|
Nestled into
what is known as "The Valley of Many" (Priest Valley, Pleasant Valley,
Coldstream Valley and Mission Valley), Vernon is like a sparkling jewel,
carefully placed by nature. This excellent location, and environment have
contributed to the area's growth over the last century. Many things have
changed, but our history remains intact.
Take a walk through
our past...
During 1848, the gold rush brought many people
to this region, with visions of finding the "mother lode". These hopes of
instant fortune and fame were soon forgotten, and the effects of cold,
hungry days took their toll. Consequently, many newcomers turned to other
means of survival. Cornelius O'Keefe discovered that the land at the north
end of Okanagan Lake was perfectly suited to raising his large herd of
cattle, brought up from Oregon in 1867. During the same period, George
Forbes Vernon and his brother moved into the Coldstream Valley to build a
ranch of their own. The Coldstream Ranch subsequently grew into one of the
largest in Canada. 
Lord
Aberdeen planted the very first orchard in Vernon, in
1861. He later went on to become Governor General of Canada. Soon after,
Lord Aberdeen purchased the fertile Coldstream Ranch from the Vernon
brothers, and developed it into one of the greatest fruit producers in the
British Empire. The Okanagan has been famous ever since, for fine fruit
orchards.
Today, Vernon continues to nurture its heritage. Visit
Historic O'Keefe
Ranch and explore the buildings hand-built by Cornelius O'Keefe and
his family. Tour the general store, blacksmith's shop, St. Anne's church
and the original O'Keefe mansion. Take in the model railway exhibit and
fascinating Cowboy Museum, then relax in their fully licensed restaurant
and browse through the gift shop.
Along with a strong pioneer
past, we celebrate the heritage of the semi-nomadic Okanagan tribe, one of
the Interior Salish peoples.
The Museum reveals an assortment of
ancient and historical artifacts and objects, illustrating the way of life
pursued by the native peoples before the arrival of Europeans.
 The
Sen'Klip Native Theatre Company is instrumental in educating people
from around the world in the ways of the First Nations. Their colourful
and evocative productions can be seen throughout the valley, with regular
weekend perfomances at Newport Beach Resort, near Vernon.
Explore
our heritage further at the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives, where an
impressive collection of artifacts are cleverly displayed to demonstrate a
wealth of natural history, native history, and modern growth and
development in the region. The museum offers a great gift shop, with an
array of mementos and books for further reading.
Vernon has a
wealth of beautiful heritage homes and buildings, with most still
beautifully preserved. The architecture is exquisite as well as
functional. There are several organizations and societies dedicated to
preserving these buildings, and they are happy to share their passion with
you. For information on self-guided heritage tours (and the occasional
guided tour!), contact the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives.
Greater
Vernon Museum and Archives
|
|
 |
|
Client Testimonials...
Read about the exceptional service Ross and Sherry provide.
|
Sign Up...
for our email list and
we will send you new listings as soon as they come on the
market.
|
Links...
Browse our favourite links, things to do and see in the North Okanagan, and a lot more.
|
|
