The Okanagan Valley is the place to be in spring, especially in April and early May. Few other places in BC shake off winter as quickly, with rapidly rising temperatures, hillsides covered in golden wildflowers, and wonderfully dry trails.
Vernon is the ideal place to visit during this season, a small city with so much natural beauty and seemingly endless opportunities to explore the outdoors.
If you’ve been feeling cooped up over winter, a trip to Vernon in April or May will certainly solve that problem!
In this post, I’ll share a three day Vernon itinerary, primarily designed to make the most of spring. It includes recommendations for hikes, cycle rides, paddle trips as well as restaurants and cafes.
JR and I have spent a lot of time in Vernon, especially in the last five years or so. It’s only two hours drive from our Penticton home and we love the local hiking scene. This is our 9th blog post about the Vernon area!
Read on to discover why Vernon is such an ideal spring trip destination and the best things to do when you get there.
Vernon is located on the traditional territory of the Syilx people of the Okanagan Nation. We visited Vernon in April 2025 in partnership with Tourism Vernon, one of a dozen visits in the last 5 years.
This post includes affiliate links. If you make a booking or purchase via one of these links, we may receive a percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.
Why Vernon is a must visit in spring
Every season has a lot to offer in Vernon (and we’ve visited thoughout the year) but spring is probably my favourite. Specifically, April and May. or one thing, spring comes earlier to the Okanagan Valley compared to so many other places.
Expect warmer than average temperatures (anything from 15c to 25c in April and May) and sunny skies. The pleasant weather is perfect for exploring the local trails, which are usually dry by early April.
Vernon has a truly impressive network of signed local trails and we’ve been raving about it for years. And it’s not just us saying it – the city is now officially known as the Trails Capital of BC.
In late April, Vernon’s hillsides are covered by the bright yellow flowers of the arrowleaf balsamroot. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Okanagan sunflower,’ the arrowleaf signify the arrival of warm weather and provide so much vibrancy.
Another great reason to visit Vernon in spring is how quiet it is. While everyone knows that Vernon is a (literal) hotspot in summer, it still remains a bit of a secret how lovely it is in spring.
Expect to see only a handful of other people on most trails midweek. The Okanagan Rail Trail is busier, but there’s still plenty of room for everyone. While kayaking Kalamalka Lake in late April, we didn’t come across anyone else (even power boats).
Beyond the outdoor opportunities, Vernon has an enviable collection of restaurants, cafes and breweries, many of which are dedicated to using locally made products.
Use the below map to help plan your spring Vernon adventure. Thanks to Vernon’s relatively small size, it’s possible to fit in a lot into weekend or two night trip.
Day 1: Afternoon
Welcome to Vernon! Driving in from the south? Be sure to make a quick stop at the Kalamalka Lakeview Drive Lookout to take in the views.
If you arrive into the city in time for a hike, I would suggest heading to Middleton Mountain. This centrally located grassland peak offers beautiful panoramas of downtown Vernon, Kalamalka Lake and Swan Lake. It’s the perfect place to get orientated! The perimeter loop is 3km long.
A longer, more challenging alternative would be the Coldstream Ranchlands Trail. This 6.3km loop follows the edge of a 126 hectare natural space overlooking both Kalamalka and Okanagan lakes.
Expect to see plenty of yellow arrowleaf balsamroot flowers and hear lots of meadowlarks. We hiked the loop counterclockwise, ascending the steepest part of the trail first (the western side is a lot more gentle). More details will be in our Vernon hiking guide soon.
After the hike, check into your hotel. On our most recent trip, we stayed at the Prestige Hotel Vernon, though we’ve visited several other local hotels over the years (check out this dedicated post with our ratings).
Day 1: Evening
For dinner and drinks on your first night, my top recommendation is the brand new BNA Brewing on Kalamalka Lake Road.
Owned by the same family as the original Kelowna location, BNA is a super fun, relaxed spot to kick off your 3 day trip to Vernon.
The old autoshop building has been completely transformed and now features a huge patio, inside lounge area, top floor bowling alley and a separate, quieter dining room.
The food menu is playful, with lots of Asian influenced small/shared plates, including some innovative vegan options. Consider going early to take advantage of the ‘Super Save Hour’ from 4 to 5pm. Be sure to reserve a slot for bowling, especially on the weekends.
Day 2: Morning
How about a paddling trip on Kalamalka Lake or a cycle along the Okanagan Rail Trail? Both are wonderfully distinctive and rewarding Vernon experiences.
The Okanagan Rail Trail is a 52km multi-use pathway connecting Coldstream (south of Vernon) and Kelowna. It was once the Kelowna Pacific Railway line.
The section close to Vernon is, in my opinion, the most beautiful, since it runs along the shores of Kalamalka Lake. On sunny days, the lake’s colour ranges from deep blue to turquoise and green, a result of glacial limestone deposits.
The most popular Okanagan Rail Trail adventure is to cycle 18 km to Oyama (one-way) and then return to Coldstream. Allow 2.5 hours for the return trip on e-bikes, 3.5 hours otherwise. Rentals are available at Kalavida Surf Shop, conveniently located at Kilometre 0.
If you’d prefer to be on the water, follow the Kalamalka Lake Paddle Trail instead. This 22km paddling route stays close to the shoreline and has marker buoys.
I’d suggest starting at the paddle-only launch on Westkal Road or Kekuli Provincial Park. There are some amazing orange coloured cliffs about 3km north of Kekuli. Need a SUP or kayak? Ed’s Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals deliver to your desired location.
For lunch, organise a charcuterie board from Wedge Cheesery in advance or stop at the Rail Trail Café & Market for supplies. Two Donkeys Bakery has some good options as well and is on the way to Kalamalka Lake.
Day 2: Afternoon
I have three different ideas for your afternoon – a hike, a walk around downtown Vernon or a tour of some local food producers.
If you didn’t already check out the Coldstream Ranchlands Trail yesterday, that would be my top choice for hiking.
If it sounds above your comfort level, consider the Turtle Mountain section of the Grey Canal Trail. While it is a little longer, it features easier terrain and ends at a spectacular viewpoint above Vernon.
Home to a variety of independent, locally owned stores and boutiques, downtown Vernon is well worth exploring.
If you’re a cosy cafe kind of person, consider visiting a couple of locations on the Hot Sips Stroll. Ratio Coffee is one of our faves, with homemade donuts every Friday. Be sure to keep an eye out for outdoor murals while exploring – Vernon has a lot of them!
Alternatively, take a short drive from downtown and visit Planet Bee Honey Farm and Davison Orchards. These neighbouring local food producers are both family owned and operated.
Planet Bee is home to an educational centre with indoor glass observatory hive, as well as a honey gift shop and meadery tasting area. The latter showcases hand-crafted honey wine made with natural ingredients.
Davison Orchards is an expansive farm with local produce market, bakery, cafe, playground and ice cream shop. This wholesome place is completely free to visit and is a real hit with families in particular.
Day 2: Evening
Tonight, you deserve pizza. Masiero Pizzeria Napoletana is an upscale Italian spot in downtown Vernon serving some of the best pizza I’ve had anywhere in Canada.
The ambience is great too – be sure to make a reservation as it is often very busy, even on weekday evenings.
Masiero’s pizzas are baked to perfection over local applewood in an authentic wood oven, right in the middle of the restaurant. Expect some char on the crust.
While many of the toppings are familiar, there are some wildcards thrown in there too. Think chili garlic crisp, smoked honey and more. The pesto pizza, for example, is topped with scattered pistachios.
Other excellent options in downtown Vernon include:
- Intermezzo – elegant Mediterranean dishes
- Silverstar Brewing Co. – pub classics with locally made beer
- Los Huesos Restaurant – large portions of Mexican food, live music on some Saturdays
- Midtown Bistro – fresh, innovative dishes with local ingredients
- Phoenix Steakhouse – stylish surroundings and perfectly cooked steak
Day 3: Morning
Start your final day in Vernon right with breakfast or brunch at EATology.
This welcoming spot in downtown Vernon offers tasty twists on classic breakfast and lunch dishes with a fun, modern flair. It also features plenty of options for vegans and those who are gluten-free.
EATology is very popular and operates a waiting list at busy times. Put your name down on the list, go for a short walk around downtown and then you’ll be called when a table is ready (usually 20-30 minutes).
Following your meal, head to BX Falls. In spring, this waterfall becomes a powerful cascade fueled by snowmelt. It is located in a shady canyon at the bottom of a 92 step staircase, just 350m from the parking lot.
If you feel like a longer walk, consider the nearby Silver Star Foothills section of the Grey Canal Trail. The 2.3km loop has some great views of Swan Lake.
Finish off your trip to Vernon with a stop at Cambium Cidery. This 40 acre property hosts an organic orchard with stylish indoor restaurant, shaded patio and picnic seating under the trees. Try a flight of ciders (or two) and share some of their simple, yet delicious, dishes while reflecting on your trip!
Alternative ideas
If the above itinerary sounds a little too active for you, how about a weekend stay at Sparkling Hill Resort? It hosts the largest adults-only spa in Canada, with multiple sauna and steam rooms plus an amazing infinity pool overlooking Okanagan Lake.
Sparkling Hill’s rooms all have soaker tubs with a view as well. The resort is surrounded by trails, which connect to Predator Ridge’s network, so you can combine relaxation with some hiking too!
Depending on the timing of your trip, you may be able to fit in a trip to the Vernon Farmers’ Market. It starts in mid April and operates every Monday and Thursday from 8am to 1pm at Kal Tire Place.
Vernon is a very popular mountain biking area. Depending on the weather, it is possible to bike on dry trails as early as late March. For the most scenic and flower-filled ride in spring, head to the Lookout Trail in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.
While I’m not much of a golfer myself, Vernon is the ideal destination for it! In town, the Vernon Golf and Country Club usually opens in mid March, followed by Predator Ridge and the Rise in April. That’s an early season start compared to most places in Canada!
SilverStar Mountain Resort, just 30 minutes drive from downtown Vernon, typically closes down winter operations in early April each year. There is one exception. Spring Queening is a giant terrain park full of rails and bowls, temporarily open for 2 and a half weeks in April.
Top tips for visiting Vernon in spring
- By early/mid April (depending on the year), most local trails are dry and suitable for hiking. Some of the higher trails, such as the relatively new Upper BX Creek Trail, still hold snow in shady spots for a little longer
- Vernon’s lakes are usually calmer in the morning for paddling. During our recent April visit, however, they remained still all day! Ed’s Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals opens for the season on 1st April.
- Cycling the Rail Trail and need a bike? Kalavida Surf Shop, conveniently located at Kilometre 0, offer weekend rentals in April, with more availability in May. They have both e-bikes and standard cruisers.
- Curious whether you could follow this itinerary in other seasons? Yes, definitely! In the hot summer months, I’d suggest hiking early (before 10am) and paddling/cycling in the afternoons instead.
- Take note that some restaurants and cafes have reduced hours in spring (at least until the May long weekend), some with weekday closures.
- Spring is also tick season in the Okanagan, so be sure to do a tick check after exploring the trails. We didn’t find a single one after our recent spring trip, even though we wore shorts for most hikes. It always pays to be careful, however.
- Driving to Vernon from the Lower Mainland? Be aware that winter tires/chains are still required on some access routes (such as Highway 5, the Coquihalla) until 30th April.
Other Vernon posts you may find helpful:
15 Fast and Fun Hikes in Vernon, British Columbia
50+ Best Things to Do in Vernon: Ultimate Guide
Where to Eat and Drink in Vernon: Complete Food Guide
7 of the Best (Tried and Tested) Places to Stay in Vernon, BC
Predator Ridge Hiking: Best Trails + Essential Info
Vernon in Fall: The Best Things to See, Do and Eat
What To Do in Vernon in Winter: A Complete Guide
Check out these recently published posts:
One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Consider buying us a coffee if you have find any of our guides helpful!