The Okanagan Valley has one of the most enviable climates in Canada. This makes Vernon and the Okanagan a popular choice among visitors, and other Canadians who are relocating or retiring. The Valley's temperature is best defined as mild and continental. In the Valley, summers are warm with hot days but cooler evenings. Winters, occasionally cold, are generally much milder than the geographical areas east of the valley.

The City of Vernon
Vernon is situated in the Northern Region of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. Within a four-hour drive to Vancouver, Vernon has earned a reputation as a year round tourist destination. The Okanagan's gentle climate, relaxed lifestyle and abundant recreational and cultural amenities have led Vernon to be one of the major year round vacation spots and an attractive place for those searching for the perfect balance of small-town charm and the conveniences of Urban Living.

'The Lake of Many Colours', Kalamalka Lake has been named one of the top ten most beautiful lakes in the world according to National Geographic. The Northern shores of Kalamalka offers several beach volleyball courts, a long swimming pier, change and rest rooms. Other attractive public beaches on Kalamalka Lake include Cosens, Juniper, and Jade Bays. Boat launch facilities are located on the West Side of Kalamalka Lake at Kekuli Bay Provincial Park.

Okanagan Lake is the largest in the region, spanning 120 km from Vernon to Penticton, and features a range of activities from parasailing to windsurfing, house boating and fishing. Kin Beach is at the very tip of Okanagan Lake and has a stretch of sandy beaches, grassy spaces, picnic areas and a playground for the kids.

Paddlewheel Park also has sandy beaches, grassy areas, playground, volleyball courts, boat launch and tennis courts.

Ellison Provincial Park is located on the northeastern shore of Okanagan Lake, includes 54 camping sites and 200 hectares of forested bench lands above rocky shoreline of scenic headlands and sheltered coves. This park attracts swimmers, water-skiers and sunbathers to its naturally sheltered coves and warm rocks. Ellison Provincial Park is British Columbia's first freshwater marine park and is extremely popular with scuba divers.