- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Vernon
Vernon's heritage spans from Syilx (Okanagan) First Nations roots to its railway boom. Discover the distinctive Victorian architecture on 30th Avenue, especially the Vernon Public Art Gallery, once a post office. It's a key part of what is Vernon famous for historically.
Nestled among Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, and Swan Lake, Vernon is surrounded by hills. The Okanagan Rail Trail offers 50 km for cycling. Davison Orchards Country Village provides agritourism. The Allan Brooks Nature Centre and Polson Park are top attractions in Vernon.
Visiting Vernon offers a taste of the Okanagan Valley's agricultural bounty. Explore Davison Orchards Country Village for fresh-pressed apple juice and artisanal baking. Seasonal markets overflow with locally grown produce, reflecting a farm-to-table lifestyle unique here.
- VernonCanada
- VernonCanada
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintercold, occasional snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #WeatherAppropriateClothing
- #Sunscreen
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- #HikingGear
- #Camera
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 with outdoor activities & day trips
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- English & French
- Both are official languages here
- #OkanaganLake
- #SilverStarMountain
- #PolsonPark
- #VernonArtGallery
- #KalamalkaLake
- #HistoricDowntown
- Wine tasting in Okanagan Valley
- Hiking at Silver Star
- Kayaking on Kalamalka Lake
- Exploring Polson Park
- Visiting local farmers' market
Things to do in Vernon
Discover
Stroll through Vernon's highlights, from the sparkling Okanagan Lake to the historic Mackie Lake House and peaceful Polson Park. Discover remarkable Vernon attractions that showcase the city's beauty and charm while exploring Vernon.
Experience
Engage in outdoor adventures such as hiking and cycling. Join in Vernon cultural activities like art shows, workshops, or even summer music festivals, providing unique experiences and insights into this vibrant community.
Okanagan Lake
Expansive lake for swimming and boating activities.
Polson Park
Family-friendly park with ponds and play areas.
Vernon Winter Carnival
Annual festival featuring parades and activities.
Kalamalka Lake
Scenic lake, great for hiking and picnicking.
Greater Vernon Museum
Local history museum showcasing Vernon's past.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Reach Vernon via Kelowna International Airport (YLW). A Vernon shuttle bus offers direct transfers to the city center (~45 min, ~$45). The inter-city buses connect from larger hubs.
Getting Around
Public transport in Vernon uses BC Transit buses; day passes are available. Consider car rental in Vernon for flexibility, especially when exploring beyond downtown. Taxis are available. Walking is viable for the compact city center.
Local Essentials
When driving in Vernon, watch for deer, particularly dawn/dusk. Cards are widely accepted, but cash helps for small vendors. Book summer accommodation early. Vernon travel tips for first-timers: Shuswap River tubing starts at Enderby General Store.
Where to Stay in Vernon
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore authentic food in Vernon with dishes like poutine, smoked brisket, and butter tarts for dessert. The local dining culture leans towards hearty meals, with strong farm-to-table influence. Expect fresh Okanagan produce and local wines.
Enjoy
Taste traditional food at Intermezzo, one of the best restaurants in Vernon, Sir Winston's Pub for casual drinks, and Bean To Cup Coffee House for artisan coffee and baked goods. Reservations advised for peak hours.
Intermezzo Restaurant
Fine dining with Italian-inspired dishes.
The Phoenix Steakhouse
Mid-range steakhouse with great live music nights.
Fresh Lemongrass Restaurant
Delicious Vietnamese cuisine with gluten-free options.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Vernon's past through its annual Heritage Week in May. This event highlights local history with museum exhibits and heritage tours, connecting you to the region's traditions. Discover Vernon attractions rooted in its formative years.
Enjoy
Things to do in Vernon include experiencing local creative scene with the Vernon Jazz Festival in August, featuring live outdoor concerts. Also, explore the Vernon Public Art Gallery for rotating contemporary exhibitions.
Vernon Winter Carnival
Annual February event with parades, fireworks, and family fun.
Vernon Jazz Festival
August music festival featuring live jazz performances.
Funtastic Slo-Pitch
July sports event with amateur slo-pitch tournaments.
Vernon Farmers' Market
May-October market offering local produce and crafts.
Sundog Festival of Arts & Culture
Annual event showcasing diverse artistic disciplines.
Canada Day Celebration
July 1st family event with music and fireworks.
Kalamalka Lake is absolutely unreal
The water color at Kalamalka Lake has to be seen to be believed. That turquoise blue just doesn't look real in photos either. Great spot for swimming and just chilling by the shore. Vernon is a solid base for exploring the whole area.
Silver Star is worth every penny
The skiing at Silver Star Mountain was genuinely top notch. Good snow, well-groomed runs, and not overly crowded compared to bigger resorts. The village up top is cute too. Vernon itself is a relaxed little city with enough good food and coffee spots to keep you happy after a day on the slopes.
Chill winter escape with great skiing
Came here for a long weekend of skiing and it delivered. Silver Star had solid powder and the lift lines were nothing like what you deal with at Whistler. The drive up from Vernon is easy and the town has a cozy feel in winter. Restaurants on 30th Avenue had decent après-ski food too.
Perfect summer lake town
Vernon in summer is just lovely. Kalamalka Beach was clean, not too packed, and that lake color is something else. Warm weather, friendly locals, good ice cream spots nearby. Really easy place to unwind for a few days without spending a fortune.
Great spot for fruit picking and farmers markets
The Okanagan fruit stands along the roads around Vernon are the real deal. Fresh peaches, cherries, and apricots that actually taste like something. Picked up loads to take home. The downtown market had local vendors selling jams and baked goods too. Really wholesome way to spend a morning.
Underrated wine and food scene
Spent time visiting a few of the nearby wineries and the quality was genuinely impressive. Okanagan wines hold their own easily. Back in town, 30th Avenue has a good mix of casual cafes and proper sit-down spots. Vernon felt relaxed and real, not overly polished or touristy.