Vernon offers a rich agricultural experience that blends tradition with modern practices. This region's unique climate and geography make it ideal for cultivating various crops, including apples, cherries, and vegetables. People can engage with local farms and orchards to gain insight into the area's farming heritage and enjoy fresh, locally sourced produce.
Farms With Experiences
Davison Orchards Country Village
Davison Orchards, established in 1933, is a family-owned farm in Vernon, British Columbia. Spanning several generations, the Davison family has cultivated a diverse range of fruits and vegetables, with a particular emphasis on apples and pumpkins. The farm's commitment to sustainable agriculture ensures that all produce is grown responsibly, reflecting their dedication to environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Beyond its agricultural operations, Davison Orchards offers a variety of attractions for visitors. The Farmhouse Café in the original 1946 farmhouse serves homemade meals and baked goods crafted from farm-fresh ingredients. The Old Brick Press provides specialty espresso drinks and natural fruit ice cream, making it a popular spot for refreshments. Additionally, the farm features a gift shop stocked with local artisan products and farm-themed décor.
The farm is also a hub for family-friendly activities. Visitors can embark on tractor tours through the orchards, gaining insights into the farm's history and sustainable practices. Children can enjoy the Crazy Cow Kids Corral, a play area equipped with treehouses, slides, and haystacks. Seasonal events, such as apple and pumpkin picking during the fall, offer interactive experiences that connect guests with the agricultural process.
Bright Angel Farm
Bright Angel Farm is a family-owned and operated farm on a gently sloping hillside overlooking Swan Lake in the Okanagan Valley. The farm spans four fertile acres, where the family has cultivated a diverse orchard featuring sweet cherry varieties such as Lapins, Lamberts, Sweethearts, and the yellow Rainiers. These cherries are typically available for u-pick starting in early July, with the season's duration influenced by weather conditions.
In addition to cherries, Bright Angel Farm has expanded its offerings to include a pumpkin patch, with harvest time in early October, providing a selection of pumpkins for Thanksgiving and Halloween celebrations. The farm also maintains a small vineyard and is home to various animals, including horses, chickens, a bunny, puppies, and a cat, creating a welcoming environment for families and visitors.
Planet Bee Honey Farm and Honeymoon Meadery
Planet Bee Honey Farm and Honeymoon Meadery offer an immersive experience of the world of honeybees and their products. Established in 1997, this family-owned operation allows visitors to observe live honeybees, explore bee-friendly gardens, and sample a diverse range of honey and mead.
The farm produces a variety of raw, pure honey, including local selections from their hives and others sourced from passionate beekeepers. Their offerings encompass unique flavours such as Okanagan Gold, Blueberry Blossom, and Lavender Honey. In addition to honey, Planet Bee crafts Honeymoon Mead, a traditional honey wine that is available in flavours like Blackberry Twist and Apricot Elixir. People can enjoy complimentary honey and mead tastings with no prior booking required.
Beyond tastings, Planet Bee emphasizes education through guided tours and interactive displays that delve into the life of honeybees and the importance of pollinators. The farm also hosts events and workshops to promote awareness of sustainable beekeeping practices. Their on-site store offers a range of bee-related products, including beeswax candles, health and wellness items, and gifts.
U-Pick and Private Farms
Ringo-En Orchards
Ringo-En Orchards has been cultivating quality produce since the 1920s. Specializing in apples, peaches, corn, garlic, tomatoes, and peppers, this orchard offers a diverse selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. The u-pick option allows visitors to select their produce, providing a hands-on agricultural experience.
The orchard emphasizes sustainable farming techniques, including biodegradable mulch and drip irrigation systems. These practices not only enhance crop quality but also promote environmental stewardship. Visitors can appreciate the dedication to sustainability while enjoying the fresh produce available.
Zelaney Farms
Zelaney Farms, established in 1987, is a family-operated, 20-acre vegetable farm in the Coldstream Valley near Vernon. Over the past three decades, the farm has been dedicated to cultivating a variety of high-quality produce, including super sweet carrots, Sieglinde potatoes, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, pickling cucumbers, Walla Walla onions, sweet corn, red beets, radishes, and dillweed. In the spring, they also offer a selection of tomato and sweet basil plants.
Committed to sustainable and responsible farming practices, Zelaney Farms strives to minimize or eliminate the use of chemicals, ensuring their produce is healthy and clean. Their dedication to quality is evident in their strict health and safety protocols, which maintain product integrity and safety.
Emphasizing community engagement, Zelaney Farms values direct farm marketing, allowing consumers to purchase produce directly from the growers. This approach fosters a strong connection between the farm and the local community, which has supported them for over 30 years. Their commitment to local food and sustainable agriculture is a cornerstone of their operations.
Indigo Valley Farms
Indigo Valley Farm, established in 2015, is a certified organic haskap berry farm in Vernon. Spanning three acres within the Okanagan Valley, the farm cultivates three varieties of haskap berries: 'Tundra,' 'Indigo Gem,' and 'Aurora.' These varieties are essential for cross-pollination, ensuring a robust and healthy crop.
The farm's commitment to organic practices is evident in its meticulous cultivation methods. Each May, the entire field is covered with bird netting to protect the delicate berries from wildlife, a process is reversed in July after the harvest. Given the soft skin and juicy interior of haskap berries, they are handpicked with great care, especially during the hot summer months. This hands-on approach extends to processing, aiming to deliver top-quality products to consumers.
Indigo Valley Farm offers a range of haskap berry products, including fresh berries, which are available during a brief three-week window each year, typically in June and July. Beyond fresh produce, the farm provides frozen and freeze-dried berries, jams, juices, sauces, herbal teas, chocolate bars, and fruit leather.
Farmer's Markets and Farm Tours
Vernon Farmers' Market
From May to October, the Vernon Farmers' Market is one of the largest in the Okanagan Valley. The market features local produce, artisan goods, and prepared foods every Monday and Thursday. Vendors adhere to a "make, bake, or grow" philosophy, ensuring that products are locally sourced and crafted.
You can find goods from vendors such as Zelaney Farms while exploring Vernon's Farmers Market. Zelaney Farms also has a farm gate store open to the public if you crave more of their locally sourced, fresh produce after visiting Vernon Farmers Market. The delicate and delicious haskap berries grown at Indigo Valley Farms can also be purchased at Vernon Farmers Market.
The market fosters a direct connection between consumers and producers, allowing shoppers to meet the individuals behind the products. This interaction promotes transparency and trust in the local food system, encouraging support for regional agriculture.
Swan Lake Market and Garden
Swan Lake Market and Garden offers a year-round selection of local fruits, vegetables, and artisan products. The market emphasizes the importance of supporting local farmers and provides a venue for them to sell their produce directly to consumers. Seasonal events and workshops further engage the community in agricultural activities.
The market's commitment to local sourcing ensures customers access fresh, seasonal produce throughout the year. This approach supports the local economy and reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance food transportation.
BX Know Your Farmer Tours
The BX Know Your Farmer Tours allow participants to visit local farms in the BX area of greater Vernon. This annual tour enable individuals to meet farmers, learn about agricultural practices, and gain insight into the challenges and rewards of farming. The event promotes awareness of local food systems and supports regional agriculture.
By participating in this tour, community members can better understand where their food comes from and the efforts involved in its production. This knowledge fosters a greater appreciation for local farmers and encourages support for sustainable agricultural practices.
Conclusion
Vernon's agricultural landscape is rich with opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with local farms and orchards. From u-pick experiences to farmers' markets, the region offers a variety of ways to connect with the sources of fresh, locally grown produce. Supporting these agricultural endeavours provides access to quality food and contributes to the community's sustainability and vitality.