The Monster Guide - Bearfoot Routes: Historic Vernon

Vernon is located at the junction of Highway 97 and Highway 6 in the Okanagan Valley, 29 miles (46 km) north of Kelowna and 73 miles (117 km) southeast of Kamloops. To the east of Vernon is Lumby, and north of Vernon is the community of Armstrong.

Take a glimpse into the past...explore downtown Vernon's 18 Outdoor Historic Murals. Each mural will take you on a journey of Vernon's rich heritage that has led to its unique Okanagan lifestyle. Pick up a self-guided tour brochure, available at Vernon Info Centres, local downtown merchants or at the Vernon Art Gallery where you can view unique art exhibits.

Visit the Vernon Museum and Archives on 32nd Avenue for information on walking and driving tours of the historic and heritage sites in the Vernon area. Highlights are the Vernon Electric Power House, built in 1902 as a steam plant and presently known as the Power House Theatre, Paddle Wheel Park (the 1886 terminal for the Shuswap-Okanagan Railway, and today home of the Okanagan Landing Railway Station) the Smith House, and the 1892 Vernon Court House.

Step back in time to the late 1800s at the Historic O'Keefe Ranch, founded in 1867 by Cornelius O'Keefe. At that time, huge cattle ranches occupied the valley, and ranch headquarters were self-contained settlements. By the turn of the century, O'Keefe and his partner owned 20,000 acres of prime land, and were driving cattle north to sell to the hungry miners in the gold fields. Rain or shine there's always something to do at O'Keefe Ranch where kids and adults alike can experience the history and adventure of pioneer days.

Be sure to include a Bella Vista Road Tour, which can include Bella Vista Farm Market and Planet Bee (an operating apiary) and Davison Orchards. Not far from Bella Vista is the Commonage area home to the Allan Brooks Nature Centre which 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. From this location we have a stunning view of Kalamalka Lake, a special feature of the Historic Vernon Experience.

Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park is 8 km south of Vernon off Kalamalka Rd and Hwy 6 in Coldstream. On the northeast side of Kalamalka Lake, noted as one of the top 10 most beautiful lakes in the world by National Geographic and often referred to as The Lake of a Thousand Colours, this park is a well-preserved remnant of the natural grasslands that once stretched from Vernon to Osoyoos.

Over 10km of walking/hiking trails wind through the grassland slopes and along lightly forested ridges. Scenic cliff-top viewpoints overlook a rocky shoreline indented with bays and tiny coves. From the spectacular wildflower display in the spring to the relative seclusion of the beaches and boating spots in summer; from the golden-hued forests in autumn to the rolling, cross-country ski trails in winter, this park is a favorite with visitors year-round.

Two archaeological sites lie within park boundaries, and you may see coyote, deer, or black bear but are most likely to observe Columbian ground squirrels and yellow-bellied marmots. Pacific rattlesnakes, shy creatures that wish only to be left alone, are an important part of this fascinating ecosystem.