When the snow melts in Vernon, British Columbia, a very different kind of season begins. Spring here doesn’t rush in. It unfolds slowly, changing the way the town looks, sounds, and moves. Trails dry out. Trees bud. Markets open again. People start spending more time outside—not for sport or speed, but for the sake of being outdoors. This piece explores what spring looks like in Vernon by focusing on the specific things people can do here, how they shift with the season, and why this is a good time to experience them.
Hike Through Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
Bear Valley and Crest Trails
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park becomes more accessible in spring, when the snow clears and the trails return. The lake's colour changes depending on the light and sediment, adding interest to every visit. Hikers return to routes like Bear Valley Trail or try less familiar ones like the Crest Trail. The terrain has enough variety to suit casual walkers as well as those looking for a longer challenge. Rather than moving fast, most people take their time to notice returning wildlife and emerging plants.
Lake Lookouts and Shoreline Access
Views over the lake change throughout the day. With fewer visitors than in summer and more manageable temperatures, the longer walks become more appealing. While some trails are shared with cyclists, many stay quiet. Wearing layers and solid footwear helps with the cooler mornings and the occasional weather shift during a hike.
Shop Local at the Vernon Farmers’ Market
Weekly Market Days
The Vernon Farmers’ Market reopens in early April, operating outdoors on Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kal Tire Place. Growers, bakers, and local producers bring their goods—everything from early greens and root vegetables to honey, meat, and preserves. This is also a useful time to shop for seedlings if you're starting a garden.
Food Trucks and Community Space
A few prepared food vendors and coffee trucks usually join the setup, making it a place to grab breakfast or lunch while browsing. Though smaller than urban markets, it maintains a steady pace with many regulars. Some of the most seasonal items aren’t listed online, so a quick walk through before purchasing can turn up a few surprises.
Attend Spring Festivals and Events
SEISMIC Spring Mountain Festival
As the season starts to warm, so does the event calendar. SEISMIC Spring Mountain Festival at SilverStar stretches over ten days and combines late-season skiing and snowboarding competitions with concerts, art installations, and local food vendors. It draws a mix of locals, visitors, and athletes who are still enjoying snow at higher elevations.
Vernon Spring Home Show
For those focused on home projects, the Vernon Spring Home Show takes place around the same time. Exhibitors range from renovation contractors and landscapers to interior product vendors. It’s held at Kal Tire Place and tends to draw a steady mix of homeowners and industry professionals.
Vernon Wellness Fair
The Vernon Wellness Fair also runs during spring, bringing together speakers, service providers, and small businesses connected to physical and mental health. There’s no entry fee in most cases, and the event typically features workshops and information booths throughout the weekend.
Walk the Grey Canal and Other Local Trails
Grey Canal Trail
The Grey Canal Trail includes several segments—such as those around Turtle Mountain and Bella Vista—linked by their history as irrigation channels. These trails are wide, generally flat, and overlook residential neighbourhoods and farmland. Many connect easily to other parks, which makes them suitable for loop walks or shorter excursions.
BX Creek Falls Trail
BX Creek Falls is a short forest walk that leads to a waterfall. As the trees leaf out and the undergrowth thickens, the path becomes increasingly green. The trail follows the creek, offering chances to see birds and small wildlife. It’s a good route for dog walkers or those looking for a quiet hour outside without needing to drive far or carry gear.
Taste Local Ciders and Wines
Cambium Cider Co. Spring Festival
With spring comes the start of tasting season at local cideries and wineries. Cambium Cider Co. hosts a Spring Festival on their orchard property. Visitors can tour the grounds, try new seasonal ciders, and stay for food truck service and music. The event draws families and groups as well as regular customers.
Winery and Cidery Tastings
Other operations begin offering seated tastings around the same time. These are usually small-scale and informal. Staff are involved in production and happy to talk through the tasting list. Walk-ins are often welcome, but calling ahead is smart, especially on weekends. It’s a relaxed way to try local drinks before the busier summer season.
Wineries and tasting rooms in and around Vernon include The Perch Winery, which focuses on premium varietals grown locally, as well as 50th Parallel Estate Winery in Lake Country, known for its Pinot Noir.
Each cidery has its own approach. Cambium Cider Co. in Vernon blends heritage apples with botanicals, Farmstrong Cider Company in Armstrong produces small-batch cider in a restored barn, and Tony's Craft Cidery in Coldstream features a tasting room and fruit stand open daily in season.
Ride or Walk the Okanagan Rail Trail
The Okanagan Rail Trail stretches from Vernon to Kelowna, with a portion near Vernon running alongside Kalamalka Lake. The trail is flat and wide, making it an easy option for cyclists and walkers. Since there’s limited shade, spring is an ideal time to use it before the hotter weather arrives.
Most people explore a section of the trail rather than the full route. Entry points near Polson Park and Coldstream make it accessible from town. Benches and interpretive signs are placed throughout, and the route is suitable for all ages and abilities. E-bikes are allowed, and the trail surface suits most bikes and strollers.
Bring Kids to Davison Orchards
Davison Orchards Country Village starts opening its kid-friendly features in spring. These include the petting zoo, tractor rides, and playgrounds. The on-site farm store stocks fresh baking, produce, and preserved goods, some of which use ingredients grown on the property.
The cafe also returns, offering lunches and baked treats such as apple cider donuts. Spring visits tend to be quieter than in fall, giving kids room to explore the play area and animal pens without waiting or crowds. While not all crops are ready yet, the space still offers plenty to do.
See Art Around Town
Vernon Public Art Gallery
The Vernon Public Art Gallery rotates exhibits during spring, featuring work by local and regional artists in a mix of mediums. The space hosts events such as talks and workshops, with some scheduled around opening nights or new installations.
Downtown Mural Walk
Around downtown, more than twenty murals mark the buildings. They depict a mix of scenes—historic figures, industry, and everyday life in Vernon’s past. The mural walk is self-guided, with maps and QR codes available at several spots to give more background. It’s easy to combine with a stop at a nearby cafe or shop.
Book a Tee Time
Spring Golf Openings
Courses like Predator Ridge, The Rise, and Vernon Golf & Country Club usually open in March or April. Early tee times are easier to get, and rates are often reduced before peak season. Players benefit from quieter fairways and the chance to get out while conditions are still cool.
Conditions and Spring Promotions
Spring conditions vary depending on recent weather. Some courses still have slower greens or soft fairways early on, but for most golfers the tradeoff is worthwhile. Many clubs use this time to offer package deals, group lessons, or early membership pricing.
Watch for Wildlife
Allan Brooks Nature Centre
The Allan Brooks Nature Centre sits on a hill just outside Vernon and reopens in spring. Its gardens and lookout stations offer good chances to spot hawks, bluebirds, and other returning birds. Indoors, the exhibits explain the local habitats and seasonal wildlife activity.
Swan Lake Nature Reserve
Swan Lake, on the edge of town, has a marsh trail and loop path that attract birdwatchers. This area doesn’t get much through traffic, making it good for early morning or evening walks. There are interpretive signs along the trail and a small parking area for easy access.
Drive or Ride the Country Roads
Vernon to Armstrong Route
A spring drive from Vernon to Armstrong passes through quiet roads and farmland. Stops might include a cheese shop, antique store, or bakery, with Otter Lake offering a place to picnic or stretch. This route works well for either cars or bikes, especially during calm weather.
Blossom Viewing in April and May
By late April, apple and cherry trees bloom in different parts of the region. East Hill, Bella Vista Road, and Coldstream are good areas to look. These are mostly residential and farming zones, so planning your route helps. Some people walk or cycle the roads for a closer view.
Know Before You Go
Vernon’s spring weather can change quickly. Days reach 10 to 18°C, but mornings stay cold and evenings cool off fast. Layers and rain jackets are helpful, and sunscreen still matters even on cloudy days.
Hotels and resorts like Predator Ridge and Sparkling Hill offer lower rates in spring, while B&Bs and short-term rentals have more availability. Though public transit covers most of the town, having a car makes reaching trailheads, wineries, and more remote areas easier.
Conclusion
Spring in Vernon shifts attention to the outdoors, not with urgency, but with consistency. The events are spaced out. The trails are walkable. The markets, roads, and public spaces begin to feel like shared places again. Whether it’s your first visit or a familiar stop, this is a time to experience Vernon as it adjusts to longer days and quieter routines.
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