Attractions
Fall / Winter
Don’t hide indoors this winter! You’ll miss a million opportunities for fun in our area. Ski downhill or cross country, go tobogganing or tubing to relive the thrill of your youth, take a wild snowmobile ride, indulge in a few hours of ice-fishing, challenge the back-country trails on snowshoes, or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through beautiful, unspoiled scenery.
Silver Star Mountain
Snowfall starts in November and continues into April, yet temperatures are mild, making for superb conditions. Silver Star is a world-class ski destination, with 84 fantastic runs, to suit every skill level. The total vertical drop is 2500 feet and there are a total of 1,200 acres of skiing terrain. Eight lifts (including three quads) ensure that you don’t have to wait in long line-ups! www.skisilverstar.com
Sovereign Lake Nordic Ski Club
Located in beautiful Silver Star Provincial Park, near Vernon BC, at an elevation of 1664m (5500 ft) the Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre includes more than 50km of manicured trails, a large full service day lodge, ski school, rentals, night skiing, biathlon range and more. The ski area is operated by the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club in cooperation with BC Parks to provide a world class skiing experience at the lowest possible price.
Combined with the adjacent Silver Star Ski Resort trail system, there are more than 100km of interconnected trails for your exploring pleasure. The terrain suits every need from “first-timer” to “big-timer”. In addition to our exceptional trails, we are also world-renowned for our early season skiing, plentiful snowfall and hosting of World Class events. In 2005 we hosted an XC ski World Cup race. www.sovereignlake.com
Vernon Winter Carnival
“Sporting with Carnival” February 3rd to 12th, 2012
Spring / Summer
Vernon has loads to do in the Spring and Summertime, perfect for family vacations with the kids!
Allan Brooks Nature Centre
‘The Pride of our Community’ Many of the area’s ecosystems are visable from the Allan Brooks Nature Centre. From birds of prey to wildflowers, this easily accessible site is ideally located to view and interpret the natural environment of the North Okanagan. Located 5 minutes from downtown Vernon on a knoll with an incredible panoramic view of the North Okanagan. For more information call (250) 260-4227.
Okanagan Science Centre
For those with curious minds and a yen for learning, the Interior Space & Science Centre will pique your interest. Here you can view optical illusions, discover energy, learn about B.C.’s mines and forests, or explore the myths and legends surrounding the constellations in a ‘mini-planetarium’! www.okscience.ca
Chickadee Ridge
Come talk to the animals at Chickadee Ridge, featuring the incredible Miniature Horses along with Miniature Donkeys, Cows, Goats, Sheep, and Fallow Deer. A short 15 minute drive from Vernon. For more information please call (250) 546-9323. www.chickadeeridge.com
Atlantis Waterslide Park
Ready to make a splash? Atlantis Waterslide Park offers ten exciting slides to choose from, sure to thrill sliders of all ages. A sunny, grassed picnic area is provided, and Atlantis features a concession for snacks. After your wild-water sliding, take in a round of mini-golf.
Silver Star Mountain
During the summer, ride the chairlift and hike through pine scented forests. Rent a mountain bike or take a guided horseback ride and explore spectacular scenic ridges. Kick back and listen to a chorus of birdsong as you take time to watch a cloud go by.
Sun Valley Motor Speedway
Cascar, Street Stock, Sprint Cars, Dwarfs, Baby Grands or participate in the ‘King of the Hill’. Fun for the entire family! For race schedule or track regulations call the SVMS office at (250) 545-1714.
Golfing
Predator Ridge, Vernon Golf & Country Club, Spallumcheen, Royal York, Hillview, Birchdale, Salmon Arm and River Ridge; eight courses throughout the North Okanagan make this an ideal destination for visitors who never leave home without their clubs. Our many miles of meticulously groomed green grass are complemented by the Okanagan’s famous summer weather and limitless vistas, creating an irresistible temptation. See our Special offers for Golf package information.
Davison Orchards
Okanagan Opal Inc.
Opals! Find your own in the Okanagan Outback!! Light Adventure. www.opalscanada.com
Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre
For complete and updated information please call (250) 542-9355.
Vernon Multi-Use Facility
For more information call Dave Fossum-Facility Manager (250)542-5623 ext 103
Vernon Tourism: www.vernontourism.com
Cruise Okanagan
Cruise beautiful Okanagan Lake on Spirit of the Okanagan Vernon’s only licensed luxury tour boat. For more information please call (250) 545-8388
Lakes and Beaches
Why do people come to Vernon? Situated between three lakes, Swan, Kalamalka and Okanagan, Vernon has great beaches, fishing and boating. Something for everyone to do on the water
BEST WESTERN British Columbia
To visit any other British Columbia BEST WESTERN please click here www.bestwesternbc.com
Cherryville Artisans
Cherryville Artisans’ Shop open seven days a week (April 22 – Dec. 24 … by appointment Dec. 25 – April 21) only 45 minutes East of Vernon, offering quality fine arts & crafts – Cherryville style. Plus annual Cherryville Artisans’ Summer Festival – August 6 & 7 – draws visitors locally & internationally. www.cherryvilleartisans.homestead.com
Okanagan Artisans Guild
High-quality, fine arts & crafts show – the longest running of its kind in The Okanagan. The show of choice for many of the region’s professional artisans. www.okanaganartisansguild.com
Plant Bee Honey Farm
Visit Planet Bee and see live honeybees busily working behind glass in demonstration bee hives producing their numerous nutritional products. Book an educational tour of the screened outdoor observatory apiary and learn more about these marvelous insects and their intriguing social structure that has survived for millions of years. www.planetbee.com
Historic O’Keefe Ranch
Visit Historic O’Keefe Ranch and explore the buildings hand-built by Cornelius O’Keefe and his family. Tour the general store, blacksmith’s shop, St. Anne’s church and the original O’Keefe mansion. Take in the model railway exhibit and Cowboy Museum, then relax in the fully licensed restaurant and browse through the gift shop. www.okeeferanch.ca
