Photo: Vernon Tourism

These and other Okanagan lakes can offer the visitor a host of outdoor activities from swimming, boating, fishing to camping and houseboating. The nearby hills draw hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and campers. The nearby ski resort, while primarily known for first class alpine and nordic skiing, offers additional recreations activities year round.

Historic O'Keefe Ranch

Summer and fall visitors to the area will also delight in the abundance of fresh fruit from the many nearby orchards and farms. Whether you come to Vernon in the warmer months to enjoy the many outdoor recreational activities, the wonderful produce, the winery tours and sights of the city or come in the winter to experience the Vernon Winter Carnival plus skiing, snowmobiling and more, Vernon has something to offer regardless of the season.

Vernon is the oldest incorporated city (1892) in the Okanagan Valley, and for more than a century, it has welcomed people attracted by its character and physical beauty, along with its economic and cultural diversity. A mural project showcasing many of the cities historical features has become a popular asset for downtown Vernon. In addition, the older residential neighbourhood of the East Hill contains many of Vernon's heritage homes, as well as a large number of mature trees. Vernon is also home to a large and diverse arts community, so chances are you can catch an art exhibit, play, or a musical performance throughout the year.

Photo: Vernon Tourism

Today Vernon continues it's growth … while maintaining a strong connection with the past that lend a sense of stability and continuity to the community.

Population: 33,494 (2001)

Main Industries: Retail Trade, Manufacturing, Health & Social Services, Tourism and Hospitality

Elevation: 381 metres (1,250 ft.)

Photo: Ingenius Web Design

Climate: Annual Sunshine: 1903 hours
Precipitation - Rainfall: 248.1 mm o Snowfall: 102.2 cm
Average Temperature - Summer: 23.9'C o Winter: -1.9'C
Frost free days: 152 o Growing Season: 159 days

Access: A strong highway system provides Vernon access to many major destinations; 441 km (273.4 mi.) to Vancouver via the Coquihalla Highway, to Calgary it is just 556 km (344.7 mi.) on the Trans Canada Highway, and to Seattle it is 550 km (341 mi.).

The Vernon airport services the area, and Kelowna International Airport is close by. There are also two railway lines, in addition to bus, taxi, and limousine service.

B.C. Snow Sculpture Competition at Silver Star Mountain held during the Vernon Winter Carnival. Photo courtesy of the Vernon Winter Carnival

Recreation Facilities & Activities: golf courses & golf resorts, Silver Star ski hill, swimming, boating, fishing, water sports, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, water slide park, alpine & nordic skiing, skating, snowmobiling, tobogganing, snowshoeing, dog sledding

Local Attractions: Historic O'Keefe Ranch, Silver Star Ski Resort, Vernon Art Gallery, Greater Vernon Museum & Archives, Okanagan Science Centre, Kalamalka Forestry Centre, Allan Brooks Nature Centre, casino, Vernon & District Performing Arts Theatre, Powerhouse Theatre, Sun Valley Motor Speedway, agricultural & winery tours, downtown walking tours, Polson Park (the oldest park in Vernon)