Top Things to do in Vernon
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What to do and see in Vernon, Okanagan Valley: The Best Things to do
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 Spirits Craft Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 169 reviews
Okanagan Spirits is Western Canada's oldest craft distillery spanning over a decade in the production of award-winning B.C. spirits. Internationally acclaimed as North America's only designated World Class Distillery (World Spirits Awards), our portfolio includes a range of spirits from Vodka, Whisky and Gin, to Liqueurs and Brandies (Eau de Vie) as well as Canada's first genuine Absinthe.
Reviewed By kenmF4070LC
We visited the distillery in Vernon and the owner gave us a private tour and history. The space, itself, is beautiful--a combination of a retro-steampunk and pioneer vibe due in no small part to the gorgeous brass, steel and copper stills and tanks. The owner gave us an overview of the history of fruit and grain production in the Okanagan and explained how virtually all of the ingredients for the myriad spirits produced by them are locally grown. After the 30-minute tour, we tasted several of their products at the bar: award-winning Scotch-style whisky, Bourbon-style (we really liked the BLK BRBN!), Vodkas, Gins, and Liqueurs. All were well-made, smooth, and delicious spirits. The Raspberry Liqueur was out of this world. We took home several bottles and some very low-priced gift sets that will make excellent Christmas gifts. They even gave us bottles of their own hand sanitizer, produced and donated to front-line workers and the general public during the Covid-19 crisis. Unlike many of wineries that are actually owned by global conglomerates, this is a truly local operation and a world class one at that. Of the many winery and distillery tours we have taken all over the world, this one rates very highly, indeed!
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. 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!
7. 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.
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!
