This town in BC is home to a 'lake of a thousand colours' with peaceful bays and velvety sand
Escape here for the last bit of summer.☀️
A small town in BC with lakes and sandy beach.
This small town in B.C. has charm bursting at its seams, but the real intrigue is the glimmering sandy shores with crystal clear water to dive into.
It's the perfect summer escape to get in while the weather is warm, so get ready to hop in the car and hit the road — this little town is calling your name.
Vernon is technically a city, but has all the vibes of a cozy little town. It's nestled in the scenic Okanagan region of B.C., which is known for its sunny days, rolling mountains, and picturesque vineyards to top it all off.
Summer here is all vineyard tours, hiking, days at the beach, and wandering the downtown area. Downtown Vernon is vibrant, with historic murals, charming buildings, and a bustling community. The idyllic tree-lined streets are filled with cute boutiques and little shops to peruse, adding character to the town.
There's also an emphasis on local flavours here, with restaurants highlighting the in-season produce. There's a bit of everything here from pubs and cafes to food trucks and fine dining.
You can also experience the local flavours at some of the surrounding farms and orchards. There are u-pick farms with cherries, peaches and plums, and of course, wineries to sip at. All of them are dotted around the beautiful lakeside landscape, making visits that much more scenic.
If you're soaking up the last bits of summertime in Vernon, diving into the vibrant waters of the lake is a must. The tourism website says that Vernon is "located at the epicenter of three of the most beautiful lakes in the region," so you need to take advantage.
There's Okanagan Lake here, which is massive and has over 30 beaches along its shores and tons of access points.
Kalamalka Lake is arguably the most stunning though, stretching 16 kilometres long and known as the "lake of a thousand colours." It's just 14 minutes away from town and the perfect spot to take a paddleboard and explore the shoreline.
There you'll find bright turquoise water, soft sandy beaches, and views for days.
Swan Lake is a smaller lake here, perfect for a peaceful day away from crowds.
If you have the time, there's nothing like a road trip through the Okanagan region. Peppered with other charming small towns (with names like Summerland and Peachland), farms, wineries that'll transport you to Italy, and sparkling lakes — it won't disappoint.
It's even home to Canada's only desert and Canada's warmest lake, which are both must-visit spots on an Okanagan trip.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.