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| A Panoramic View of Vernon1 |
As the oldest city in the Okanagan Valley, Vernon, British Columbia has a lot to offer visitors. Many have flocked to this city to enjoy its snow-capped mountains, sun-kissed beaches and to explore and learn about Vernon's rich cultural history such as the unique painted murals that adorn buildings. The city is located at the northern tip of Lake Okanagan and is situated approximately 445 km (262 mi) away from Vancouver, BC and 600 km (360 mi) from Calgary, Alberta.
Vernon is an ideal base camp for travellers to enjoy all that the Thompson Okanagan area has to offer. Silver Star Mountain draws many to pass through Vernon on their way to enjoy some skiing and snowboarding. Visitors will find plenty of accommodation options to suit many needs and various budgets, all year round. The area offers everything from intimate bed and breakfasts to popular brand name hotels and campgrounds to enjoy the great outdoors.
In order to help visitors with their choices on where to stay, WorldWeb.com features helpful links that will help travellers make informed decisions when choosing accommodation in Vernon.
Accommodation Directory – This is a complete Vernon accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.
Secure Room Reservations – Check for room availability and then make secure on-line room reservations for participating properties with this convenient link.
Maps – Vernon maps can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.
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A Winter Day at Silver Star Mountain Resort2 |
ACCESS
Vernon is easily accessible by car, air and bus. Those planning a road trip to the city from Alberta, typically take the Trans Canada (Highway 1), Highway 97A and Highway 97, while travellers from Vancouver, BC use Highway 1 and Highway 97.Those not keen on arriving by car, can leave the driving to Greyhound, which has regular motorcoach services to Vernon from across Canada and the United States.
Air travel is made possible by major airlines such as WestJet, into Kelowna International Airport, located 25 minutes from Vernon. The city also has its own Vernon Airport, which is used by private aircrafts.
Once in the city, travellers can easily rent a car, use taxi service or ride public transportation that is provided by the Vernon Regional Transit System.
WHEN TO VISIT
Vernon is a great place to visit all year round due to the comfortable climate. The summers are hot and generally sunny with low humidity. Visitors should bring typical summer clothing such as shorts, sundresses and bathing suits. Don't forget the sunscreen!
The winters are mild with plenty of snow, especially in surrounding ski areas. Sweaters and fleece clothing are a traveller's best bet when packing for a winter getaway to Vernon.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotels and Motels
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| A Luxurious Hotel Room3 |
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Many of Vernon's hotels and motels are centrally located in the core of the city and range from large popular chains to smaller independent hotels. The Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites is located downtown and is within walking distance to Village Green Mall, Lake City Casino and some sandy beaches. Vernon Golf and Country Club and Lake Okanagan are just a 5 km (3.1 mi) drive away. Some of the amenities of this smoke-free, 85-room hotel include an indoor pool, fitness centre and day spa.
For those travelling on business, the Prestige Hotel and Conference Centre features convention and meeting facilities for up to 400 people. Deluxe guest rooms and luxury theme suites also make this hotel ideal for leisurely getaways. Located across from Vernon Square Shopping Centre, the Prestige is also near beaches and parks.
Other great hotel options in Vernon include the Best Western Lodge and the Best Western Motor Inn. Both are suitable for business and leisure travellers and offer a wide range of amenities and services.
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A View of Downtown Vernon4 |
Bed and Breakfasts
For those seeking quiet and solitude or a simple intimate getaway, bed and breakfasts are an ideal choice. Many of Vernon's finest offer warm hospitality, a variety of amenities and the tranquility to soothe weary and tired travellers. Lakeside Illahee Inn is nicely situated on the waterfront of Lake Kalamalka. Guests will have a 180 degree unobstructed view of the breathtaking lake and may even enjoy a fine sunset meal on a heated waterfront balcony. The B&B features five rooms and suites, which are named for wild flowers or trees that grow at Illahee and all have their very own lakeshore balconies. Private bathrooms are featured in each room and suite as well as private entrances.
Campgrounds
Many Vernon campgrounds are located close to areas that offer outdoor activities such as golfing and skiing. Many also have tenting, RV and fifth wheel accommodation options and services.
Located on the northeastern shore of Okanagan Lake, Ellison Provincial Park has 71 vehicle accessible campsites. The sites are large and are shaded by mature Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine. No pull-through sites are available at the park.
Silver Star Campground and RV Park is situated at the south end of Swan Lake, less than 1 km (0.6 mi) north of Vernon on the west side of Highway 97. This full-service campground features 63 sites, including pull-through's, as well as amenities such as water, sewer and cable. Many of the sites here are located on the waterfront.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Panoramic View of Vernon; Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
- Silver Star Mountain Resort; Silver Star Mountain, British Columbia, Canada
- Hotel Room; Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
- Downtown Vernon; Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
