Adaptive Sports and Accessibility in The North Okanagan

Spending time at Silver Star and the Greater Vernon area is all about getting back to nature, enjoying breathtaking views, and connecting with others who share your zest for life and the outdoors. Communities in the North Okanagan are committed to ensuring that the joy of outdoor activities is accessible to all. With the rich tapestry of adaptive activities ranging from paddling to biking to skiing, it’s no wonder that Greater Vernon has proudly earned the title of the Trails Capital of BC. 

Find out more about accessible outdoor activities, accommodation and things to do in Greater Vernon and start planning your visit.

Accessible Activities

Greater Vernon is nestled in the Shuswap Foothills of the Monashee Mountain Range, offering an abundance of sweeping vistas and natural spaces to explore. Discover a range of accessible activities, whether it be gliding through feather-light powder in winter, or floating upon a sparkling lake in the summertime.

Adaptive Skiing and Snowboarding with SSASS

With consistent snowfall between November and April, the conditions are prime for winter activities—especially adaptive skiing and snowboarding at SilverStar Mountain Resort. Vernon-based adaptive skier and Paralympian, Josh Dueck, believes that sport has the power to unite people and has dedicated his career to supporting freestyle skiing in Canada. 

But, it’s not just elite athletes who can experience the joys of sliding on snow. The volunteer-run Silver Star Adaptive Snow Sports (SSASS), which operates under the umbrella of the Canadian Adaptive Snowsports, program is at the heart of it all, catering to children and adults of diverse physical, cognitive, and behavioral learning needs. In the 2022/2023 season, the program had 55 active instructors and supported 112 students.  

SSASS president, Peter Lawson, says he has seen how adaptive sports have changed lives. “I have a few stories where either the student themselves or the parents can get pretty emotional about what’s been accomplished,” he says, recalling one particular experience that brought parents to tears of joy as they watched their child’s eyes light up on the slopes. “It’s not just about skiing. It’s about trying to develop some life skills and build confidence.”

The program, which is open to residents and visitors alike, supplies instructors and adaptive equipment free of charge and runs from December to March. Register with their visitor program ahead of your visit to make arrangements and note that weekends and holidays are in high demand.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Experience the joys of a snow-filled adventure through sections of Canada’s largest continuously groomed cross-country trail networks. The Sovereign Lake Nordic Club has an ongoing partnership with Community Recreational Initiatives Society (CRIS) Adaptive Adventure to deliver thrilling guided Nordic skiing and snowshoe experiences on their trails. 

Adaptive cross-country skiers with their own equipment can also enjoy the venue and can call ahead to make arrangements for lessons and equipment.

Sightseeing & Trails

When the snow melts, Greater Vernon’s vast nature becomes a haven for lakeside meanders and forested havens in the Trails Capital of BC. Take it all in from up high, as you soar above Monashee Mountains and Okanagan Valley with a scenic ride on the Des Schumann Summit Express Gondola at SilverStar Mountain Resort.

Meanwhile, just 20 minutes down the road in the Vernon area, you can explore a network of accessible trails that have low grades and greater width to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Check out Ribbons of Green Trail Society for a full list and ratings. One of the signature trails includes the Okanagan Rail Trail, a scenic network of old railway lines that has been refurbished for non vehicle travel and brings people to stunning vistas, including Vernon’s Kalamalka Lake, known as “the lake of many colours.” Roll or stroll this spectacular network of trails. 

Curling

Vernon is home to three-time Paralympic gold medallist, Sonja Gaudet, the world’s most decorated wheelchair curler and a Okanagan Sports Hall of famer. The Regional Access & Inclusion Liaison for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is an active member of the Vernon Curling Club, which welcomes adaptive players to its ranks. 

Biking

For those who love to wheel, there are ample accessible biking options in the region. The SilverStar Bike Park, which is one of Canada’s largest bike parks, has a reputation for being progressive and inclusive. The Village Trail, which intersects the bike park, is a great introduction to adaptive biking at mid-mountain, while Double Dog is a great trail for experienced adaptive riders who want to test their skills on a technical black. 

Wheels are already in motion for a growing adaptive trail network, thanks to the North Okanagan Cycling Society, one of the fastest growing multi-use trail organizations in the Province of British Columbia. For the young at heart, Cycling Without Age in Vernon provides the opportunity for seniors to get the exhilarating feeling of being on a bike, while being supported by volunteers. 

Lake Adventures

Glistening lakes are practically synonymous with the Okanagan, and the Greater Vernon area is home to a number of fantastic waterfront gems to connect you with peaceful shorelines and water activities. Lakeshore Road Park, located on the lapping shores of Okanagan Lake in Vernon, is a thoughtfully designed public space with accessibility front and centre. Just down from Lakeshore, you can roll right into the lake at Paddlewheel Park’s wheelchair accessible paved pathway, which runs down the beach and into the water.

For those who love to spend time on the water, the Vernon Paddling Centre and Vernon Adaptive Program have teamed up to offer an inclusive paddling experience. The program utilizes innovative adaptive equipment, such as paddle boards, modified kayaks and paddle mounts, to get people out on the water with a volunteer instructor. The Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club and Okanagan Quality Life Society also offer accessible experiences. 

Adaptive Recreation Service Providers

• CRIS Adaptive Adventures provides outdoor experiences for all abilities. Try an accessible experience in Kelowna or the Greater Vernon area. 
• Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association, which focuses on adaptive mountain biking, is based in the Kootenay Rockies, but services the entire province of British Columbia. Reach out to them if you are looking for adaptive cycling equipment. 
• RAD Recreation Adapted Society gives individuals with short-term and permanent mobility challenges who live in or are visiting BC the ability to rent adaptive equipment so that you can ski, snowboard, paddle-board, bike, wake-surf, and hike.

Accessible Travel Tips

Travelling to Vernon and Silver Star? Here are a few tips: 

• Give adaptive sports program plenty of notice as they are volunteer-run organizations
• Call ahead and chat with your accommodation providers to ensure they are set up for your needs
• Download and use the Access Now app to find travel reviews from people with accessibility needs 
• Visit People in Motion Kelowna for tips about exploring the area
• Follow the Accessible Okanagan Facebook Page
• Check out the Spinal Cord BC database for helpful information 
• Visit the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association accessibility and inclusivity page to learn more about visiting the area
• Donate to a local adaptive organizations in the areas you visit 
• If you’d like to give back during your visit, check in with the adaptive organizations about ways in which you can lend a helping hand