Winter Activities in Vernon

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

Mountain slopes are not just for skis! Get the board out and shred your way down the slope at several great snowboarding destinations in the North Okanagan area. Find runs and terrain for all experience and skill levels. Details

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

More than just tobogganing, tubing is perfect for the whole family. Get the thrill of flying down the hill on a tube, and then catch the lift back up the hills so you don’t even have to walk back up the hill. Truck-sized inner tubes with handles make it easy for everyone. Details

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

Head to the parks for some winter fun

1. Graystokes Provincial Park

The Graystokes Plateau in the provincial park is well-known as a destination for snowmobiling. In fact, people come from around the world to experience it. Plus, the park is known to be home to moose, deer, and even bears, so keep an eye out for winter wildlife. Details

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

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

Built on five acres overlooking Kalamalka Lake, Mackie House is an example of how people lived in the 1900s. Find yourself back in history as you take in the skillful architecture and experience high tea. Make sure you tell them you’re coming first as hours vary and can be by appointment. Details

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

The Med has been providing fine dining experiences to Vernon for over 20 years and has become a favourite of tourists and locals alike. They take inspiration from around the Mediterranean for their menu, combining traditional dishes with locally-sourced ingredients. Book your reservation online. Details

Where: 2915 30 Ave Vernon; 250-558-4646

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

Sparkling Hill is an European-inspired “modern oasis of well-being.” A great destination for couples, individuals, and groups, it is one of the premier spa destinations worldwide. Seven themed spas and saunas, hydrotherapy, heated infinity pool, cold chambers, and much more await. It is suggested you book 4-6 weeks in advance. Details

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

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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