Our Hand-Picked Journeys: Discover Vernon Like Never Before
Vernon’s got natural wonders galore - but do you know it like a local? To bring out the best Vernon has to offer, we’re sharing our Hand-Picked Journeys: 6 thoughtfully curated multi-stop itineraries that make it easy to stop planning and start playing. To get you started right, we’re touring you through some of the best spots each journey has to offer!
Each Hand-Picked Journey includes a set of unique trip recommendations with a theme and a map - if you’re looking for the perfect wine-tasting weekend, an arts-filled getaway or the friendliest farm tours - we’ve organized them all for you.
Canvas & Culture Path
Looking for a weekend of arts and culture? This path is for you. This 10-stop journey takes you through the heart of Vernon’s creative scene. Stops include a wander through the latest exhibit at the Vernon Public Art Gallery; a visit to the K’nmalka? Senqalte (Kalamaka Indigenous Garden) to learn about traditional Syilx Okanagan people’s plants, medicines, foods and ceremonies; and a night at the Vernon Jazz Club (one of BC’s only venues for live jazz!)
- Don’t miss: The Caetani Centre, a unique historical attraction in BC hosted in the former home of visionary Okanagan artist Sveva Caetani. Learn about the royal Italian Caetani family history, view her stunning Recapitulation series, and get to know this vibrant, inclusive and diverse cultural centre
- Take time for tea: If you’re in the mood to time travel, Mackie Lake House is a historic house that offers delightful monthly teas of scones, sandwiches and cakes served on their collection of bone china.
Culinary Crossroads
This Hand-Picked Journey is for foodies and adventurous eaters. Get to know Vernon’s unique food scene, and find out how amazing local can taste. This journey includes 12 stops, so try it hungry - and check out these highlights! Start with breakfast at Eatology, a bright, quick-service diner that offers classics like eggs benny packed full of locally sourced ingredients, as well as delicious surprises like Shashuka. Or try The Fig Bistro, where you can experience the best of our laid-back local spirit while chowing down on local flavours (bring a friend or two to try their Big Figgin’ Sandwich!) Wrap up a warm day with dinner on the rooftop patio of Vernon’s historic CIBC building, courtesy of the Phoenix Steakhouse and Grill. With offerings like AAA Angus Reserve Beef, certified Ocean Wise fish and seafood, local fine wines and the best scotch, this is a stop to savour.
- Hidden gem: Gerni’s Farmhouse is a tour stop that offers an authentic Austrian menu, made bright with locally sourced meats and veggies! The restaurant is based in a 16th century Austrian farmhouse that was shipped to Vernon from Austria. Try the Jagerschnitzel while you gaze at the mountains from their patio and you’ll feel like you’re in the Sound of Music.
- You have to try: a custom charcuterie platter to go from the Wedge Cheesery. There’s no better picnic!
Farms & Flavours Trail
This part of the Okanagan is rich in farming history, and this tour explores the connection between the people who live here and love the land. On this journey, you’ll find Farm-to-Fork eateries like Friesen’s Countrytyme Gardens (there’s a reason they’ve been the region’s go-to farm for decades, and that reason is waffles) and Davison Orchards, which has been growing and serving fresh produce to Vernon locals since the 1930’s! This tour also features farm offerings with modern elegance - be sure to try The Edge Restaurant and Bar, located 1000 feet above Okanagan Lake at The Rise Resort.
- Local tip: for literally local flavour, make a morning of it at our farmers’ markets. Vernon Farmers’ Market features local food producers, flowers and food trucks. And Swan Lake Market and Gardens offers all kinds of plants, produce and gifts, all sourced form surrounding farms.
- Don’t miss: Peter’s U-Pick Orchard is predicting an outstanding year for cherry and peach crops! If you’re planning to come here before cherry season, Davison’s or Cambium has apple blossoms and orchard tours for you to enjoy, plus delicious drinks to savour post-stroll.
Hot Sips Stroll
For folks who love curling up with a good book and a steaming latte, this Hand-Picked Journey is a sweet tour of local cafés. Shake off a dreary day at Bean to Cup, the only specialty coffee bar in the Okanagan that roasts their own beans. Get an instant smile on anyone’s face with a visit to Kin & Pod, maker of ethical, gluten-free, chocolate treats, ice cream AND coffee (the trifecta of cheer!) And Two Donkeys Bakery is a family-run European-style bakery that’s a must for kaffee und kuchen, and the perfect place to power up before exploring Vernon’s forest trails.
- For the win: The Boarding House Cafe is the perfect stop for families on a rainy day – they offer hundreds of board games for everyone to enjoy, and tasty snacks.
- Taste test: Try a taro milk tea from Teaessential, and take home a bubble tea kit for later - it’s a fun way to wind down with your tweens after a day of touring the town!
Imagination Lane
Vernon is perfect for young families because there’s something for everyone (and parents will enjoy it too!). This tour is packed with smart activities for science-minded kids, like the Okanagan Science Centre and The Allan Brooks Nature Centre. For kids who love a mystery, try the Beyond Belief Escape Rooms for a thrilling afternoon. And there’s plenty of outdoor seasonal fun to enjoy - The Historic O’Keefe Ranch and Splashdown are safe bets for kids of all ages who love animals and waterslides.
- Local tip: Rock Garden Climbing Centre will save the day when you have kids who love to get moving - but it’s too rainy for that mountain bike ride. They offer 19 vertical feet and brand new walls with something for every level of climber (parents too!)
- Sweet snack: The honey sticks from Planet Bee Honey Farm are a big hit with kids - and because they’re portable, you can grab a few extra for office and school lunches. It’s a taste of Vernon summer sunshine in your lunchbox!
Pour & Explore Loop
This journey is a 6 stop tour of some of the best breweries and wineries in BC - lucky for us, they’re all here in Vernon! Some highlights to try: Cambium is a third-generation organic orchard producing some of the best natural ciders for you to enjoy, alongside delicious food from a wood-fired kitchen. The Perch Winery is a family-run 10 acre farm with 5.5 acres of vineyards and a cosy tasting room. Enjoy a glass on their patio as you watch hawks lazily circling in our stunning Okanagan blue sky. And you have to stop at Vernon’s first craft beer brewery - Silverstar Brewing Company’s brewmaster has a range of flavours available for you and your travel companions to cheers each other with.
- Easy win: Planet Bee and Okanagan Spirits both offer drop-in tastings - no bookings required.
- Make it a feast: BNA Brewing Co is new in town, and you’re about to find out why locals gave them a warm welcome. Their diverse selection of beers pair with original share plates like Truffle Fries with hot honey and Pork Steamed Buns.
Now that you’ve discovered Vernon’s best-kept secrets, come out and try a full journey for yourself! Which journey will you try first?
Make it a Long Weekend
Places to Stay
Whether your idea of a perfect night is tucking in to 1,000 thread count sheets, snuggling by a fire in a cozy lakeside retreat, or with your slumber punctuated by the sounds of wildlife as you sleep beneath a canopy of stars in your favourite tent, our accommodation choices are as varied as the beautiful terrain we call home.
