Population: 41,671

Vernon, British Columbia, is located 33 miles/53 km north of Kelowna in the North Okanagan. Vernon is accessible from the Central Access Route.

Visitor Information

Contact Tourism Vernon for information. Phone 250-542-1415 or toll-free at 1-800-665-0795. Visit their website at www.tourismvernon.com.

Situated between Kalamalka, Okanagan and Swan lakes, Vernon is a popular tourist destination with year-round activities and attractions suited to a wide range of ages and interests. Summer temperatures average 79 ̊F/26 ̊C, with a record high in July of 101.3 ̊F/38.5 ̊C. Winter temperatures average 23 ̊F/-3 ̊C.

Vernon is the Okanagan’s oldest city, settled in 1867 by Luc Girouard. As head of the Okanagan Lake paddle-wheeler service, Vernon grew in importance with the construction of a branch line of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Later, irrigation made commercial agriculture possible and the area exploded.

Attractions

Vernon’s main downtown street, 30th Avenue, has shopping, as well as ethnic and farm-to-table focused restaurants. Polson Park is another fun stop. It’s a green oasis lined with weeping willows and has a unique floral clock. Also, see the historic turn-of-the-century courthouse surrounded by a flowery courtyard and waterfalls.

Stop at Davison Orchards Country Village, family-owned and operated since 1933, for fresh produce and orchard tours. Shop at their gift shop or enjoying special seasonal events. Vernon Farmers Market is another great spot to sample local produce. Planet Bee Honey Farm at has year-round mead tastings, a honey tasting bar and educational bee presentations in July and August. Both Okanagan Spirits (BC’s first craft distillery) and BX Press Cidery at offer tours and tastings.

Area trails include the multi-use Okanagan Rail Trail which runs along Kalamalka Lake to Kelowna. Local hiking and biking trails for all abilities are found in the 5 area provincial parks: Ellison, Kalamalka Lake, Kekuli Bay, Silver Star and Fintry.