Let's Play 2025
Golf
Vernon Golf and Country Club
Having been around for more than a century, the VGCC is a championship, par 72 course with weeping willows and Lombardy poplars.Show up for golf and enjoy 'hole 19' at the 1913 restaurant, which offers delectable casual bites.
The Rise
Can you rise to the occasion on this championship course? Designed by PGA great Fred Couples, this immaculate course is 1,000 feet above Lake Okanagan and offers stunning views of the city.
Hillview
Vernon’s only executive golf course still provides plenty of challenges, all for a low price. Adults can golf for just $50, while juniors cost $34.
Predator Ridge
Not just one, but two 18-hole courses, each with rolling hills and difficult greens. Predator and The Ridge are both ranked in the top 100 for public courses in Canada.
Overlander Golf Course
Armstrong’s sole golf course aims to blend family fun with delicious food. While just nine holes, the delectable bites at the Overlander Restaurant will have you chomping (literally) to get back on the course.
Spallumcheen
Minutes outside of Vernon, this picturesque club features both an 18-hole and 9-hole course. The courses promise an experience for the seasoned veteran and the eager beginner.
Coldstream
Family run and environmentally friendly, this short nine-hole course offers cheap, $16 golf. Kids can also golf for free after noon with an adult on Friday and Saturday.
Film
The large, eight-screen Cineplex Galaxy Cinema has all the top Hollywood films, but if you want a more local flavour, try out these two :
Vernon Towne Theatre
Having been rooted in the community for close to 100 years, the Towne Theatre is the spot to check out indie and less-traditional movie options. Originally opened as a dance hall in 1929, it was converted to a movie theatre in 1938. It currently hosts film screenings, live music, festivals, burlesque and much more
Enderby Starlight Drive-In
Movies at North America's largest drive-in screen is the perfect nightcap to a hot summery day in the North Okanagan. Located in Enderby, a short 26-minute jaunt from Vernon, Starlight offers double features all summer long.
Get Around The City
E-Scooters
The Bird has nested in Vernon. The light blue scooters and electric bikes from the Bird company will be all around the city in 2025 for the first time. Discounted and free rides are also available for those in the community who are in need.
Just Beachin'
Vernon is surrounded by three lakes. That means plenty of beach real estate.
Kalamalka Lake to the south of Vernon boasts Kal Beach, one of the most popular summer spots to catch rays. Coldstream Station, recently opened in 2023 is mere steps away, as is the delicious Rail Trail Cafe and Market.
Kin Beach is the hot spot on Okanagan Lake. It features a playground, picnic shelter and plenty of beach. If you are looking for a spot to take your pet, Hurlburt Park is pet-friendly, located off of Eastside Road.
Ellison Provincial Park is perhaps the best-kept secret in Vernon. A small sheltered cove on Okanagan Lake surrounded by mountain views. What can be better than that?
Swan Lake is the smallest lake of the bunch, there are no public beaches available. However, a boat launch is located off Highway 97 near Meadowlark Road for those wanting to hit the water for fishing, paddleboarding or kayaking. The lake also boasts calm waves perfect for the wakeboarding or waterskiing fanatic.
Bottoms Up!
Silverstar Brewing
Located in the heart of downtown, SilverStar brewing offers craft beers, chef-inspired dishes, live performances and happy hour deals!
BNA Brewing
Having just opened its doors in mid-February, this on-site brewery has something for everyone, with food, an arcade and bowling alley. Located on Kalamalka Lake Road, BNA also includes an outdoor bocce court for guests. Find a vintage milk truck, moody lights and unique views in the fun, sprawling interior.
Okanagan Spring Brewery
Brewing since 1985, this large-scale brewery features its mouthwatering 1516 lager, available on tap at restuarants across the region.
Cambium Cider Co
Formerly the BX Press, this authentic cidery has drinks thoughtfully crafted from apples grown locally. You can also enjoy delicious food from their
wood-fired kitchen.
Farmstrong Cider
Up in the hills of Armstrong is Farmstrong, which offers premium, small-batch drinks and a tasty kitchen in a fun, barn exterior.
Honeymoon Meadery
Sip on sweet honey mead, which is sure to create quite the buzz. Tasting bar is open daily for no fee at Planet Bee!
Okanagan Spirits Distillery
Family-owned and operated, enjoy tours and tastings at this international renowned, award-winning distillery.
Tony’s Craft Cider
The family-run craft cidery located in Lavington features 50 acres of orchards. Sit on its cozy porch and pair the ciders with their seasonal menu for a fun picnic!
Food
Vernon is becoming quite the home to mouth-watering delights. Here are just a few markets that will attempt to satisfy your hungry stomach.
Vernon Farmers’ Market
Over 100 vendors set up outside of Kal Tire Place every Monday and Thursday in the mornings to sell handcrafted and locally grown foods and designs
Enderby Farmers’ Market
Every Friday from downtown Enderby on Cliff Avenue, explore organic produce, veggies and more from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Armstrong Farmers’ Market
Dubbed the longest continuously running market in B.C. (since 1972), Armstrong’s premier market takes place every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from the IPE Fairgrounds.
Polson Artisan Night Market
Hosted in Polson Park from 4-8 p.m. on Fridays, this one-of- a-kind market showcases local Okanagan artisans, flavours and experiences.
Nature
Swan Lake Nature Reserve
The perfect place for a relaxing stroll, you can meander through trails while also keeping an eye out for birds, such as marsh wrens and blackbirds. This nature centre also offers a three-story observation tower, where you can peek at the nearly all undeveloped reserve, done for conservation in partnership with Ducks Unlimited.
Allan Brooks Nature Centre
Perfect 360 degree views are just begging for your eyes at this nature centre south of Vernon. Stroll through the indoor exhibits, learn about local ecosystems from friendly, passionate staff and pack a lunch to enjoy the picnic area. You can also hop on the grassland trail with a guide or by yourself, to explore more of the site.
Okanagan Rail Trail
It’s been called the crown jewel of the Okanagan, and for good reason! The over 50 kilometres of immaculate, undriven pathway for bikers, hikers and runners alike was originally the pathway for the former CN Rail line. Nowadays, this trail stretches from Coldstream all the way into downtown Kelowna.
Historic O’Keefe Ranch
Founded in 1867, O’Keefe Ranch will take you back in time. Wander through the ranchland that consists of a general store, museum, miniature railway display and the famous Schubert House. The Rustlers Table restaurant is also on-site to help quell your stomach.
High octane fun
Okanagan Skydive
Ever wanted to jump off a plane 10,000 feet in the air? Look no further than Okanagan Skydive. The company offers tandem and complete solo certification dives hosted from the Vernon Regional Airport. Each jump offers incredible views of the Monashee Mountain range, the Okanagan floating bridge, Predator Ridge and all three major ski hills. No need for coffee after experiencing the 35 seconds of free-falling.
She was a skater boy
Hit the local outdoor skateparks throughout the region or weeknights from 5-8 p.m., the Vernon Curling Club will be transformed into a skater's paradise. A half pipe and other features will be on the grounds, with options for beginners to experts.
Climb
The Rock Garden Climbing Center is Vernon’s first and only indoor climbing facility, with over 2,000 feet of climbing space for all abilities.
Pickleball
Dubbed as one of the fastest-growing sports in he world, Vernon is the place to be for pickling! The Okanagan Wealth Advisors Pickleball Complex offers 12 covered courts, with drop-in and league options year-round. You can even take the next step by participating in a tournament, which Vernon hosts numerous times throughout the year.
Paraglide
Learn to paraglide right in the Okanagan with Paraglide Canada. Called the country s best training ground for paragliding, it is the longest running school and training site in the Okanagan, boasting an extended community of pilots throughout Canada and overseas.
Fighting
Unity MMA
Vernon’s premier mixed martials arts gym offers free classes for first-timers. The gym hosted its first Okanagan Fighitng Championship event last summer, and is gearing up for its second this June.
Big West Wrestling
The Kelowna-based production runs shows all throughout the year in Vernon, Falkland, Armstrong and Kelowna. Tailor-made for families, tickets are typically less than $15.
Vernon Boxing Club
For just $15, you can get one of the best sweats of your life on. This local gym offers general fitness training, along with sparring, mitts and coach training for those wanting to take the next step.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Two gyms, each with their own unique styles will help you with your BJJ training. Pacific Top Team and North Okanagan Shuswap BJJ both offer fun drop–in classes and more advanced training.
Chill Out
Sparkling Hill Resort
The perfect place for a peaceful retreat. The adult-only resort offers a variety of spa treatments coupled with stunning views overlooking Okanagan Valley. Be sure to book soon as summer-time stays sell out fast.
Vernon Aquatic Centre
The local swimming centre has two pools, an eight-laner for laps and a free-form leisure pool. Also included in a day pass is a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, waterslide, diving board and rope swing.
Spray Parks
Lumby boasts the best spray fun at Oval Park. Vernon also has a taste of water features at the old Peanut Pool, which has been revamped into a brand new space.
Splashdown Vernon
Set to open at the end of June, this waterpark boasts 10 slides, with three new ones that opened in 2023 meant to “terrify.” For those not wanting their adrenaline to go into overdrive, there are plenty of tamer options, including a river riot, kiddie slides and a hot tub.
Seniors
Vernon has something for everyone, including a host of activities and events for the elder community.
Halina Activity Centre
For people 50 and up, the Halina Centre offers social, educational and recreational programs. Conveniently located behind the Vernon Recreation Complex, this centre offers a billiards room, table tennis, twice-weekly bingo, floor curling and more. Year memberships are just $25.
Schubert Centre
This volunteer-run centre is the hub for senior activities in the North Okanagan. Daily events range from floor curling, line dancing, quilt making, scrabble, cribbage and chair yoga.
