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Top Things to Do in Vernon This Season

Vernon has a way of surprising people. Whether you’re a long-time resident or visiting the Okanagan for the first time, there’s always something worthwhile happening here—especially as the seasons shift. I’ve spent enough time exploring this region to know where locals actually spend their time, and I’m going to share that with you. This season offers particular opportunities to get outside, discover some excellent local producers, and enjoy what makes Vernon genuinely special.

Explore the Lakes and Outdoor Spaces

Let’s start with what draws most people here: the water and the landscape. Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park near Coldstream is where you should go if you want to understand why people love this area. With a 4.8 out of 5 rating across hundreds of reviews, it’s not overhyped—it genuinely deserves the attention. The turquoise water is striking, and there are several trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. The park has multiple access points, so you can visit for an hour or spend half your day there. It’s particularly good right now because the seasonal crowds have thinned, but the weather is still pleasant enough to be outside comfortably.

Silver Star Provincial Park up in Kedleston offers something different—elevation and mountain scenery. It’s rated 4.8 out of 5 for good reason. If you’re travelling from Vernon, it’s about 30 minutes northeast, and it’s worth the drive. The park has numerous trails and is excellent for hiking, mountain biking, and general exploration. The viewpoints across the valley are remarkable, especially during the golden hour before sunset.

Beyond the provincial parks, Vernon has 59 accessible green spaces scattered throughout the city and surrounding area. Visit the map to explore what’s closest to wherever you’re staying. Many of these neighbourhood parks have trails, picnic areas, and boat launches if you’re interested in water activities.

Get Out on the Water

Rattlesnake Point is worth a dedicated mention here. It’s rated 4.9 out of 5 across nearly 300 reviews, and those reviews come from people who’ve actually spent time there. This is where locals take visitors when they want to show off the region. You can access the water, hike nearby trails, and the views across the lake are genuinely excellent. It’s particularly appealing if you’re interested in swimming or kayaking—the access point is straightforward, and the water quality is good. If you don’t have your own kayak or paddleboard, several local operators rent equipment.

For something different, Okanagan Glamping Co. offers a 5 out of 5 rating and a unique way to experience the lakes and landscape. Rather than the typical hotel stay, you’re staying in a glamping setup that puts you closer to the environment. It’s not budget accommodation, but if you’re looking for an experience rather than just a place to sleep, it’s worth considering.

Visit Local Producers and Distilleries

One of Vernon’s genuine strengths is the concentration of quality craft producers. Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery in Amblands is rated 4.9 out of 5 and is genuinely excellent. They produce spirits on-site, and you can visit the distillery, taste their products, and understand their process. They take their craft seriously, and it shows in both the product and the visitor experience. This is the sort of attraction that appeals whether you’re particularly interested in spirits or just want to support local makers and learn something new.

The Okanagan wine region is well-known, but Okanagan Spirits represents a different side of the local producer scene. If you’re interested in exploring multiple producers, you’ll want to plan accordingly—many are not in the immediate city centre but rather scattered throughout the broader region. Give yourself time to travel between locations rather than trying to pack too much into one day.

Eat and Drink Well

Vernon has 96 restaurants across various cuisines and price points, plus 27 cafés. Rather than recommend specific restaurants without current data, I’ll tell you to explore systematically. Use the restaurant category on Vernon Scout to filter by cuisine type, price range, and ratings. Read reviews from people who’ve actually been, not just the summary rating. Sometimes a 4.5-rated restaurant with thoughtful reviews will serve you better than a 4.8-rated chain.

The café scene in Vernon is particularly good if you’re a coffee person or looking for a place to work or meet someone. Many are independently operated, and they often reflect the personality of their owners. That matters more than you’d think when you’re trying to find a place to spend an afternoon.

Shop Local

Vernon has 80 shops spread across the city. The downtown core has good density, but there are quality independent shops scattered throughout the neighbourhoods too. Rather than big-box retail, many locals prefer exploring what independent business owners have brought to the community. Whether you’re looking for something specific—outdoor gear, local art, specialty food items—or just browsing, filtering by shop category will point you toward what actually exists here rather than generic national chains.

Make Your Plan

The best approach is to visit Vernon Scout’s map, browse by category, and plan based on geography and your actual interests. Don’t feel obligated to see everything. Vernon is most enjoyable when you spend quality time in a few places rather than rushing between numerous stops. Pick a trail and walk it properly. Sit somewhere with a view. Have a meal somewhere local. Support a craft producer. That’s how you actually experience a place.

Start exploring on Vernon Scout today—filter by what matters to you, check current ratings and reviews, and plan an itinerary that matches your interests and schedule.

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