VERNON Community Info

Explore the Sections of this Guide to find listings and exact map locations for Accommodations, Attractions, Parks, Golf, Wineries, Shopping, Museums, Art Galleries, Restaurants, Real Estate, Services and more...in the North Okanagan. Click on the “Calendar of Events” and mark your Calendar for the event of your choice.

The North Okanagan is comprised of six communities including Vernon, Coldstream, Lumby, Armstrong, Spallumcheen & Enderby with a total estimated 2008 population of 82,000. The main economic drivers of the North Okanagan are agriculture, forestry & tourism. Incorporated in 1892, Vernon is the oldest community in the Okanagan Valley and the largest community in the North Okanagan. Vernon is situated 46 km/29 mi north of Kelowna in the north Okanagan Valley, a 4.5 hour drive northeast of Vancouver, or a six hour drive west of Calgary, Alberta. Vernon has been dubbed “The City of Murals” for its massive and breathtaking historic murals drawn on buildings throughout the downtown core.

Greater Vernon is surrounded by three lakes; the northern tip of Okanagan Lake to the west, Kalamalka Lake, the beautiful emerald “Lake of Many Colors” to the east and Swan Lake to the North. Although sparkling lakes and beaches make Vernon a popular summer tourist destination, Silver Star Mountain Ski Resort and its Victorian inspired village, also makes Vernon a popular winter recreation destination. Silver Star Ski Resort, located just 25 km/15.5 mi northeast of Vernon covers 3065 acres blanketed annually with 700 cm/23’ of some of the world’s best powder. Nordic enthusiasts flock to Sovereign Lake Nordic Club, who this year will host the BC Winter Games. The City of Vernon also hosts and boasts Western Canada's largest Winter Carnival.

The North Okanagan area is noted for its agricultural attractions and year round outdoor recreation. Fabulous beaches, rushing rivers, scenic hiking and biking trails, winter mountain fun and world class spas are worth the visit. Golfing choices are abundant and include the world renowned 36 hole Championship Golf Course, “Predator Ridge” which has played host to the Skins Game twice in eight years. Its new “Ridge Course” was voted Canada’s Best New Golf Course 2010 by SCOREGolf and boasts views that are truly breathtaking!