Cougar Canyon
Cougar Canyon, east of Kalamalka Lake offers excellent day hiking. The canyon floor features small ponds and a wild array of wildlife, from rattlesnakes to mallard ducks with numerous wildflowers in the spring. From Vernon, take the Kalamalka Road east, turn right on Coldstream Road, then on Cosen's Bay Road to the parking lot and the trail head. Canyon Creek trail branches left after crossing under the power line, follow under the power line to the canyon. It can be very hot and dry in the summer time, be prepared with drinking water, sun screen and a hat. There is no camping here, and the hike is 9 km (5.5 mi.) one way, so pace yourself. Be safe, have fun!
Okanagan High Rim Trail (Kalamalka Park Access)
A new 50km wilderness trail following the crest of the mountain ridge on the east side of the valley from Vernon to Mission Creek on Hwy 33(east of Kelowna). Start at the Cosen's Bay Gate of Kal. Lake Prov. Park. Take the left path paralleling the fence. Watch for a marked path to the left, crossing the lower valley, then climbing up a steep path to join the old road leading to the telecommunications tower on the hilltop. Take water and food, wear sturdy footwear. Best hiked in sections, from access points of mountain lakes east of Oyama, Winfield and Ellison. Contact the Vernon Outdoors Club (George Ferguson (250) 260-3541) for more details and information.
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
Walk along the many pathways in this unique bunchgrass landscape, through open grasslands, along cliffs, & through moist cedar and fir forests. Lesser used trails lead to peaceful Deep Lake. The clean, attractive beaches throughout the park are great for swimming. There is even a "pet beach" for your four-legged friends (dogs must be leashed). Interpretative signs will tell you about local flora and fauna. Access Kal Park through the Red Gate, Cosens Bay parking lot or the Jade/Juniper parking lot.
Bluenose Mountain
This short, but steep trek rewards you with an exclusive view of the valley between Vernon and Lumby. Bluenose is a great place for a picnic or afternoon hike. The trail head is accessible by car and only 10 minutes from civilization. From Lumby, drive west towards Vernon until you reach the Lavington Shell Station where you turn left onto School Road. At the end of School Road you will reach Learmouth Road. Turn left onto Learmouth and follow it up the hill until you reach Aberdeen Road. Now turn left onto Aberdeen Road. Bluenose Mountain trailhead is 4.5km up Aberdeen Road.
You will reach a cleared area on the left hand side of the road after turning a sharp corner to the left where you will see the hiking trail sign. Park here. Go into the Timber at the top of the clearing, and follow an old track up the hillside until you reach the trail that zigzags its way up the mountain. About three quarters of the way up you will reach a junction where the left-hand fork will take you to the first peak, and the right-hand fork will take you to the third peak. The second peak is private property, so there are no public trails leading to it. This hike is well suited for beginners and will take about 2 hours round trip at a leisurely pace. The final altitude is 1199 meters, with a gain of 200 meters.
The Vernon Outdoors Club
The Vernon Outdoors Club got its start in 1976 when Chrissie Stump and a few other kindred spirits got together and organized hikes around the Vernon area. From this modest beginning, it has developed into a strong, active organization with a membership close to two hundred wilderness-loving persons. The Club primarily schedules hiking and bicycling outings however many members enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities and are encouraged to share their interests with others.
http://www.vernonoutdoorsclub.org/
The Allan Brooks Nature Centre
The Allan Brooks Nature Centre is a "community based project" supported by it's members, volunteers, donors, sponsors, partners, granting agencies and admission fees. We rely heavily on community resources for our success in nature interpretation and habitat conservation.
The Allan Brooks Nature Centre also works in partnership with government agencies and other community organizations to support and encourage conservation and stewardship of important habitats in the North Okanagan.
The Nature Centre provides visitors a first-hand opportunity to see and learn about the North Okanagan's unique and diverse natural heritage through views, information, programs and displays of the region's natural areas. The centre is ideally situated on a grassland knoll at the confluence of the Okanagan and Coldstream valleys. Three lakes and five ecosystems can be seen from this site and a total of nineteen points-of-interest provide spectacular, panoramic views of the North Okanagan and its diverse ecosystems.
www.abnc.ca
The Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre
The Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre is one of the premier Cross-Country Ski Areas in North America! Located in beautiful Silver Star Provincial Park, near Vernon BC, at an elevation of 1664m (5500 ft) the Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre includes more than 50km of manicured trails, a large full service day lodge, ski school, rentals, night skiing, biathlon range and more. The ski area is operated by the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club in cooperation with BC Parks to provide a world class skiing experience at the lowest possible price.
http://www.sovereignlake.com/
Critical Mass Vernon
Critical Mass Vernon meets at 5:30 pm on the last Friday of each month at the Polson Fountain. We ride en masse on a brief route through the city to advocate for improved cycling services. All ages welcome.
The Cycling Advisory Committee
The Cycling Advisory Committee was formed in 2004 to help the City of Vernon plan for infrastructure to support area cyclists. This broad-based Committee of community representatives continues to meet every second month.
While they continue to advise the City regarding infrastucture, they also advise the Ministry of Highways, and they continue to work on special projects such as an area map of cycling routes.
janet_changinglanes@yahoo.com
North Okanagan Naturalist Club
Fosters conservation and an interest in nature by providing an opportunity for persons of all ages interested in natural history to meet and exchange information. The club encourages naturalists to practice conservation through vigilance, stewardship and acquisition of environmentally significant lands. Botany, Birding, Entomology, Geology, Hiking, and Conservation issues.
www.naturalists.bc.ca
Ribbons of Green
Ribbons of Green is a non-profit, charitable society dedicated to the building of non-motorized trails and pathways in the greater Vernon area. It is made up of a ten member Board of Directors. Our current priority is to link the three major lakes with Vernon.
Active in working with local governments in the greater Vernon Area to implement the urban and non-urban trails that are part of the various Official Community plans. Also active in promoting alternative transportation such as carpooling and cycling, and establishing routes. We are open to possible coalitions with other related organizations.
545-2026
