Vernon
(pop. 36,000)
People come to Vernon for its location in the North Okanagan and its lifestyle options. Vernon is an active community with summer and winter activities, hiking and skiing, golf and outdoor adventure, culture and history and it remains a family-friendly destination. Closeness to nature is one of Vernon's biggest assets. Famous champagne powder at Silver Star Mountain Resort, just 22km/13mi from downtown, attracts skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and snowmobilers. Right next door to Silver Star is Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre - considered to be one of the best Nordic Ski venues in Canada. Together they offer over 100 km of cross country trails.
Each year in June, Vernon hosts the Int'l Gravity Sports Assn (IGSA) North American Longboard Championships; the Kalamalka Classic SUP (Standup Paddleboarding) race as well as our annual "Funtastic Sports Festival". Numerous other annual sport events take place throughout the year and our website, www.tourismvernon.com, provides details. Vernon recently hosted the 2010 Grand Slam of Curling and the 2011 Sparkling Hill Masters World Cup for nordic skiing. In 2012, it will host the BC Winter Games.
In summer, Vernon's hiking and cycling trails explore every area from the historic Grey Canal within the city to the nearby Kalamalka and Ellison provincial parks where a local cycling association has created and maintains cross country mountain bike trails to Whistler standards. Downhill mountain biking is also a big draw at Silver Star Mountain with its lift accessed trails.
Okanagan, Kalamalka and Swan lakes provide a backdrop for summer activities including camping, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, scuba and fishing. The area's golf courses offer a full range of challenges - from easy courses perfect for beginners to the PGA championship tees of Predator Ridge or The Rise designed by Fred Couples.
Vernon is able to attract regional, national and international sport events not only because of its wonderful weather, venues and facilities but also due to its large contingent of experienced, enthusiastic volunteers.
Every sport event is unique and has unique needs. By working together, The City of Vernon, Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation and other partners will provide the kind of information and support you require when planning your event.
Sport Hosting Portfolio
2011 Sparkling Hill World Masters (Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre)
2010 Grand Slam of Curling (Wesbild Centre)
2009 FIS NorAm Cross Country Competition (Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre)
2008 Ford Women's World Curling Championships (Wesbild Centre)
2000 & 2008 TELUS World Skins Game (Predator Ridge Golf Resort)
2008 President's Choice K2 Canadian Nationals (Silver Star Mountain)
2005 FIS World Cup (Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre)
2004 & 2007 Canadian Junior National Freestyle Championships (Silver Star Mountain)
Facilites
Community contact
Michelle Jefferson
Manager, Tourism Services
City of Vernon
Send email
More Information
Visit the Vernon destination page on HelloBC
Map and Directions
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Silver Star Mountain features an Alpine Race Centre, Halfpipe, Aerial Training Site, Dual Moguls Race Course and a Nordic Centre which has two fully certified biathlon ranges.
The Wesbild Centre features an NHL and International size ice rink and serves as the home of the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL, Canada’s first five-time National Junior 'A' Hockey Champions.
Located 3310 - 37th Avenue, the Greater Vernon Recreation Complex includes an auditorium (12,404 sq ft), an aquatics centre (25m pool), two gymnasiums, an ice arena, a curling rink and three meeting rooms.
World class cross country skiing located in a BC Provincial Park 22km from Vernon BC. At an elevation of 1664m (5500 ft) the Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre includes more than 50km of manicured trails, 14 km of snowshoe trails, a large full service day lodge, ski school, rentals, night skiing, biathlon range and more.
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