BC Adventure: Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
This 890 hectare park conserves a rather significant and unique area of the Okanagan. The area is made up of rolling slopes and forested ridges of Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, black cottonwood and lodgepole pine making it a nature lovers paradise.
The soft grasslands of summer, the rich tones of the leaves turning in the fall or the brilliant splashes of wildflower colour in the spring set off by the stunning blues and greens of Kalamalka Lake make this park a favorite amongst all who visit.
The lake is known as a "marl lake", a process which begins when the lake warms and calcium carbonate or limestone forms crystals that reflect the sunlight creating its distinct blue-green colour. During temperature changes the lake often displays ribbons of deep blue.
The natural wetlands and ponds within the park are home to a vast array of animal life including the western rattlesnake, pacific rubber boa, western painted turtle, weasels, the bobcat and red fox. Bird life is also abundant within the park.
Location
The park is located on College Way off of Highway #97, 10 km south of Vernon.
Park Facilities & Activities
Day-use facilities - Juniper Bay is the perfect place for a day at the beach. A play area, picnic tables, water taps, toilets and an information display are provided.
Boating - Boat launch facilities are located on the west side of Kalamalka Lake at Kekuli Bay Provincial Park. Waterskiing is a popular activity on the lake.
Hiking and Trails - There are over 10 km of trails which provide access to the parks interesting features, viewpoints and beaches. Mountain bikes and horses are allowed on designated trails.
Vernon Tourism: Greater Vernon Attractions & Adventure - Explore...a wild experience!
The North Okanagan is a four-seasons playground, offering a wide range of things to see and do for all ages, abilities and energy levels.
We have attractions specially suited for individuals, families or couples, rain or shine.
For added fun, combine your vacation with one of our major events: Winter Carnival, Sunshine Festival, Armstrong Interior Provincial Exhibition, Creative Chaos, Potters Sale, Annual Funtastic Summer Festival, Greater Vernon Apple Fest, O'Keefe Ranch Cowboy Festival or Wine Festival.
The MultiPlex offers the largest trade show space in the Interior, and the Performing Arts Centre features an amazing sound system and a well-designed stage, designed to compete with famous theatres from around the world!
Okanagan Science Centre
For those with curious minds and a yen for learning, the Okanagan Science Centre will pique your interest. Here you can view optical illusions, discover energy, learn about B.C.'s mines and forests, or explore the myths and legends surrounding the constellations in a "mini-planetarium"! Almost all of the exhibits are hands-on, making theOkanagan Science Centre a fun and educational place to visit. Visit the website at www.okscience.ca
Allan Brooks Nature Centre
Located just 5 minutes from downtown Vernon, the Allan Brooks nature Centre with it’s spectacular views of Vernon and the 3 surrounding lakes, is a great place for bird enthusiasts. Many raptor birds including red tailed hawks, harrier hawks, turkey vultures and golden eagles are visible from the Centre, while bluebirds, swallows, and meadowlarks are regular visitors.
Take a leisurely tour along the grasslands trail to learn more about the local wildlife and plantlife. Visit the Habitat Room with original murals depiciting local plant and animal life, and explore the the wonders of the Discovery room with hands-on nature exhibits, a working beehive display, and other fun and educational activities.
Take part in some of our many programs offered throughout the season. Topics include astronomy, birds, bees, butterflies, wildflowers, bats, snakes, marmots and much more.
The Allan Brooks Nature Centre is open May 1 to Thanksgiving
10:00am-5:00pm Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays. Open late on Thursdays.
For more information phone (250)260-4227
Greater Vernon Parks & Recreation
Visit the Greater Vernon Parks & Recreation website for Aquatic schedules, drop-in sports, family activities and more!
Silver Star in Summer!
It's a quick 7.5 minute ride time to access 1,600 vertical feet of trails in Silver Star's expanded bike park on the Comet Express , Canada's largest mountain bike chairlift. If you are an expert looking for cool features and fast lines, an intermediate wanting to challenge your skills or a family seeking a summer mountain bike adventure , Silver Star is the experience for you!
Take the the Comet Six Pack Express to the top of Silver Star mountain where you'll enjoy gorgeous views of the Monashee Mountain range and the Okanagan Valley. Bring a picnic lunch and lose yourself in the stunning surroundings. Look for various species of animals and flowers while you peacefully walk through the wilderness. Then treat yourself to a Nature Tour — but don't forget your camera!
See the village, see the mountain, ride the chairlift ... You'll want to stay the night. Your Victorian-inspired accommodation is in a breathtaking alpine setting, just footsteps away from the events and activities . Treat yourself to a relaxing day at the spa , visit the charming village shops, and enjoy a great meal at one of the many restaurants. There are Stay & Play Mountain Adventure Packages all summer and don't miss the 4th Annual Okanagan Summer Wine Festival from August 4 - 6, 2005.
www.skisilverstar.com
Sun Valley Speedway
Catch all the motor racing action at Sun Valley Speedway this summer. Visit their website for more information and schedules.
www.sunvalleyspeedway.com
Wild Water Fun!
Ready to make a splash? Atlantis Waterslide Park offers ten exciting slides to choose from, sure to thrill sliders of all ages. A sunny, grassed picnic area is provided, and Atlantis features a concession for snacks. After your wild-water sliding, take in a round of mini-golf. Visit the website at www.atlantiswaterslides.com
Fun over Land or Water!
Come to the opal miner's workshop just north of Vernon to feast your eyes on beautiful precious opals that have been mined and cut in the Okanagan. Purchase a piece of unique jewellery from Okanagan Opal, or join gem seekers from near and far in a search for precious opals at Canada's first opal mine!
Vernon Outdoors Club
The Vernon Outdoors Club schedules hikes, walks and bike trips throughout the year. Visit their website at ca.geocities.com/vernonoutdoors
Soaring!
Want to see Vernon from a bird's eye perspective? Check out Silver Star Soaring Association, located at the Vernon Airport, offering discovery flights to the public every Sunday from May to October. View their website at www.members.home.net/soar for more details.
Also visit the Okanagan Soaring Association at www.junction.net/osa.
Explore Our Heritage!
Come and experience the rustic elegance of Victorian days at Historic O'Keefe Ranch.
There is something here for the whole family - explore our collection of vintage farm machinery, picnic under the shade of the maple trees, enjoy the huge model railway display, and the many farm animals are always a delight for the children. There is also a restaurant and gift shop for your enjoyment.
Historic O'Keefe Ranch is open daily from May 1 to Thanksgiving, 9a.m. - 5p.m.
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.
The Enderby & District Museum features an imaginative look into the area's colourful past. Changing displays explore such topics as logging, farming, the Shuswap Indians, entertainment and transportation from 1890 to the present. Enjoy the museum's extensive collection of photographs, newspapers and other archival materials.
Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Arts Society Minutes to the south of Enderby, Armstrong values its heritage as a railway town. Once known as the "celery capital of North America", Armstrong has grown into a small yet bustling urbanity, with a valuable industrial core. Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum opened its doors to the public in 1983 to share over 30 historical displays and a comprehensive archive of photographs, newspapers and maps.
Fintry Provincial Park
Fintry is a beautiful provincial park on the west shore of Okanagan Lake, half way between Kelowna and Vernon. It has a past to be proud of... a present to delight campers, bird watchers, hikers, boaters, swimmers - and, with it’s very special heritage buildings, history buffs!
Dog'O'Pogo Dog Agility Group
A non profit, Vernon based dog agility group which holds yearly trials events (currently at O'Keefe Ranch) and teach all levels of agility. Our goal is to promote and support the safe, positive handling and training techniques in the sport of dog agility here in the Okanagan. Dogs of all sizes and breeds are welcome to participate in this exciting sport.
Solace Wakeboard School
Pro coaching for all levels of wakeboarding with top of the line equipment . Boat charters with a 10 person capacity .perfect for touring they okanagon waters and riding.
www.solacewakeboardschool.com
Halina Senior's Centre
An activity centre for seniors 55 and over, offering carpet bowling, cards, bingo, dances and much more. Located in the Vernon Recreation Centre at 3310 37th Ave. For more information call Bonnie Baumbach 542-2877.
Disc Golf
Looking for something a little different? Why not try Disc Golf? Visit Fallow Ridge, a private course in Lavington.
North Okanagan Sailing Association
Learn to Sail this summer! The North Okanagan Sailing Association is providing adult and youth programs to give people of all ages an opportunity to feel the wind. Visit their website at www.nosa.bc.ca and click on the Learn to Sail link for more information.
Cruise Okanagan
Boat Tours and Charters - See our daily tour schedule at www.cruiseokanagan.com and for charter rates.
Attractions
Allan Brooks Nature Centre
Vernon Vipers
Cruise Okanagan Charter
Davison Orchards
Atlantis Waterslides
Vernon Art Gallery
Greater Vernon Museum & Archives
Vernon Film Society
Town Theatre
Famous Players 7
Vernon Jazz Society
Okanagan Science Centre
Executive Wine Tours
Kalamalka Forestry Centre
Silver Star Mountain Resort
Sovereign Lakes Cross Country Ski Area
Predator Ridge Golf Resort
Vernon Tigers Junior Lacrosse
Vernon Golf & Country Club
Spallumcheen Golf & Country Club
Hillview Golf Course
Highlands Golf Short-Game
Lake City Casino
