Greater Vernon, a population of 55,000, is situated in the heart of the Northern Okanagan valley of beautiful British Columbia, the most western province of Canada. It is approximately a 40-minute drive north of Kelowna's International Airport and about 441 kilometres from Vancouver, BC. Many tourists flock to Vernon in the summer as the city is situated around three wonderful lakes, yet, if visiting in the winter, there are still many activities to do and places to see.
Silver Star Ski Mountain Resort
Most winter visitors of Vernon arrive for the ski season. Silver Star is the city's ski village, located 22 km(12 miles) northeast from downtown Vernon. Silver Star provides all the activities a ski mountain should and more. A family orientated ski resort, it holds a quaint Victorian style village with restaurants, coffee shops, hotel accommodations, retail stores, and nightlife fun. Many events occur throughout the winter season, such as the firework torch display at Christmas and New Years. Silver Star is a warm, inviting community for all ages.
Vernon Winter Carnival
One of the biggest events in Vernon, BC is the annual winter carnival which has been in existence for over 50 years! The carnival occurs around the start of February for ten days and involves the entire community with numerous events, including a parade. Each year, the carnival holds a theme and this year it is cooking. Tickets and more information are available at www.vernonwintercarnival.com
Lake Winter Activities in North Okanagan
When the weather gets cold enough, some of the nearby lakes freeze which then provides fun activities such as ice skating, ice hockey and ice fishing. The lakes to keep an eye out for are Swan Lake, situated on the north end of Vernon and Wood Lake, situated in Lake Country, 28km south of Vernon on Highway 97. When the weather temperatures have not gotten cold enough for the lakes to ice over, there is always the outdoor ice rink, situated behind Vernon Park and Recreation Services.
Indoor Activities in Vernon and Nearby Communities
Chilly weather is conducive to finding enjoyable activities inside, particularly with little children in tow. The following list provides some ideas for indoor activities in and around Vernon with available links:
- Shopping at Village Green Mall in Vernon
- Swimming at Vernon Parks and Recreation
- Junglemania at Salmon Arm--an indoor playground
- Energyplex in Kelowna--indoor playground, climbing wall and more
- H20 Adventure Fitness Centre in Kelowna--waterslides, swimming, and more
- Bowling
- Indoor Skating
- Vernon Musuem
- Okanagan Science Center
- Planet Bee
- Scandia Golf and Games--mini golf inside, arcade
- Ruckers---arcade
Sparkling Hills
A suggested stay for Vernon BC is to book in at the newly established Spa and Wellness Resort, Sparkling Hills. The resort is situated on top of Commonage Range, and holds spectacular views of Lake Okanagan, the Coldstream Valley and the fairways greens of Predator Ridge Golf Resort. The spa resort hosts a variety of spa treatments, winter packages and restaurant dining.
Dining in Vernon BC
Some of the cosiest restaurants to dine at in the middle of the winter and enjoy yummy food and wonderful service is The Italian Kitchen, Crush Bistro and Earls in Downtown Vernon. Try the restaurant at Predator Ridge called Range or moreover enjoy the food with a spa winter package!
If a winter vacation keeps you at Silver Star or Sparkling Hills, it is very understandable, but if you are visiting the rest of Vernon or have just recently arrived here as a resident, hopefully this article will provide you with some ideas and further information links for just some of the things to do in Vernon, British Columbia during the winter season.
Christine Moore - Early Childhood Educator, Preschool/Daycare Resources, Online Workshop Instructor, ECE, BGS
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