Welcome to the City of Vernon, B.C. With a population of 36,000, Vernon is the commercial hub of the North Okanagan. Nestled in the grassland hills and surrounded by three lakes, Vernon boasts year round recreation opportunities that make it an attractive location for residents and tourists alike.

In 2010, Vernon was ranked the third best city in BC by MoneySense Magazine based on prosperity, affordable housing, lifestyle and weather, and was ranked number one in entrepreneurial spirit by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Vernon's Historic Downtown boasts many local and unique businesses to meet all your shopping needs.

With cycling and hiking trails expanding every year, a growing transit system (providing direct access to UBCO), and a new public library and secondary school under construction, Vernon is the ideal location to raise your family, start a business or retire. Visit the city website at City of Vernon, British Columbia

Historic Downtown Vernon…an accumulation of housing and zoning, ranging from older houses and duplexes to apartments and commercial venues. The Centennial Drive  (30th Avenue) is  most popular as it offers a variety of downtown shopping, services and  restaurants and for the older generation…the popular Schubert Seniors Centre.

Public transit is available throughout Downtown Vernon, allowing for easy shopping or fun exploration without a personal vehicle. On foot is the best way to explore the scenery, shop displays, and frequent events that take place downtown. Among the many different events, is the Sunshine Festival which closes several blocks of 30^th Avenue for one to enjoy live music, a multitude of children’s activities while browsing the many booths offering craft and retail items from local and regional sellers.  Details for downtown Vernon can be found at Downtown Vernon.

Every February, the city comes to life with the Vernon Winter Carnival.  Special events, entertainment, sporting activities, wine tasting, beer sampling, ice sculptures and more.  Make sure you're wearing a Winter Carnival pin, or the Carnival Cop might put you in a make-shift jail for everyone to see. Many associations take part in downtown activities and it seems there is always something going on!  Visit Vernon Winter Carnival for current details.

In 2001-2002 the main street of 30th Avenue in Downtown Vernon BC was modified to widen the sidewalks and provide a more enjoyable experience for shoppers to promenade and window shop. Cafe's have introduced sidewalk tables, creating a more friendly and vibrant experience. Come take an hour, morning or afternoon to relax, shop and become part of the scenery - it might give you the chance to discover a restaurant you've always wanted to try.

Downtown Vernon boasts one of the largest outdoor public art galleries in Canada.  Twenty-five amazing murals, some as large as 300 feet long and 40 feet high, depict the history, culture, scenery and folklore that made Vernon what it is today.  Join a guided tour, or discover the murals on your own.  For more details visit The Heritage Murals of Downtown Vernon.

For the sports enthusiast, Vernon is host to the largest slo-pitch tournament in Canada.  Teams travel from as far as New Mexico to participate in the festivities, entertainment and competition.   Funtastics , another great way to discover Vernon.

You can easily fall in love with Silver Star’s fairytale village. Inspired by a typical nineteenth century British Columbian mining town era with Victorian architecture, this town is a true winter wonderland. Brightly coloured store fronts and boarded sidewalks provide a unique ambiance that radiates fun, enthusiasm and excitement for the whole family. Guests are attracted to the warmth and safety of the town where service and friendliness are as honoured as the values of a time gone by. It’s the size of your smile that counts at Silver Star.

Silver Star isn't just a winter getaway. Why not come check out Silver Star in the summer? Enjoy our ever-growing selection of mountain bike trails, go for a solitary hike, take a guided nature walk, or tease your taste buds at the Okanagan Summer Wine Festival. Visit Silver Star Mountain Resort to discover the possibilities.