Activate Your Autumn

Davison Orchards Country Village has classic fall fun for the whole family. Hop aboard the Johnny Popper Train for a U-Pick Apple Tour or Harvest Pumpkin Tour, designed specifically for those with little ones. Check out the new barn and baby goat, or pose for a free harvest family photo. For those who prefer to leave the picking to the experts, take home a bag of fruits and vegetables, including five varieties of apples, or stop by the Apple Crate Bakery for freshly pressed apple juice and seasonal treats from Nana Davison.

Check the Davison Orchards website for tour times and dates.

Photo credit: Don Weixl

Dine around downtown and taste creations from some of the Okanagan's best chefs.

Photo credit: Camillia Courts Photography

O'Keefe Ranch is a slice of Okanagan history. Founded in 1867, it was a small, self-contained community, and many of the original buildings still stand today, waiting for you to explore.

And for the more adventurous, you're invited to explore the Ranch's corn mazes. During daylight hours, "Family Daze" is guaranteed to entertain all ages with twists and turns and spooky scenes around every corner. After 6 pm, the unassuming corn stalks turn into a "Field of Screams." Two haunted mazes will evoke all your Halloween nightmares. (Not suitable for young children.)

Photo credit: Don Weixl

Vernon's artistic community is front and centre in the downtown area, with 28 public murals depicting local history and culture. You can join a guided walking tour of the murals with the Downtown Vernon Association, or get the walking map and art description to enjoy it at your own pace.

Take a virtual tour at the Vernon Museum. There are two for you to enjoy: Pandemic and Vernon Serves.

Photo credit: Steve Austin

Okanagan wine has become famous world-wide, and we're proud of the wineries just to the south and north of Vernon. These wineries highlight the winemakers' skills, our terroir, and the very flavour of our home as they take their grapes from vine to glass. Eight wineries make up the Scenic Sip tour and are all located just a 20-minute drive from Vernon! You can explore on your own, or take a guided tour.

Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery is Western Canada's oldest craft distillery, and home to North America's tallest copper pot still, towering over a 1930's style production facility. It uses 100% locally grown fruits and grains to make internationally awarded spirits ranging from BC's first Single Malt Whisky to Gins, Vodkas, Liqueurs, Fruit Brandies and even Aquavit and Absinthe. You can visit the Barrel Room distillery lounge and patio to taste handcrafted cocktails and learn some new recipes, or book a private tour of the facility.

Vernon boasts one of the oldest Farmers' Markets in the Okanagan. It's the perfect way to purchase the best or our local fresh fare in one place, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, dairy and meat products, freshly-baked goodies, and handmade arts and crafts. It operates Mondays and Thursdays, rain or shine, at 3445 43rd Ave.

Photo credit: Don Weixl

Enjoy the crisp, fall air on the dozens of trails in the Vernon area. Beginner, intermediate or expert, here's a summary of Vernon's top 10 trails, with options for all levels of hikers and bikers. And don't forget your camera because many trails offer stunning views of mountains, waterfalls and Kalamalka and Swan Lakes, as well as a chance to spy the area's abundant birds and wildlife.

Photo credit: Robb Thompson