A Local’s Guide for Things to Do in Vernon, BC

If you’re searching for the best things to do in Vernon, BC, you’re in the right place. As someone who has lived in Kelowna, BC for over four years, Vernon has become one of my favorite nearby escapes. Whether it’s a sunny Saturday by the lake or a cozy winter weekend at Sparkling Hill Resort, we keep finding reasons to return. Tucked in the North Okanagan, Vernon offers a little bit of everything: crystal-clear lakes, hiking trails, farm experiences, wineries, murals and a laid-back pace that makes you want to linger.

This is a curated guide based on our multiple visits over the years, filled with local tips and honest recommendations.

Things to Do in Vernon, BC – Top 10

Visit Kalamalka Lake: The Jewel of Vernon

Let’s kick things off with the Kalamalka Lake. Nicknamed “the lake of many colours,” Kal Lake gets its surreal turquoise hues from limestone deposits, making it one of the most beautiful lakes in Canada. The color shifts with the seasons and sunlight, sometimes deep green, other times bright teal.

Things to do at Kalamalka Lake:

• Relax at Kal Beach: Great for families, it has picnic tables, sand, a concession stand and SUP rentals.
• Pumphouse Beach: Quieter, less touristy, and a favorite of ours for a peaceful afternoon.
• Oyama Lookout: The lookout provides panoramic views of the Okanagan Valley, Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake. 
• Cliff jumping: If you’re adventurous, Rattlesnake Point has safe spots for leaping into deep blue water (but always check safety conditions).

Local Tip: Visit in the early morning for the calmest water and fewest crowds.

Taste Local Wines and Ciders

Vernon may not be as famous as Kelowna for wine, but it quietly boasts some excellent wineries, cideries and even a craft distillery. The best part is the relaxed atmosphere, fewer crowds and more intimate tasting experiences that let you truly savor the moment.

Our favorites:

• The Perch Winery – A beautiful patio with panoramic views, small-batch wines, and a peaceful setting that feels like a hidden gem.
• Cambium Cidery & Restaurant – A personal favorite for its creative cider blends, scenic patio, and wood-fired pizza.
• Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery – For something a little stronger, this award-winning distillery serves up tastings of locally made gin, whisky, and fruit liqueurs.

Visit the Vernon Public Art Gallery

For a cultural break, the Vernon Public Art Gallery showcases a rotating selection of local, national, and international artists. It’s a great place to experience the region’s vibrant arts scene and attend exhibitions, talks, or workshops.

We’ve enjoyed stopping in on quiet afternoons, especially when it’s too hot or rainy for outdoor plans. Admission is by donation, which makes it an easy add-on to any downtown visit.

Relax and Rejuvenate at Sparkling Hill Resort

Nestled in the hills near Vernon, Sparkling Hill Resort is a luxury wellness destination known for its Swarovski crystal decor, world-class spa (with saunas, steam rooms, heated pools) and stunning infinity pool that overlooks snowy mountain views in winter.

If you don’t wish to splurge on an overnight stay or spa experience, you can still enjoy the stunning resort and views by stopping in for lunch at their restaurant, it’s a great way to soak in the atmosphere without the full commitment.

Local Tip: Book treatments in advance, especially during ski season and holidays. You can also find discounts for booking the rooms in advance – check out their website!

Explore Vernon’s Downtown Murals

Vernon’s historic downtown is like an open-air gallery. More than 25 large-scale murals decorate the buildings, depicting everything from Okanagan wildlife to early settler life. Each mural has a plaque that tells its story, we found this a fun way to learn about Vernon’s history

To explore Vernon’s vibrant downtown murals, start by picking up a mural map from the Visitor Centre. Then take yourself on a self-guided walking tour, which takes about an hour and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and culture through art. It’s the perfect activity to pair with a coffee or lunch break at one of the local cafés along the way.

Hike to BX Falls

BX Falls is a short but scenic forest hike perfect for a low-effort outing with a big payoff. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Vernon, this shaded trail follows BX Creek to a lovely waterfall. It’s especially beautiful in the spring and early summer when water flow is strong.

What makes this trail such a favorite of ours is how accessible and enjoyable it is for everyone. The 1-km round trip makes it perfect for families with kids, and even on hot summer days, the forested path stays cool and shaded. As you descend the wooden staircases toward the falls, you’ll find plenty of scenic platforms that make for fantastic photo ops, especially when the light filters through the trees and mist rises from the waterfall.

Local Tip: Bring mosquito repellent and wear hiking shoes with good grip, the wooden steps can get slippery.

Bike the Okanagan Rail Trail

This multi-use trail is one of the most scenic routes in the region. The Okanagan Rail Trail stretches from Vernon all the way to Kelowna, tracing old rail lines along lakes, farmland, and forests. We usually park near Coldstream and bike south toward Oyama Lookout. It’s flat and well-maintained, making it ideal for families or casual cyclists.

Local Tip: Bring sunscreen and water as there’s not much shade along the trail. Pack a swimsuit in case you’re tempted by one of those irresistible spots for a spontaneous dip!

Hike in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park

This large park borders Kalamalka Lake and is home to some of the best hiking trails in the Okanagan Valley. We love hiking here in the shoulder seasons (May, early June and September) when it’s not too hot and the lake views are still breathtaking.

Our top 2 favourite trails to explore are :

• Rattlesnake Point Trail: This 2.5 kms out and back trail offers cliffside views of the lake, ideal for photos.
• Cosens Bay Trail: This 6.5 kms trail leads to a secluded beach, perfect reward after a moderate hike.

Golf at Predator Ridge Resort

Even if you’re not a golfer, Predator Ridge is worth visiting. With two championship courses and sweeping views of the valley, it’s a top destination in Vernon. The course conditions are exceptional, and there are also hiking trails and tennis courts on-site. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy brunch or lunch at the Range Lounge & Grill, join a yoga class at the on-site fitness center or take a peaceful walk along the scenic trails surrounding the property.

Local Tip: Book a late-afternoon or early evening tea time for cooler temperatures and golden-hour lighting.

Family-Friendly Fun at Davison Orchards

Davison Orchards is one of the most charming, family-friendly things to do in Vernon, BC. You can easily spend a few hours here exploring the farm, shopping local goods, and indulging in fresh apple treats. We usually come back at least once each fall, it’s especially magical with autumn colors.

Highlights of a visit to Davison Orchards include hopping on the charming Johnny Popper train for a ride through the orchards, saying hello to friendly farm animals, and picking seasonal fruits like apples and pumpkins straight from the trees. And no visit is complete without treating yourself to a slice of homemade pie or a refreshing apple slushie, both farm-fresh and absolutely delicious.

Things to Do in Vernon, BC in Winter

Vernon doesn’t shut down when the snow falls—in fact, it might be even more magical.

Hit the Slopes at SilverStar

SilverStar Mountain Resort is just 25 minutes from Vernon and is one of the top ski resorts in BC. With a colorful mid-mountain village, it’s perfect for families and couples alike. It is packed with activities for all ages and skill levels. You can hit the slopes for alpine skiing and snowboarding, or explore the extensive trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.

Families will love Tube Town for some classic snow-day fun and there’s even an outdoor ice skating rink to round out the experience. The après-ski scene is relaxed and friendly, with hot cocoa and live music on the weekends.

Snowshoeing or Fat Biking

SilverStar and nearby trails offer rentals and mapped routes for snowshoeing and winter biking. It’s a great way to explore the snowy landscape without hitting the slopes.

Enjoy the Heated Infinity Pool at Sparkling Hill

After a day in the snow, there’s nothing better than unwinding in Sparkling Hill’s outdoor infinity pool, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and steam rising into crisp winter air.

Day Trips from Vernon, BC

Vernon makes a great base for exploring the North and Central Okanagan. Here are a few of our favorite short escapes:

Kelowna & Lake Country

Just 45 minutes away, Kelowna offers lakefront dining, wine tasting, and sandy beaches. Combine it with a scenic drive through Lake Country to explore Arrowleaf Cellars, Gray Monk Estate, and more. If you’re planning to eat along the way, don’t miss our guide to the best winery restaurants in Kelowna by a local.

Penticton & Naramata

Plan a full-day trip south to Penticton for beaches, breweries and a float down the river channel. Continue on to Naramata Bench, one of the most beautiful wine regions in BC. For detailed recommendations, check out our guide to the 10 best wineries in Naramata (tried and rated by a local).

Sicamous

Sicamous, often called the houseboat capital of Canada, is a laid-back lakeside town that makes for a perfect relaxed day trip from Vernon. Nestled between Shuswap Lake and Mara Lake, it offers plenty of water-based activities. Whether you’re exploring by boat or enjoying a quiet lunch by the water, Sicamous delivers small-town charm with a strong dose of lake life.

West Kelowna

West Kelowna is a must-visit for wine lovers, offering a scenic and flavorful day trip from Vernon. This region is home to some of the Okanagan Valley’s most iconic wineries, including Mission Hill with its striking architecture and amphitheatre. With stunning views, award-winning wines, and excellent dining options, West Kelowna is the perfect spot to sip and savour. For a full guide to planning your route, check out our West Kelowna wineries map and trail guide.

Revelstoke

A bit further out (under 2 hours) but worth the drive, Revelstoke offers epic mountain views, outdoor adventures, and a charming historic downtown. Ride the gondola, explore alpine hiking trails or just enjoy the drive through stunning mountain terrain. If you have more time, you can even plan a trip to Banff – it’s just a 3-hour drive from Revelstoke. Check out our 3–7 day Banff itinerary for an epic Canadian Rockies holiday.

FAQ: Things to Do in Vernon, BC

What is Vernon, BC known for?

Vernon is known for Kalamalka Lake’s vivid blue waters, skiing and spa resorts, family-run farms, and a quieter, more local version of Okanagan life.

Is Vernon worth visiting?

Absolutely. It’s a less touristy and more authentic version of nearby Kelowna, with fantastic nature, wine and family experiences.

Can you do a day trip from Kelowna to Vernon?

Yes, and we do it all the time! It’s only a 45-minute drive and easy to explore in a single day.

When is the best time to visit Vernon?

May through October is ideal for hiking, lakes, and farms. December through February is perfect for snow adventures.

Are there free things to do in Vernon?

Yes, many! Hiking trails, mural tours, beach access even cider tastings are often free or very budget-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Vernon has a way of sneaking into your heart. It may not scream for attention like some bigger destinations, but its beauty, charm and local warmth speak for themselves. Whether you’re biking by a turquoise lake, sipping cider under an orchard canopy, or carving down snowy slopes, there are endless things to do in Vernon, BC for every kind of traveler!