Lots to See and Do in Vernon, B.C.
If you’re looking for what to do in Vernon, you’ve come to the right place. We have compiled a helpful guide to the top 10 things to see, do and experience in the charming North Okanagan community of Vernon, B.C. Whether you’re into exploring the great outdoors (winter or summer), learning about important local history, connecting with nature or enjoying the best of the region’s food and drink, we have you covered! Read on to take in our recommendations of things to do, see and discover in Vernon.
The Okanagan Science Centre
Top of our list, of course, is a warm invitation for readers to come visit us at The Okanagan Science Centre. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to making science fun for everyone, we are committed to keeping our programs and exhibits accessible for all visitors. Bring your kids (or your kids at heart) to spend a couple of hours exploring our fun and science-focused interactive exhibits. Not only that, we have the Okanagan’s only fixed roof planetarium with regular shows for those who love space and stargazing. We’re located in the heart of the city in Polson Park (see below) and are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 - 5:00. Come and see us soon!
Polson Park
Polson Park was established in 1908 when Samuel Polson, a well-known preacher, philosopher and philanthropist, donated a large amount of land to the city. Today, Polson Park offers a lot to see and do for visitors and locals alike. The park is home to the famous floral clock (a real must-see), a Japanese garden, Vernon’s heritage hall, a Chinese pagoda, and a wheelchair-accessible playground. Trails run around the park, providing opportunities for leisurely strolls and nature viewing. The park also offers picnic shelters, a skateboard park, tennis courts, a football field and washroom facilities. A true gem right in the heart of the city, Polson Park is an enjoyable community destination for everyone.
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
Kalamalka Lake offers beautiful turquoise waters, many sandy beaches, and ample opportunities for fun on or near the water. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for options of what to do in Vernon, Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park has it all for you! The park is expansive and largely undeveloped, giving it an all-season appeal for those who appreciate nature. In the summer months, you can take the time to explore the lakefront area and multiple sandy beaches including Cosens Bay and the Twin Bays areas of Jade and Juniper Bay. For hiking enthusiasts, the park has 14 km of hiking trails offering easy to moderate difficulty There are picnic areas and pit toilets available throughout the park, making it easy to plan an entire day of exploring.
Silver Star Mountain Resort
As we touched on in our [Ultimate Guide to Family Fun], Silver Star Mountain Resort offers something for everyone, winter or summer, and just a short 30 minutes from the centre of town. In the winter, visitors can take advantage of snow on the mountain to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and fat biking (which is biking on the snow)! In the non-snow seasons of spring and summer, visitors can enjoy downhill biking, XC biking, hiking, and trail running options around the resort. The resort village offers a number of different restaurants and cafes in addition to places to stay, which add to the charm of Silver Star. Check it out!
Historic O’Keefe Ranch
The Historic O’Keefe Ranch offers you the opportunity to step back in time and experience the history of Vernon and the North Okanagan. Located on Highway 97 just 12 km north of town, it offers the feel of a historic town, complete with a church, cabins, barns, a mansion, pottery studio, smoke house, blacksmith shop, meat and dairy house, and more. Its official operating season is May to August, but they offer seasonal events in the fall and winter months as well. This includes family days, a corn maze, bonfires, holiday-themed programming, and more. The ranch is considered a living museum, with a menagerie of animals that live on-site and opportunities to explore and learn both outdoors and indoors.
Allan Brooks Nature Centre
Located just south of Vernon, Allan Brooks Nature Centre offers engaging learning and play opportunities for those enthusiastic or curious about nature. Since 1996, the interpretive centre has been operating in an old weather station, offering activity rooms, displays, indoor and outdoor classrooms, outdoor picnic areas, and beautiful natural surroundings. The location is particularly stunning, offering beautiful views of the Okanagan and Coldstream valleys. Sit outside with a picnic to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the region, including five lakes and three ecosystems. A feast for the eyes and the soul!
Vernon Farmers Market
Typically operating from April to October,, the Vernon Farmers Market is one of the oldest in the region and offers a wide variety of vendors. The focus is on local makers, bakers and growers, with an interesting and sometimes surprising selection of fruit, vegetables, baked goods, dairy, and handcrafted items available. There are also food vendors offering tasty treats for you to enjoy while you’re perusing the market. It’s a charming way to spend an hour or two and support local agriculture while you’re at it! Learn more about location and dates for this season by visiting the organization’s website.
Planet Bee Honey Farm and Meadery
Are you into farms, bees, honey, and sustainability practices? Planet Bee, located on the western outskirts of town, is the place for you! Open 6 days a week all-year round (they’re closed on Sundays), Planet Bee and Honeymoon Meadery offer guided tours and presentations that can be booked online or by simply dropping in. Their store offers a wide selection of honey-related products, including candles, natural health products, skincare, and more. If you’re curious about what a meadery is, it’s a winery specializing in honey wine! It’s definitely worth stopping into this lovely family-owned business focused on sustainability.
BX Creek Trail
This unique trail follows BX Creek, which flows from the mountains to the valley bottom. This is a 6 km round trip trail, with parking lots available at both ends (Tillicum and Star Road parking lots). The trail is described as moderate because of exposed roots and stairs. (Young children or those with mobility issues may experience challenges.) BX Creek Trail is a great place to beat the heat on a summer’s day and offers scenic views and nature sounds throughout. The waterfalls can be viewed a short distance from the Tillicum parking lot area, but involve steep stairs down (and also back up). A nice way to spend a few hours in nature and get exercise too!
Davison Orchards Country Village
A 92-year-old multi-generational family establishment, Davison Orchards Country Village is a family-friendly and decidedly wholesome place to visit. (Note: They’re closed during the winter months, typically opening back up in the spring.) The Davisons grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables right on the farm (from apples, pears and peaches to tomatoes, sweet peppers, corn and pumpkins) and use the produce they grow in their bakery and cafe. In fact, they’re proud to share that the Davison Farmhouse Cafe has many menu items with 0 food miles! Kids will enjoy the Crazy Cow Kids Corral, which offers an entire acre of kid-friendly fun and exploration. Other fun events include the pumpkin patch season, apple pie making workshops and U-pick apples, peppers and tomatoes. Family fun on the farm!
And There’s More!
We couldn’t possibly cover everything there is to do in Vernon in a single article, but we hope you found this top 10 list inspiring and enlightening. If you’re looking for an ultimate list of what to do with kids in Vernon, check out our guide here. Here at The Okanagan Science Centre we are dedicated to the community of Vernon and its visitors, offering opportunities for science-based education and fun. Don’t forget to stop in and see us if you’re looking for what to do in Vernon!