Winter Vacations

There's so much to do here in the winter you may never want to leave! When the temperature falls, snow blankets the area surrounding Vernon.

If you plan your visit in early February, be sure and take part in all the festivities happening during Vernon Winter Carnival. Every February there's a different theme with fun events for all ages. The Balloon Glow, Snow Sculpture Symposium and parade through Downtown Vernon are some of the must-see events.

Head into the woods and explore Canada's largest daily groomed network of cross-country ski trails with 100 km (62 mi) of trails at Sovereign Lake and Silver Star

Try your hand at snowshoeing. It's easy and affordable and if you can walk, you can snowshoe. The trail system at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre is perfect for novices and experts. When snow levels are down to lower elevations, hikers can enjoy snowshoeing the trails at Predator Ridge, Kalamalka Lake and more. Need snowshoes? Not to worry - you can rent then at Valhalla Pure Outfitters or Stussi Sport.

Cyclists and mountain bikers no longer have to wait for spring to get on their bikes and ride. Silver Star now has fat biking! If you've never tried it, it's a bike made for riding in the snow. These bikes have fat tires and modified frames to make biking in the snow an adventure like no other.

Of course, there's always skiing! Downhill and cross-country skiing are two of the best ways to enjoy our winter wonderland. Whether you love riding down the slopes through deep powder, or trekking through the forest with your family and friends, we have acres and acres of tamed wilderness for you to enjoy. And if catskiing is more your style, Gostlin Keefer Lake Lodge just outside of Vernon offers a variety of all-inclusive packages exploring their 86,500 acres of expert mountain terrain in the Monashee Mountain Range.

Don't forget the apres! Downtown Vernon is full of eclectic coffee shops, quaint eateries and delicious local pubs and restaurants. Try a new one each day and you will not be disappointed.

Book your stay at one of the many great hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts and resorts. Check out the accommodations page for a full list to make sure you have a comfy place to rest during your vacation.

For more great things to see and do, check out our Events Calendar, or get in touch with Tourism Vernon.