Vernon, the oldest city in the Okanagan Valley (incorporated in 1892) celebrates its history and heritage of characters and events of its past in the larger-than-life display of 26 murals painted on the walls of its downtown buildings. There are also a number of heritage sites and artefacts to explore.
First Nations
Habitation in the area goes back thousands of years. The Okanagan Nation (Interior Salish peoples) were successful hunter/gatherers, taking full advantage of the bounty of the lakes and rivers, grasslands and forests. While there are no specific First Nations attractions, evidence of their winter homes, semi-pit houses called kekulis, has been found in many locations including Kekuli Bay Provincial Park on Kalamalka Lake.
The culture of First Nations people was dramatically changed by contact with Europeans. Fur traders of the Hudson's Bay Company, who followed the Brigade Trail through their territory in the early 19th century, and people headed north to gold country in the 1860s had less impact as they didn't stay. But then cattlemen began pre-empting land for ranches. Reserves were established in the early 1900s. The Okanagan People were talented horsemen and their deep knowledge of the country made them excellent stockmen. Look for First Nations artefacts at O'Keefe Ranch and the Vernon Museum and Archives.
O'Keefe Ranch
Founded in 1867 by Cornelius O'Keefe, the ranch was run by the same family for 110 years. The many buildings that formed a small community with its own post office long before Vernon was more than a few houses, now provide a clear glimpse of the area's ranching history. Visit the paddocks to see the sheep and heritage cattle breeds, stop by the general store, blacksmith shop, tiny St. Anne's church, the Greenhow Museum, Balmoral School and Schubert House, and peek into the personal lives of the O'Keefe family on a guided tour of "the mansion." Costumed interpreters and artisans bring it all to life. Join in the cowboy culture with themed entertainment Friday nights through July and August. Plan to spend two to three hours. O'Keefe Ranch is located 12km/7.5mi north of Vernon on Highway 97 and is open daily from late-April to mid-October. The Ranch Gift Shop is open during the season while the Cattlemen's Club restaurant operates year round.
Vernon Museum and Archives
At Civic Plaza in the heart of downtown, the Vernon Museum presents displays that cover the full range of local history. Personal collections of First Nations Artefacts and wildlife specimens were donated to form the nucleus of the museum's exhibits. It also houses two special collections, the artwork and family history of artist and character Sveva Caetani and a gallery dedicated to the life and work of renowned naturalist, author and bird artist, Allan Brooks. The museum is open year round, Tuesday to Saturday.