5 Keys to a Sustainable Visit to Vernon
By guest blogger, Olivia Hoffart
Here in Vernon, we are rooted in nature and like to tread a little lighter on our land. As a community, we are committed to reducing environmental impacts & preserving our beautiful region for generations to come. As a visitor, we encourage you to share in our eco-friendly mindset as you experience Vernon’s greenest attractions, cuisine, and outdoor spaces. Wherever you are in your sustainability journey, Vernon is full of inspiration!
1. Try new forms of transportation
Getting around Vernon with sustainability in mind is easy and convenient. As the Trails Capital of B.C, Vernon’s many public trails are ready for you. Walking and biking are great options to enjoy our landscapes, lakes, and shopping. If you can’t bring your own bike, we’ve got plenty of options - with multiple e-bike, mountain bike and bicycle rental shops (Kalavida Surf Shop, Satoca Bike) as well as Neuron e-Scooters placed around town (don’t forget to download the Neuron app to your device). If you’re arriving in an electric vehicle, you’ll be happy to find public EV chargers are conveniently located around Vernon. If sharing a ride or taking public transit is more your style, hop on a Vernon Regional Transit bus, or check out ride share with Uride.
2. Bite into a veggie-focused, local meal
We know that what we eat can have a huge impact on the planet. In Vernon, our delicious local cuisine and restaurants offer a tasty way to reduce the miles between farm and plate, and to discover exciting vegan and vegetarian meal options. Brunch or lunch at The Roxy Café, famous for their vegan bread and baking, or The Fig Bistro with their generous sandwiches, locally-sourced ingredients and healthy focus are both great eco-friendly choices. Craving a grab-and-go meal? The Bistro at Nature’s Fare as well as the Rail Trail Café each offer compostable to-go containers, cups & cutlery so you can feel good about maximizing your time to explore.
3. Discover local shops & nature-focused attractions
Vernon’s passion for sustainability is evident in our unique local shops & attractions. For those who want to learn something new and fascinating about the natural world, visits to the family-friendly Allan Brooks Nature Centre* and Planet Bee Honey Farm* are a must! If artisan gift and clothing shops are more your pace, a visit to ANTLR Menswear and Kaleco Clothing offer sustainable, fair trade, ethical fashion choices. Olive Us* olive oil & vinegar tasting room and FILL Vernon’s Refill Store offer great options for mindful souvenir shopping, with a focus on local, zero waste, green gifts.
4. Get outside & connect with nature
Connect with nature on a visit to one of Vernon’s regional or provincial parks and build your appreciation for the earth. Wander the hiking trails at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, or take a dip at one of the stunning beaches. Enjoy a camping trip at Ellison Provincial Park, and bike or walk the Okanagan Rail Trail as it meanders along Kalamalka Lake between nearby Coldstream & Oyama. If you prefer nature with a bit more adventure, SilverStar Mountain Resort* and Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre* offer mountain biking and hiking in the warmer months, as well as alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and more during the winter. When you visit Vernon’s natural spaces, you will leave feeling nourished by our fresh air and cool waters, inspired by the sheer beauty of nature all around us.
5. Choose a green hotel
When deciding where to relax after a day of exploring Vernon, there are options to choose green-certified accommodations such as Prestige Hotel, Prestige Vernon Lodge, and Quality Inn & Suites*. These hotels go above and beyond in their waste and energy reduction initiatives, as well as offer the option to forego daily housekeeping services to offset the daily water, detergent and power use.
We hope this list inspires you to visit our passionate community and businesses here in Vernon when you stop by on your journey to sustainable travel!
