5 Reasons to Visit Vernon This Winter

Guarantee an unforgettable visit to Vernon with one of these memorable winter happenings

By Michelle Hopkins / October 25, 2017

Guarantee an unforgettable visit to Vernon with one of these memorable winter happenings

The festive season is fast approaching and Vernon in wintertime is a true fairy-tale wonderland. Snow-covered trees line the streets and the city glows with Christmas lights; families take part in fun activities, including everything from horse-drawn sleigh rides and the annual Hot Air Balloon Fiesta to dogsledding, Nordic skiing and much more.

With a combination of crisp air, blue skies and pristine snow, Vernon is known as a magical winter destination, says Ange Chew, tourism manager at Tourism Vernon. Add in fun things to do like the Winter Carnival, a vibrant dining and shopping scene and Vernon truly offers everything travellers are looking for in a holiday.

Here are five great reasons to stop by this season…

1. Ski the slopes at SilverStar

Tucked in the Okanagan mountains, the award-winning SilverStar Mountain Resort is a colourful little jewel of a village and one of the world’s best Nordic ski destinations, with more than 100 kilometres of groomed trails. Whether you are into downhill skiing or snowboarding, SilverStar features some of the finest champagne powder any winter-sport enthusiast could hope for. The resort also features XC Supercamp, Canada’s most established cross-country ski camp co-hosted by Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre. Don’t ski? No problem. SilverStar features snowshoeing, tobogganing, snow tubing and fat biking. And, best of all, this mountain resort is a mere 30 minutes away from Vernon.

2. Adventure through the outdoors

Get adventurous and go on an overnight ice-fishing trip. On this two-day, one-night excursion offered by Big Bear Tours, you will hike through a mountainous winter landscape with a team of sled dogs. Or adventure out on snowshoes for a winter walk in nature. Under expansive blue skies, take in true Canadiana experiences while enjoying snow-covered, pastoral rolling grasslands flanked by forested hills beyond.

3. Refresh at the Sparkling Hill Resort

For complete relaxation, pampering and wellness, you can’t beat the world-class Sparkling Hill Resort. Sitting atop the ridge like a jewel, this multiple award-winning resort is home to KurSpa, an Austrian-based wellness centre, which offers a holistic approaches and cryotherapy as well as more than 100 pioneering healing treatments. There’s more! This Swarovski crystal-encrusted resort also offers beautifully-appointed rooms, fine dining and hiking trails.

4. Celebrate at the Vernon Winter Carnival

Vernon’s first Winter Carnival dates back to February 1893. Since then, this family favourite has grown in both size and popularity with this year’s theme being “Carnival in Wonderland.” Kids and toddlers are sure to help adults capture that mystical winter magic and warm hearts with a number of fun activities, including the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, a snow-sculpting competition and several cultural events.

5. Enjoy the Caravan Farm Theatre’s Christmas show

One of the most unique happenings in B.C. each winter is the Caravan Farm Theatre Christmas show. Hop aboard a horse-drawn sleigh and enjoy theatre in the snowy wilds at the always magical Caravan Farm. This year’s exciting production is The Gift of the Magi. Incorporating music, physical comedy, horses, trucks, dogs and kids, the troupe will take you on a journey you won’t soon forget.