Vernon is located about a 45-minute drive north of Kelowna, British Columbia and is a must see if you are going to travel throughout the Okanagan Valley. The area is famous for its wineries, lakes, mountain biking and skiing at Silver Star. If you’d like to see the Okanagan Valley from the air, Vernon gives you the opportunity to see it whilst skydiving. Unfortunately for us, we didn’t get a chance to experience this, although Mya wasn’t disappointed.
Accommodation
We were fortunate enough to stay at the Prestige Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre. It was described to me as the most unique accommodation venue in Vernon and after arriving I can see why. I’m told when they proposed building the lodge, they were given the ok, as long as they didn’t stop the water flow of one of the local creeks. What has come to be is absolutely stunning. The lodge was built with the creek running straight through the centre of it, with its own private oasis. I’m told in spring sometimes there is even fish swimming through it. The inside garden oasis includes a pool, hot tub and restaurant.
The rooms were clean and modern with all the comforts we needed, as we’d grown to expect from staying at other Prestige Resorts. The lodge also contains a fitness centre and laundry. Most importantly the lodge is dog-friendly and offers a dog bed, food and water bowls for a $15 per night fee. Unfortunately, I am told cats aren’t allowed at this time.
Activities and Attractions
During our stay, we were able to get out and hit some mountain bike trails in the surrounding areas of Vernon. We had originally planned to head up to Silver Star to go riding up there and also check out their brand new gondola which is pet friendly in summer. Unfortunately Silver Star finished their summer lift operations a couple of weeks prior to our visit. However this would be a great option If you’re there earlier in the season.
Instead we rented a bike from Sun Country Cycle in Vernon, who suggested a great pet friendly trail between the Predator Ridge Estate and the Ellison Provincial Park. Several local’s told us it would be fine to ride with Mya off leash, but we have since checked with the Predator Ridge Estate and been told they do require dogs to be on a lead. We rode along the Ellison Connector Trail which has a fair bit of flow and was a lot of fun for both Mya and I.
Additionally, if you visit the area, you may want to look into canoeing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding or the Atlantis Waterslides Park which we have heard great things about, but haven’t been able to experience ourselves.
Mya’s Mates:
Tourism: Vernon Tourism| @VernonTourism
Stay: Prestige Vernon Lodge | @PrestigeVernonLodge
Play: Sun Country Cycle| @SunCountryCycle
Helpful links:
https://www.prestigehotelsandresorts.com/locations/vernon-lodge/overview/
https://www.tourismvernon.com/en/index.aspx
https://www.suncountrycycle.com/
