Discover Vernon’s Hidden Gems - with a Foodie Treasure Hunt!
When was the last time you got to go on a treasure hunt?
Vernon’s food scene is a treasure trove of local flavours coupled with one-of-a-kind dining experiences. To celebrate that, we’ve turned some of our favourite hidden gems into a literal treasure hunt for you and a friend to enjoy! Each clue leads you to an unexpected (and delicious) location where you can sample the best Vernon has to offer.
At the end of this post, we’ve put all the clues together in a gorgeous printable for folks who’d like to make a special day of it. If you loved the hunt, be sure to try our Hand Picked Journeys - we’ve pulled our treasure hunt clues from these four tours, and there’s much more to discover.
- Culinary Crossroads: Get to know Vernon’s dining scene through these carefully selected restaurants
- Farms and Flavours Trail: Meet the makers! This self-guided tour brings local fare (and farmers!) to the forefront.
- Hot Sips Stroll: A self-led tour of our cosiest cafés.
- Pour and Explore Loop: Sip and savour craft beer, cider, wine, mead and spirits all hand-crafted with the local flavours.
Ready to go on a food adventure? Here are your clues (and you’ll find the answers at the end of this post!).
Clue #1: This beloved breakfast/lunch joint is well known for their creative approach to old standards: try their twist on waffles (with flavours like Biscoff, or lemon blueberry crumble) to get your Sunday started right.
Clue #2: This bistro is beloved for their community care and delicious sandwiches, and gave everyone a good laugh when they ran (sort of) in the 2025 election as “A Sandwich You Can Believe In.” Their sandos ARE outstanding.
Clue #3: Named after the founder’s father, this deli was started by a family who trained in sausage making in Switzerland and Germany before emigrating to Canada.
Clue #4: This steakhouse is housed in a historic bank building on 30th Avenue. Try the 10 oz New York Striploin on their patio for an unforgettable summer meal!
Clue #5: This destination’s website states: “When you open the door to (these food products) for the first time, it’s like walking into that Wonka dude’s chocolate factory, or seeing your first 3D movie on the big screen.” What food products are they talking about?
Clue #6: Which three beloved Vernon eateries are represented in this photo?
Clue #7: This bistro started out as a coffee cart on bike wheels! Today they serve the most decadent eclairs you’ve ever tried, and their coffees are roasted locally in Cobble Hill and Victoria, BC.
Clue #8: This local cider maker has deep community roots: hosting live music, craft festivals, and outdoor dining all summer long! Taste their limited edition Strawberry Hibiscus cider before it’s gone.
Clue #9: Named after a Florentine bridge, this mom-and-pop run Vernon foodie destination features over 60 rotating flavours of what Italian treat?
Clue #10: Perched 1,000 feet above Okanagan Lake, which restaurant welcomes guests who helicopter in (as well as the ones who arrive the usual way?)
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TREASURE HUNT ANSWERS:
Clue #1 answer: Eatology, 3100 30 Street, Vernon, BC.
*Bonus: Try their newly launched Vietnamese Ice Coffee Slushies!
Clue #2 answer: The Fig Bistro, 3407 30TH Ave
*They’re also famous for their 3.5 lb Big Figgin’ Sandwich, good for you and several friends.
Clue #3 answer: Helmut’s Sausage Kitchen, 2103 48 Ave
Clue #4 answer: Phoenix Steakhouse and Bar, 3117 30th Avenue
Clue #5 answer: “World-class, ultra fresh olive oils, balsamic vinegar and sea salts.” All available at Olive Us, Vernon’s Olive Oil and Vinegar Tasting Room (3003A 30th Ave). Try the butter-flavoured olive oil as a gift for your friend’s next popcorn snack attack!
Clue #6 answer: The Perch Winery (7272 L & a Rd), The Wedge Cheesery (3026 30th Avenue) and Hot Bread Shoppe (2901 31 street). Photo credit: @hotbreadshoppe on Instagram.
Clue #7 answer: Ratio Coffee, 3101 29th St #4
Clue #8 answer: Cambium Cider Co., 4667 East Vernon Road
Clue #9 answer: La Carraia Vernon (3000, 29th Ave.) offers 60 flavours of gelato that change with the seasons! Try the Fig and Cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.
Clue #10 answer: The Edge Restaurant at Rise Resort is part of the Fly and Play program, which lets guests ride by helicopter for stunning views before golfing and dining. Once you’ve landed, try their completely locally sourced Okanagan Charcuterie Board with a Springing Mule (Okanagan Spirits Whiskey, fresh lime, apple juice, apricot syrup and Fentimans ginger beer)
