Trip ideas
Harvest & Harmony: A 5-Day Cultural Getaway in Vernon
Visit in September and October to experience the blend of culture, community and the land. Don't miss the fall festivals, farm tours and spooky stories of what makes Vernon the best place to visit in the fall.
Day 1
Morning: Check out the Canvas & Culture Path to explore the local arts and culture scene. This experience trail includes various art galleries, historical tours, and cultural heritage spots around Vernon.
Afternoon: Continue your cultural exploration along the Canvas & Culture Path.
Evening: Sip on a seasonal inspired cocktail and savour a delectable dinner on the patio overlooking the sunset on Okanagan Lake at The Edge Restaurant and Bar.
Day 2
Morning: Browse the Greater Vernon trails map and start your day with a short hike. A few locals’ picks include the Coldstream Estates section or Bella Vista section of the Grey Canal Trail.
Afternoon: Celebrate the fall season at Davison Orchards with the harvest in full swing and u-pick apples. Make sure to enjoy a slice of their homemade apple pie at the Farmhouse Café.
Evening: Check out the Kick-off Weekend of Culture Days with Sundog Festival of Arts & Culture. Take in live music and vendors at Civic Memorial Park for a weekend of fun (and it’s all free to attend). The fun starts on Friday September 19 and continues Saturday September 20th with the headline artists.
Day 3
Morning: Indulge in a traditional Austrian brunch buffet to celebrate Oktoberfest. Check out the event schedule to raise a stein and say 'prost' from September 19 - 21 at Gerni's Farmhouse at Sparkling Hill Resort.
Afternoon: Explore the BX area with the 3rd Annual BX Farm Tours on Saturday and Sunday September 20-21 from 10am - 4pm. Visit Land to Table Network's website to see participating farms.
Evening: After a visit to the local farms in the area, end the tour with hand-crafted cider and dinner at Cambium Cider Co. Sit amongst the apple orchard or dine on the patio and enjoy their curated dishes supporting some of the farms that you visit earlier to taste the local flavours.
Day 4
Morning: Take a self-guided tour of some of the historic homes around Vernon like Caetani Centre or Mackie Lake House. Learn about the stories behind the aristocratic families that lived at these beautifully preserved properties.
Afternoon: Learn about local Syilx stories and traditional plants and medicines on a guided tour with Ancestral Heartbeat Tours.
Evening: Take a stroll downtown and enjoy some wood-fired pizza for dinner at Masiero Pizzeria Napoletana. Check the schedule for what is playing at the Towne Theatre or the Vernon Jazz Club for their live jazz shows.
Day 5
Morning: Visit the local Vernon Farmers' Market to purchase fresh produce and handmade goods from local vendors.
Afternoon: Get lost in the corn maze at Historic O'Keefe Ranch. Check out the heritage buildings and learn about the history of ranching in Vernon.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset walk around Rattlesnake Point at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and admire the sparkling turquoise waters. Finish off your Vernon visit with bowling, tasty food and a locally brewed beer at BNA Brewing.
Where to Stay
Prestige Vernon Hotel or Quality Inn & Suites are conveniently located off Highway 97 which gives easy access to all the activities and downtown.
Stay close to the fun at Sparkling Hill Resort to enjoy their Oktoberfest celebration.
