What it's like living in THE CITY OF VERNON, BC!

Living in Vernon is all about balance: the balance between outdoor adventure and relaxed smaller-city living, between natural beauty and modern convenience, and between family-friendly charm and vibrant culture. Nestled in the heart of the Okanagan, Vernon sits between three breathtaking lakes - Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, and Swan Lake - while being framed by rolling hills, orchards, vineyards, and mountains. The scenery is something you’ll never get tired of waking up to.

Vernon has the soul of a small town but offers the amenities of a much larger city. You’ll find a thriving downtown filled with local shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as convenient access to big-box retailers, quality healthcare, and excellent schools (School District #22). Unlike crowded urban centers, Vernon offers space to breathe and grow, making it especially appealing to families, retirees, and those seeking a healthier lifestyle.

The outdoor opportunities are endless here. In the summer, residents enjoy boating, paddleboarding, water sports, golfing, biking, and hiking. In the winter, Silver Star Mountain Resort transforms into a snowy wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing - just a 25 minute drive from town! For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, you can spend the day wine tasting at local vineyards, exploring art galleries, or relaxing on a sandy lakeside beach.

What truly makes Vernon special is its sense of community. People know their neighbours, gather at local events like the Vernon Winter Carnival or Farmers’ Markets, and celebrate the Okanagan lifestyle together. Whether you’re raising a family, starting fresh in a new chapter of life, or seeking an investment property in a booming recreational market, Vernon feels like home from the moment you arrive.

The highlights of Vernon living start with its natural beauty. Very few places in Canada offer the luxury of having three lakes within minutes of each other. Okanagan Lake is perfect for boating and watersports, Kalamalka Lake is world-famous for its stunning turquoise water, and Swan Lake offers serene birdwatching and quiet paddling. Add in the surrounding orchards, vineyards, wineries, and golf courses, and you have a lifestyle that feels like a permanent vacation.

Another highlight is the accessibility of SilverStar Mountain Resort. Just 25 minutes from downtown, this resort is a year-round playground, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Okanagan during winter, and mountain biking, hiking, and festivals in the summer.

Vernon’s cultural and community offerings are also a major draw. The city boasts a lively arts scene, with galleries, theatres, and the iconic Vernon Winter Carnival - Canada’s largest and longest-running winter festival. The local food and wine scene continues to grow, with farm-to-table dining, cozy coffee shops, and nearby award-winning wineries.

From a practical standpoint, Vernon delivers excellent healthcare, a strong school system, and a variety of neighbourhoods to fit every lifestyle - whether you’re looking for lakefront luxury, downtown convenience, or family-friendly suburbs. Compared to larger Okanagan cities like Kelowna, Vernon offers better value in real estate without sacrificing lifestyle or amenities.

In short, Vernon blends everything people love about the Okanagan - natural beauty, community spirit, and lifestyle perks - into one incredible place to call home. 

• Kalamalka Lake - Swim, kayak, or paddleboard on the “lake of many colours.”

• Okanagan Lake - Perfect for boating, sailing, and fishing adventures.

• SilverStar Mountain Resort - Ski, snowboard, bike, hike, or enjoy summer festivals.

• Okanagan Rail Trail - Cycle or walk along stunning lakeside pathways.

• Predator Ridge Golf Resort - World-class golfing with breathtaking views.

• Davison Orchards - Family-friendly farm fun with fresh pies, produce, tractor rides, and farm animals!

• Kalamalka Provincial Park - Explore scenic hiking trails and hidden beaches.

• Allan Brooks Nature Centre - Learn about local wildlife and enjoy panoramic views.

• Vernon Winter Carnival - Celebrate Canada’s largest winter festival with parades, ice sculptures, and family fun.

• Downtown Vernon Murals & Markets - Wander through unique shops, farmers’ markets, and vibrant street art.

Education is one of Vernon’s strengths, with options for families of all sizes and stages. The city falls under School District 22, which offers a wide selection of well-regarded public schools, including French immersion programs and specialized learning opportunities. Some of the most recognized schools include Silver Star Elementary, Beairsto Elementary (École Beairsto Elementary), and BX Elementary, while at the secondary level you’ll find Vernon Secondary, Clarence Fulton, and W.L. Seaton.

For families looking for independent or faith-based options, Vernon is home to excellent private schools such as Vernon Christian School and St. James Catholic School. There are also alternative programs available, including Montessori and distributed / alternate learning, ensuring that every family can find the right educational fit for their children.

Post-secondary opportunities are close at hand with Okanagan College’s Vernon campus, offering university transfer courses, business programs, trades training, and continuing education. This makes Vernon a great place for young adults to stay close to home while pursuing higher education.

With such a range of educational options in a supportive, community-oriented environment, Vernon is an ideal place for families who want to combine strong academics with an active, outdoor lifestyle.

Yes! Vernon represents one of the smartest real estate investment opportunities in the Okanagan. With its growing popularity as both a recreational hotspot and a full-time living destination, property values have shown consistent long-term growth. Compared to Kelowna, Vernon still offers relative affordability, meaning there’s more room for appreciation in the years ahead.

Vacation rentals and short-term rental properties are in high demand thanks to Vernon’s year-round appeal. In the summer, visitors flock for lakes and golf, while in the winter, SilverStar Mountain draws international crowds. This creates opportunities for investors who want both personal enjoyment and rental income. There are a few complexes in the city that are exempt from the provincially legislated Short Term Rental restrictions, meaning short-term rentals / AirBNB businesses are permitted. The City of Vernon has put together their own Short-Term Rental Operators Guidebook for additional information, or see the City of Vernon's Short-Term Rental Regulations page. 

Vernon’s stable economy, supported by healthcare, education, agriculture, tourism, and a growing tech presence, also provides confidence for investors. Population growth in the North Okanagan has been steady, with many families and retirees choosing Vernon for its lifestyle and value.

Whether you’re looking for a lakeview home, a ski-in/ski-out condo, a family residence, or an income-generating property, Vernon’s real estate market has options that align with long-term wealth-building strategies. With ongoing demand for housing in the Okanagan, Vernon continues to be a market where smart buyers see excellent returns on both lifestyle and investment.