History Vacations

History buffs love the Vernon area. Our history is deep, complex, exciting and set against a breathtaking backdrop of mountains, foothills, valleys, lakes and streams. Discover the pioneer spirit that made Vernon great as you step back in time and explore our past.

The Interior Salish thrived here until the early 1800s. First came the fur traders, then the miners, the Oblate missionaries, and finally the Hudson Bay Company.

Our History in Murals

Much of our history can be seen on nearly 30 murals you'll find gracing our downtown buildings. Stand in awe as these larger than life paintings depict our history, culture, folklore and scenery. You can almost feel the past rushing at you stand before them. Take a self-guided tour or sign up for a guided tour in the summer. This mural project took place over several years and was a collaborative effort that included youth employment, revitalization, and heritage conservation strategies.

Mackie Lake House

When you step inside Mackie Lake House, sights and smells whisk you back in time in this skilfully crafted 1910 home on the shores of Kalamalka Lake. As you tour the home you'll learn about the architecture, the history of the home and about the families who lived here. Step outside and imagine turn of the century badminton players on the lawn while the ladies take their tea on the enclosed porch.

There are several events put on each year by Historic Mackie Lake House and you can even rent the main floor and the grounds for a one of a kind Okanagan experience.

Mackie Lake House is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for tours by appointment. Please call 250-545-1019 to book. Tours are $10 per person.

Historical O'Keefe Ranch

Take a tour of the historical O'Keefe Ranch and feel what it was like in the late 1800s. O'Keefe put a post office on his land and was named the postmaster for the area. This prompted the BC Express Stage Lines to run a weekly stagecoach to the ranch. Your guided tours will give you much more information.

Take a ghost tour and learn about the ghosts of O'Keefe Ranch; the most often noticed is the ghost who keeps unlocking the nursery in the mansion. Check out the series of shows at the Greenhow Museum, local artisans, blacksmithing classes, farm animals and model railway exhibit. And don't forget high tea in the rose garden (reservations required).

The ranch opens in May and closes at the end of September. For hours and tours, check out their website.

Walking Ghost Tour

You can only take this tour in October; however, it is well worth it. Mr. Gabriel David Sumegi Newman II has been telling ghost stories in Vernon for close to a decade. His dramatic storytelling, knowledge of the area, and his own personal flair make this a must take tour. Walking is safe and moderate in intensity with lots of stops for stories. It's a great activity for children and adults, even if you don't believe in ghosts.

Unfortunately the Vernon tours have been cancelled for 2021.  Check back next year for some spooky news on when and where the tours will be held.

Caetani Heritage House Tours

Explore the secrets and rumours of this 125 year old heritage house with an intriguing and disturbing history. Learn about the  distinguished aristocrat and scholar from an ancient royal Italian family dating back a thousand years. You'll hear about the beautiful young mother and the creative young daughter held a prisoner in her own home for over 25 years. Rumour has it the house is haunted. You be the judge. Join in on a tour and bring your tablets and phones for an immersive digital experience.

Visit their website to purchase tickets and book your tour.

Adult: $10.00 per person. Member admission is included for the first year. Visit often and bring your friends and family. Tours start July 2nd and are every Thursday at 2pm, 6pm, Friday at 2pm, 6pm, and Saturday at 2pm, 6pm.
Tours last an hour with an additional hour to look around.

Hike Through History

The Grey Canal trail is a hiking, biking and horseback riding wilderness trail that follows the old Grey Canal irrigation system alignment around Vernon. The Grey Canal, completed in 1914 at a cost of $423,000, was the longest irrigation canal in BC. It played an important role in the sub-division of ranchlands and the promotion of fruit farming. At one time, the Grey Canal supplied water to the largest irrigation district in BC, providing more water than supplied to the City of Vancouver in 1938.

Museum and Archives

The Greater Vernon Museum and Archives (GVMA) has the entire history of the North Okanagan portrayed through dioramas, exhibits and street-scapes. Be sure to take in the aboriginal history, the Allan Brooks Gallery, and the military displays. There's also an archives and research facility on site.

For more information on where you can go to find out even more about the history of Vernon, go to the City of Vernon website or email Tourism Vernon.