At last the sun has arrived in Vernon BC!

Vernon offers endless options when looking for family friendly things to do

The Civic sounds begins this Thursday and many people have asked about it see the schedule of entertainers at www.downtownvernon.com . As well the Mackie House is running an “Ice Cream Extravaganza” learn how to make homemade ice cream details at www.mackiehouse.ca . The downtown Murals are running 2 for 1 deal until August 31 so stop and see them at 3101 29 Street Vernon BC.

Some other ideas might include a picnic in one of Vernon’s gorgeous green spaces such as Justice Park, Kin Park or Polson Park. All of our city parks are groomed to perfection with large shade trees and most of them have picnic tables for your enjoyment. The beaches are busy Kalamalka Beach has a great dock and lots of sandy beach area. Paddle boards, Kayak & Canoe rentals are available right at the beach on Kalamalka lake road. Kin Beach on Lakeshore has a fabulous kid’s play area and covered bbq spot for your convenience.

These are just a few suggestions there are dozens of cool things to do here in Vernon! Stop by or give us a call for more ideas or details when planning your trip.

 The Vernon Visitor Centre & Vernon’s North Discovery Centre are open late daily So...... pitch a tent, sing a song, sample the ale, soar with the eagles, time to be , family friendly, walk on the beaches, hike to far reaches ........ Check in, check it out, and make Vernon yours!

Vernon Visitor Centre

701 Highway 97 South

Vernon,BC V1B 3W4

P. 250.542.1415

Toll Free 1.800.665.0795

Fax 250.275.0114

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Indicators of Spring In Vernon BC

Wow I am sure spring has finally arrived here in Vernon BC.

Vernon has very clear indicators that spring is officially here the first one being all the  flowers are lazily popping their heads out of the soil waiting for the rays of warm sunshine to touch them. The second greatest indicator that is very unique to the area is the arrival of the great blue heron. Vernon has a large Heron Rookery near the local Walmart. The area was protected from development something we are extremely proud of. The Herons can be seen now doing what we call the dance of spring! Herons form monogamous pair bonds within the breeding season, but often switch mates each year. During the nesting season it is possible to differentiate between the sexes as the males develop longer plume feathers which grace their heads. Courtship behaviour is evident in late March and early April. Once pairs are bonded they are reinforced by choreographed behavioural displays which include "circle flights". These short flights start around the nest first by the male and soon the female joins him; their flight is unique as the birds fly with their necks fully extended, rather than folded back, as is normal. Copulation takes place at the nest site. More details on this subject can be found at http://www.trailsintime.org/html/herons.

Another indicator of the season change is the pairing and separating of the Coyotes in the outlying areas. Several weeks ago a older local coyote that we watch yearly arrived at the Visitor Centre with a obviously pregnant mate. This past week we spotted him hunting alone on the Department of Defence grounds. Spring has also arrived at the Allan Brooks Nature Centre. Even though the centre is not open until May 1 they are reporting playful resident Marmots romping around the compound.

With longer daylight hours and Okanagan sunshine the whole area comes to life at this time every year. The spring season in Vernon is often short lived as the climate is warmer than other regions of the province summer is upon the area within several weeks. So we encourage you to take a road trip and “Make Vernon Yours”!

Spring Is In The Air Most Days In Vernon!

Happy St Patrick’s Day to all our friends around the province!

Spring is upon us most days here with snow still at higher elevations. The days are amazing with all the benefits of winter but nice spring like weather in the bottom of the valley to enjoy.

All the tourism attractions are starting to buzz such as Davison Orchard and the Historic O’Keefe Ranch really getting ready for the summer season.

Tamra at Davison called us here at Tourism to invite us to the farm for a pre summer sneak peek and maybe a piece of Aunty May’s Apple Pie! We can’t wait to go!

Spring Break is coming to this school district next week and below we have compiled a few of the many special kid’s camps and activities. Silver Star Mountain still has great spring conditions and Outdoor Discoveries is still hosting snow show tours daily also great options for families and young people.

Vernon Public Art Gallery

March 17, Saturday, 1 - 4 pm, Spring Break Workshop
"Colour Crazy Kids" Spring Break Workshop.

Learn about colour, colour mixing, and materials. Create an oil pastel portrait, Pablo Picasso style, and then put your colour theory practice to test and learn to weave friendship bracelets. Pre-registration required. Recommended for kids age 8 + $5 members, $10 non-members +HST

March 24, Saturday, 1 - 4 pm, Spring Break Workshop

“Colour  Ricious” Spring Break Workshop.

More colour theory coming your way! Create your own groovy tie dye t-shirt at VPAG. Then learn to paint like abstract expressionist, Mark Rothko. T-shirts are supplied, we just need your size. Pre-registration is required. Recommended for kids age 12 + $15 members, $20 non-members + HST

Spring Break at the Hub “Art Camp”

WHERE:  The Hub Arts Collective beside the Towne Theatre

WHEN:    8:30am until 3pm or half day 8:30am to 12noon

WHO:     Any kids from Kindergarten to Grade 7

WHAT:   Comprehensive and Energetic Theatre, Art and Practical Work Shopping

HOW:     Sign up by visiting www.thehubartscollective.com 

NEED:     Lunch. Working, comfortable clothes and A good attitude.

Science Centre camps Spring Break

 March 19 – 23, 9am – 3pm daily

Children 8-12 years old - “Astrobot Adventure”

March 26 – 30, 9am – 3pm daily

Children 6-10 years old - “Superhero Science”

Vernon Recreation Spring Break

Visit http://www.greatervernonrecreation.ca/ or in person at 3310-37 Avenue
Phone: 250-545-6035

Sovereign Lake is offering a Sun & Snow Special & Kids Camp

12pm-4pm -Ages 5-8 years and 9-13 years call 250-558-3036 Press 203 or Toll Free 1-877-768-5253Office: (250) 558-3036 Press '203' for general enquiries

The Next Chapter!

Tourism Vernon is taking a breath after a very busy February and it will be short lived!
The Vernon tourist season is hot on our heels and we are getting everything in order to welcome every one of them with a smile! Tourism in the Okanagan brings thousands of visitors and it is the job of Tourism and the Visitor Centres to make sure we are well prepared and can offer a second to none product.

All front line staff has to be well trained and knowledgeable about all things Vernon and British Columbia! Staff are specifically trained and certified as Visitor Centre Counsellors utilizing a program supplied by the Ministry of Tourism. It truly helps we love our City and our Province so learning about it is easy. From the waterfronts, campgrounds, fruit picking, hiking to wine drinking and hot springs we know something about everything and if not we know where to find the answer.

 As we wait for seasonal attractions to open we continue to make sure all season attractions get our undivided attention. Attractions like Planet Bee & Meadery, Opal Miners Gift Shop as well as all the unique shops in the downtown core make visiting Vernon any time of year worthwhile.

 The Vernon Visitor Centre is open year round to assist you when you arrive! Making sure our websites, files and Visitor Centre shelves are loaded with current information to assist visitors is essential. So as we get ready to welcome you we hope you are planning to make Vernon yours this year!

 

"Time to Shine"

So yesterday here in Vernon we celebrated the opening of the Greater Vernon 2012 BC Winter Games! We had many dignitaries in attendance including the Premier Christy Clark and Ida Chong Ministry of Community Sport, and Cultural Development! But I think the true dignitaries were the hundreds of athletes that arrived by the busload! Around 30 buses full of young athletes arrived at the Wesbild Centre some traveling as far away as Northern BC and some just coming from as close as Kelowna. Last night was the opening ceremonies and all the colours of the regions poured like a rainbow on  to the covered ice surface excited and exhausted waiting for the ceremony and finally the lighting of the torch. Many of the athletes had a long day but they were so excited and full of anticipation it was contagious!

After a good night’s sleep the kids all were all transported for a healthy breakfast at the Vernon Recreation Centre and headed out to competition with their boxed lunches in hand. With great snow conditions at the Silver Star Mountain and mild weather in the valley bottom its perfect for a enjoyable Winter Games for all. Many parents have arrived and families are here to cheer on athletes from their communities.

With the games going on until Sunday February 26th we really hope everyone gets the chance to visit one of the many venues and cheer on the athletes. The closing ceremonies are open to the public and will take place at the Wesbild Centre from 1:30pm to 2:30pm on Sunday afternoon!

Vernon this is truly “Your Time to Shine”!

Welcome to Vernon BC Canada!

As the Vernon 2012 BC games get closer we are really feeling the excitement build! This morning we searched news articles online throughout the province and there are far too many to share. Many of the Tourism Vernon staff & volunteers are heavily involved in several of the events and proud to be able to assist! This is a very exciting time for us and everyone is really busy making sure we are able to be the best host City possible for such a special occasion.

There is an abundance of behind the scene activity preparation with over 2300 volunteers in various colours depending what role they are filling. Many of the people involved will be wearing green coats these are the hosts and many of their duties are just making people feel welcome and answering questions. All hosts have been supplied with manuals with information including phone lists, maps, role rules, emergency procedures and much more so we are prepared to answer all the questions. We really can’t wait to meet everyone and help make this a smooth and seamless event.

Schedule information as well as venue addresses and an online map can be found on the BC Winter Games Website at http://www.2012bcwintergames.ca/ . The Winter Games office will be open until 4:30pm on Friday February 24th so they are available for calls at 250.550.2012. The Vernon Visitor Centre will also be open until Friday at 4:30pm at 701 Highway 97 South or call 1-800-665-0795 with contact numbers on the voice mail if needed.
It is our hope that everyone that comes to Vernon has a stress free visit and is able to enjoy all that is happening. We are all cheering for the young athletes and can’t wait for their arrival here in Vernon BC!

Vernon it is our time to shine!

Our Time to Shine!

Well with the Vernon Winter Carnival behind us we are getting excited as the BC 2012 Winter Games are being hosted right here in Vernon BC! Visitors and competitors will start arriving on February 22nd and will stay here in Vernon at various locations throughout the City. The winter games are for youth from all over the province to come and compete for gold similar to the Olympics! The events are endless with over 15 registered including figure skating, female hockey and gymnastics. We will all do our part to assist and volunteer for this amazing event as well as cheer for all our favourites. We encourage everyone to make our visitors feel welcome and really make Vernon shine! If you have questions feel free to give the Winter Games office a call at 250-550-2012. Events are already scheduled so make them yours!