This site requires a modern standards-compliant browser in order to view the site as intended. Please download the latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Apple Safari, or Mozilla.

spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer

Vernon Geography

Vernon - Don Weixl
Vernon, Don Weixl photo
Vernon sits at the confluence of the Okanagan, Spalumcheen, and Coldstream Valleys in south central BC. The rainshadow effect of the Coastal Mountains to the west makes the area relatively dry. The city lies in a fertile agricultural region surrounded by dry grassland hillsides, forested highland plateaus and bordered on the east by the Monashee Mountains. Three bodies of water, Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake and Swan Lake, help to define the local character.

The Lakes

The two northern arms of Okanagan Lake, which stretches 111 km/69mi from Vernon south to Penticton, touch the city on the west, providing beaches, marinas and boat launches, picnic areas and camping with both municipal parks and Ellison Provincial Park.

Kalamalka Lake lies just to the south with more beaches and water sports facilities both public and private, Kal Beach and Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park being the most popular sites. Kalamalka is known as a "marl lake," where crystals that form in the water as it warms in summer reflect sunlight and give the lake a luminous turquoise colour.

Smaller Swan Lake, 5km/3mi north of the city centre offers RV and camping in two private parks.

Silver Star Mountain

Silver Star Mountain Resort - Tourism BC/Don WeixlSilver Star Mountain, located 22km/12mi by road northeast of downtown, is the highest nearby peak at 1915 m/6280ft. On average 700cm/23ft of dry champagne powder snow falls annually, making for superb skiing conditions from late November through March or early April. The summer wildflower show peaks in August with easy access to the subalpine via chairlift.

Climate

With a slightly more moderate climate than other Okanagan communities, Vernon experiences four distinct seasons. It's not quite as arid as its most southerly neighbours, with 410mm/16in of precipitation annually. Summers are dry and very warm. July high temperatures average 26°C/79°F with some days well into the 30°C/90°F range. Winters see some snow with average daily highs around the freezing mark. Spring is marked by an abundance of showy wildflowers, while stands of aspen and cottonwood turn brilliant yellow in autumn.

But variations in altitude make the seasons elastic. It's perfectly feasible to play a morning round of golf in the valley and enjoy spring skiing that afternoon at Silver Star.

Practical Points

Dress in layers year round and especially when visiting the mountains in summer. Temperatures and weather conditions can vary quite dramatically.

Road conditions at higher elevations can be treacherous even when excellent in the valley. Four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicles are best suited for rugged backcountry travel. Winter tires or chains are required on Silver Star Road from Tillicum Road to Silver Star Resort from October 1 to April 30. Driving through this area without proper equipment, may result in a fine.