What's On in October
Check out our monthly round up for what's going on and what the locals are up to in October. Experience the peak of fall at local farms and orchards, trail networks, and cozy restaurants. Enjoy spooky season in Vernon by visiting a haunted corn maze or join in a ghost tour.
It's Pumpkin Season
Davison Orchards' annual Family Pumpkin Fest runs October 5 to 31. Pick pumpkins, shop seasonal treats, or find all 10 painted pumpkins hidden on the farm for a chance to win a prize! There's so much do to at the village to enjoy the fall season.
Ghost Tours
Join your hosts Sir Harrison Robert Coe III and Lady Amelia Antonia Serafina Sirianni to learn about the macabre and paranormal history of Vernon. Now celebrating its 21st season, Ghost Tours of Vernon continues its spine-chilling tradition scaring and delighting tourists and residents alike with local lore on the hauntings and supernatural stories surrounding the community.
Tours are offered in three locations: downtown, at the Caetani Centre, and the O'Keefe Ranch.
Corn Maze - Day or Night
The amazing corn maze at O'Keefe Ranch is a top attraction for family fun in the daytime, and turns into the terrifying Field of Screams after dark.
The unique maze is only available in the month of October! Enjoy access to many of the historic buildings, take a tractor ride compliments of the Pioneer Power Club, venture through the kid’s haunted house, hunt for the hidden cows around the ranch, visit with the beloved farm animals, and enjoy lunch with the family at Rustler’s Table.
This year's event promises a night of unparalleled horror and excitement, with each of the four mazes offering a fully immersive experience enhanced by dedicated actors and intricate set designs. Don’t miss your chance to confront your fears and experience the ultimate fright fest of the season!
Get Inspired
Mushroom Tours
Whether you’re a modern day druid, an edible wild mushroom connoisseur, or just enjoy an autumn walk in the woods, come out for a day of wild-mushroom hunting in the Okanagan! We offer two types of tours to satisfy your fungi fascination. The half day tours will provide attendees with basic knowledge to get started in identifying mushrooms.
The experienced guides are happy to answer any questions you have about our beautiful wild mushrooms in British Columbia.
Art Galleries, Tours, and Exhibits
Vernon Community Arts Centre
In Queer Hands is a multi-media art exhibition by the Vernon Pride Society. This exhibition is meant to amplify queer voices and stories through artistic expression, as well as celebrate Queer History Month which is the month of October. All art is made by a 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying individual.
Vernon Public Art Gallery
The exhibition Rewilding: The Forest Will Forget Us, created by Lyndal Osborne and John Freeman, and Liz Ingram and Bernd Hildebrandt, is an exhibit about the resilience of nature as witnessed in land sited on a boreal forest lake in Alberta.
EXPOSED! This group exhibition of artwork produced by the Vernon Public Art Gallery’s members give the public a view of a variety of different media used to create works of art in various artistic genres ranging from abstract art to landscapes, still lives, and portraiture.
Village Green Mall
Art in the Mall - Enjoy the art of over 30 Okanagan artists setup through the Village Green Mall, brought to you by the Okanagan Artists of Canada.
Experience the Trails Capital
As October unfolds, the stunning landscapes of Vernon burst into a kaleidoscope of fall colors, inviting you to explore the great outdoors. This is the perfect time to enjoy the crisp air while soaking up the last rays of Okanagan sunshine.
Ellison Provincial Park, Predator Ridge, and Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park offer hundreds of kilometers of multi-purpose trails, perfect for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts. Whether you’re traversing the scenic paths above Kalamalka Lake or tackling the thrilling trails at Predator, each ride and hike reveals the breathtaking beauty of autumn in the Okanagan. Get out there and experience the vibrant fall foliage and stunning views—your next adventure awaits!
Featured Events
Sep
27
Field of Screams
6:30pm - 11:30pm O'Keefe Ranch
Oct
05
Harvest Market at Swan Lake Market & Garden
9:00am - 2:00pm Swan Lake Market & Garden
Oct
05
Kid's Haunted House
10:00am - 3:00pm Historic O'Keefe Ranch
Oct
26
Schubert Centre Fall Market
10:00am - 3:00pm Schubert Centre Society
Oct
31
-
Nov
01
"A Ghostly Affair"
3:00pm - 10:00am Sparkling Hill Resort
Stay in Vernon
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.
Tips before your Trip
Make sure to book your accommodation in advance. Check out our latest hotel deals to save on a place to rest while you explore Vernon.
There are a variety of places to stay ranging from budget-friendly motels to quaint bed & breakfasts.
If you are arriving here via Kelowna International Airport, book your shuttle to Vernon in advance. U-Ride and taxis are also available outside of the arrivals area.
To plan your day and stay up-to-date on current weather conditions in Vernon, visit our area webcams page before you head out.