Vernon Dining, Shopping, and Events
You can always find delicious meals and ingredients from local restaurants and farms in and around Vernon. Some of British Columbia’s finest wineries are on our doorstep, while Vernon hosts several annual events that bring crowds of locals and tourists alike.
For the local food and shopping favourites, take a quick peek at our Vernon Businesses section.
Vernon Golf Courses
Vernon golf courses rank among the best in the region, and you have your pick of world-class greens, such as:
Lakes in Vernon
Vernon is surrounded by lakes, and that means there’s always a great time to be had on the beaches and in the water.
Okanagan Lake
From lounging on the beach to wakeboarding, water skiing, kneeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling, if it’s fun on (or under) the water you can find it on Okanagan Lake.
Kalamalka Lake
A true gem in the Okanagan valley, Kalamalka Lake offers a feast for the eyes with its seasonal colour changes (from vibrant teal to stunning cyan to irradiant indigo), which you can enjoy from any number of sun-drenched sandy beaches.
Swan Lake
This smaller, shallow lake is a wonderland for nature lovers and bird watchers. Swan lake is a breeding, nesting, and migration hotspot that offers some of the best birdwatching in the entire province that’s a stone’s throw from downtown Vernon.
Wood Lake
It’s easy to take the plunge into Wood Lake, the warmest waters in the Okanagan Valley, complete with two marinas and tremendous trout fishing to tempt eager anglers.
Enderby River Float
If you’d prefer a lazy river to a lake then just grab a tube, speak to one of the “river ambassadors”, pick a spot and enjoy an afternoon of beauty and relaxation on the meandering Shuswap River!
Sports & Recreation
The City of Vernon boasts 3 indoor and 1 outdoor arena, as well as the Greater Vernon Athletics Park and Recreation Complex.
If you have a furry four-legged family member we’ve got some more great news! There are several local dog parks, including the BX Ranch Park and Mission Hill dog park.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Enderby Cliffs is our favourite because it’s one of the most rewarding. Panoramic views of the Shuswap River and Okanagan Valley await hikers who make it to the top of these trails.
Ellison Park is another spectacular spot for a trek in nature, offering over 6 km of trails offering a challenging adventure that pays off with some of the best views Vernon hiking excursions can offer.
Camping
In Vernon, camping opportunities are as plentiful as they are beautiful. If we had to pick just one favourite it would be Fintry.
This 360-hectare provincial park offers incredible camping spots, but it also provides the opportunity to do pretty much everything in terms of outdoor adventure. the historical Fintry Manor House site and incredible Triple Waterfall!
Rock Climbing
If you’re up for some high adrenaline challenge, grab some chalk and your rock climbing shoes and head on over to Aberdeen Columns. The columnar basalt cracks found here provide over 130 different climbs with several routes anchored for belay and rappelling.
Vernon Waterslides
Splashdown Vernon waterpark offers fun for the whole family with 10 slides, including the ever-popular River Riot, hot tubs, and all the amenities that made it one of the “Best Family Fun” attractions in the Okanagan!
Discover more recreation opportunities in our Vernon Businesses section.
Winter Activities
Enjoy Vernon winter in all its powder-covered glory at Silverstar Mountain Resort, just 25-minutes Downtown Vernon.
Pond hockey, outdoor skating, cross-country skiing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides round out Vernon’s winter activity offerings, not to mention the annual Winter Carnival & ice sculpture competition every February.
Why Retire in Vernon?
Enjoy retirement in one of BC’s most diverse and exciting destinations! With Vernon’s impeccable weather, stunning views, and tightly-knit community, it’s no wonder that people from around the world flock to our sun-drenched slice of paradise! Affordable housing, a bustling business district, and endless local activities make it the perfect place to settle down. Invite the family for a winter ski trip to Silver Star Ski Resort, or plan the ultimate beach-filled family reunion that will be reminisced for years to come. No matter how you plan to enjoy your retirement, Vernon’s idyllic location and gorgeous natural setting make it an incredible place to spend your golden years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Vernon, BC?
Vernon experiences the beauty of all four Canadian seasons and residents describe Vernon’s weather as temperate and warm in the summer months, and sunny and humid in the winter months. The perfect conditions for year-round adventures!
How many days of Sunshine does Vernon, BC get a year?
Vernon gets on average about 301 days of sunshine a year – that’s 2027 hours of picture-perfect weather!
What is the local scenery like?
Vernon is home to a wide selection of ecosystems and is extremely biologically diverse. You can find multiple different unique landscapes such as forests, four local lakes surrounding the entire area, numerous waterfalls, rivers, streams, mountains, rolling hills and vineyards. Due to its unique scenery, Vernon attracts and is beloved by many different kinds of people, making it a truly unique place to visit.
What is there to do in Vernon, BC?
Vernon is home to endless adventures and activities. Depending on the time of year, Vernon offers multiple different seasonally appropriate enjoyable activities. In the summer months, Vernon offers scenic hikes, luscious winery landscapes, the ever popular Enderby float and multiple unique parks and lake spots. In the winter months, Vernon’s Silver Star Ski Resort is bustling with enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders. There are several local skating rinks, snowshoeing trails and cross-country skiing trips for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. In Vernon, the possibilities are endless but the good times are plentiful!
How many dining options are there in Vernon, BC?
Vernon is sure to delight with its delicious treats that tantalize your taste buds. It’s no wonder that Vernon has become well known and popular as a, “foodie haven.” Vernon offers a variety of culinary experiences that will delight any palette and taste. Vernon currently has over 20 well-known and liked local restaurants, bistros, and pubs offering multiple different dining options, cultures and styles.
How many lakes are near Vernon, BC?
Vernon’s natural beauty and pristine backdrop is partly due to the natural beauty created by its surrounding lakes. There are four main lakes surrounding Vernon, namely Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, Swan Lake, and Wood Lake further south.
What is unique about Vernon’s 4 main lakes?
Each of the 3 lakes offers a unique setting, story and atmosphere yet all have their natural beauty in common. Okanagan Lake, with its, “lake monsters,” incredible depth and wide array of beaches, offers beach visitors an opportunity to simply relax or swim in one of the deepest freshwater lakes in Canada. Kalamalka Lake, with its seasonally changing hues, surrene picnic and camping spots and array of popular fishing areas, offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a well-rounded day or weekend out. Swan Lake offers a quieter, shallower option and is surrounded by wetlands, offering some of the best bird watching in BC. Last, but certainly not least, Wood Lake is one of the warmest and calmest lakes in the Okanagan. It is surrounded by two marinas, making this lake a popular trout fishing, camping and beach spot.
What other activities are available in Vernon, BC?
Vernon offers many unique landscapes, activities and attractions making this beloved quaint town a popular attraction among visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re in the mood to explore a nearby hiking trail, hit some gold balls, visit a world-class winery or simply enjoy a bike ride through the town, Vernon is eager to please. The city center offers an array of different shops and local businesses and for those visitors looking for a romantic date or weekend away, Sparkling Hills Resort is just a short drive away. Unique experiences are plentiful in Vernon and those looking for a slightly different activity will be pleased to discover places like Planet Bee, a local honey farm, The Okanagan Science Center, Alpacas Haven and even a waterslide park at Splashdown. No matter your preference, Vernon offers fun-filled activities for the entire family to enjoy.
What are the locals’ favorite restaurants?
Vernon is home to many delights and the varied selection of local cuisine is no different. We asked the Vernon locals to select their favourite restaurants and this is what they have chosen. Rest assured, you’ll be pleased with the choice to visit any of the below suggested restaurants.
- Eatology
- Friesen’s Countrytyme Gardens
- Midtown Bistro
- The Fig Bistro
- Ratio Coffee & Pastry
- Wings
- Pane Vino Pizzeria
- Station BBQ Smokehouse
- 1913 Restaurant
What are the best fine dining restaurants in Vernon?
Vernon offers a wide variety of fine dining options for those visitors celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to celebrate the finer things in life. If an international wine list, steak dishes and fine dining speak to you, be sure to visit these dining treasures mentioned below:
For fine dining in Vernon, explore the following options:
- Intermezzo Restaurant & Wine Cellar
- PeakFine Restaurant at Sparkling Hill Resort
- Fairways Restaurant at Vernon Golf & Country Club
