Penticton is a great place to base yourself for a summer visit to the Okanagan. It’s a cute and walkable city that sits between two big lakes, making it a clear beach destination with sand, kayaking, ice cream, etc. But there’s lots more to Penticton too.

My favourite part of the visit was an easy e-bike ride up into wine country with great views. Our turn around point was an old railway tunnel, which was really cool. I was also surprised by how relaxed everything felt. No one was in a hurry to get somewhere – everyone was just chilling out at the beach, on the patio, or at a winery.

I also discovered that Penticton is a great place to base yourself for day trips to nearby towns like Naramata and Osoyoos, home of one of Canada’s desert environments.

In this post, I’ve got everything you need to know about visiting Penticton in summer. These tips work for spring and fall, too.

This post includes:

• A map of Penticton that includes all the places I mention in this post.
• Best things to do in Penticton in summer: beaches, wineries, biking, kayaking, day trips, and more.
• Where to eat in Penticton: My picks for the best restaurants and cafes
• Where to stay in Penticton: The places I stayed at and loved
• Summer in Penticton basics: How to get there? How long to spend? What’s the weather like? And lots more.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Thanks so much to Visit Penticton, Destination Osoyoos, and Discover Naramata for hosting some of my experiences on my trip. All opinions in this post are my own. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. – Taryn

Map of Penticton

To help you find your way around, I made this custom Google Map of Penticton for you. It includes every place I mention in this post.

The 10 Best Things to do in Penticton in Summer

There are dozens of things to do in Penticton during the summer months. Here are my top 10 picks of things I recommend.

Hit the Beach

Penticton is sandwiched between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, so it is definitely a beach town. Both lakes have sandy beaches. Since it’s a bigger lake, the water in Okanagan Lake can be a bit colder than Skaha Lake. But on a hot day, it’s wonderfully refreshing.

On the Okanagan Lake side of town, you can swim at Okanagan Beach along Lakeshore Drive. It has a roped-off swimming area, washrooms, and trees for shade. It’s within walking distance of downtown Penticton.

On the Skaha Lake side, there is a long stretch of sand at Skaha Lake Park. Like Okanagan Beach, it has a swimming area, washrooms, and shade trees. But it also has a playground and a water park, so it’s great for kids.

Stroll the Promenade

One of the first things I did when I arrived in Penticton was stroll along the Promenade on Okanagan Lake next to Lakeshore Drive. It stretches for several kilometres along the shores of Okanagan Lake from the S.S. Sicamous Museum in the west to the marina in the east.

The path is a great place to enjoy the views of the lake and the huge Penticton sign on Mount Munson. The people watching is also excellent. Be sure to stop for some ice cream at Lickity Splitz or Tickleberry’s inside the giant peach.

Continue past the pier and Penticton Lakeside Resort into Okanagan Lake Park to check out the cute Ikeda Japanese Garden. It is maintained by volunteers.

Don’t miss the yellow-bellied marmot colony in the rocks at Marina Way Park. They are so cute! These members of the groundhog family don’t typically live in cities, but these marmots didn’t get the memo. Please don’t feed them – human food is junk food for wildlife and can make them sick.

Visit Wineries and Breweries

Penticton is at the heart of the Okanagan’s wine country. There are wineries on the edge of town as well as on the Naramata Bench northeast of the city. I’m not a wine drinker, so I didn’t visit any wineries on my visit. However, friends have raved about wine tasting here.

Since the wineries are spread out along winding roads, booking a wine tasting tour can be an easy and safe way to do it. You’ll get time at several wineries and a guide to be your designated driver.

• This Naramata half day small group wine tour includes visits to four wineries. All tasting fees and a tip for your drive is included in the tour price so you don’t need to worry about getting your wallet out!
• Or book a private tour with a wine expert who will drive you in your own vehicle and help you create the perfect itineray for your group.

There is also a very strong craft brewery scene in Penticton. While the town has a population of about 37,000, it has seven craft breweries!

I only had time to visit two breweries on my trip: Cannery Brewing and Abandoned Rail Brewing.

Cannery Brewing has a huge taproom as well as a cool outdoor space called the Backyard. Be sure to try their seasonal beers. My friend loved their Darkling Oatmeal Stout.

Abandoned Rail Brewing is just outside of Penticton on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. They have some indoor seating but the best spots are in the shade of their little orchard.

Bike the Kettle Valley Rail Trail

By far the best thing I did on my trip to Penticton was biking the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. We rented e-bikes from Pedego Penticton, which made the bike ride very low effort – I didn’t really even sweat (which is a miracle for me!)

The Kettle Valley Railway once stretched for hundreds of kilometres across southern British Columbia from Hope to Midway in the West Kootenays. After the railway was abandoned, it became a recreational trail. The section in Penticton starts near downtown and traverses the hillside wineries along the Naramata Bench.

I biked as far as Little Tunnel, which is a cool old train tunnel you can bike through. It has spectacular views overlooking Okanagan Lake. It has picnic tables so you can enjoy a lunch break – we brought sandwiches and snacks from The Bench Market, which we passed on our ride out of Penticton. We also stopped for delicious apple slushies at Abandoned Rail Brewing on the way back. It’s right next to the trail.

The ride is gently uphill all the way to Little Tunnel, but with the assist from the e-bikes, it was relatively easy. We spent about 4 hours on the trail, which included time for lots of breaks for photos, lunch at Little Tunnel, and hanging out in the shady orchard at Abandoned Rail Brewing.

Shop the Farmers’ Market

I spent a fun hour wandering around downtown Penticton to check out the booths at the market. Every Saturday in the spring, summer, and fall, several blocks of Main Street turn into a huge outdoor market. Actually, it is two markets that set up next to each other:

The Penticton Farmer’s Market focuses on fruit, veggies, baking, preserves, and crafts. Everything at the market is made, grown, or baked by locals.

The Downtown Community Market features crafts, clothing, food trucks, jewellery, antiques, and tons more.

Go Kayaking

I was excited to explore Penticton from the water. We rented kayaks at Pier Water Sports next to the Penticton Lakeside Resort. The sit-on-top kayaks were perfect for splashing around on a hot day.

It was a bit windy when we went out (which is common in the afternoon), so we stuck close to the shoreline and paddled along the beach towards the S.S. Sicamous, then past the resort to the marina. It was cool to see the city from the lake. And it was nice to get some chill time on the water.

Hike Munson Mountain

As soon as I spotted the huge white letters spelling out “Penticton” on the side of a hill Hollywood Sign-style, I knew I wanted to go up there. We made the short drive out of town to Munson Mountain Park.

It’s an easy walk from the parking lot to a great viewpoint with benches. If you’re up for it, you can follow a trail uphill to an even higher vantage point directly above the Penticton sign. The view from the top is incredible. You can see the town of Penticton to the south and Okanagan Lake stretching away to the north.

While researching this article, I found out that Munson Mountain is actually one of Canada’s Historic Places – the sign dates back to 1937.

The path to the lower viewpoint is only 200 m. The full trail up to the top viewpoint and back is about 1 km and is fairly steep in places. Allow about 30 minutes.

Float the Channel

When I told friends I had been to Penticton, a few of them asked if I had floated the channel. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time for this famous Penticton experience… but I guess that just means I’ll need to go back!

A seven-kilometre-long natural lazy-river channel connects Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake. Locals and visitors have been floating the channel for decades. You can bring your own tube or rent one locally. Coyote Cruises offers a tube and bus combo that includes floatie rental and a ride back to the start.

Chill out in Naramata

The sleepy village of Naramata is just 20 minutes north of Penticton. The hills above the village are home to over a dozen wineries. I spent a relaxing day in Naramata, swimming at the quiet local beach, chilling out in the garden at The Village Motel, and wandering the quaint streets.

The sunset views in Naramata were incredible because it faces west across Okanagan Lake. (Penticton’s beaches face north (Okanagan Beach) or south (Skaha Beach), so the sunsets aren’t as good.)

We loved the pizza at Real Things and coffee in the morning from Just Baked.

Discover Naramata has put together some GPS-guided audio tours, which sound really cool. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to try them on my trip. Next time, I want to try their tour that includes the hike to Naramata Falls and the garden tour in Naramata Village.

Take a Day Trip to Osoyoos

The town of Osoyoos is just one hour south of Penticton, and it’s a gorgeous drive past several lakes and through orchards and vineyards. It’s home to a unique desert environment and makes a great day trip from Penticton. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can book a day tour to Osoyoos that hits the desert highlights.

If you’re just visiting Osoyoos for the day, there are a few key places I recommend visiting.

Osoyoos Desert Centre

The first is the Osoyoos Desert Centre. This conservation area has exhibits and a 1.5-kilometre-long walking trail that highlights the unique flora and fauna of the Okanagan Desert. I took one of their guided tours, and I definitely recommend it. I learned so much about how the plants and animals survive this harsh landscape. And speaking of a harsh landscape – bring a hat, water and sunscreen. It’s hot out there with no shade.

Spotted Lake

You also can’t miss Spotted Lake, known as kłlilx’^w to the Syilx people. It’s located on the side of Highway 3 just outside of Osoyoos. The lake evaporates in the summer, leaving behind concentrated minerals that look like spots. It’s a sacred place for the Syilx, so you can only see the lake from the roadside pullout. But that’s ok, because it has a great view.

Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre

Lastly, I recommend the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre. It’s a great Indigenous museum just outside of Osoyoos. They have a small indoor museum with exhibits about the culture and history of the Osoyoos Indian Band. But I enjoyed the self-guided outdoor exhibits the most. Several trails wind through the desert to a reconstructed village and other hands-on displays. The trails also have great views of Osoyoos. I spotted lots of wildflowers too.

Where to Eat in Penticton

Penticton and the surrounding area have tons of restaurant options. Here are a few that I recommend.

Wayne & Freda

Wayne & Freda is a cute coffee shop located inside a former auto repair shop in downtown Penticton. They have a huge sunny patio. This is a great place to start the day: their breakfast sandwich is amazing. I also loved their spring toast. It’s an avocado toast with pesto and lots of veggies. They also have sandwiches if you’re here at lunch.

The Bench Market

Stop at the Bench Market to pick up takeout lunch on your way to bike the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. The cafe is on Vancouver Street just outside of downtown Penticton. They have great sandwiches and a well-stocked deli. Or stay and eat on their cute patio. They serve breakfast all day, too.

Cannery Brewing

Cannery Brewing in downtown Penticton has a huge taproom and a fun outdoor seating area called the Backyard. They have lots of craft beer on tap (of course). It’s easy to try a few kinds by ordering a flight. For non-beer drinkers like me, they have wine, cider, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options like craft soda and kombucha.

If you’re hungry, they have classic snacks like charcuterie boards and pretzels alongside substantial sandwiches. We had the Santa Fe nachos – they were huge and delicious.

Abandoned Rail Brewing

Head to Abandoned Rail Brewing just outside of Penticton to eat and drink in the orchard. It’s right on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, and their huge bike rack was stuffed with dozens of bikes on my visit.

They serve craft beer, but we went for their famous apple slushies, which really hit the spot after a bike ride in the sun. While we were there, we saw lots of people ordering their wood-fired pizzas. I’ll have to go back to try them. The prosciutto blackberry brie pizza sounds incredible.

The Hooded Merganser

If you’re looking for something a bit upscale with an incredible view, eat at The Hooded Merganser. It’s right on the Okanagan Lake… actually it’s in the lake since the restaurant is built on pilings over the water in front of the Penticton Lakeside Resort. The menu features elevated classics like lamb chops, steak frites, and parmesan-crusted halibut. They also have great pasta – my mushroom cannelloni was such a delicious umami bomb.

Real Things Pizza

If you’re in Naramata, get pizza from Real Things Pizza. It’s take-out or delivery only (no eat-in), but that just means that you get to eat dinner next to the water at one of Naramata’s beaches. Or in the garden at The Village Motel, like we did. Their pizzas have lots of fun flavour combinations, many of which were developed by their staff of local teenagers. Or you can get a classic Hawaiian like I did. (Yes, I believe pineapple belongs on pizza – don’t yuck my yum.)

Just Baked

Also in Naramata, don’t miss Just Baked. It’s a tiny coffee shop and bakery in The Village Motel. They have great scones, but I couldn’t resist eating one of their decadent brownies for breakfast!

The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry

If you’re looking for something different, head to The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry. It is located at the Indigenous-owned Spirit Ridge Resort just outside of Osoyoos.

The upscale food is Indigenous inspired and guided by their four food chiefs: the bear, the fish (salmon), the root (bitterroot) and the berry (Saskatoon berry). I had an incredible salmon eggs Benedict made with bannock, and my friend enjoyed a bison burger. One of the best parts of the restaurant is the view of Osoyoos and the lake from the patio.

Where to Stay in Penticton

There are tons of hotels, motels, and resorts in Penticton. Here are two that I stayed at recommend.

Penticton Lakeside Resort

I spent two nights at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. We stayed in a suite in the new West Wing Tower. I couldn’t believe how huge the suite was! It had an enormous bedroom as well as a big living room and a patio. Floor-to-ceiling windows gave us views of the lake and a park.

The resort has several different room types, many with lake views. They also have a few restaurants on the property, including the Hooded Merganser.

We really enjoyed how central this hotel was. It was an easy walk to the beach, the farmer’s market, and tons of restaurants.

Check rates.

The Village Motel

I spent the final night of my trip at The Village Motel in Naramata. It’s a retro bungalow-style motel with rooms arranged around a central garden courtyard. The rooms are cute, but they are small. However, you won’t mind because you’ll want to spend all of your time in the garden.

When we arrived in the late afternoon, several of the other guests were lazing around the garden quietly reading books and drinking wine. It looked so relaxing that we joined them immediately! I loved listening to the birds in the trees. We even spotted an owl!

There is an adorable coffee shop, Just Baked, on the property. Or you can pick up pizza from Real Things just up the road – that’s what we did for dinner. The rooms have kitchenettes, too, if you want to cook.

Check rates.

Penticton Basics

In this section, I’ve got practicalities for a summer visit to Penticton. It includes getting there, getting around, weather, what to pack, and more.

How to Get to Penticton

Penticton sits along Highway 97 in BC’s Okanagan region. Like most people, I visited Penticton by car. It’s an easy drive from major centres like Vancouver (4.5 hours), Calgary (8 hours), and Kelowna (1 hour). I like to use DiscoverCars to book car rentals since the site lets you compare prices across different rental companies.

You can also fly directly to Penticton from Vancouver via Pacific Coastal Airlines and from Calgary and Edmonton via Westjet. There are even more routes into Kelowna, which is only one hour away. On my trip, my friend flew into Kelowna and I picked her up. She said it was a short and easy flight.

You can also get to Penticton via public transportation. The Ebus goes from from Vancouver to Kelowna. From there, transfer to route 70 on the Okanagan Similkameen Transit System.

Getting Around Penticton

One of Penticton’s tourism slogans is that they are “fuel free… almost”. You can get around to most places in town by walking, biking, or paddling. For most of my trip, my car stayed in my hotel’s parking garage!

While you can drive to some of the day trip destinations in this guide, like Osoyoos or Naramata, you can also take the bus instead. (BC Transit Route 40 goes from Penticton to Osoyoos and Route 10 goes to Naramata.) If you want to go wine tasting, booking a small-group or private wine tour is your best bet since you won’t have to worry about drinking and driving.

How Long to Spend in Penticton in Summer

I spent a long weekend in Penticton, and I think that’s the perfect amount of time for a visit. In three or four days, you can see the highlights without being too rushed. However, I do wish I had been able to stay longer and just chill out. A week would have been ideal.

Summer Weather in Penticton

Penticton has similar weather to other destinations in the south Okanagan.

Summers are hot and dry. The average temperature from June to September is 14°C to 30°C (56 to 87F°); however, some days can be much hotter. It also rarely rains during the summer, about twice a month. Once the sun goes down, it cools off a lot.

What to Pack for Penticton in Summer

Penticton is pretty laid back, so you don’t need to pack anything too fancy. If you plan to visit some of the nicer restaurants or wineries, pack a cute summer dress or a pair of khakis and a button-down shirt. But otherwise, casual wear is fine.

The summer sun here is no joke. Bring sunscreen and a sun hat. You should also pack a water bottle since it is easy to get dehydrated in the heat. I use a Hydro Flask bottle because it is insulated, so it keeps my water cold.

This is a lake town, so bring all your beach stuff: swimsuit, sandals, sun hat, etc. Most hotels and resorts provide beach towels.

If you plan to bike or hike, bring a small backpack, hiking shoes, and quick-dry clothing. I like to wear a long-sleeved sun hoodie since it means I don’t have to constantly reapply sunscreen. I’ve got a list of my favourite sun hoodies, but my top pick is the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake.

Indigenous Context in Penticton

The southern Okanagan, including Penticton, Naramata, and Osoyoos, is the traditional territory of the Syilx Okangan Nation (pronounced “see-yil-th”) who speak nsyilxcən. The Nation comprises seven member communities, including the Penticton Indian Band and Osoyoos Indian Band.

The name Penticton comes from the nsyilxcən word snpintktn, which is often translated as “a place to stay forever”. However, a more accurate translation is “a place where people have always been all year long” since this area is rich in hunting, fishing, and gathering in all seasons.

Today, the Syilx still live in the southern Okanagan and continue to practice their traditions and culture. It is important to be respectful of Indigenous lands, culture, and traditions when you visit. If you want to learn more about the Syilx, visit the Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos, run by the Osoyoos Indian Band.

Final Thoughts

I was surprised by how much I liked Penticton. I think it was the laid-back atmosphere. I’d love to go back and spend more time there. On my next trip, I’ll probably do more biking, and I’d like to float the channel. But other than that, I’m looking forward to just soaking up more of the summer vibes.

Do you have questions about visiting Penticton in the summer? Ask away in the comments, and I’ll help you out.

READ NEXT:

• 30+ Things to Do in Vernon, BC
• 22 Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• Tips for Hiking in Hot Weather
• Best Sun Hoodies for Hiking

The post 10 Things to Do in Penticton in Summer appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve been backpacking in British Columbia for almost 20 years and have done dozens of trips, most of them without reservations. I know that sometimes it’s just not possible to plan ahead – you want to wait for good weather, plans change, or you didn’t get that coveted reservation.

Don’t worry! In this guide to backpacking in BC without reservations, I have all the info you need to plan a last-minute trip including:

• Which BC backpacking trips DO require reservations (Spoiler: It’s not very many places!)
• What is a BC Parks Backcountry Permit (Spoiler: It’s not a reservation and they don’t sell out!)
• The best places to go backpacking in BC without a reservation – my picks for over 50 trips around the province
• How to find even more places to go backpacking in BC without reservations
• Tips for backpacking without a reservation including how to beat the crowds

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

BC Backpacking Trips That DO Require Reservations

Very few places in BC require reservations to go backpacking. My BC Backpacking Reservation Dates post has an overview of each place along with info about how to make reservations. And my How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC post shows you how to book.

The places in BC that require backpacking reservations fit into a few categories:

National Parks in BC That DO Require Reservations

All national parks in BC require reservations for backpacking. There are six national parks in BC where you can go backpacking.

• Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island is home to the West Coast Trail and Keeha Beach – you need to make reservations for both of those trails.
• Gulf Islands National Park has several backcountry campsites that require reservations. Most are water accessed but you can backpack at Narvaez Bay on Saturna Island.
• Mount Revelstoke National Park has backcountry camping at Eva and Jade Lakes, both of which require reservations.
• Glacier National Park has reservable backcountry camping at Hermit Meadows.
• Yoho National Park has a few backcountry campgrounds including Lake O’Hara and campsites on the Yoho Valley Loop along the Iceline and Whaleback Trails. They all require reservations.
• Kootenay National Park is home to the Rockwall Trail, which requires reservations.

Provincial Parks in BC That DO Require Reservations

Most Provincial Parks in British Columbia do NOT require reservations. However, there are five exceptions. These are all very popular provincial parks.

• Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish and Whistler requires reservations for all backcountry campgrounds in the park.
• Joffre Lakes Provincial Park near Pemberton requires reservations to stay at the backcountry campground at the third lake.
• Campsites along the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park near Jasper require reservations.
• Buckhorn, Kicking Horse, and Frosty Creek Campgrounds in E.C. Manning Provincial Park near Hope requires reservations. (All other backcountry campgrounds in the park are first-come, first-served.)
• Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park near Canmore requires backcountry reservations.
• Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit in Bowron Lakes Provincial Park in Northern BC near Quesnel requires reservations.

Popular Recreation Sites in BC That DO Require Reservations

So far, only two recreation sites under the jurisdiction of Recreation Sites and Trails BC require reservations. Both are very popular destinations:

• Watersprite Lake near Squamish requires reservations to camp starting in 2022
• Tenquille Lake near Pemberton requires reservations to camp starting in 2022

Backcountry Huts That DO Require Reservations

There are several dozen backcountry huts in BC. Most are administered by a park or by a club and require reservations. See individual hut websites for info on reservations. Read my guide to Backcountry Huts in BC for more info.

Where to Go Backpacking in BC Without A Reservation

There are literally hundreds of places to go backpacking in BC without a reservation. These can be divided into places in BC Parks that have Backcountry Permits and those without. Not clear on the difference? I’ll explain it to you!

Backcountry Permits at Provincial Parks in BC

Currently, 29 BC Provincial Parks require you to purchase a backcountry permit to go backpacking. Here are some quick facts about backcountry permits:

• Backcountry permits are essentially just a way of saying you need to pay camping fees – they are NOT a reservation
• Each person in your group needs a backcountry permit
• Fees vary by park but in general, are usually $5-$10/person/night
• Buying a backcountry permit does not guarantee you a campsite or tent pad – all campsites and tent pads are first-come, first-served
• There are unlimited numbers of permits available for each park – they don’t sell out.
• You can purchase a backcountry permit on the BC Parks website up to 2 weeks before your trip. Some parks also have in-person registration with envelopes you can leave money in, but this is becoming less common.
• You can find a list of parks where backcountry permits are required on the BC Parks website.
• Carry a copy of your backcountry permit on your trip (either a print out or a screen shot on your phone. If you meet a park ranger they may ask to see it.

Still not clear on the difference between BC Park reservations and backcountry permit registrations? Check out How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC – it has a handy chart that breaks it down.

Places Without Backcountry Permits

There are tons of backcountry campsites in BC Parks that don’t require backcountry permits or reservations. There are also hundreds of BC Recreation Sites and informal campsites on Crown Land. These sites are free and you don’t need a reservation or a permit.

Below, I’ve got a list of my recommendations of places to go backpacking without backcountry permits, as well as tips on how to find even more backpacking destinations you don’t have to book in advance.

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Best Places to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations

As you might realize by now, there are loads of places to go backpacking in BC without reservations. It’s impossible to list them all here. Instead, I’ll give you a list of a few dozen that I recommend. I’ve backpacked quite a few of these, but lots are still on my some-day list. Some of these trips require backcountry permits.

Southwestern BC Backpacking Trips Without Reservations

Note: The trips in this section are all in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

• Semaphore Lakes near Pemberton
• Hanging Lake near Whistler
• Lake Lovely Water in Tantalus Provincial Park near Squamish (requires canoe or water taxi to reach the trailhead)
• Howe Sound Crest Trail in Cypress Provincial Park near West Vancouver
• Elsay Lake in Mount Seymour Provincial Park in North Vancouver
• Dennett Lake and Widgeon Lake in Pinecone Burke Provincial Park (Widgeon Lake requires a canoe to reach the trailhead)
• Viewpoint Beach, Halfmoon Beach, Alder Flats, and Panorama Ridge in Golden Ears Provincial Park (requires backcountry permits)
• Lindeman, Greendrop, Flora, and Radium Lakes in Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park (requires backcountry permits)
• Tikawalus Heritage Trail in the Fraser Canyon near Yale
• Lower Stein Valley in Stein Valley N’lakapamux Heritage Provincial Park near Lytton
• HBC Heritage Trail near Hope
• Falls Lake in Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area
• Little Douglas Lake Recreation Site near the Coquihalla Summit
• Skagit River Trail, Heather Trail, Strike Lake, Skyline Trail, and Poland Lake in E.C. Manning Provincial Park (requires backcountry permits) – Note: Buckhorn and Kicking Horse Camps on the Heather Trail and Frosty Creek on the Frosty Mountain Trail in Manning require reservations but all other campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
• Cabins in Tetrahedron Provincial Park near Sechelt
• Sunshine Coast Trail between Lund and Saltery Bay

READ NEXT: 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners

Vancouver Island Backpacking Trips Without Reservations

Note: The trips in this section are all in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

• Juan de Fuca Trail in Juan de Fuca Marine Provincial Park near Port Renfrew (requires backcountry permits)
• Wild Side Trail on Flores Island near Tofino (requires a water taxi to reach the trailhead)
• Forbidden Plateau Core, Bedwell Lakes, Elk River Trail, and Arnica Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park (All require backcountry permits except Arnica Lake.)
• Della Falls Trail in Strathcona Provincial Park near Port Alberni (requires a water taxi to reach the trailhead)
• Nootka Trail on Nootka Island near Gold River (requires a water taxi or floatplane to reach the trailhead)
• North Coast Trail, Cape Scott Trail, and San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park near Port Hardy (requires backcountry permits, North Coast Trail requires a water taxi to reach the trailhead)
• Tatchu Trail on the west coast (requires water taxi or float plane to reach the trailhead)
• Raft Cove in Raft Cove Provincial Park near Port Hardy (requires backcountry permits)
• Carmanah Valley in Carmanah-Walbran Provincial Park (requires backcountry permits)

Interior and Eastern BC Backpacking Trips Without Reservations

• Trophy Meadows in Wells Gray Provincial Park near Clearwater (requires backcountry permits)
• Cathedral Lakes Provincial Park near Keremeos (requires backcountry permits)
• Okanagan High Rim Trail near Vernon and Kelowna
• Spectrum Lake in Monashee Provincial Park near Cherryville (requires backcountry permits)
• Gwillim Lakes in Valhalla Provincial Park near Slocan
• Kaslo Lake in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson (requires backcountry permits)
• Earl Gray Pass in Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park near Kaslo
• South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park near Lillooet

Northern BC Backpacking Trips Without Reservations

• Hunlen Falls in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park near Bella Coola (requires backcountry permits)
• Monkman Memorial Trail in Monkman Provincial Park near Tumbler Ridge
• Wokkpash Valley and McDonald Creek in Stone Mountain Provincial Park near Fort Nelson
• Mount Edziza in Mount Edziza Provincial Park near Dease Lake

How to Find More Places to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations

British Columbia has thousands of trails and hundreds of backcountry campgrounds. And if you’re willing to go without facilities like toilets and bear caches, there are even more places to go backpacking. (But if you go that route, brush up on the Leave No Trace principles first!)

Be sure to check if camping is allowed at the park or trail before your trip. In some environmentally sensitive areas and popular destinations, backcountry camping is not allowed or is restricted to established campsites.

Here are some ways to find even more places to go backpacking in BC without reservations:

Check BC Parks

Visit the BC Parks website to find a list of BC Parks. Or use the map view to find ones in your area. You will need to click through to the individual parks pages to find info on whether there are places in that park to go backpacking or not.

The BC Parks websites aren’t very well organized, so this info can be a bit tough to find.

Tip: Scroll down to the “Camping” section and then see if there is a “Walk-in/Backcountry/Wilderness Camping” section.

You can also check the “Activities” section and read the information about hiking trails in the park.

Lastly, also check the “Park and Activity Maps” section to view a park map that may show backcountry campsites.

Check Recreation Sites and Trails BC

Many people aren’t aware that there is a separate set of campgrounds and hiking trails besides those inside BC Parks. They are administered by Recreation Sites and Trails BC, a separate government agency. These sites are usually much more basic, have little to no funding, and are often maintained by local volunteer groups and clubs.

They also have a map that shows the location of recreation sites and trails. Keep in mind that many of these sites are drive-in campsites on logging roads. You can also use their Search by Activity page to find sites with camping and hiking, which might help you find backpacking destinations. You can also filter by region.

The info on these rec site listings is really basic and often isn’t enough to plan a trip so you will likely need to consult some of the other sources below.

Use a Hiking Guidebook

Hiking guidebooks are a great way to find curated information on hiking trails. You can be sure that the author actually hiked the trail and collected all the info you need to plan a trip.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many guidebooks that cater to backpackers. However, I’ve got a few British Columbia-specific guidebook suggestions for you:

• Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia by Taryn Eyton – Shameless plug: I wrote this one. It includes 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver. And 31 of the trips do not require reservations.
• Backpacking on Vancouver Island by Taryn Eyton – Okay, I wrote this one too. It includes 25 backpacking trips on Vancouver Island. And 22 of them do not require reservations.
• Exploring Strathcona Park by Philip Stone – A great guide to everything in this Vancouver Island park including several great backpacking trips. None of them require reservations.
• Okanagan Trips and Trails by Judie Steeves and Murphy Shewchuk – More of a backroad explorer’s book, but has some good ideas for backpacking. None of them require reservations.
• Coquihalla Trips and Trails by Murphy Shewchuk – Similar to above, but for the Coquihalla. None of the trips require reservations.
• Where Locals Hike in the West Kootenays by Kathy and Craig Copeland – An opinionated guide that focuses mostly on long day hikes, many of which can be backpacking trips. None of the trips require reservations.
• Mountain Footsteps by Janice Strong – A guidebook for the East Kootenays that includes lots of backpacking options, none of which require reservations.

Get My Books

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover BC’s best backpacking trips

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• 35 backpacking trips and day hikes on Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos

Get the books

Ask on Facebook Groups

The British Columbia outdoor community has several great Facebook groups where members share info on their hikers or post questions asking for help finding hikes. Most of the groups are full of beginners and focused on day hikes, but a few are good for backpackers.

• Backpacking Trips in BC – I admin this one. Over 21k members share backpacking-specific info.
• Vancouver Island Backcountry Hiking – A smaller group focused on off-the-beaten-path adventures.
• BCR – Backpacking in the Canadian Rockies – Full of really knowledgeable folks who know lots of places to backpack in the Rockies, including lots outside the National Parks so you won’t have to worry about reservations.
• Hyper-regional groups – Try searching Facebook’s groups section for hiking groups in a region or town. You’ll find lots of great locals willing to share info about backpacking destinations in the area.
• Trail or park-specific groups – Many longer trails like the Della Falls Trail, Cape Scott Park, or Juan de Fuca Trail have dedicated groups.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Use Apps

Most hiking and mapping apps aren’t great at isolating day hikes from backpacking trips, especially when a long day hike has a backcountry campground and can be done over two or more days. However, it is worth checking these apps to find backpacking trips.

In All-Trails, narrow down the region you are looking in, then filter by activity to select backpacking.

In Gaia GPS turn on the public tracks overlay to see where others are hiking. You can do the same thing with the heat map in Strava.

Tips for Backpacking in BC Without Reservations

Once you’ve chosen a backpacking destination, there are a few things you should keep in mind when backcountry camping without a reservation.

Check to make sure camping is allowed. Find out which jurisdiction the trail or campground is in (Parks Canada, BC Parks, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, other local parks) and see if there are any rules about camping or if you need to pay fees or get a Backcoutnry permit.

Popular spots can get very busy, especially on long weekends. If possible, plan to arrive on Thursday or Friday rather than Saturday and set up camp by early afternoon.

If you are in a group with more than one tent, try to fit two or more tents on each tent platform or tent pad so you leave room for others.

Some campgrounds have overflow campsites, but many do not. That means that in some places you might have to hike to another campground or return to the car if there isn’t room for you. When choosing an overflow campsite, pitch your tent on bare dirt, rocks, or snow. Avoid fragile vegetation.

If the campground has a food cache or hang it may get full, especially on weekends. Cache your food early in the evening or be prepared to construct a bear hang in a tree. You can also carry a bear canister or Ursack instead.

Trailhead parking lots can fill up and some are prone to theft. Arrive early to get a spot. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

Check trail and road conditions. Less popular destinations receive little to no maintenance. Some roads require 4WD to access. Trails may be storm damaged or impassable. Backcountry campground facilities like toilets or bear caches may be missing or damaged.

Read through my list of things to do before every hike for a great checklist to get you prepped to go backpacking.

So that’s everything you need to know to go backpacking in BC without reservations. Do you have questions about planning a backpacking trip in BC? Leave them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• 25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia
• 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners
• 2022 BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know
• How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC
• Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• Get my book: Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
• Backpacking for Beginners: Tips for Getting Started

Guides for BC Backpacking Trips Without Reservations:

• Juan De Fuca Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island
• North Coast Trail: Backpacking on Vancouver Island
• Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island
• Wild Side Trail: Hiking and Camping Guide
• Tatchu Trail Guide: Vancouver Island Coastal Backpacking
• Della Falls Trail Hiking Guide (Vancouver Island Backpacking)

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British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is a popular vacation destination. But it’s a huge region so it can be tough to decide where to go. Without naming names, I think that some towns in the Okanagan are a bit too touristy or get too crowded.

But as one of the oldest cities in the Okanagan, Vernon has heart. It has a cute downtown district with lots of shops and restaurants. And the surrounding hills are full of orchards, hiking trails, and viewpoints. I definitely recommend visiting in spring to see the orchards and wildflowers blooming!

And of course, the Vernon is next to both Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake, so there are lots of beaches and places to get out on the water.

In this post, I’ll give you the run-down on the best things to do in Vernon, BC. It includes:

• A custom map of Vernon that shows all the key locations I mention
• A list of my personal recommendations for the best things to do in Vernon, BC
• My picks for where to stay in Vernon
• A list of the best places to eat in Vernon
• A Vernon FAQ to help you plan your visit

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Thanks so much to Tourism Vernon for hosting me in Vernon. All opinions in this post are my own. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support! -Taryn

Vernon, BC Map

Vernon is a pretty easy city to navigate. But since it is in a rural area, some locations are a few minutes outside the city centre. I’ve put together a custom google map of Vernon for you. It shows all the locations I mention in this post. Click the map to explore.

The Best Things to Do in Vernon

Explore the Murals

Vernon’s downtown is dotted with 28 murals that depict the city’s history and culture. Most of the murals are within a few blocks of the intersection of 32nd Street and 32nd Avenue.

I found it fun to just wander around and see what murals I could find, but you can also download this Vernon mural map and guide that has the location and info for each one.

Shop on 30th Avenue

Vernon’s streets use a grid system, but confusingly, 30th Avenue is basically the town’s main street. That is where you’ll find lots of cute shops and boutiques.

I loved browsing at Expressions of Time, a bookstore with a huge selection of used books as well as crystals and other new age stuff. Stop in to Kaleco to browse sustainable clothing and gifts.

Take a Tour of the Kalamalka Indigenous Garden

Known as K’nmalka? Senqalten in the Syilx/Okanagan language, a tour of the Kalamalka Indigenous Garden at Okanagan College was one of the highlights of my visit to Vernon. Our guide, Justen Peters, showed us many of the local plants and explained how they are used for food, medicine, and more. (There is a teepee made of reeds on-site!)

For me, the most interesting part of the experience was the way that Justen wove traditional stories about the landscape, people, and plants into the tour. The views of Kalamalka Lake from the garden were also incredible.

I’m committed to contributing to reconciliation with Indigenous groups in Canada, so it is important to me to seek out Indigenous tourism experiences when I travel. I loved the personal perspective that Justen brought to the tour and the way he was open and honest about the way he is connecting with his culture.

Eat Your Way Through the Vernon Tasting Trail

Since it is surrounded by farmland and orchards, Vernon is foodie heaven. The Vernon Tasting Trail includes 27 local food and drink producers. Many of them are in the surrounding farmland, but a few have storefronts in downtown Vernon.

I recommend Ratio Coffee and Pastry, and Helmut’s Sausage Kitchen. (More on both of these in the “Where to Eat” section.) I also wanted to visit Wedge Cheesery and Kin+Pod Chocolate but didn’t have time on my visit. (Next time!)

Visit Davison Orchards Country Village

The apple trees of Davison Orchards line the hills at Vernon’s northwestern edge. But this family-run orchard offers a lot more than just apples. We had a delicious lunch at the Farmhouse Cafe, served on the patio which has an incredible view.

They also have a cute gift shop, a coffee shop, ice cream, a kids’ play area, and farm animals. Don’t miss the bakery which sells fresh-baked pies. We bought their adorable personal-sized apple pies – called “cutie pies”!

Shop at the Vernon Farmer’s Market

Vernon is home to one of the Okanagan’s largest farmer’s markets. The Vernon Farmer’s Market has been around since 1979. The market runs on Monday and Thursday mornings from mid-April to the end of October. Find it behind Kal Tire Place (the city’s biggest arena).

Look for lots of fresh produce, eggs, meat, prepared food, and crafts. On my spring visit, there were also lots of vegetable seedlings and flowers.

Visit Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery

The award-winning Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery uses local apples (instead of grain) as the base for many of their spirits. They were pressing apples when we visited and the whole place smelled like apple juice!

My husband was so impressed with their whiskey and fruit brandy that he bought a few bottles. Their distillery has a huge tasting room and shop right next to their enormous copper stills. In addition to tastings, they also have tours.

Drink Craft Beer at Marten Brewing Co.

Marten Brewing Co. is a craft microbrewery located in the heart of downtown Vernon. They brew all of their beer on-site, with their brewing equipment located in the centre of their pub! You can buy beer to-go or stay to sample a flight of beer.

They also have a restaurant with a full kitchen serving up pub fare like sandwiches, burgers, and wings. I had a delicious Cubano sandwich.

Sample Cider at The BX Press Cidery

If you prefer cider to beer, don’t miss a visit to The BX Press Cidery. Their on-site apple orchard produces all of the apples they use in their ciders. They make a staggering variety of apple ciders, ranging from sweet to dry, many of which have fun flavours like cherry, vanilla, and even Earl Grey tea!

On my visit they were in the middle of a big renovation to create a new restaurant and patio space, so we didn’t linger. (The restaurant opens in summer 2022.) But that didn’t stop us from buying a case of cider to take home with us! I also ducked into the orchard to enjoy the apple blossoms.

Psst! Want to visit the distillery, BX Press Cidery, and four wineries? Book the Vernon High Spirits Tour and let your guide do the driving.

Hike to BX Falls

The hike to BX Falls is short but worth it. The trail descends beside the creek before plunging down a set of well-constructed stairs to the base of the waterfall.

The 30-meter tall falls cascades through a tight canyon before emptying into a pool. On my visit, it had been raining all day so the falls were really raging.

If you want to go directly to BX Falls, you can start your hike from the parking lot on Tillicum Road. But if you want a longer hike you can follow the BX Creek Trail uphill from the trailhead on Star Road.

Explore the Grey Canal Historic Trail

The Grey Canal Historic Trail is one of the most interesting trails I have come across. Built between 1905 and 1914, the Grey Canal was a system of pipes, ditches, and flumes that supplied irrigation water to the hills around Vernon.

Today you can hike and bike sections of the 50-kilometre-long route as it curves across the hillside high above orchards and farms. That means it has incredible views. We explored the Turtle Mountain section which includes an incredible viewpoint on Rocky Ridge.

The best info and maps for the Grey Canal trail are on the Ribbons of Green Trails Society’s website – click on the Grey Canal tab on the top left.

Bike the Okanagan Rail Trail

The Okanagan Rail Trail stretches for over 50 kilometres on an old railway bed between Vernon and Kelowna. It runs along the shores of Kalamalka and Wood Lakes and is FLAT, making it a great place to go biking.

On my trip, we rented e-bikes from Kalavida Surf Shop at the start of the trail in Vernon and biked all the way to the tiny town of Oyama and back on the shores of Kalamalka Lake – a round trip of nearly 40 km. The e-bikes made what would normally be a long ride easy – we finished in just a few hours.

Along the way, we stopped a lot to admire the flowers growing beside the trail. (Our spring visit included tons of wildflowers!) We even spotted a huge hawk hunting on the top of a cliff.

The views of the lake were also incredible. The lake water changes colour with the seasons. It was a dark blue-green on my trip, but as it warms up it becomes more turquoise.

Hike at Predator Ridge and Sparkling Hill

The high ridge between Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake is home to two neighbouring resorts with a big network of hiking trails: Predator Ridge Resort and Sparking Hill. The trails lead from the resorts, past a golf course and residential community, into the hills.

Many of the trails have incredible views down to Okanagan Lake and the Predator Ridge area. Some even have picnic tables or wooden yoga platforms, perfect for soaking up the views.

On my trip to Vernon, we stayed at the Predator Ridge Lodge and loved being able to go for hikes right out the front door. The Okanagan Lake Lookout is a great sunset spot (although the clouds obscured the sunset a bit on my visit.) We also loved evening bird watching at the easy Birdie Lake Trail.

There are over 35 km of trails, so I wasn’t able to explore them all – I’ll just have to go back! But I definitely recommend a spring visit as there were wildflowers everywhere.

For info on the trails, Predator Ridge has a good trail map. Some of the trails are shared with bikes and on a few access paths you may encounter golf carts, so keep your head up!

Explore Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park

This gorgeous provincial park sits on the eastern shore of Kalamalka Lake. It has a huge network of hiking and biking trails. We only had time to explore a small section but it was spectacular! First, we hiked to Jade Bay and Juniper Bay, two small beaches that are popular for swimming in the summer.

We also hiked out to a beautiful viewpoint at the end of Rattlesnake Point. From there, you can also follow another trail to a lookout on a rock outcropping at the top of Rattlesnake Point. The views were even better from up there.

It’s also a good place to admire the colourful waters of Kalamalka Lake which change from dark blue in the winter to green and turquoise in the summer.

During our spring visit, the trails were covered in wildflowers. Even though our hike was only 4 km long, it took forever since I kept stopping to take photos of the flowers. If you’re interested in flower ID, I recommend the Seek app by iNaturalist which uses your phone camera to tell which plant you are looking at.

Kalamalka Provincial Park has a huge trail system of both hiking and biking trails. Next time I visit, I want to hike to Cosens Bay. I’d also like to bring my mountain bike too!

Hit the Beach

On my spring visit, it was a bit too chilly for swimming. But we still visited several beaches in Vernon to go for a walk or have a picnic.

Kal Beach on Kalamalka Lake is just a few drive minutes from Vernon. There’s a paved multi-use path most of the way too. It’s a beautiful sandy beach with a long pier.

We also visited Kin Beach on Okanagan Lake. The sandy beach has lots of big trees for shade as well as a big grassy area.

Jade Bay and Juniper Bay in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park also have great beaches (although they are small).

Go Golfing

While I didn’t actually go golfing in Vernon, I feel a bit like I did since we stayed at Predator Ridge. Our room looked out on the course and we watched golfers swinging clubs and zipping around on golf carts while relaxing on our patio.

The two golf courses at Predator Ridge are famous for their incredible views. There are also a few other golf courses around Vernon, including The Rise, which sits high above Okanagan Lake and also has panoramic views.

More Things To Do in Vernon

While we managed to see and do a lot during our three days in Vernon, we couldn’t see everything. Here’s what is on my list for my next trip!

More Outdoor Things To Do

• More hiking! – Vernon has dozens of hiking trails. This interactive Vernon hiking trail map from Ribbons of Green Trail Society has all the details. I’d also love to explore the alpine hiking trails at Silverstar Mountain.
• Explore Ellison Provincial Park – This park on Okanagan Lake has a campground, sandy beach, and hiking trails. It also has a huge network of mountain biking trails that connect to the Predator Ridge system up the hill.
• Go mountain biking – My mtb-loving husband spent most of the trip wishing he had brought his bike. We’ve heard there are great mountain biking trails at Ellison Provincial Park, Kalamalka Provincial Park, Silver Star Mountain, and Predator Ridge. Use the Trailforks app to find the trails.
• Go skiing and snowshoeing – Silverstar Mountain Resort is just up the hill from Vernon. I spent a winter weekend there about 15 years ago and loved the ski-in, ski-out lodging and snowshoe trails.
• Go cross-country skiing – Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre is home to a huge network of cross-country ski trails. They have snowshoe trails too.
• Wander through Polson Park – We drove past this lush city park but didn’t have time to stop. It has lots of walking paths through gardens. There is even a unique floral clock.
• Visit the Allan Brooks Nature Centre – Perched on top of a hill, this nature museum has lots of indoor and outdoor exhibits. But I mostly want to visit to see the marmot colony!
• Rent a boat – Wakeboarding, tubing, and just cruising around are popular summer activities on the lakes. There are several motorboat rental places in Vernon.
• Take a private boat cruise – Get out on the water on a pontoon boat, then anchor in a secluded bay to go swimming. This private Okanagan Lake 3-hour cruise is on my list. It comes with a captain and picks up from docks in Vernon.
• Go paddleboarding or kayaking – Paddle in Kalamalka or Okanagan Lakes. You can rent SUPs and paddleboards from a few places around Vernon. I recommend Kalavida Surf Shop – the staff are super friendly.

Extra Things To Do in Vernon

• Visit Historic O’Keefe Ranch – Founded in 1867, this historic ranch was an important stop at the end of the wagon road in the Okanagan Valley. Today it’s full of preserved buildings, museum exhibits, and farm animals.
• Visit the Okanagan Science Centre – This cute science centre looks like a great rainy day activity, especially if you are travelling with kids. It even includes a planetarium.
• Go wine tasting – There are several wineries near Vernon. It’s easiest to visit as part of a tour so you don’t have to worry about a designated driver. This Lake Country winery tour visits nearby wineries and offers pickups from Vernon hotels.
• Visit Planet Bee Honey Farm – This cute farm shop has everything honey, including mead, a wine made from honey. They also have bee-friendly gardens to explore.
• Relax at KurSpa – This huge spa has steam rooms, saunas, and an infinity pool with an incredible view. It’s located high on Predator Ridge at Sparkling Hill Resort.

Where to Stay in Vernon

Vernon has a huge variety of accommodation options from upscale to budget. If you’re visiting in prime summer season, book far in advance, especially for camping.

Hotels

Outdoor Focused Resort: We stayed at the huge Predator Ridge Resort, which has a mix of lodge suites and cottages, all with their own kitchens. There are two restaurants on-site and a small grocery store. It’s a bit of a drive outside of town, but the location is stunning with incredible views. The main attraction is golfing, but as hikers, we enjoyed exploring the huge trail system instead. Check prices.

Upscale Spa Resort: Located next to Predator Ridge, Sparkling Hill Resort is an adults-only hotel with a luxurious spa and incredible views. The place has unique architecture and is also covered in Swarovski crystals. Check prices.

Unique Hotel: The Prestige Vernon Lodge has a feature I’ve never seen anywhere else – a natural creek running through it! The hotel has a huge glass atrium with tons of plants, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and yes, a creek. Many of the rooms face the atrium and prices are reasonable. Check prices.

Reliable Chain Hotel: I’ve stayed at Fairfield Inn and Suites locations all across Canada and the US. They are consistently clean, well-equipped, newly renovated, and come with free breakfast. Check prices.

B&Bs and Vacation Rentals

There are tons of great B&Bs and vacation rentals around Vernon. Many of them have great views or locations near beaches.

Townhouse With Private Beach: Located right on Okanagan Lake, The Outback Lakeside Vacation Homes have two- and three-bedroom units with kitchens and access to both a private pool and private beach. Check prices.

Rural B&B: The Country Cottage B&B is really cute. It’s set in rolling farmland a short drive from Okanagan Lake. All the reviews mention the delicious breakfast. Check prices.

Rustic Tiny House Cabin: Step back in time while enjoying all the modern conveniences at The Little House on Pottery Road. The rustic tiny house has pioneer-era decor and a wrap-around veranda perfect for soaking up the views. Check prices.

Camping

In the summer, the Okanagan is a popular spot for camping trips. There are several great campgrounds near Vernon.

Kekuli Bay Provincial Park: We biked past Kekuli Bay Provincial Park on the Okanagan Rail Trail. The new-ish campground is on the shores of Kalamalka Lake in a rural area grassland area. You can bike or walk on the Rail Trail or swim from the small beach. Reserve with BC Parks.

Ellison Provincial Park: You’ll find Ellison Provincial Park a few minutes outside of Vernon on Okanagan Lake. In addition to the campground, it has a beach, hiking trails, and tons of mountain bike trails. Reserve with BC Parks.

Glamping: If you want something less rustic, book a stay at the Utopia Feels Glampground in nearby Coldstream. Their luxurious tent suites have comfy beds and great views. The property has gardens and a micro-farm with lots of adorable animals. Check prices.

Where to Eat in Vernon

Between the Tasting Trail, the brewery, cider press, and distillery, it felt like we were always eating and drinking something delicious in Vernon. But for a town in orchard and farm country, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. Here are my picks for where to eat in Vernon.

Coffee Shop: We loved Ratio Coffee so much that we went twice. It is located in the old railway station. Be sure to try the daily bakery specials and sit on their great patio.

Pizza: We had amazingly authentic pizza at Pallino’s Italian Bistro at Predator Ridge. You can eat-in, sit on the patio, or get a pizza to go. They also make their own gelato, but I was too full of pizza to try it.

Deli with Sandwiches: Helmut’s Sausage Kitchen is a quirky European deli that specializes in sausages. But they also make truly amazing hot sandwiches. They have a small eating area, but we took ours to-go and ate at the beach.

Pub: Marten Brewing Co. makes craft beer and great pub food to go along with it. If you’re looking for a burger or wings, this is where to get it. Their menu also has a few more innovative offerings like tempura bites, truffle fries, and fish tacos. We loved the house-made guac.

Cafe: I had heard lots of great things about EATology, but unfortunately we didn’t have time to visit. They are only open for breakfast and lunch, but people rave about their eggs benny.

Vernon, BC FAQ

Do you have questions about Vernon? Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Vernon, BC.

Where is Vernon, BC?

Vernon is located in the Okanagan region of British Columbia’s interior. It is in the northern part of the Okanagan, about 45 minutes north of Kelowna and 1.5 hours southeast of Kamloops.

How big is Vernon, BC?

Vernon has a population of about 40,000 people. It covers an area of 96 square kilometres. It has a compact downtown core, but also includes a lot of surrounding rural land.

What is Vernon, BC known for?

Vernon is known for being the commericial hub city for the Northern Okanagan. It is surrounded by lakes (Okanagan, Kalamalka, and Swan Lakes) making it a popular place for summer recreation. Silverstar Mountain ski hill is just outside of town. The surrounding area is rural, with lots of farms, orchards, hiking trails, and golf courses.

How to get to Vernon, BC?

The easiest way to get to Vernon is to drive. It’s about 5.5 hours from Vancouver and 7.5 hours from Calgary. You can also fly into Kelowna airport. From there, you can take an airport shuttle van from Kelowna to Vernon. The ride takes about 30 minutes.

When is the best time to go to Vernon, BC?

Vernon is a year-round destination. It is most popular in the summer, but it can be incredibly hot and sunny. The winter months are a good time for skiing. If you visit in April and May, you’ll skip the crowds and enjoy gorgeous wildflowers. The months of September and October are also less busy and have beautiful fall colours as the leaves change.

What is the weather like in Vernon, BC?

In general, Vernon has cold winters (1°C/33°F) and hot summers (30°C/80°F). June, July, and August are the warmest. December, January, and February are the coldest. Compared to coastal BC, Vernon has a relatively dry climate. The spring months are the rainiest, but it still only rains a little bit. Check the Vernon weather forecast here.

How long should you spend in Vernon, BC?

There is no easy answer to this question. If you just want to see the highlights, a quick weekend trip will suffice. But if you really want to experience the best things to do in Vernon, spending a long weekend or a full week would be better. I spent three days in Vernon and managed to cram a lot in… but I left with lots of things still on my Vernon bucket list. Next time!

What is the Indigenous context of Vernon, BC?

Vernon is in the traditional territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) First Nation. Before European contact, the Syilx were semi-nomadic, living in pit houses called kekulis in the winter and teepees made of tule reeds in the summer. Their territory extended through the Okanagan Valley and down into the United States.

The area that is now Vernon was called Nintle-Moos-Chin, which means “jumping over creek” since BX Creek narrowed enough that it was possible to leap across it.

In the 1800s fur traders and miners came through the Okanagan Valley, disrupting the Syilx way of life and displacing them from their lands. Today, the Syilx continue to live and practice their culture in the Okanagan Valley.

What is the history of Vernon, BC?

The Vernon area has been the traditional home of the Syilx people since time immemorial. European fur traders and prospectors arrived in the mid-1800s. Some of the Europeans settled in the area, starting ranches.

The town of Vernon was incorporated as a city in 1892 and was named after Forbes George Vernon, a member of British Columbia’s legislative assembly. Irrigation projects and a railway made the fruit industry possible in Vernon in the early 1900s. Today Vernon is a commercial hub for the region, which still relies on ranching, farming, and orchards as its main industries.

If you haven’t been to Vernon yet, I encourage you to go, especially in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming. There are so many things to do in Vernon, BC that I wasn’t able to see everything I wanted in just one trip. I’ll definitely be back (with my mountain bike next time!)

Do you have questions about things to do in Vernon? Leave them in the comments so I can help you out.

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