Discover the Outdoors

Hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, swimming, boating, fishing and skiing are just a few of the ways to enjoy the great outdoors of Vernon and surrounding area.

Hiking & Biking Trails

Hiking and biking in the area is popular for visitors and locals alike. You'll get your fill of fresh air up at Silver Star Mountain. In the warmer months through to fall get your adrenaline rush on one of BC's best mountain bike parks or explore a range of hiking trails. Head up to the high country where waterfalls, lookouts, and abandoned cabins will fill you with delight as you discover the natural beauty of our area. Pick a trail that suits you: cool walks lined with birch trees, hikes up to spectacular views or dips down to marshlands and wildlife preserves. And the Okanagan Rail Trail beckons visitors year round to its level-grade pathway along Kalamalka Lake.

Check out our trails section for where to go and how to get there.

Food & Drink

Take a tour of downtown Vernon and sample local fare along the Vernon Tasting Trail, where Vernon's chefs have endeavored to create tantalizing tastes from the bounty of the Okanagan's ample fruits and vegetables. For more local flavour, stop in at a farmers' market for fresh from the farm produce. If you've worked up a thirst, explore Vernon's outdoors, stop at Marten Brew Pub for craft beer, or take a growler to go. Cambium Cider Co is also a popular spot, where you can sample local cider created on their third-generation Vernon apple farm, one of a handful of BC cideries that craft full juice ciders from carefully selected apple varieties. Planet Bee Honey Farm and Honeymoon Meadery created hand-crafted Meads, made with local Okanagan Honey, and Okanagan Spirits is perfect for an afternoon tasting of their award-winning fine fruit spirits in their Barrel Room Patio and Lounge.

Arts & Culture

Enjoying the outdoors here also includes live theatre, art and culture. Satisfy your inner thespian with theatre under the stars at the Caravan Farm Theatre just outside of Armstrong. This professional outdoor theatre company, based on an 80-acre farm, delights audiences of all ages. Touted as one of Canada's premiere professional outdoor theatre companies, you'll be watching the show in a field or in the pines, in the barn or the riding ring. You can also tour Vernon's historic murals with a guided or self-guided tour to learn more about the Okanagan Valley's history. Mackie Lake House offers outdoor entertainment including live music and you can tour their heritage house and grounds, while Caetani Centre's history and 125-year-old home and grounds are an interesting way to spend an afternoon. 

For more outdoors ideas check out our See and Do section. You can also do a search (it's in the upper right corner of this website), use our A-Z Listings or email Tourism Vernon. Start planning your trip to Vernon by browsing popular vacation packages or finding the perfect place to stay.