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Discover Vernon, BC: An Idyllic Family Destination For Summer Adventures

Explore this picturesque destination for a family vacation full of outdoor activities, phenomenal food, and memory-making moments.

Heading north along Highway 97, our family of four took in the breathtaking aqua hues glittering off Kalamalka Lake as we drove into Vernon, BC, for a weekend of reconnection and adventure. On our left we passed hills of lush, green vineyards, and on the right the gorgeous waterfront views so common to the area. The gentle curving road almost made me feel like gliding along the water—it’s the Okanagan equivalent of driving to Tofino.

Ready for a three day vacation, I chose Vernon because of its blend of picturesque landscapes, warm community, and a plethora of activities all within walking or short driving distances. It sounded like the perfect weekend getaway—and I was right. This editorial travelogue is based on my firsthand experiences with my husband and our two teenage boys while we explored all that makes Vernon a top contender for every family’s travel list this summer. 

 

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

The journey into Vernon is worth the trip itself thanks to Kalamalka’s vibrant hues. Known locally as the lake of many colours, the waters shift from turquoise to cobalt and all the way to teal, depending on how the light hits. The rolling mountain backdrop added the final touch to an idyllic welcome as we arrived. 

colorful sky hues over city building

spacious guest room with tv on stand, wide window, couches, chairs and centre table on a florr rug

living room opening into kitchen area with countertops, shelves, oven and a fridge

three white breakfast glass plates with avocado toast, eggs, potato cubes and a cup of tea

We chose to stay at the Best Western Premier Hotel, Vernon’s newest addition, because it offers modern and spacious guest rooms, excellent amenities including their terrace restaurant, and incredibly friendly staff. It turned out to be the perfect spot for our home base as we set out for exploration. 

chorizo breakfast wraps with a plate of veggie chicken soup

After we unpacked, we drove downtown to The Fig Bistro, where the cozy atmosphere was complemented by warm winds and an unexpected summer rainshower. Known for its exceptional sandwiches and soups like their Chorizo Breakfast Wrap, The Fig impressed us all with its fresh, veggie-packed dishes and extensive drinks menu. The Chocolate Dipped Cappuccino Shortbread Cookie is a definite must-try, perfect for a takeaway treat as we hit the road for more fun.

a car park full of parked cars beside a farmer's market building

a garden with a sign in between that reads 'Davidson Orchards..Your local farmers'

For our next stop we visited Davison Orchards, a serene escape ideal for all ages located on the western edge of the city. While many activities cater to younger children, the peaceful ambiance and adorable animals, especially the goats, captivated even my stoic teenage boys. A great stop for sunshine, fresh air, stunning views of Vernon, and farm-fresh products, Davison Orchards should be high on your list of must-do’s. And don’t leave without trying their renowned 100% pure apple juice! 

Teenage boys and a girl taking a picture with a barred goat

Just down the street, Planet Bee Honey Farm offered an educational and delicious stop full of buzz-worthy activities. We learned about the farm’s origins, sampled various honey flavours like the Orange Blossom and Okanagan Gold, and gained insights into the importance of bees on our ecosystems. The farm also has one of Canada’s largest honey selections—offering both local and international options—as well as plenty of up-close bee boxes. This stop provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of beekeeping, and a sweet pick-me-up.

a colorful infographic poster with the words "Honey Bees' and 'Drones' in hexagon shapes

a layered shelve with rows of children bee books and a few adult bee books

We concluded our first day with a meal at The Italian Kitchen Company back in downtown Vernon. The restaurant’s inviting family atmosphere, complete with large wooden tables and soft exposed brick, reminded everyone of warm, extended family dinners. The homemade comfort food, rich in flavour—not to mention big portions perfect for two growing boys—provided the perfect end to our first day in Vernon. It’s also a great spot to get a slice of Tiramisu. 

a girl walking past with a plate of food in a restaurant that has sets of glasses on the tables with chairs around

a wooden table with a glass of wine, slices of bread, a sauce and a pan of tiramisu

a pasta meal in a white plate with a spoon

 

Day 2: Downtown Discoveries and Lake Adventures

The second day was dedicated to exploring downtown Vernon and its many unique shops. We decided to curate our own picnic lunch with freshly baked artisan baguettes from Hot Bread Shoppe, known for its clean ingredients and mouth watering desserts, and a super fresh charcuterie box from Wedge Cheesery, celebrated for its impressive cheese selection and beautiful presentation. Both businesses impressed me with their commitment to quality ingredients and a welcoming environment. 

a shoppe with mouth watering deserts on shelves and at the counter

a basket of bagged Baguettes with the price beside it on a small black chalk board

aerial view of a shop's counter covered with sugary desserts of various kinds

sugary cinnamon rolls on a tray

black board with menu and price list on it

a variety of cheese in a huge showcase

variety of cheese in a showcase with menu board in view

a super fresh charcuterie box with cheese, grapes, tomatoes, strawberries, ham and other veggies

Ready to get into that turquoise water, we then headed south to Kalavida Surf Shop on Kalamalka Lake, renting paddle boards and kayaks for a morning on the water. Our aquatics got cut short when dark clouds rolled in, but it added a touch of adventure to the day. On the beach, we set up our delightful picnic and enjoyed lunch surrounded by stunning views of the Okanagan Highlands and the Monashee Mountain Range.

a surf shop with the words 'Kalavida' written at the top of the shop face

2 boys and a man sitting on a paddle board easting from a charcuterie board

two colorful paddle boards on the beach in front of a huge lake

a super fresh charcuterie box with cheese, grapes, tomatoes, strawberries, ham and other veggies with breads and drinks beside

a woman and man paddling on different paddle boards on the lake

someone holding cinnamon rolls while in a paddle boat on a lake

the edge of a paddle board in an aerial view of a lake

Dinner later that evening at the Phoenix Steakhouse and Bar exceeded expectations with its impressive building, elegant decor, gentle ambiance, and meticulously curated menu.

a huge building by the road side with cars parked beside it

'Phoenix Stakehouse + Bar' sign outside of a building

menu and price list on a wooden table

Previously an old bank, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes as well as typical 10’ pizzas for the more picky-eaters. However, we were delighted by a surprise dish brought out by our server—the maple-glazed bacon appetizer—and savoured every bite. I thoroughly appreciated the restaurant’s dedication to culinary excellence and exceptional service, and highly recommend a stop.

a plate of fried fish, cucumber slices and a sauce

Cooked Steak slices on a plate with glasses of water beside it

a savoury pizza on a newspaper page

a plate of steak burger with potato slices beside it

a plate of toasted bread and sauce with potato slices and a ketchup

a wooden themed room with a wooden table having plate and glasses spread apart on it

a brick themed room with a long table having chairs around it and plates and glasses on it with hanging lights above

 

Day 3: Final Adventures

We checked out of our hotel and began our final day with a hearty breakfast at Eatology, a popular spot known for its fresh, home-style meals and 90% in-house made products.

a restaurant counter with a lady behind it and chalkboard menus hanging on the walls behind her

Man wearing a black shirt that reads 'chicken & waffles' and 'Eatology'

a plate of pancakes and icing balls on the side with a plate of sauce

a plate of waffles with icing in the middle and a sauce plate

bread slices spread with avocado and veggies beside bread slices

Despite the long lines, the efficient service and welcoming atmosphere made the wait worthwhile, especially for their huge portions. The all-you-can-eat waffles came in handy to fill up a teenage belly, while the pulled-pork and slaw Benny was 100% approved by my husband. This might have even been his favourite stop of the entire trip.  

Before leaving Vernon, we decided to explore Ellison Provincial Park on the south-western edge of the city. This stunning area, perfect for hiking and biking, offered a beautiful blend of shaded trails as well as views of the Okanagan Lake. We enjoyed a few hours of hiking, marvelling at the hidden bike trails and serene surroundings, and ended our weekend away in perfect tranquillity before driving home. 

a tarred road with tall trees and small grasses on both sides

a huge lake beside the hills

a boy walking on a rock beside a huge lake with the skies in view

rocky area beside a huge lake

 

After our weekend getaway, I can confidently say Vernon is a hidden gem in the North Okanagan perfect for family vacations. With its combination of natural beauty, diverse outdoor activities, warm sunshine, and an outstanding culinary scene, Vernon promises an unforgettable experience for families of all ages. Whether you’re exploring downtown shops, paddling on Kalamalka Lake, or hiking in Ellison Provincial Park, Vernon offers something for everyone.

a discover vernon magazine with the words 'Vernon' and 'British Columbia, Canada'  as the header text and a picture of a woman standing with her dog on the sunny hills

 

CREATED BY BC LIVING AND TOURISM VERNON