Vernon is the hub of an excellent road transportation network.
Highway 97 runs through the city and continues south through the Okanagan Valley into Washington State. To the north, it intersects with the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) at Kamloops, while Highway 97A meets the Trans-Canada at Sicamous. Both routes provide easy access to Vancouver and Calgary. Highway 6 runs east to the Kootenay Rockies region from downtown Vernon.
Road conditions at higher elevations can be treacherous even when excellent in the valley. Winter tires or chains are a requirement on some roads from October 1 to April 30. Silver Star Road from Tillicum Road to Silver Star Mountain Resort has this requirement – going beyond a certain point without the proper equipment may lead to a fine. Four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicles are best suited for rugged backcountry travel.
Rental cars are available at several locations downtown and at the Kelowna International Airport.
Public Transportation
The Vernon Regional Transit System provides a fully wheelchair accessible bus service. Routes cover most parts of Greater Vernon including the nearby communities of Coldstream, Enderby, Armstrong and Lumby. There is no holiday service. Check with the Vernon Regional Transit System for bus times.
Bus and Rail Travel
Intercity bus routes converge on Vernon's downtown depot from all directions. Greyhound schedules multiple daily bus connections with Vancouver and Calgary as well as regional centres.
A regularly scheduled shuttle runs between Kelowna International Airport and downtown Vernon hotels. Shuttle service also links Silver Star Mountain Resort with Vernon and with Kelowna International Airport.
There is no passenger rail service to Vernon.
Air Travel
Vernon Regional Airport is not serviced by regularly scheduled carriers, but it does accommodate private jets and light aircraft.
Kelowna International Airport is the primary gateway with multiple daily flights to and from Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton and Seattle, plus regional airports. Carriers include Air Canada, Central Mountain Air, Horizon Air and WestJet. Charters are also available. Kelowna and Vernon are about 44km/27mi apart.
Maps
The Vernon Visitor Centre distributes a detailed map of Vernon, a visitors guide, and information about attractions and amenities.
Read Less