckily, some of the best activities are often hidden away from tourists.
For those looking for a more relaxed sailing experience, there are plenty of events to choose from. The Vernon Yacht Club hosts an annual spring regatta, which takes place on the Vernon arm of Okanagan Lake. The regatta begins on Friday afternoon and concludes with a dance and dinner Saturday night.
Golfing
If you are looking for a great course for a day of golfing, Vernon has many different options for you to choose from. If you are looking for a more challenging course, you may want to try the Hillview Golf Club. This course opened in 1913 and is known for its gently rolling hills and massive old growth trees. It has 16 par-3 holes and two par-4 holes. The course also features eight ponds and sand bunkers.
The Vernon Golf & Country Club and Spallumcheen are two of the best courses in the area. Both courses offer fantastic views of the Okanagan Lake and Vernon itself. If you want to try a new course, consider The Rise Golf Course. This 18-hole course sits high above Okanagan Lake, and is the perfect way to enjoy the view of the Okanagan Valley.
The course has many unique features, including a walking-only layout. The 16th hole has OB on both sides of the fairway and a sidehill approach. The 17th hole is a challenging par 3 with a narrow green. The 18th hole is also challenging, with a steep slope to the green and Vernon Creek on the right side of the fairway.
Cidery
A new cidery opened its doors in Vernon, British Columbia, in May 2016. The cidery uses only fresh apples and is the only one in BC that doesn’t add water or sugar. The company is located in the BX district of Vernon and uses a twelve-hectare orchard to make its cider. The owners, David and Melissa Dobernigg, learned that apple production in the Okangan area is challenging, and they decided to start making cider to earn a profit. They spent many months researching the process before starting construction and made 10,000 litres of cider in 2013. They also got training from Peter Mitchell, a cidermaker from Washington State.
After purchasing a heritage barn and making a few batches of their cider, the couple took a trip to New Zealand to study the industry further. They were particularly impressed by a cider booth, and spent several years researching and studying the product. Currently, the cidery is open on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 6pm.
Water park
If you’re looking for a great family water park in Vernon, British Columbia, you’ll want to check out Splashdown Vernon. Formerly known as Atlantis Waterslides, Splashdown Vernon has 10 water slides and additional services to keep your family occupied. The waterslide River Riot is a particular favourite.
The city of Vernon is a charming, quiet place surrounded by rolling green hills. The city is also home to two beautiful provincial parks. At one park, you can take a ride on an old stagecoach that was once the largest in B.C.; another has a train made out of apple crates; alpacas are native to the Andes, which gives the park its name. But if you’re looking for something more exciting, head to the water park. There are many thrill rides here that will leave you in awe.
The Splashdown Vernon water park is a family-friendly water park with 10 slides and a relaxing VIP Cabana. It was formerly known as Atlantis Waterslides, and has been a favorite among local families for over 35 years. However, it’s now under new management and plans to undergo a major makeover.
Nature reserve
Visitors can explore the natural surroundings at the Clerke Nature Reserve, located on 3497 Alexis Park Drive in Vernon. This preserve was given to the Regional District of the Okanagan by Kenneth and Kathleen May as a gift to preserve its natural beauty. This reserve is a perfect place to spend a relaxing day.
The reserve is only a short drive from Vernon. Visitors can explore the reserve’s many flora and fauna by hiking. If the weather is not good, there’s an indoor alternative: the Okanagan Science Centre. This facility was originally a schoolhouse, built in 1893. It continues its mission of education and research.
There are several hiking trails to explore at the Nature reserve in Vernon. During the summer, hikers can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The trails are easy and relatively short. Some of the trails are less than eight kilometers long, making them great for day trips.
Snowshoeing
There are plenty of opportunities for snowshoeing in Vernon British Columbia. A short drive away is Predator Ridge, which has over 12 kilometers of designated snowshoe trails. The most popular trail is the Okanagan Lake Lookout Loop. The park also has a picnic area for your convenience. You can also take your dog on the trails with a leash. Rental snowshoes can be obtained for $10 per half hour or $20 for a day.
SilverStar Mountain Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in the area. This is located just 30 minutes from Vernon, British Columbia. It offers six snow-filled experiences on one pass. Guests can stay at slope-side resorts, condos, or townhouses. The resort has purple building bylaws and is close to Sovereign Lakes Provincial Park, which offers over 100 km of cross-country skiing.