Parks
Park in BC (JF Bergeron photo)
Four provincial parks protect the wilderness heritage and provide year round recreational opportunities very close to Vernon.
Ellison Provincial Park
Located 16km/10mi from downtown Vernon on the northeast shore of Okanagan Lake, the forested benchlands, prominent headlands and sheltered coves of Ellison Provincial Park are a popular summer getaway. The underwater dive park on Otter Bay is unique in the valley and is one of the few good snorkel/scuba sites on Okanagan Lake.
Hiking opportunities include 6km/4mi of easy walking trails with a few steep sections and access to excellent viewpoints. The views are also spectacular from the tops of the rocky headlands, but these trails are difficult and require caution. Beginner rock climbers can tackle the moderately difficult small rock cliffs on South Bay. Other activities include swimming, fishing, cycling, canoeing and kayaking. Campsites and two rental yurts available.
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Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
Protecting a portion of the endangered Okanagan grasslands, Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park is a busy day use park located 8km/5mi south of Vernon on the north shore of Kalamalka Lake. Left mostly natural, this park is noted for its 13km/8mi of well-marked hiking, cycling and horseback trails that cross the grasslands and pass through stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir to secluded beaches. Jade and Juniper bays are the most popular picnic and swimming sites.
In winter, cross-country skiers take over the trails. Wildlife is abundant, including deer, mink, bobcat, black bear, cougar, coyote, red fox and a host of bird species. The park is also home to the western rattlesnake. Exercise caution by staying out of long grass and keeping hands and feet out of crevices.
Kekuli Bay Provincial Park
Campers head for Kekuli Bay on the western shore of Kalamalka Lake 11km/7mi south of Vernon. The name kekuli refers to the winter semi-pit houses of the Interior Salish people. Facilities include campsites with lake views, showers, flush toilets, a playground, a day-use picnic area, a beach and a boat launch. Note that an active rail line separates the campground from the boat launch and beach. The grasslands surrounding the park provide habitat for small prey of the raptor species that are commonly sighted flying above the ridges beyond the park. The western rattlesnake is also found in this grassland.
Silver Star Provincial Park
High elevation (1,664m/5,500ft) makes this mountain wilderness park a refreshing retreat from Okanagan summer heat and ideal for winter recreation. Cross-country ski or snowshoe at the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club within the park boundaries, or ride the 50km/31mi of maintained snowmobile trails. In summer, the same trails are great for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Deer sightings are common, while moose and black bears are seen less often, and cougar and lynx are seen very rarely. There are no campsites, but accommodations are available at the adjacent Silver Star Mountain Resort. Silver Star Provincial Park is located 22km/13mi from Vernon.
Detailed information on provincial parks is provided in the Go Camping BC guide, available at the Vernon Visitor Centre on Highway 97 south. Camping is permitted in Ellison and Kekuli provincial parks, but both are extremely popular and reservations are recommended in high season.
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2 Parks in Vernon
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8 Km South
Vernon, British Columbia
V1T 6T1
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-545-9943
The largely undeveloped park has a natural setting. A sloping, paved trail wanders down to the beautiful private beaches with informative signs that talk about flora & fauna along the trails. In winter, cross-country skiers enjoy the wild beauty here also a great location for hiking.
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2
111 Km North Of Vernon
Vernon, British Columbia
V1T 6T1
Websitehttp://www.bcparks.ca
Toll-free
Phone800-663-7867
This undeveloped mountain wilderness is a wonderful adventure for both experienced, backcountry hikers & willing beginners alike. Lush green forests grace the valley bottoms & in the spring, alpine meadows blossom with a colourful array of wildflowers. Great location for fishing & bird watching.
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