10 Scenic Drives & Trail Stops: Vernon’s Best Dual Experiences
Welcome to Vernon, BC, where scenic routes and invigorating trail stops combine to create the ultimate dual experience for adventurers and nature lovers! Nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Vernon offers a multitude of picturesque routes that lead to breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems. Our curated list of Vernon’s 10 best scenic routes and trail stops promises to inspire your next outdoor excursion. Pack your gear, fuel up on snacks and get ready to embark on a journey through some of the most stunning vistas and trails Vernon has to offer.
1. Silver Star Road
Scenic Route: Take Silver Star Road all the way up to SilverStar Mountain Resort for stunning views of the Okanagan Valley as you ascend to the alpine village.
Trail Stop: Explore SilverStar Mountain Resort's extensive network of hiking and biking trails, perfect for all skill levels.
Point of Interest: Check out Bugaboos Bakery Café in the resort village for a delightful snack and coffee.
Directions from Vernon to Silver Star Mountain
https://maps.app.goo.gl/L1uX4JWCpjMjEdmW7
- Head east toward 35 Ave
- Turn right onto 35 Ave
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Pleasant Valley Rd
- Turn right onto Silver Star Rd
- Turn left onto Pinnacles Rd
2. Westside Road
Scenic Route: Drive along Westside Road for breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Trail Stop: Stop at Fintry Provincial Park to hike the waterfall trail and explore the historic Fintry Estate.
Point of Interest: Visit the Fintry Manor House for a glimpse into the region’s history.
Directions from Vernon to Fintry
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mAAoM4LqUhs7UWZj7
- Take 35 Ave to 32 St/Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 N
- Take Westside Rd to Fintry Delta Rd in Central Okanagan
- Turn left onto Fintry Delta Rd
3. Okanagan Landing Road
Scenic Route: Cruise along Okanagan Landing Road, which hugs the shoreline of Okanagan Lake.
Trail Stop: Visit Paddlewheel Park, which offers a beautiful lakeside trail and a beach area for relaxation.
Point of Interest: Check out the Stationhouse Museum (Paddlewheel Hall), a historical community center!
Directions from Vernon to Paddlewheel Park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3SNnyTcv4ZaS2udP9
- Head east toward 35 Ave
- Turn left onto 35 Ave
- Turn left onto 32 St/Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 S
- Turn right onto 25 Ave
- Continue onto Okanagan Landing Rd
- Destination will be on the right
4. Commonage Road
Scenic Route: Enjoy the rolling hills and sweeping vistas on Commonage Road.
Trail Stop: Hike the trails at Predator Ridge Resort, with options ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes.
Point of Interest: Visit RANGE Restaurant, Bar & Patio for a delicious meal with a view!
Directions from Vernon to Predator Ridge Resort
https://maps.app.goo.gl/F7fnoa2pcXqPVQy18
- Take 35 Ave to 32 St/Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 S
- Take Mission Rd and Commonage Rd to Predator Ridge Dr S
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Predator Ridge Dr S
5. Kalamalka Lake Lookout Road
Scenic Route: Drive up to Kalamalka Lake Lookout for panoramic views of the lake.
Trail Stop: Explore Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, with its numerous hiking trails and picturesque lake views.
Point of Interest: Stop by Kalamalka Beach to cool off with a treat from the Rail Trail Cafe and enjoy the pristine waters of the lake.
Directions from Vernon to Kalamalka Lake Lookout
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kn1inqAKA2aF1o2u7
- Head east toward 35 Ave
- Turn left onto 35 Ave
- Turn left onto 32 St/Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 S
- Continue to follow Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 S
- Turn left onto Kalamalka Lakeview Dr
- Destination will be on the left
6. L&A Road
Scenic Route: Drive along L&A Road for stunning views of Swan Lake and the surrounding landscape.
Trail Stop: Stop at Cools Pond Park, a tranquil spot with a multi-use pathway and a picturesque pond. Enjoy birdwatching and observing turtles from the viewing platform.
Point of Interest: Make a stop at Vernon’s newest and only winery, The Perch Winery, to enjoy some locally crafted wines while overlooking Swan Lake.
Directions from Vernon to Cools Pond Park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TQdvCtte7BYVYLwi9
- Head east toward 35 Ave
- Turn right onto 35 Ave
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Pleasant Valley Rd
- Turn right onto Silver Star Rd
- Turn left onto L & a Rd
- Turn left onto Rimer Rd
- Destination will be on the left
7. Bella Vista Road
Scenic Route: Bella Vista Road offers stunning views of orchards, vineyards, and Okanagan Lake.
Trail Stop: Stop at Kin Beach for a relaxing walk along the sandy beach, a swim in the lake, or a picnic in the designated areas.
Point of Interest: Visit Davison Orchards to walk through the orchards, enjoy fresh produce, and let the kids play in the farm-themed playground.
Directions from Vernon to Davison Orchards
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KTWaEtappiS26Svr7
- Head east toward 35 Ave
- Turn left onto 35 Ave
- Turn left onto 32 St/Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 S
- Turn right onto 25 Ave
- Turn right onto 41 St
- Turn left onto Bella Vista Rd
- Turn right onto Davison Rd
- Destination will be on the left
8. Eastside Road
Scenic Route: Take Eastside Road along the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake for beautiful water and mountain views.
Trail Stop: Explore Ellison Provincial Park, known for its trails, rocky shores, and sandy beaches!
Point of Interest: On your way back from exploring Ellison Provincial Park stop in at 1516 Pub, Vernon’s waterfront restaurant on Okanagan Lake!
Directions from Vernon to Ellison Provincial Park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NbETx6VUZMt2DHCs7
- Take 35 Ave to 32 St/Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 S
- Take 25 Ave to Okanagan Landing Rd
- Follow Okanagan Landing Rd and Eastside Rd to Ellison Park Rd
9. Highway 97 to Kekuli Bay
Scenic Route: Drive south on Highway 97 towards Kekuli Bay for sweeping Kalamalka Lake views.
Trail Stop: Hike the trails at Kekuli Bay Provincial Park and enjoy a picnic by the lake.
Point of Interest: Before you leave, head on down to the Okanagan Rail Trail located on either side of the Kekuli Boat launch. Explore the trail on foot or cool off with a refreshing dip in the lake.
Directions from Vernon to Kekuli Bay
https://maps.app.goo.gl/L1uX4JWCpjMjEdmW7
- Head east toward 35 Ave
- Turn left onto 35 Ave
- Turn left onto 32 St/Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 S
- Continue to follow Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 S
- Sharp left onto Kalamalka Lakeview Dr
- Turn right onto High Ridge Rd
- Turn right
- Destination will be on the right
10. Old Kamloops Road
Scenic Route: Take Old Kamloops Road for rolling hills and panoramic views of the Okanagan Valley and surrounding farmlands.
Trail Stop: Visit the Swan Lake Nature Reserve, which offers peaceful walking trails and excellent bird-watching opportunities.
Point of Interest: If you want to continue your explorations, carry on down Old Kamloops Road and turn left onto BC-97 N and stop by Historic O'Keefe Ranch, where you can explore the heritage buildings, learn about local history, and enjoy various family-friendly activities.
Directions from Vernon to Swan Lake Nature Reserve
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KEzVUzk32yNpcHM8A
- Head east toward 35 Ave
- Turn left onto 35 Ave
- Turn right onto 32 St/Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 N
- Turn left onto 43rd Ave
- Turn right onto Old Kamloops Rd
- Turn right onto Swan Lake Regional Park Access Rd
As you explore the scenic route and trail stops of Vernon, BC, we hope you've found inspiration for your next adventure. Each route offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities, perfect for creating unforgettable memories. From the tranquil shores of Kalamalka Lake to the rolling hills, there's always something new to discover.
We invite you to take a different scenic route on your next outing and uncover the hidden gems that await. Whether it's a peaceful walk through nature, a challenging hike, or simply soaking in the stunning views, Vernon’s diverse landscapes promise a rewarding experience.
