Arts, Culture and Heritage

As you explore the Greater Vernon area, you'll find a abundance of arts and culture. It is woven into the very fabric of our people and our city.

Take as little or as much time as you like and discover the rich culture and diversity of Vernon. There are art galleries and live music, live theatre and outdoor murals. We have a wide variety of artists and artisans here who love to share their work with locals and visitors alike.

Discover the Caetani Cultural Centre or the Community Arts Centre. Take a stroll through galleries or take a walking tour of Vernon's historic murals. Visit Libraries, bookstores, museums and archives. Learn about Vernon's interesting history while exploring the Grey Canal Trail. It's all here waiting for you to explore.

Enjoy theatre under the stars with the Caravan Farm Theatre or take in a play at the Performing Arts Theatres.

Learn about how things work at the Vernon Science Centre and visit our Nature Centre to learn more about our world. Visit Nadine's Fine Art Gallery & Frames for beautiful watercolour, oil and acrylic paintings, frames and classes. Nearby Vernon Public Art Gallery is a terrific place to spend an afternoon viewing art and exhibitions.

There are several heritage buildings in Vernon, including Mackie Lake House where you can almost hear the whispers of those who once lived there. Spend an afternoon out at O'Keefe Ranch and immerse yourself in days gone by, you might even meet a ghost!

Over at Arte Funktional Gallery, you'll find a architectural art where visitors can learn, explore and appreciate art in many forms.

The K’nmalka? Senqalten (Kalamalka Indigenous Garden) overlooks beautiful Kalamalka Lake. The garden showcases traditional Syilx plants, medicine, foods, C’aptikwl, and ceremony through inclusive community tours and experiential learning. Leave the garden with knowledge of the Syilx people and their connection to the land, and learn about the uses of Indigenous plants in Syilx traditions.

The Canadian Wildlife Museum is located just minutes north of Vernon, featuring 4,000 square feet and hundreds of outstanding wildlife displays. There are over 350 mounted specimens including over 120 birds of prey and over 115 different species of Canadian wildlife as well as a large butterfly and moth collection. Nowhere in Canada will you find a more outstanding selection of Canadian birds and animals.

The Vernon Cadet Camp Museum opened in 2013 as a satellite museum for the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives (GVMA). The Museum was created in conjunction with the Cadet Training Centre and the GVMA to assist in the presentation and education of the Cadet Program in Canada.  In 2018 the museum became an independent organization, but is still working in partnership with the GVMA. Private tours are available as well as a number of limited addition products sold in their gift shop. The Archives have photos of the camp and area dating back to 1914. With over 15,000 documents and over 30,000 photos, they receive over 200 research inquires per year.

Experience Vernon's arts, culture and heritage in all its forms. You might be surprised by how much is here.