Categories: Travel

One of North America’s largest winter carnivals is coming to this B.C. mountain town

Photo via Vernon Winter Carnival Society

We’re a week away from the beloved Vernon Winter Carnival, a time-honoured tradition that celebrates the very best the mountain town of Vernon has to offer.

Renowned for its magical snowy trails and rich heritage, Vernon is technically a small city, but visitors flock here for the small-town charm and multitude of seasonal experiences. Perhaps the largest and most festive of these celebrations is the annual winter carnival, which is now in its 66th year.

According to organizers, it’s the largest winter carnival in Western Canada, and the second-largest in all of North America, making it a must-visit.

This year, the Vernon Winter Carnival has unveiled the theme of Team Carnival – Canada Goes for Gold! Presented by Valley First, this year’s festivities will host winter athletes from across the globe against the scenic backdrop of Vernon.

Hot air balloons and over 100 winter events

There are over 100 community-wide events at this year’s winter carnival, including the iconic Hot Air Balloon Glow, which sets the skies ablaze with northern pride and vibrant hot air balloons.

The breathtaking display of colour and light will take place at the Village Green Shopping Centre (27th Street at 48th Avenue), with admission by donation.

Other festivities include snow-filled games, ice sculpting, a polar swim, sweet treat contests, nostalgic parades, apres ski fun, and team events of all kinds, like the famed bed race.

While many events are free to attend or by donation, some are ticketed, like the annual Sip & Savour tasting ($45 per person).

Day or night, there will be something for everyone to enjoy at the magical winter celebration.

Mark your calendars for February!