Kelowna 
Credit: Vernon Winter Carnival Society
When winter just seems to be dragging on and on, don’t look to the tropics for a getaway. Instead, head to Vernon and the North Okanagan for a winter adventure you’ll be talking about long into the summer months. Do winter your way!
Ski Your Way Through Winter
1. Silver Star Mountain Resort
A world-class winter destination, Silver Star is the place to find champagne powder, over 130 runs, and family-friendly activities all season long. Skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, sleigh rides, tubing, snowmobiling, and so much more – what are you waiting for? Details
Where: 125 Main Street, Silver Star Mountain; 1-800-663-4431
2. Heli-skiing
Heli-skiing provides the ultimate adrenaline rush! See the mountains and slide through the slopes, bowls, and runs in a whole new way when you start from a helicopter. Find local companies, such as Kingfisher Heli, to take you up. Details
3. Backcountry Skiing and Snowshoeing
Opportunities abound for backcountry adventures. Locations such as Sovereign Lake have groomed trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing for all levels of skill and ability, plus lessons available. Get close to nature when you’re out among the trees with just you and the snow. Details
Make it a snow day
1. Beaver Lake Mountain Resort
There are so many opportunities for winter adventure at Beaver Lake. Cross country skiing, ice fishing, winter hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and more can all be done right from the resort – just make sure you dress warm! Visit the website for accommodation options and booking info. Details
Where: 6350 Beaver Lake Rd, Winfield; 250-762-2225
2. Snowboarding
3. Sleigh Rides
A winter experience you’ll never forget. A horse-drawn sleigh ride through a mountain forest is a perfect way to spend the day. To make it truly unique, take the Wild Horseman Dinner Tour or Hot Chocolate Tour at Silver Star Mountain Resort. Details
Where: Silver Star Mountain Resort, 125 Main Street, Silver Star Mountain; 1-800-663-4431
4. Rock & Ice Climbing
Rock climbing can be done year round, and the North Okanagan has some of the country’s best natural climbing opportunities. Challenges can be found for every skill level, even those just starting out. There are many different areas to explore, as well as several companies and guides willing to show you them. Details
5. Fat Biking
Cycling and mountain biking are no longer summer sport. Fat bikes are designed to travel on packed snow, so the trails are just waiting to be explored all year round. There are different rental companies in the region, including Silver Star Mountain Resort. Details
6. Tube Town
Where: Silver Star Mountain Resort, 125 Main Street, Silver Star Mountain; 1-800-663-4431
7. Birdwatching
The North Okanagan area and Vernon is home to over 320 species of birds. While some head south for the cooler months, there are still lots that hang around all year. Catch a glimpse of the year round populations and those returning north – how many can you get a pic of? Details
8. Scenic Drives
No matter the time of year, the sights of the North Okanagan will take your breath away. Buckle up and head out to explore the region, setting your own schedule and spending some time getting lost. Who knows what you’ll find around the next bend.
9. The Nutcracker Winter Sleigh Show
Running until January 4, don’t miss out on this incredible theatre experience. Hop aboard the horse-drawn sleigh and watch as the classic story of The Nutcracker plays out in front of you. The sleigh will take you through the woods for each scene to take place in a new location. Don’t forget to dress for the weather. Details
Where: Caravan Farm Theatre, 4886 Salmon River Rd, Armstrong; 1-866-546-8553
Photo Credit: Caravan Farm Theatre
Head to the parks for some winter fun
1. Graystokes Provincial Park
2. Mable Lake Provincial Park
Mable Lake is an angler’s dream. A year-round destination for trout fishing, the boat launch and day use areas are open all year, weather permitting. The park is more remote than many in the area, tucked away in a mountain setting that is sure to relax. Details
3. Monashee Provincial Park
Monashee and its campground are open year round, though some services are suspended over the winter months. The park is well-known for some of the oldest rock formations in western Canada, including Mount Fosthall, the highest peak in the park. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the Rainbow Falls. Details
4. Enderby Cliffs Provincial Park
Enderby’s Cliffs are fantastic for birdwatching all year. Do some winter hiking on the designated trails, but make sure you dress against the wind and watch your step. Note that some services are suspended in the winter months. Details
5. Kamalka Lake Provincial Park
This largely undeveloped provincial park is just eight minutes from Vernon, so there’s no excuse not to visit. The trails on the grassland and into Cosens Bay are great for ungroomed cross country ski trails. Plus, the trails and open landscapes are great for beginner snowshoers. Details
Out of the cold
1. Vernon Vipers
Cheer on the home team! The Vernon Vipers are a Junior A Hockey Club whose regular season stretches into February. Check out their stats, don the team colours, and show up to support the local boys. Details
2. Planet Bee Honey Farm
Things are a-buzz at the honey farm! Open year round, with free admission, Planet Bee Honey Farm has an indoor glass hive where you can watch the honeybees at work, a honey-tasting station with over 20 flavours, a store, and a mead-tasting bar with honey wines. Don’t let this opportunity fly by! Details
Where: 5011 Bella Vista Rd, Vernon; 250-542-8088
Photo Credit: Planet Bee Honey Farm
3. Vernon Public Art Gallery
Cultural tourism as its finest. Paintings, sculptures, video, installation art, and much more from emerging, established, and career artists are on display for viewing. Permanent exhibits and rotating showcases make it a great stop for any art lover. Details
Where: 3228 31 Ave Vernon; 250-545-3173
4. Pinheads Bowling
The world’s first ten-pin ski-in, ski-out bowling experience! State of the art bowling facilities await ski lovers on Silver Star Mountain. Perfect for families who can’t decide whether to spend the day on the slopes or at the lanes – do both! Details
Where: U70 30 Monashee Rd, Silver Star Mountain; 778-475-2695
5. Okanagan Science Centre
Get hands-on at the science centre to bring learning to life. Different exhibits offer opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn about scientific concepts and how they relate to life in the region. Visit the website for upcoming events and activities. Details
Where: 2704 HWY 6 Vernon; 250-545-3644
6. Mackie Lake House
Where: 250-545-1019
7. O’Keefe Ranch
The historic O-Keefe Ranch brings together heritage buildings, museum exhibits, farm animals, blacksmith, and a gift shop to create an interactive historic site to explore. Ranching has a long history in the region, and the O’Keefe Ranch has been the site of ranching and learning for a long time. Details
Where: 9380 BC-97 Vernon; 250-542-7868
8. Greater Vernon Museum & Archives
Vernon and the North Okanagan has a rich history, and the Museum & Archives preserves and shares that history with visitors. Permanent exhibits showcase photographs, artifacts, and the stories of the locals who made the region what it is today. Featured exhibits rotate, so check the website to see what’s coming up next. Details
Where: 3009 32 Ave Vernon; 250-550-3140
Get a taste of this
1. Vernon Tasting Trail
Whether you’re along for the food or the drinks, the Vernon Tasting Trail will take you to some of the best hot spots for local cuisine, wineries, and craft breweries in Vernon and area. From olive oil and cheese to mead and cider, your tastebuds will thank you. Details
2. Vernon Farmer’s Market
This year round farmer’s market is open Mondays and Thursdays, 8-11. Find one of a kind treasures, all grown, made, or baked by the local vendors. Support small, local businesses and get great souvenirs and treats to take away with you. It’s the best of both worlds. Details
Where: Kal Tire Place 3445 43 Ave Vernon
3. The Med
Where: 2915 30 Ave Vernon; 250-558-4646
Photo Credit: The Med Restaurant
4. The Green Pub
One of the most popular places to hit up after a day out on adventure. Join the locals for the greatest variety of beer on tap in Vernon, the extensive game room, and great grub. But the real draw is the live events taking place all the time, including trivia nights, local bands, and more. Details
Where: 4801 27 Street Vernon; 250-542-3321
5. Okanagan Spring
With inspiration coming from the Okanagan landscape around the brewery, the beer here is made from pure, natural ingredients. From the gold medal-winning 1516 Lager to the winner of Canada’s best dark lager Brewmaster’s Black Lager, you’ll find all kinds of brews to quench your thirst. Details
Where: 2828 27 Ave Vernon; 250-542-2337
Time to relax
1. Sparkling Hill Resort
Where: 888 Sparkling Place Vernon; 250-275-1556
2. Rain Wellness
Massage therapy, stress relief treatments, hydrotherapy, full spectrum sauna with bamboo body wrap, aromatherapy bar… you’ll find all you need to relax and unwind at Rain Wellness, a premiere spa in Vernon. Discover the different treatments and packages available, as well as info on how to book, online. Details
Where: 3412-C Coldstream Ave Vernon; 778-475-7246
Mark the calendar
1. Over the Hill Downhill
The 34th Annual Over The Hill Downhill brings out teams of four to see who is the fastest down the mountain. Teams are placed in categories based on the combined ages ranging from 65 to 225+ years. It’s the longest standing recreational downhill ski race in Canada. Details
Where: Silver Star Mountain Resort, 125 Main Street, Silver Star Mountain; 1-800-663-4431
Date: February 4 – 9, 2020
2. Silver Fox Scavenger Hunt
Take the family and find the treasures hidden around Silver Star Mountain Resort. When you find the tokens, take them to Guest Services for a prize! The event takes place January 4-5, February 1-2, and March 2-3, noon to 1:00. Details
Where: Silver Star Mountain Resort, 125 Main Street, Silver Star Mountain; 1-800-663-4431
Date: January 4-5, February 1-2, and March 2-3, 2020 | Noon – 1:00 PM
3. Family Day in the Park @ Paddlewheel Park
The 8th Annual Family Day event brings games, BBQ s’mores, bouncy castles, and all kinds of activities for the whole family. New this year, the Polar Bear Swim is taking place on the same day – February 15. Join in or watch others take the plunge. Details
Where: 7815 Okanagan Landing Rd Vernon
Date: February 15, 2020
4. Hot Air Balloon Fiesta and Glow
The Hot Air Balloon Fiesta and Glow kicks off the annual winter carnival in a way that can’t be missed. Watch in amazement as 15 balloons fill the sky and signal the start of more family events to come. As the sun sets, the balloons come aglow in a blaze of colour. Details
Where: 2600 Hwy 6 Vernon
Date:February 8, 2020
Photo Credit: Wayne Emde
5. Vernon Winter Carnival
This year’s Winter Carnival is the 60th anniversary of the carnival the whole family will enjoy. With that in mind, the theme is “Remembering the 60s” – so get ready for a groovy time! Watch the website for more details and event information as it becomes available. Details
Where: 3401 35 Ave, Vernon; 250-545-2236
Date: February 7 – 16, 2020
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