Summer Things to Do

Adrenaline-Packed Summers

Find a perfect balance between the long, lazy days of summer and adrenaline-fuelled activities in the North Okanagan, where adventures take place against a backdrop of sparkling lakes, evergreen forests, rugged mountains and fertile valleys. Warm, sunny weather invites beach days, alpine hikes, and patio afternoons. After each excursion, cool off and refuel with craft beverages and farm-to-table food.

Get Active Outdoors

Jump in a lake, paddle down a river, or head to trail-laced mountains for adventures on two legs or two wheels in the Trails Capital of BC. The North Okanagan has summer adventure dialed, from cool morning trail runs to balmy evening tee times.

Mountain Biking

In summer, Silver Star turns into a biking hub, with lift-assisted downhill biking alongside epic enduro rides like Beowulf. Challenge yourself on technical singletrack, or fast and flowy cross-country routes on the mountain, or down in the valley where extensive trail networks and parks in Greater Vernon abound. The North Okanagan hosts mountain bike races and competitions throughout the summer, too.

Grab Your Bike

Hiking and Trail Running

With hundreds of kilometres of pathways, the North Okanagan has a hike for everyone. It’s also a growing trail running destination thanks to events and trail races throughout the summer such as Slay the Dragon, hosted by hosted by Bush Babes & Bros. Escape the heat on higher elevation trails in Silver Star’s alpine meadows, in the parks and pathways surrounding Vernon, or among the peaks and valleys in Monashee Provincial Park near Lumby.

Discover Trails

Paddling

Surrounded by natural lakes, and cut through by the meandering Shuswap River, the North Okanagan is a paddlers paradise. Glide across glassy water in a canoe, engage your core on a stand-up paddleboard, or navigate a portion of Kalamalka Lake’s paddle trail in a kayak.

Find Paddling Places

Swimming

With over 30 beaches in Vernon alone, the North Okanagan knows how to make the most of hot summer days. Take a dip at Kin Beach on Okanagan Lake, soak up the sun on the sand next to aquamarine Kalamalka Lake, or enjoy Tuey Park Beach in Enderby after floating the Shuswap River.

Swim into Summer

Wellness

Give in to zen during a massage or inside a sauna, at spas like KurSpa at Sparkling Hill Resort or Elevate Spa at Silver Star. Local businesses put a fun twist on yoga, too—don’t miss Yoga with Goats at Historic O’Keefe Ranch, or Yoga & Mimosas on Sunday mornings at Predator Ridge.

Take to the Skies

Fruit Picking

Grab a basket and get ready to savour seasonal cherries, stone fruit, apples and pears at one of the North Okanagan’s u-picks, like Peter’s U-Pick in Vernon. You’ll also find fresh vegetables, preserves, honey, and more, at fruit stands and farmers’ markets.

Find Orchards

Summer Events

Make the most of summer’s sunny days and warm nights at festivals and events that celebrate movies, music, craft makers, and heritage.

Polson Artisan Market

Every Friday evening, pretty Polson Park in downtown Vernon turns into a night market where local vendors sell items they have made, baked, grown, or upcycled. Shop for the perfect gift, fresh produce, and farm-fresh eggs or honey.

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Starlight Drive-In

Hearken back to a simpler time when families piled into the car for a double-header at the drive-in. Just south of Enderby, the Starlight Drive-In screens movies five nights a week in July and August so you can watch the latest blockbuster under the stars.

Visit the Drive-In

K’nmalka? Senqalten – Kalamalka Indigenous Garden

Vernon is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation. Learn about syilx culture, their connection to the land, and the food and medicinal uses of local plants, on a tour through the Kalamalka Indigenous Garden.

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Silver Star Beer & Cider Fest

Toast British Columbia’s growing craft beverage scene at this annual festival that pairs suds and cider with food, live music, and a pop-up artisan market. Extend the fun by hiking, trail running, or mountain biking on Silver Star’s trails before hitting the beer garden.

Event Information

Interior Provincial Exhibition & Stampede

Armstrong celebrates its farming and ranching heritage every summer at the IPE & Stampede, a five-day event with food, live music, midway rides, animal exhibitions, and a rodeo. Don’t miss the famous Barn Dance, where you can kick up your boots to country music.

Explore the IPE

Lumby Days

Lumberjack shows, gold panning demos, and a carnival midway hearken back to Lumby’s early days of forestry and mining during this spring fair. Don’t miss the hang gliding and paragliding demos in one of Western Canada’s top gliding spots.

Visit Lumby Days

Explore North Okanagan

Slow down and veer off the beaten path in five welcoming communities connected by lakes, forests, mountains, and hundreds of kilometres of trails. Armstrong, Enderby, Lumby, Silver Star and Vernon welcome adventurers in all seasons to play, rest and refuel. Find your happy place in the great outdoors, at a community event, or with family and friends at a farm-to-table restaurant.

Vernon

Greater Vernon’s trail network entices paddlers, skiers, runners, hikers, and cyclists to go the distance in the Trails Capital of BC. Pair your adventures with events, great food, and fun attractions in all seasons.

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Silver Star

This colourful mid-mountain village is famous for the light Okanagan powder that settles on its downhill ski slopes in winter, but Silver Star welcomes adventurers in all seasons.

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Lumby

The village of Lumby is close to crystal-clear lakes, enchanting forests with old-growth trees, and the rugged peaks of the Monashee Mountains.

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Enderby

This small community is close to mountain trails and a growing number of wineries, as well as the winding Shuswap River.

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Armstrong Spallumcheen

Connect with the land in Armstrong, a city that embraces agritourism with farm-fresh food and events that nod to its ranching and agrarian heritage.

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