Vernon, British Columbia

Vernon City in the central region of British Columbia called Okanagan at the north end of Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake.

Vernon is known for its lakes and beaches in the summer and winter sports, such as skiing and hockey in the winter. It is therefore a year-round tourist destination and weekend get-away for people from Vancouver and (though less frequently) Calgary. During the winter it hosts Western Canada's largest Winter Carnival and in summer hosts a large SloPitch tournament (Funtastic). Silver Star Ski Resort is a well-regarded destination for skiing approximately 25 kilometres north-east of Vernon. Vernon is also home to some quality golf courses including Predator Ridge (Host of the Export A Skins Game in 2000), Spallumcheen Golf, and the Vernon Golf and Country Club.

It is home to many commercial and family orchards producing apples, cherries, apricots, and grapes for wine making. Davison Orchards and Bella Vista Winery are some of the many orchards and wineries in the Vernon area.

During both World Wars Vernon was an important training ground for Canadian troops. To this day unexploded artillery and mortar shells used in training are still turned up by the frost and development of the surrounding hills. Internment camps were also located in Vernon during the World Wars, in WWI for Ukrainian Canadians (ironically this camp is now the site of a high school) and in WWII for people of Japanese decent (mostly from Vancouver).

• Facts
  • Location: 50.27N, 119.27W (map).
  • Population: 33,494 (2001).
  • StatsCan Community Profile
• References
  • A Brief History of Vernon
• External links
  • Government
    • City of Vernon
    • Vernon Tourism
  • Sports Teams
    • Vernon Vipers Junior A Hockey Team
  • Media
    • Vernon Morning Star
    • CHBC