10 Reasons You'll Want to Embrace Winter in Vernon
Winter in Vernon, where snow meets soul. Make the most of this beautiful season in the North Okanagan. Take in the snow kissed slopes, pamper yourself, tantalize your taste buds or enjoy some family fun. We can't wait to welcome you to our winter wonderland.
1. Book a Sleigh Ride
Horse Drawn Okanagan’s holiday sleigh rides are a favourite tradition for many locals. After a ride through a beautiful snow-covered farm, you can warm up beside a bon fire with a cookie and cup of hot cocoa. This annual sleigh ride event takes place over eight days – December 20 to 29 (excluding December 25).
Caravan Farm Theatre’s magical winter sleigh ride show is an experience you won’t want to miss. This year’s production features a new take on an old classic: A Christmas Carol – playing December 3 to January 5.
2. Spa & Stay at Sparkling Hill Resort
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season at Sparkling Hill Resort where you can disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself. Rest, relax and enjoy their rejuvenating spa and wellness services.
3. Snowshoeing at Predator Ridge Resort
The breathtaking trails at Predator Ridge Resort offer snowshoeing options for all fitness and skill levels. Grab a free trail map and rent a pair of snowshoes at the Commons Racquet Clubhouse. You can even bring your pooch as “Petador Ridge” welcomes dogs (on-leash) on their trails.
4. Visit SilverStar Mountain Resort
There are so many fun winter activities to do at SilverStar Mountain Resort (Vernon’s winter playground). You will want to check all of these off your must-do-list:
5. Explore Sovereign Lake Nordic Club
Sovereign Lake offers 50 kilometres of world-class groomed Nordic ski trails and 14 kilometres of majestic snowshoe trails of varying difficulty. There’s no need to bring your own equipment, they have rentals for the whole family.
6. Laidback Après
Après means fun, and in Vernon we do après well. After conquering one of the many winter activities in the Trails Capital of BC, check out these spots to re-fuel and share your stories of the day’s adventures:
7. Experience the Arts & Culture Scene
Vernon’s Arts and Culture scene is vibrant and growing. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a performance, take an art class, view an exhibit or expand your knowledge with a tour.
8. Indulge in Fine Dining
Discover small city charm, with big city fine dining. Enjoy world-class culinary experiences, celebrate winter and treat yourself to an evening out at one of our top restaurants:
9. Go Tobogganing at the Locals’ favourite spots
No Canadian winter vacation would be complete without tobogganing with your family. Toboggan like a local at one of our favourite hills:
10. Join in the fun at Vernon Winter Carnival
Join us in February for the largest annual winter carnival in Western Canada. The theme for the 2025 Vernon Winter Carnival is "Back to the 80s." There are typically over 100 fun events happening during this 10-day festival from February 7 to 16.
