• "Lake of a Thousand Colours": Kalamalka Lake, adjacent to Vernon, is renowned for its vibrant hues, which change throughout the year due to calcium carbonate deposits.

• Winter Carnival: Since 1961, Vernon has hosted the Vernon Winter Carnival, now recognized as Western Canada's most prominent and North America's second-largest winter carnival.

• Trail Capital of BC: Vernon boasts an extensive trail system, earning it the title "Trails Capital of BC," connecting residents and visitors to its natural landscapes.

• Sister Cities: Vernon has established relationships with several international cities, including Modesto in the United States, Tome in Japan, and Tavullia in Italy, fostering cultural and economic exchanges.

• Splashdown Vernon: Formerly known as Atlantis Waterslides, this popular water park features 13 slides and has been a family-friendly attraction in the region.

Vernon, British Columbia, experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen classification Dfb) characterized by warm summers and cold winters.

Summers in Vernon are warm and dry, with average high temperatures reaching approximately 27°C (81°F) in July and August. These months are also the sunniest, averaging around 13 hours of sunshine daily.

Winters are cold, with average low temperatures in January dropping to about -9°C (16°F). Snowfall is common, particularly between November and March, with January typically being the snowiest month, averaging 154 mm (6.06 inches) of snow over approximately 13.8 days.

Precipitation in Vernon is relatively evenly distributed annually, totalling about 663 mm (26.1 inches) annually. November tends to be the wettest month, averaging 76 mm (3.0 inches) of precipitation, while August is generally the driest, with around 35 mm (1.4 inches).

This climate supports a diverse range of outdoor activities year-round, from water sports and hiking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, making Vernon a popular destination for recreation enthusiasts.

Population: 67,086 residents Median Age: 50 years Households: 28,720 Have Children: 15,880 Homes Owned: 20,925 Homes Rented: 7,740 Apartments: 7460 Post-secondary Education: 19,810 Average Income: $40,000 Travel to work by car (as a driver): 20,165 Travel to work by walking: 1,425 Travel to work by cycling: 340 Sources: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.

Kalamalka Lake: Often referred to as the "Lake of a Thousand Colours," this glacial lake is renowned for its vibrant hues, which change with the seasons due to the precipitation of calcium carbonate.

Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and Protected Area: Encompassing approximately 978 hectares, this park offers a preserved remnant of natural grasslands, forests, and cross-country ski trails, along with archaeological sites.

Ellison Provincial Park: Located on the east side of Okanagan Lake, this 219-hectare park features forested hiking trails, secluded beaches, and opportunities for rock climbing and wildlife viewing.

Kekuli Bay Provincial Park: Situated on the west shore of Kalamalka Lake, this 57-hectare park is popular for waterskiing and boating, offering a boat launch and a campground with scenic lake views.

BX Falls: A picturesque waterfall accessible via a forested hiking trail, providing a serene natural setting for visitors.

SilverStar Mountain Resort: A prominent ski resort offering a variety of winter sports and summer activities, surrounded by alpine meadows and scenic vistas.

Swan Lake Nature Reserve: A tranquil area ideal for birdwatching and observing local wildlife, featuring walking trails and observation platforms.

City Centre: The centre of Vernon

Predator Ridge: A neighbourhood in Vernon

Bella Vista West: A neighbourhood in Vernon

East Bella Vista Highlands: A neighbourhood in Vernon

North Vernon: A neighbourhood in Vernon

Waterfront: A neighbourhood in Vernon

Okanagan Hills: A neighbourhood in Vernon

Okanagan Landing: A neighbourhood in Vernon

Blue Jay Subdivision: A neighbourhood in Vernon

Foothills: A neighbourhood in Vernon

Adventure Bay: A neighbourhood east of downtown Vernon that focuses on Okanagan Lake

Vernon, British Columbia, is served by School District No. 22 (Vernon), which encompasses a variety of educational institutions catering to students from kindergarten through grade 12.

Elementary Schools (K-7):

• Alexis Park Elementary School

• BX Elementary School

• Beairsto Elementary School

• Coldstream Elementary School

• Ellison Elementary School

• Harwood Elementary School

• Hillview Elementary School

• Kidston Elementary School

• Lavington Elementary School

• Mission Hill Elementary School

• Okanagan Landing Elementary School

• Silver Star Elementary School

Secondary Schools (8-12):

• Clarence Fulton Secondary School

• Kalamalka Secondary School

• Vernon Secondary School

• W.L. Seaton Secondary School

Alternative and Online Learning:

• vLearn: An online learning platform offering K-12 education.

• Vernon Community School: Provides alternative education programs.

Independent Schools:

• Vernon Christian School: Offers education from preschool to grade 12 with a Christian-based curriculum.

• St. James School: A Catholic independent school serving elementary grades.

• Pleasant Valley Christian Academy: Provides education from kindergarten to grade 8 with a Christian perspective.

Vernon, British Columbia, is a city deeply rooted in history, situated in the traditional territory of the Okanagan Indian Nations, or Syeelhwh Nation. The area's original name, Nintle-Moos-Chin, meaning "jumping over the creek," reflects the geography of BX Creek, a natural crossing point for the Indigenous people. Known for their traditional use of the Okanagan Lake and River as transportation routes, the Syeelhwh people played a vital role in shaping the region's early heritage. Chief Kalamalka, a significant figure among the Syeelhwh, left a lasting legacy, with the beautiful lake south of Vernon bearing his name today.

European exploration began in 1811 when David Stuart of the Pacific Fur Company first encountered the Okanagan Valley. The Hudson's Bay Company established the Okanagan Brigade Trail, linking trade routes between Washington and Kamloops and utilizing Indigenous paths. By the mid-19th century, gold discoveries attracted miners, and settlers followed. Among them was Luc Girouard, who became the first permanent white settler in 1861. Religious missions soon followed, laying cultural and institutional foundations in the valley.

In 1864, the area's agricultural potential gained prominence with the establishment of Coldstream Ranch by Forbes and Charles Vernon, after whom the city was eventually named. This ranching tradition flourished, attracting figures like Cornelius O'Keefe and Price Ellison. Over time, the community expanded from its early monikers—Forge Valley and Priest's Valley—to becoming officially named Vernon in 1887. By 1892, Vernon was incorporated as a city, boasting thriving industries, schools, a hospital, and a multicultural population that included notable Japanese and Chinese communities.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked rapid development, including the advent of the Shuswap and Okanagan Railway in 1892. This rail line connected Vernon to broader trade networks, while steamboats on Okanagan Lake enhanced regional commerce. The establishment of irrigation systems like the Grey Canal in 1908 transformed the area into a hub for fruit agriculture, a hallmark of Vernon's economic identity.

Vernon, British Columbia, has several heritage-designated properties that reflect its rich history and cultural significance. Here are some notable sites:

Campbell House: A Queen Anne Revival house built in 1898 overlooks downtown Vernon. 

Mackie Lake House: A 1910 house on Kalamalka Lake, now serving as a cultural and historic centre. 

Urquhart House: A Craftsman-style house featuring a stone fireplace and fir panelling. 

Historic O'Keefe Ranch: Established in 1867, this ranch includes a post office, blacksmith shop, general store, and church, offering insights into early ranching in the North Okanagan. 

Vernon Federal Building: A two-story, L-shaped building in the downtown commercial district, illustrating the growth of federal government services in the 1950s. 

Vernon Courthouse: Constructed in 1914, this building continues to serve the community today. 

These sites offer a glimpse into Vernon's architectural diversity and historical development, preserving the legacy of the region for future generations.