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Outdoor
Adventure
 Our region is very
rich in variety of terrain and ecology, with landscapes that vary from
open, semi-arid grasslands, to high elevation sub-alpine meadows, to dark,
moist temperate rainforests, often only a few kilometers apart!
This varied range enables the North Okanagan to support a myriad
of plant and animal life.
The surrounding area holds enough
streams and lakes to warm the heart of any fisherman. Some are accessible from paved roads, while more
secluded waters are reached by narrow gravel roads, and some can only be
found along hiking trails!
Hikers, backpackers and horsemen will
love the North Okanagan, where opportunities for exploration are endless!
Birdwatchers should be sure to bring their binoculars and a
camera. The North Okanagan is well-known for its diversity of bird life,
migratory, seasonal and residential. Many of our best birdwatching sites
are within very easy access of major roadways.
For a quieter
experience, the North Okanagan is blessed with dozens of beaches,
providing a perfect relaxing afternoon's fun. We also have a number of
good boat launches, although they may be tucked away just out of sight.
 The Beaver Lake
Lodge welcomes you to their year round resort, complete with cabins and
campsites. In summer, fish to your heart's content, canoe the lakes
circuit or hike in the surrounding mountains. Boat, canoe and mountain
bike rentals are available. In winter, take in ice fishing, snowmobiling
and cross country skiing. The Lodge is reached from Winfield, on Beaver
Lake Rd.
Sugar Lake Fishing Camp, 60 km east of Vernon (and 16km
north of Cherryville, on paved road), provides a relaxing, rustic fishing
getaway at 2,000 feet of elevation, with cabins and RV sites (some with
power). It's perfect for anyone who has spent too long in the restricting
confines of town life. Forgot your boat? No problem; you can rent one
here!
Real back-country fans will love Keefer Lake
Wilderness Resort, high in the Monashee
Mountain range, and open year round, in all of nature's seasons. Come
for fishing, horseback tours, hiking, boating, canoeing or simply to get
away from it all. Keefer Lake is located 84 km east of Vernon, and well
worth the trip!
Come to Echo Lake Resort for a quiet getaway,
amidst pristine old growth timber, with wildlife in abundance. Echo Lake
is one of the most picturesque emerald-green lakes in Western Canada, with
this family oriented resorted nestled on the north shore. Go boating,
fishing, swimming, gold panning, hiking, or send the kids to the
playground while you relax. Echo Lake Resort offers rustic lakeside cabins
as rentals, tackle and a convenience store are available. To preserve the
pristine nature of this lake, there is a 10hp limit for boat motors.
Just west of Vernon, near Falkland, lie two lovely resorts: Pillar
Lake and Bolean Lake.
Catch the wild rainbow at Bolean Lake Lodge,
and relax in comfort in one of their cabins. They also offer campsites,
showers, and firepits for that real outdoor living experience! You can
stock up at Bolean's general store and head out for a hike in the
surrounding forests. Come back and rent a boat for some great fishing.
The world-famous pillar is a must-see when you stay at Pillar Lake
Resort; a unique geological formation to fill you with wonder. The resort
itself is THE place for fishing and relaxation, located just 11 km north
of Falkland on the Chase-Falkland Road. They offer RV camping and lakeside
cabins, catering mainly to week-long bookings. This is a lovely family
getaway destination!
Winter Wonderland
 Don't hide indoors
this winter! You'll miss a million opportunities for fun in our area. Ski
downhill or cross country, go tobogganing or tubing to recapture the
thrill of your youth, take a wild snowmobile ride, indulge in a few hours
of ice fishing, challenge the back-country trails in snowshoes, or take a
horse-drawn sleigh ride through beautiful, unspoiled scenery.
Be
sure to take in the Vernon Winter Carnival in February 2008. This year's
theme was "Carnival under the Sea", which provided the many parade
entrants with a worthy challenge. The Carnival Parade is a must-see,
winding through downtown Vernon. You'll be thrilled and awed by the
majestic hot-air balloon flights over the valley during the Hot Air
Balloon Fiesta.
The Carnival hosts dozens of fantastic events, for
children, families, couples and seniors.
Take a leisurely drive
through our countryside, eventually trading its crystalline perfection for
the warmth of a welcoming winery; Gray Monk Estate Winery in Okanagan
Centre, near Winfield, is open year round, Mon. - Sat, from 11:00 am to
5:00 pm. Most other wineries are open year round as well!
Another
thoroughly Canadian outdoor winter activity to enjoy in our area is ice
fishing, especially popular on Swan Lake at the north end of Vernon. Most
of our fishing resorts are open year round, and offer a wide range of
activities as well as superlative ice fishing.
 Snowshoeing is arguably the best way to enjoy hiking through
our gorgeous back-country in wintertime. Quiet and unobtrusive,
snowshoeing offers unparalleled opportunities to view winter-resident bird
life, a fascinating array of wildlife tracks, and perhaps even a glimpse
of the elusive animals making the tracks!
Ice skating can be
enjoyed at Silver Star Mountain Resort, or in various indoor arenas
throughout the North Okanagan.
You can recapture the fun years of
your youth by going tobogganing or tubing - the all-new traditional winter
sport! Silver Star Mountain Resort offers rentals of both, as well as
hills to challenge your skills, or you can purchase the "equipment"
inexpensively in town and head for any number of great hills throughout
our valley!
After your adrenaline rush wears off, you can find
your way to warm indoor activities, such as a tour of our many local art
galleries and museums.
Then follow it all up with a cup of hot
cocoa or specialty coffee, best when shared with friends!
BC Advenuture Network -- Vernon
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