Top Things to do in Vernon
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Vernon, Okanagan Valley
Although perhaps less flashy than its southern Okanagan neighbors Kelowna and Penticton, Vernon is a year round getaway offering an abundance of fun attractions from sunny beaches and golf courses in the summer to powdery ski slopes in the winter. The area's back country trails provide great exploration points, whether by bike, horseback riding, hiking, snowshoeing or snowmobiling. The pristine scenery of the Rockies surrounds the valley's plentiful vineyards.
Restaurants in Vernon
1. Camelot Haven Alpacas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
CAMELOT HAVEN ALPACAS - For a unique shopping experience, we welcome you to come visit the Alpaca Country Store - (Store Hours: - During these times we are Open By Appointment - Please feel free to EMAIL us to arrange a convenient time to visit). Fine Alpaca Clothing/Accessories, including socks/insoles, hats, scarves, mitts. Unique gifts, bedding/blankets, Alpaca Toys, Quality Alpaca yarns/roving, Alpaca felted items, Camelot's all natural soil enhancer, and much, much more. Camelot Haven offers: Guided Alpaca TOURS, Guided Alpaca WALKS (Wednesdays and Saturdays) and Guided Private Alpaca WALKS. Open by Reservation - (tentative) May 26th, 2021 - Mid-October 2021. Please EMAIL us in Advance for available dates/times and to book your place for a lovely experience with the Alpacas at Camelot Haven. (Minimum 1 day notice - Please book early to avoid disappointment) Please view website for more information.
Reviewed By 93chrisiv
We were very fortunate to book in for an Alpaca Walk for our family of 4. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Julene is passionate about her animals and the land. We enjoyed every moment of our 1.5 hour walk, learned a lot about the alpacas and smiled from start to finish. Julene was very patient as we sauntered, took tons of photos and did not feel rushed at all. It was a real treat and well worth it!
2. Okanagan Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By 498bobp - North Vancouver, Canada
This is an old railway line so the grade is flat or with a minimal hill. The trail is wide and well packed gravel. It runs along the lake the entire way to Oyama.
3. Davison Orchards Country Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 884 reviews
Growing food & family memories since 1933! At Davison Orchards, you get fresh, local produce grown right here in Vernon, BC. And we don't just grow it - we use the ingredients in our bakery and cafe to make the most delicious farm food you've ever tasted. Everything we grow is available to you right here on the farm. We invite you to be part of the story of your food from start to finish. You can see the crops growing, the fruit being picked, and the apples being peeled for our famous apple pie. Because our family has been running this farm for over 80 years, we want your whole family to enjoy their time here. There is something for everyone and we hope you'll make your own happy memories and traditions. Davison Orchards is open daily, from May 1 - October 31.
Reviewed By mikeystuart8398 - Sicamous, Canada
We go to the apple rest and pumpkin patch, so fun, riding the tracker to pick a pumpkin or apples. So much for the kids to do from petting and feeding animals to climbing and sliding. Lunch in the cafe is always good, with homemade apple juice, pies soups and more. They also have a market and sell their produce.
4. Historic O'Keefe Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
O'Keefe Ranch was founded in 1867 by Cornelius O'Keefe. His family lived on site for 110 years before it was opened as an historic ranch, meaning it still houses one of the most complete collections of one family's stuff (from the Victorian and Edwardian eras) in all of the province. Today O'Keefe Ranch is operated by a non-profit society and is a registered charity. Come visit us during our open season from May to October - stroll along the boardwalk, visit our original buildings (set up as they were more than 100 years ago!), visit the Greenhow museum, and go say hello to our many farm animals.
Reviewed By solostar25 - Calgary, Canada
Spending the day in the Vernon area we decided to visit. I must have misread the website as I thought that there was an admission charge. Actually it is free with a donation available. Walked around and enjoyed the sights. It was a great place to spend a few hours in our day.
5. Planet Bee Honey Farm & Meadery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 513 reviews
Planet Bee Honey Farm & Honeymoon Meadery offers a glimpse into the amazing and fascinating world of the honey bee and all the products a beehive offers. *COVID-19 Important visitor info: a store limit of 20 customers max, hand sanitizer stations (x4) and barriers are installed to protect staff and visitors alike. Due to health guidance we have closed the honey tasting table & suspended Mead Tasting until April 19th 2021. Masks required. Admission is free, we look forward to welcoming you into our safe & friendly 'hive' on your next visit! Thank you for your understanding.
Reviewed By Skip247 - Vernon, Canada
first time to Planet Bee brought family fun visiting. We had excellent time . buy the honey. Also a great way for all ages to learn about Bees lots to learn love the tasting so yummy!
6. Silver Star Provincial Park
7. Ellison Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By debrac167 - Vernon, Canada
Ellison Provincial Park is a provincial park in British Columbia, Canada, located on the east side of Okanagan Lake to the south of the city of Vernon. The park contains approximately 219 acres of land, 200 ha. of it upland, 19 ha. of it foreshore. Lovely provincial camping site to suit all types of campers from day picnics and family fun to self-contained RVs to tenting. Three beaches to choose from with badminton courts, both outhouse and flush toilets, hot water showers, dish wash area, and picnic tables with cast iron stove stands and fire pits. Beautiful beach access. Safe public swimming. Park area to play games and gather. Onsite seasonal caretaker. Wildlife is common such as deer and raccoons. Park Officials have organized pathway walks, talks and interactive group activities. If you don't have a tent or RV....don't worry because there are Turrets to rent. Campsites include single and double. Fresh water available. Firewood available provided fire restrictions do not apply. This is a gotta go place!
8. Greater Vernon Museum & Archives
9. Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By JerseyBean11 - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
two separate outings, beautiful scenery and very clean! We hiked around the lake a few times and loved the experience, two stag sightings, chipmunks, many quails, pheasants (we think). We kayaked for four hours and loved every moment.
10. Allan Brooks Nature Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Perched atop the grasslands 5 min. south of Vernon the Allan Brooks Nature Centre is a top attraction and a great place to satisfy your natural curiosity and reconnect with the joys and excitement of the natural world. Here you will be rewarded with outstanding views of the surrounding landscape including Okanagan, Kalamalka, and Swan Lakes and four distinct ecosystems of the region. If you're looking for information on parks and recreation amenities of the region, including biodiversity hotspots and the very best bird watching locations, you'll find plenty of it here at the nature centre.
Reviewed By 349newt - Vernon, Canada
My wife and I decided to take part in the Allan Brooks Raptor exhibit. This was an amazing opportunity to get up close to birds of prey. During our visit we got to hold an owl and a hawk (though they have more birds). And yes, they provide protective gloves to wear so you don't get hurt when holding the birds. They have an outside area where all of this takes place and it does have seats. During this time they also provide some interesting insight into each bird and their hunting strategies. Now, keep in mind that these birds are always looking to hunt for food, so sometimes during a show they may unexpectedly fly away and into the nearby tall grass and return with a small rodent. This did not happen during our visit but they do make you aware that it's a possibility. During the show you can put on a glove, and while holding a piece of raw meat, one of the birds will fly to you and land on your outstretched arm too eat it. We found this to be an incredible opportunity to get up close and personal with the Raptors. If you do decide to go the raptor show then make sure you get there early to register, as this seems to be very important. If you've always wanted to hold a large bird of prey, do not miss this opportunity. We really enjoy it.
