The secret is out - The Okanagan lifestyle is here to stay.
We’ve moved beyond the ‘trend’ label. Trends are temporary, momentary. What the Okanagan has to offer is so much more. From the city skyline of Kelowna to the vineyard-dotted communities of Penticton and Osoyoos to Vernon’s world-class lakes, the Okanagan has something for everyone. We’re an international tourist destination for a reason.
Are you planning a move here? Vernon may just have everything you need to create a fulfilling lifestyle for you and yours.
In a previous post, I detailed some popular Vernon neighbourhoods in more thorough detail. In this post, we will focus on what makes Vernon uniquely special from an outdoor perspective. I’ll break down why we love our little corner of the North Okanagan, detailing some key outdoor attractions along the way.
Lakes
You just can’t talk about what makes Vernon distinctive without mentioning the lakes. We have two commonly-visited lakes here, Okanagan and Kalamalka. Let’s begin with the former.
Okanagan Lake is comparatively large, its length running from the South Okanagan near Penticton to its furthest shores in Vernon, passing Kelowna along the way. It’s a popular boating destination due to its expansive shoreline and generally large width. It warms up nicely in the Summer.
Kalamalka (Kal) Lake is the real gem of the two. While much smaller, Kal is a ‘marl lake’ home to abundant calcium carbonate deposits that change colours with warming temperatures. During mid-summer, the lake turns to a remarkable shade of green. Kalamalka Provincial Park shares some of its border with this memorable attraction, making it an ideal place to stand-up paddleboard.
To get a better idea of Kalamalka Lake’s timeless beauty, check out this video.
I also recommend checking out the Okanagan Rail Trail! It traverses Kalamalka Lake, Wood Lake, and other small water bodies on its way to Downtown Kelowna. It’s a fantastic community initiative with Okanagan culture and heritage behind its mission!
Outdoor Exploration - Spring To Fall
Vernon is home to a thriving group of outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners and more!
Kalamalka Provincial Park (as mentioned above) is one
Another wicked place to explore in the warmer months is Ellison Provincial Park. Nestled on the northeastern shore of Okanagan Lake, it is the smaller protected park with 220 hectares of explorable forest. The trails are peppered with rocky areas, making them ideal for more challenging runs on foot or bike. You can connect with the Predator Ridge trails near the elevation’s highpoint, and the Ellison Provincial Park campground is on the lake below!
Fresh Air Fun On Whiteout Days
When the Fall’s crimson colour gives way to arctic air and snow showers, there’s no better place to be than high up in the mountains!
This section focuses on Silver Star Mountain, voted one of North America’s best ski resorts by multiple publications over the years. Located in the Monashee Mountains, Silver Star snow is abundant and 100% naturally-produced.
Some stats
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3,282 skiable acres
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760 metres of total vertical drop
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700cm of annual snowfall
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132 marked runs, the longest being 8km long
The ‘frontside’ is home to mellower terrain and multiple chairlifts, making it an ideal option for families and those who just want to cruise. Adrenaline-seekers routinely head to the ‘backside’ where you drop into stashes of advanced terrain.
As the day winds down, ski right into one of Silver Star’s 18 restaurants, cafes and bars in the village. It’s an authentic ski-in/ski-out experience accompanied by nine on-mountain hotels and lodges (and many more single-family residences!). No matter your appetite for thrills, Silver Star is sure to please.
Conclusion
We love our slice of British Columbia heaven. Vernon has so much to offer its residents that it’s no surprise our local real estate market is booming! People that move here don’t want to leave.
It’s important to note that I’ve only scratched the surface of Vernon’s outdoor exploration opportunities. Our unparalleled mix of lakes and mountains are limitless in their ability to provide a good time in the fresh air.
If you’re thinking of making Vernon your home, give me a call. As a longtime Vernon realtor®, I’ve dealt with my fair share of relocations. I’m always willing to share my advice with you in your quest for a truly spectacular place to live. It’s the Okanagan lifestyle, as we say, and it’s truly unbeatable!
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