We've Moved to Wordpress

Tourism Vernon's Blog has moved to a new Wordpress site: wwww.tourismvernon.wordpress.com. Follow our new blog to stay up to date on Vernon events and experiences.

We're looking for guest bloggers to contribute posts on the new site - if you want to participate visit our invitation post for more details: http://tourismvernon.wordpress.com/2013/03/15/an-invitation-for-you/.

You can also help us name our newly refreshed blog - send us your name suggestions by April 15th, 2013 to info@tourismvernon.com.


See you there!

Spring is here In Vernon BC !!

After spending some time outside this past week we are confident spring has arrived here in Vernon. Some really great indicators of spring would be the little plants popping their heads out at City Hall or the appearance of baby cows in the fields. But there is no greater sign of spring then the universal indicator, Canadian geese squealing above our heads!!!

As spring arrives we are all working hard to make sure the thousands of visitors that are soon to arrive have memorable experiences preferably in a good way. That’s why we are here after all! The businesses in and around the City are raking, stocking inventory, painting and ramping up for everyone’s arrival. The excitement in spring here is contagious. The street sweepers are out in full force the birds have begun to chirp once again and the long winter is almost a distant memory. That being said we all invite you to “Make Vernon Yours” this summer!

 

 

 

How to spend Valentine’s Day in Vernon, B.C

                      
Hello February! One of the last months that you can enjoy everything winter has to offer, but this month has a day some look to forward to whereas others cannot wait to pass. Valentine’s Day, of course! So if you already have a date or just want to made this a special day for you and your wife, well grab your notepads guys, because we have it all planned for you!

Step 1: Flowers   

Your thinking “Ugh, this is so stereotypical!”, but this is a classic way to show someone you care! You can head down to Harris Flowers and get a beautiful bouquet of her favorite flower or even a bouquet of classic red roses!

Step 2: A Gift

You could go for the usual piece of jewellery from a local jeweller or try something a little different by getting her a gift basket from Simply Basket’s. They offer all different types of basket’s which you can pick and choose items that you know she’ll love, from a spa basket to a gourmet coffee basket. All the baskets vary in price if you’re on a tight budget, but it is something totally different and unique that she’ll never forget!

Step 3: The Date

The classic dinner and a movie is so outdated, so this year you and you date should try The Sweetheart’s Chocolate Dreams snowshoe tour at Silver Star. A lovely snowshoe by starlight through the wilderness to the Wild Horseman’s Cabin for a romantic chocolate fondue, and then you will return by a horse drawn sleigh. Does it get any more romantic?

 

Step 4: Evening

If you really want to top the night off, book a night at Sparkling Hill Resort. You and you date can enjoy a delicious dinner then try out some of the amazing spas and facilities they have to offer! After spending the night in one of their luxurious rooms, you and your date will also be served a complimentary breakfast to top of the romantic day!

 

There you are four steps to woo your girl! Try them out, and good luck! But for our lovely singles out there, Valentine’s Day is not a day to be depressed and stuff ourselves with chocolate; we have found a great event for you guys to attend! The Vernon Public Art Gallery is holding a Retro’s Singles Date Night and Auction, where you can dance, eat and even place a bid on a hot single who can help you complete this fabulous evening! Tickets are $15/each so grab them before there gone! Hope you all have a great Valentine’s Day, and head down to here to Vernon, and “Make Vernon Yours!”.

 

Some Things You Need To Know About Vernon Winter Carnival 2013

   Vernon Winter Carnival 2013

"Prehistoric Carnival"

We know you can’t believe it but, yes, January is upon us! Fall has officially passed and winter has set in! And yes, here in Vernon we’ve had quite a heavy snowfall. So the ski slopes are open, and everybody is happily enjoying the blessing winter brings! But snow isn’t the only thing that happens during the winter here in Vernon, the annual Vernon Winter Carnival is an event that everybody looks forward to!

The Winter Carnival is a 10 day carnival, consisting of multiple events like a Snow Sculpture Competition, Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, Winter Carnival Parade, Snowshoe Safari, Ukrainian Food Festival, Jam Cam Curling, Downtown Vernon Broomball Tournament, Outdoor Skating Party, Classic Peewee Hockey Tournament and many others! Almost all of these events are for people of all ages and all the members of your family! This year’s theme is “Prehistoric Carnival”, and the events begin on February 1^st and goes until February 10^th, with a full day schedule of events for each day! You can choose to attend one event or all of them! Certain events occur more than once like the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, others take place over a period of a few days like the Snow Sculpture Competition, some are only happen once during the carnival like the Winter Carnival Parade!

 

One of the most popular events is the Winter Carnival Parade! The 53^rd annual Parade will be held February 2^nd at 12pm. This event is located in downtown Vernon, it’s a free event that showcases some amazing floats supported and built by multiple non-profit organizations, local businesses, sports teams, multicultural groups and dance/music teams. The parade last’s about a half-hour and makes its route through 27^th street on 31^st! This year’s theme is “Prehistoric Carnival”, so get ready to see lots of dinosaurs and cavemen! You can even get a chance to see Vernon Tourism’s float, which is sure to be incredible! The Kalamalka Highlanders Bag Pipe Band is always a blast, along with the Caring Clowns that walk alongside the parade floats, handing out stickers, dog treats and spreading smiles! This is the largest free event of the Vernon Carnival, and is great for all ages!

 

 

Another popular event is the Hot Air Balloon Glow, which will be held on February 1^st at 6pm in Polson Park! This event follows the Coronation of Queen Silver Star LIII, which takes place in the band shell. It lasts about a half-hour, and is perfect for the whole family! Your family can enjoy the wonder and mystery of the hot air balloons as they light up the winter sky! And an event you that will truly mesmerize you with just a glance is the annual Snow Sculpture Competition held at Silver Star! You can come by and watch their progress through Friday February 1^st to Sunday, February 3rd, and even help determine which sculpture should receive the “People’s Choice Award”! It’s an event that your family will love to watch and keep up with! Snow being turned into art....does it get any better than that?!? There are plenty more events you and your family can attend, so check out the Vernon Carnival Website at http://www.vernonwintercarnival.com/.

 

If you’ve never been to the Vernon Winter Carnival, here’s your chance! There are so many unforgettable events and activities to attend for your whole family! It only last 10 days, so plan a trip down to Vernon B.C with your family, and “Make Vernon Yours”!
 

New Years Resolutions

Well it’s January and here in Vernon we are all trying to stick to our new year’s resolutions! More physical activity seems to be a common goal for most and Vernon has many choices when it comes to venues for getting active.

With Vernon’s often mild weather the outdoors is a great arena to get your heart pumping. Sledding on the slopes, tubing, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, skating or even guided snowshoe tours are available. If you have a dog there are six different dog parks to choose from all within the City.

 

If you are looking for indoor activity the choices are endless. Vernon has everything from Wallyball to indoor walking facilities, dance classes, yoga and the list goes on! The Vernon Recreation Centre has swimming, skating, exercise room and a gymnasium all within a city block!  Whether you are a resident of Vernon or here on vacation many of the facilities have drop in rates or are free to use so give us a call and we will get you headed in the right direction!

                                                             “Make Vernon Yours”  

OurTop 10 Christmas Break Activities for Children In Vernon

 With the Holiday Season upon us and children out of school you might be looking for something for everyone to do. We have compiled a list of our "Top 10" things to do in Vernon during the Holiday Season! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

 

1.      Santa Swim Dec 22 from 1:30 – 4:00 pm @ Vernon Aquatic Centre

                                         

   2.      Holiday Skate Schedule httwww.greatervernonrecreation.ca/wesbildfiles/holiday_skate_schedule.pdf

3.    Go tobogganing at one of the local school playgrounds. Our preference is Mission Hill Elementary School - 1510 - 36th Street.

4.    Break Camps @ Silver Star Mountain: Check out the website for packages and price. Silverstar has many Holiday events- Check it out

                 http://winter.skisilverstar.com/specials/christmas-break-camps

5.      Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre: Kids Christmas Camp January, 2^nd, 3^rd & 4^th from Noon-4:00pm call them at  250-558-3036  www.sovereignlake.com   250.558.3036

6.    Okanagan Science Centre this holiday season for Winter Break-ology! Pre-register for the hourly, half- or full-day ‘Supervised Science’ drop off programs on Dec. 22, 27-29 and Jan 2-5. Call 250. 545.3644 or visit www.okscience.ca for details.

7.      Ya Ya’s Play Centre (Closed on December. 25. 2012 & Jan .1. 2013 )

8.      Galaxy Cinema’s: 275-2306 Highway 6 – 250. 542.1107 275 - www.ciniplex.com

9.    Vernon Towne Theatre: 2910-30th Ave   - 250.545-0352 - www.vernoncinema.com

10. Watch a Minor Hockey Game – Always fast & fun - www.vernonminorhockey.com  * Look on the left hand side of the website for upcoming games!

Planning a Fun Filled Holiday in Vernon BC!

Whether you are in Vernon for Christmas Holidays or live here, the Holidays can be a great family adventure. Shopping or wandering in the downtown core with friends and family admiring the brilliant displays and festive lights can be lots of fun. Santa will be around to so keep your eyes peeled.  Keep in mind that parking in downtown Vernon is free every Saturday in December.

 If that is not fast paced enough you might want to burn off some energy at the Vernon Recreation Centre swimming or soaking in the hot tub. Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre is open for the season and the Silver Star Mountain has many fun filled days of family friendly events planned.  The Vernon Towne Theatre and the Galexy Cinema both have a great line up of movies for the entire holiday season. Attending an event at the Caravan Farm Theatre should definitely be included in your holiday plans. With "Old Nick" the story of a grumpy old hermit that saves Christmas your sure to enjoy yourself . Powerhouse Theatre is hosting  Glee’s “Across the Universe” a Beatles inspired performance  If you need more ideas Tourism Vernon is loaded with them so keep your eyes on our events listing “What’s Happening” at www.tourismvernon.com throughout the holiday season.