Summertime is the perfect way to explore your area and try different activities. There are a ton of things to do in and around Vernon, B.C but here are 8 of my favourite summer activities.
1. Live Music Sessions
What better way to enjoy the outdoors than a live music session at BX Press Cidery from 7-8:30 pm. But be warned, it is super popular and reservations are needed. To enjoy the live music, you need to make a reservation from 6 pm onwards with a purchase of a meal and drink. They also have live music (and sometimes happy hour) on Monday and Thursdays from 2:30-4:00 pm, on a first-come, first-serve basis.
2. U-Pick Farms
Living in the Okanagan, fresh fruit and vegetables are abundant everywhere you go! Luckily there are many U-Pick Farms to choose from around Vernon. Ranging from blueberries to cherries to raspberries to tomatoes and garlic depending on what is being harvested.
3. Farmers' Market
Normally when I attend a Farmers' Market, there are a few stalls with limited options. The first time visiting Vernon's Farmers' Market, I was blown away by the selection, not just in food but also in other crafts and goodies for sale. Vernon's Farmers' Market happens every Monday and Thursday from 8 am-1 pm at Kal Tire Place. Check out their website for an updated list of vendors.
4. Okanagan Rail Trail
Okanagan Rail Trail is where the CN Rail Line used to run and was removed in 2013. Today, it provides a beautiful, scenic flat trail along Kalamalaka Lake, Woods Lake, and all the way to Kelowna (~50 km). You can either hike or bike, with biking allowing you to venture further along.
If you do not have a bike, no problem! Vernon has many bike rental options with Kalavida Surf Shop being only 15 seconds from the trailhead. They have 2 hr, 4 hr, or full-day rentals. A popular option is biking to Oyama and back (~36kms) which will take anywhere from 2-4 hours depending on how many stops you make.
5. Hiking
Living in the Okanagan also means unlimited hiking options ranging from easy to difficult. Kalamalka Provincial Park is just a stone's throw away with a variety of hiking distances, a waterfall, and a beach. Ribbons of Green Trail Society has a detailed map of all the hikes around the area or here are my Top 8 After-work hikes that are all under 2 hours.
6. Beaches
Beach days are life with all this hot weather we are having. There are many beaches located in and around Vernon with the main 3 being: Kal Beach, Kin Beach, and Juniper Bay/Jade Bay Beach located in Kalamalka Provincial Park. Other options outside of Vernon include Hulburt Park and Ellison Provincial Park.
Here are a couple of options within a 30-minute drive from Vernon.
7. Starlight Drive-in
This Drive-in is located just outside of Enderby, B.C. With only 3 Drive-ins left in British Columbia, it's a must to hit up this one if you're in the area. Check out Starlight Drive-in's website for upcoming movies and it is highly recommended to purchasing your ticket online.
8. Silverstar Mountain Resort-Gnome Roam
Silverstar Mountain Resort offers biking and hiking options along with a Gnome Roam. Regardless of your age, it's fun for everyone but can be a little bit of a challenge finding them all, they do hide quite well!