Vernon Vacation Home Rentals: The Vistas Lakeside Vacation Home on Lake Okanagan, British Columbia

Commonage
Explore the high country vistas of the North Okanagan while cycling the trails of natural grasslands. There are fantastic vistas of both Kalamalka Lake and Okanagan Lake. Explore one of Canada's most important raptor habitats. See hawks, owls and eagles soar on cliff side up draughts or swooping low over fields in search of prey. Stop at ponds rich in interesting waterfowl and shorebirds.

Okanagan High Rim Trail (Kalamalka Park Access)
A new 50km wilderness trail following the crest of the mountain ridge on the east side of the valley from Vernon to Mission Creek on Hwy 33(east of Kelowna). Start at the Cosen's Bay Gate of Kal. Lake Prov. Park. Take the left path paralleling the fence. Watch for a marked path to the left, crossing the lower valley, then climbing up a steep path to join the old road leading to the telecommunications tower on the hilltop. Take water and food, wear sturdy footwear. Best hiked in sections, from access points of mountain lakes east of Oyama, Winfield and Ellison.

Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
Walk along the many pathways in this unique bunch grass landscape, through open grasslands, along cliffs, & through moist cedar and fir forests. Lesser used trails lead to peaceful Deep Lake. The clean, attractive beaches throughout the park are great for swimming. There is even a "pet beach" for your four-legged friends (dogs must be leashed). Interpretative signs will tell you about local flora and fauna. Access Kal Park through the Red Gate, Cosens Bay parking lot or the Jade/Juniper parking lot.

Ellison Provincial Park
The rocky, forested headlands and sheltered, sandy bays of Ellison Provincial Park await you on the east side of Okanagan Lake, just a few miles north. Walking trails provide access to the headlands that separate two beautiful bays, offering boulder-climbing excitement and wildflower photo opportunities. The bays are good fishing spots, attracting carp, burbot, kokanee, and trout.

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail travels through an incredibly scenic and picturesque rural area and includes several provincial parks, recreation areas and protected areas. It is home to numerous species of wildlife including, grizzly and black bears, moose, mountain sheep, elk, deer and cougar. The trail is biologically diverse and the terrain ranges from near-desert and ponderosa, to pine, fir and spruce forests, with sub-alpine meadows.

Located within the Kettle Valley district in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. The trail covers approximately 455km between the western city limits of Grand Forks, British Columbia and extends to the eastern limit of Brodie, British Columbia. Canadians and tourist from all over the world navigate these wonderful trails by bike, horse or on foot.

The Kettle Valley Steam Railway
A place where you can step back in time and experience rail travel as it was almost one hundred years ago. Beautiful vistas unfold as you wind your way through Prairie Valley – a quilted patchwork of lush orchards, vineyards and fields of green. Rock cuts and natural landscapes provide another kind of beauty as the train takes you onto the Trout Creek Trestle Bridge 238 ft (73 meters) above the canyon floor. Powered by a restored 1912 locomotive called the 3716 or a 1924 Shay you can see all from two 1950's passenger coaches and three open air cars. The schedule and more information can be obtained from the KVSR website.

Silver Star Mountain - Biking
It’s a quick 7.5 minute ride time to access 1,600 vertical feet of trails in Silver Star’s expanded bike park on the Comet Express, Canada’s largest mountain bike chairlift. If you are an expert looking for cool features and fast lines, an intermediate wanting to challenge your skills or a family seeking a summer mountain biking adventure, Silver Star is the experience for you! Comet Express Tickets

Silver Star Mountain - Hiking or Picnic
Take the the Comet Six Pack Express to the top of Silver Star mountain where you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the Monashee Mountain range and the Okanagan Valley. Bring a picnic lunch and lose yourself in the stunning surroundings. Look for various species of animals and flowers while you peacefully walk through the wilderness. Then treat yourself to a Nature Tour — but don’t forget your camera! Comet Express Tickets

Hillview Golf Club
Pack a full complement of golf clubs before stepping foot on the course, as some of its holes will require use of your woods. Four of Hillview's par threes measure in at 190 yards or over, including Hillview's finishing hole which is 225 yards long. Visit website

Predator Ridge Golf Course
A bounty of unique qualities await you ranging from enormous wheat grass frames meadows that roll onto rugged pine covered ridges to the natural lakes and beautifully constructed landing areas that showcase the challenging Predator Ridge golf experience. Visit website

Vernon Golf and Country Club
Established in 1913, the Vernon Golf and Country Club has matured like a fine wine. The towering Lombardy Poplars and the majestic Weeping Willows draw attention to this lovely course situated between downtown Vernon and Kalamalka Lake. Visit website

Atlantis Water Slides
Family Fun for All Ages. Our ten slides are all heated for your comfort and include: The Speedy Double Trouble, Three Zoom Flumes, Two Intermediate Slides, Two Little Kiddie Slides, a Ramp Slide and A Small Pool. The Most Popular River Riot (Tubes are included in the Admission Price) We also have miniature golf, a large hot tub, an arcade and gift shop. Visit website

Historic O'Keefe Ranch
O'Keefe Ranch is a designated BC Heritage Site and an important tourist attraction in the Okanagan Valley. Here you'll discover some of the oldest remaining structures in the Vernon area, all carefully preserved or restored, each with its own unique and fascinating exhibit. A guided tour of the grand Victorian style O'Keefe Mansion offers a more personal insight into the lifestyle of the Victorian era. Visit website

Dig Your Own Opals
What better way to spend a day than to try your luck at finding your own opals? The Klinker Opal Property is located in the mountains approximately 40 kilometers by road from Vernon, BC and is situated at an elevation of about 1500 metes above sea level. Visit website

Chichadee Ridge Miniature Horses
Nestled in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, Chickadee Ridge is the largest miniature horse farm in Canada. We are a working farm on 80 picturesque acres. While here you will walk in the pastures with nearly 200 horses, and yes, you will get to "HUG" your favourite. You will also see various birds from tiny Quail and Doves to larger Emus, Pheasants, Peacocks, and Wild Turkeys. Visit website

Davidson Orchards
A family owned farm consisting of over 60 acres of famous Okanagan fruit and vegetables. Visit the Country Village & Bakery to taste the freshness in the produce barn & Apple Crate Bakery. Enjoy the country gift shop or Nana's Pantry, overflowing with Nana's jams and specialty foods. Visit the farm animals in the "Critter Corral" and let the children play in the mini barn & farm themed play area. Visit website

Planet Bee Honey Farm
Western Canada's premiere Honeybee Attraction and Interpretive Centre located in Vernon at the top of the picturesque Okanagan Valley. We focus on presenting for learning the "World of the Honeybee," and providing a full range of the finest honeybee products available for your pleasure and well-being. Visit website

Allan Brooks Nature Centre
Leave the traffic and city behind to experience the diverse nature of the North Okanagan at the award winning Allan Brooks Nature Centre. The breathtaking view surrounding this ridge top location is a perfect introduction to the diverse nature of the North Okanagan. Visit website

Visit the Okanagan - Local Online Directory

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association - Great resource for tourist information

Regional Road Map - PDF Download - A basic overview of the area

Mapquest Maps & Directions- Print maps and directions for your visit to the Okanagan

Order Free Printed Tourist Guides Here! - Order well in advance to allow for mail delivery

Vernon & Area Dining - A list of many of the local restaurants

Alaska Airlines & Horizon Air - Flights to Kelowna from many American cities

Westjet - Flights to Kelowna from many Canadian cities

Air Canada - Flights from both regional and international cities

Kelowna Airport Car Rentals - Check out local car rental prices

Vernon Boat Rentals - Rates start at $145

A1Tourist Guide - UK self catering accommodation