Vernon

The city of Vernon (population 55,000) lies between Okanagan, Kalamalka, and Swan Lakes, at the north end of the Okanagan Valley, 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Kelowna [1]. The city itself holds little of interest; the surrounding area boasts the main attractions.

Among the area highlights are many sandy public beaches; local provincial parks; Silver Star Mountain Resort [2], a year-round recreation paradise east of the city; and fishing in more than 100 lakes within an hour’s drive of the city.

Vernon Visitor Centre (701 Hwy. 97 S, 250/542-1415 or 800/665-0795, www.vernontourism.com [3], daily 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. in summer,, Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. the rest of the year) is in a spruced up heritage house at the south end of town. If you’re driving in from the north, make a stop at the seasonal Info Centre (6326 Hwy. 97 N).