Summer Activity Guide

The Vernon summer lifestyle involves staying active, soaking up the Okanagan sun, and exploring the natural surroundings. With three lakes, dozens of attractions and plenty of things to do and see, our Summer Activity Guide is sure to inspire your next adventure in Vernon.

Hiking and Biking

With 33 trails in the Vernon area, there is a trail for every type of activity at any level or ability. Choose from city trails, multi-use trails, nature viewing trails and trails with amazing views.

Predator Ridge

The over 35 km of hiking trails at Predator Ridge Resort range from rolling hills, to lakes to forested areas, all with amazing scenery, yoga platforms and wildlife viewing opportunities. Mountain bikers can enjoy exploring 13 km of dedicated bike trails, or connect to Ellison Provincial Park for more adventure.

SilverStar Bike Park

Explore Canada's second-largest bike park at SilverStar Mountain Resort, offering more than 100 kilometers of trails for riders of all skill levels. Explore all the trails and discover a mystical gnome world at SilverStar Mountain Resort.

Okanagan Rail Trail

Take a walk or ride on this spectacular lakefront route, offering 50 km (31 mi) of level path, perfect for all ages and abilities.

_{Kalamalka Beach | Photo Credit: Nancy Shields}

Best Beaches

Bury your toes in the sand at some of Vernon's best beaches. There are beaches for people and beaches for dogs.

Okanagan Lake

You'll find Canada's only freshwater dive park at Otter Bay Beach in Ellison Provincial Park, or explore a local favourite Paddlewheel Park Beach with a playground and plenty of picnic space. Kin Park and Beach is another great spot to spend an afternoon with picnic shelters, a playground and beach volleyball courts.

Kalamalka Lake

Bring the whole family for fun in the sun at Kalamalka Beach with ice cream and paddleboard rentals right next door. If you're looking to unwind with a picnic and watch for local wildlife, visit the Kalamalka Provincial Park and explore Cosens Bay Beach and the Jade Bay & Juniper Bay Beaches.

See our Vernon Visitor Guide for more beach inspiration.

_{Okanagan Lake}

Water Sports

Kalamalka, Okanagan and Swan lakes each have their own special charm when it comes to water sports. Enjoy your day on the water in a powerboat, or paddle the day away on a paddleboard or in a canoe or kayak.

Powerboating

Feel the rush of the wind in your hair and feel your adrenaline pump as you waterski or wakeboard on local lakes. You can rent what you need from boats to skis, toys, and life jackets. Experience bouncing across the surface on an inner tube or try kneeboarding where you kneel on your heels as you're whisked across the lake.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Vernon is fast becoming one of the top SUP destinations in Canada. You'll find our lakes dotted with stand-up paddleboarders as our calm bays and easy equipment rental make getting out on the water a breeze. Bring your own, or rent from Kalavida Surf Shop across from Kalamalka Beach. Learn more about paddleboarding in Vernon.

Kayak and Canoe

Rent a kayak or canoe (or bring your own) and head out on one of our lakes, or take a canoe or kayak trip in the wilderness. There's nothing like the tranquil feeling of being in a kayak on the water soaking up all that Mother Nature has to offer.

Swan Lake is the perfect place to take your canoe and explore this natural reserve. Access to the lake is from the east side of the lake at the end of Meadowlark Road.

_{Predator Ridge Resort | Photo Credit: Jordan McGrath}

Golf

Vernon's climate offers a perfect golf destination for players of all skill levels with five distinct and unique golf courses. Enjoy dramatic views of the region's lakes, winding fairways through towering trees, challenging holes with water features and bunkers and overall excellent golf when you come to Vernon. Explore Vernon golf courses to inspire your next golf trip.

Nature Walks at Allan Brooks

Enjoy a family-friendly guided trail tour at Allan Brooks Nature Centre and learn about the grasslands and the plants and animals that inhabit the area. Tours are approximately 40 minutes long cost $5 per person, see a full schedule here.

Learn About Animals at the Canadian Wildlife Museum

Located just off Highway 97 is the Canadian Wildlife Museum. View and learn about over 115 mounted Canadian wildlife species. Don't forget to check out the gift shop for Vernon souvenirs. 

_{Ellison Provincial Park | Photo Credit: Steve MacNaull}

Hit the Lakes

There are plenty of spots for people to sun and play on the beaches, launch a boat, slip a kayak into the water, walk a shoreline, or appreciate the quiet water's edge to experience the local wildlife in Vernon. Plan your next lake adventure with these lake access points.

Visit the Parks & Playgrounds

Vernon is full of parks of all shapes and sizes, offering many different ways to relax and play. Enjoy a nice picnic and walk with the ducks at Polson Park or join in a game of beach volleyball at Sovereign Park. Adventure planning with your dog? See our dog-friendly parks.

Best Picnic Spots

Our many beautiful beaches and parks make for an abundance of great picnic spots, the only problem for visitors and locals alike is choosing which one!

Kin Park and Beach on Okanagan Lake offers areas to lay your blanket over grass or the beach along with picnic tables. If you're going to Paddlewheel Park, be sure to bring a basketball to enjoy their outdoor courts. Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park offers some beautiful views for a combined hike and picnic excursion. The Gardens at Polson Park also make for a nice and secluded picnic spot.

_{Davidson Orchards | Photo Credit: Jordan McGrath}

Best Patios

If you're looking for a great place to sit, relax, ponder or enjoy the view, Vernon has some epic spots to consider. Choose from patios with serene golf course or lake views and a wide arrange of menu options from Vernon's Top Patios.

Animals and History at O'Keefe Ranch

The whole family will enjoy their experience at the Historic O'Keefe Ranch. The ranch became a self-contained community, with a Post Office, blacksmith shop, grist mill, and even its own church and cemetery. Many of the original buildings still exist and you are welcome to explore them. O'Keefe Ranch holds several events throughout the year, check out their events and activities page for information.

Mural Tour

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 the mural map and do it at your own pace.

Feeling inspired for your next adventure? Be sure to also read our new Vernon Visitor Guide for full information on things to do and see in Vernon.