The city of Vernon is the oldest incorporated city in the Okanagan. History buffs will love visiting the dozens of designated heritage homes and buildings in our area.
One of our first heritage buildings dates back in the 1850s when gold was discovered in Mission Creek at the head of Okanagan Lake. Miners came from all over North America to find their fortune. One of the area's earlier settlers, Luc Girouard, built one of the first log cabins in the area just west of Swan Lake. That cabin has been moved a couple times since then, and today you will find it at its present location in Girouard Park.
That cabin in just one of many buildings in the Greater Vernon area that represent our history. All of our heritage buildings have a story behind them, including the: Berry Block, Vernon CPR Station, Mackie Lake House, and buildings at O'Keefe Ranch.
For more information on other heritage buildings and a bit of Vernon history, please check out our Heritage Register. You can also visit Historic Places in Canada's website.