Arts, Culture and Heritage

Take as little or as much time as you like to discover the arts and culture of Vernon in all its forms. Art galleries, live music and theatre make up the rich culture of Vernon while outdoor murals, heritage houses and the Syilx garden and Allan Brooks Nature Centre tell the heritage story. 

Arts, Culture & Historical Tours

Arts and Culture

Artists and artisans share their work with locals and visitors alike through the Caetani Centre, the Community Arts Centre, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery. 

• Caetani Centre offers heritage tours of the 120+ years old heritage house and grounds. The former home of Sveva Caetani, the house was divided into four self-contained apartments in the 1960’s that have remained as artist residency suites.

•  The Centre Gallery of the Vernon Community Arts Centre displays the art of members of the Arts Council of the North Okanagan. Come and view the works of emerging and established artists of all skill levels. 

• The Vernon Public Art Gallery is an important part of cultural tourism in the region, and is a centre for educational and cultural activities in the Okanagan. VPAG presents exhibitions featuring emerging, mid-career and established artists working in a variety of media, including paintings, sculpture, video and installation art. 

• Check out the latest exhibit at Gallery Vertigo in downtown Vernon.

• Over at Arte Funktional Gallery, on the westside of Okanagan Lake you'll find  architectural art where visitors can learn, explore and appreciate art in many forms.

• Visit Nadine's Fine Art Gallery & Frames for beautiful watercolour, oil and acrylic paintings, frames and classes. 

Tours, Museums, Gardens

Take a walking tour of Vernon's historic murals before strolling through the Greater Vernon Museums and Archives. 

• Learn about Vernon's interesting history while exploring the Grey Canal Trail. 

• Mural tours of downtown Vernon are a great way to see the city and its history. Take a free guided walking mural tour or download their mural map and do it at your own pace.

• Spend an afternoon out at Historic O'Keefe Ranch and immerse yourself in days gone by, you may even meet a ghost! Mosey along on your own and visit the Schubert house, the general store, the museum, and a miniature railway display.

• Mackie Lake House, built in 1910 above Kalamalka Lake, was considered one of the finest private homes in the Okanagan. At one time a boarding school, the house is incredibly preserved and today hosts historical tours, concerts, and afternoon teas.

• 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 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. 

Theatre

• Enjoy theatre under the stars with the Caravan Farm Theatre

• Take in a play at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.

For curious minds, visit the Okanagan Science Centre and the Allan Brooks Nature Centre to learn more about science, nature and animals.

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