Top Things to do in Vernon
Things to do in Vernon, Okanagan Valley: The Best Nature & Parks
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Paddlewheel Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
4. Silver Star Provincial Park
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Kal Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By 716deang
This is a beach i live a bit more than an hour away from and still happy to drive the extra distance passing by many other beaches on the way to this slice of paradise.
9. BX Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By ryanvanveener - Vernon, Canada
If you're looking for a different experience in the vernon area be sure to visit this secret hide-away! it's always 10 degrees cooler than the area in the summer and the falls offer up a great refreshing stop in the hot summer! The bx falls trail is also great to explore and hike and is about 6km return from either top or bottom trailheads...the scenery along the way is always fantastic!
10. Polson Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 267 reviews
Polson Park is located near the heart of Vernon, adjacent to Highway 97 and Highway 6. The park was established in 1908 when Samuel Polson donated a large parcel of land to the city. Located in the park is the Lawn Bowling Club, the Interior Space and Science Centre, the Arts Council and Vernon Heritage Hall.Polson Park is probably best known for the Floral Clock that was installed in 1958. The date is changed daily and it provides a great photo with its colourful background. Further into the park you will find the Japanese Garden, which was donated by the Japanese Community and the Chinese Pagoda, which was donated by the Chinese Community. Both were constructed in 1967 as Centennial Projects. The Rose Garden, a perennial favorite and also a Centennial project, is located in the south east of the park. Specific areas of the park can be reserved for your special event such as weddings, social gatherings and concerts.
Reviewed By gwaldBCCanada
Polson Park is a wonderful place to stroll, listen to music, birdwatch, and/or people watch!! I love the willow trees!! I love the duck pond! I love the Japanese garden!
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