Ready to add another small town your road trip list? Vernon, British Columbia is another scenic spot in northern Okanagan you’ll want to plan a trip to, especially if your favourite way to soak up the sun is on a lake.

The City of Vernon is at the centre of three of the most beautiful lakes in the region: Okanagan, Kalamalka, and Swan Lakes – each with beautiful natural scenery and recreation opportunities to offer.

What’s more, there are nearly too many beautiful beaches and lakeside spots to count, but we’re here to try!

At Okanagan Lake alone, there are over 30 beaches to explore, from the sandy shores of Ellison Provincial Park to the beautiful paddling waters at Paddlewheel Park Beach and Kin Park and Canoe Beach.

Known as the “lake of a thousand colours,” Kalamalka ranges from sparkling blues to deep, turquoise greens – and is often described as a “watersports paradise.”

Here, visitors will find a mix of sandy and stony beaches, bays, and a pier with picturesque views of the ever-changing lake.

vernon british columbia
Kekuli Bay via Shutterstock

Visitors can stroll down the historic streets downtown and immerse themselves in Vernon’s buzzing arts and culture scene, stopping at one of many galleries, museums, local shops, theatres, and nature centres.

Finally, we come to the small but scenic Swan Lake – AKA the quieter alternative for those who want to unwind on a paddle board or kayak, or birdwatch in the park’s wetlands.

To that end, the area provides some of the best birdwatching in the province, so don’t forget your binoculars for this one!

Note that public access to the lake is off Lochdale Road where the Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club is located.

So there you have it, beach lovers! For one last lake day you won’t soon forget, consider making the trek to Vernon, British Columbia sooner rather than later!

Enjoy the sunshine.

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Vernon

Where: North Okanagan, BC

Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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