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ByTazim Damji

2 Days in Vernon, BC Itinerary for Art, Food And Lake Time

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Planning to spend 2 days in Vernon, BC? This small city in the Okanagan makes slowing down feel effortless.

Vernon blends creativity, calm, and community in a way that few places do. You can browse markets in the morning, admire downtown murals in the afternoon, and end the day by a turquoise lake without ever feeling rushed.

I recently spent a weekend here, staying at Quality Inn & Suites Vernon (hosted stay, all opinions my own). Between art, food, and quiet lakeside moments, I left feeling that Vernon deserves more attention than it gets, whether you visit as part of an Okanagan road trip or make it your own easygoing getaway.

Trip Overview: Is Vernon, BC Worth Visiting?

Yes! Vernon is definitely worth a stop on a longer road trip in the Okanagan or even a specific trip. I visited in October to enjoy all the fall things to do in Vernon, and I am already planning on another trip to see Vernon in a different season.

Check out the Instagram reel for a visual look at my 2 days in Vernon!

Day 1: Harvests, Murals & Comfort Food

Soft evening light reflects off Swan Lake in Vernon, BC, with streaks of clouds catching the last golden tones of sunset above rolling Okanagan hills.
Swan Lake at sunset—a quiet moment of calm just outside Vernon, where the Okanagan’s beauty winds down for the day.

Morning: Swan Lake Garden & Market

Start your weekend surrounded by greenery. Swan Lake Garden & Market is a relaxed local spot filled with seasonal produce, native plants, and handmade goods.

It’s an easy first stop before heading into town, with flat pathways, plenty of parking, and the kind of friendly conversations you only find in smaller communities.

If you’re here in late summer or early fall, expect tables full of apples, squash, and flowers. Bring a reusable tote bag or two.

Midday: Davison Orchards

Just a few minutes from downtown, Davison Orchards captures the essence of Vernon’s harvest season. The family-run farm offers tractor tours, a produce market, and a café serving fresh fruit pies and apple juice pressed on-site.

I could easily spend hours here, browsing the gift shop, picking up homemade preserves, and watching families enjoy the open fields. It’s a wonderful stop whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or on a gentle road trip through the Okanagan.

Mural panel titled “Fire Brigade” featuring a uniformed fireman in black and white and an old horse-drawn fire wagon at a historic station.
Mural titled “Speed” showing a winter sports scene with an athlete in motion, surrounded by snow-covered trees and cheering spectators.

Afternoon: Downtown Vernon Murals Walk

Downtown Vernon turns into an open-air gallery once you start looking up. Over 30 murals tell the story of the region, from local legends to cultural moments.

You can follow a self-guided walking route (maps are available at the visitor centre) and take your time appreciating how each piece ties into Vernon’s identity. It’s free, easy to access, and a must for art lovers.

Late Afternoon: Unwind at Your Hotel

After a full day of walking and sunshine, head back to Quality Inn & Suites Vernon to recharge. Take a dip in the indoor pool or soak in the hot tub to relax tired muscles before dinner. It’s a small but welcome luxury that fits perfectly with Vernon’s slower rhythm.

Street view of The Roxy Café in Vernon, BC at dusk, with its black sign, window art advertising brunch and sourdough, and soft interior lighting visible.
As the sun dips, The Roxy Café glows in downtown Vernon—serving up creative plant-based bites in a relaxed, artsy setting.
Colourful plant-based dish at The Roxy Café featuring broccoli, cabbage, snap peas, rice, tofu, and a side of sweet chili sauce.
Fresh, bold, and packed with texture—this plant-based bowl from The Roxy is as tasty as it is nourishing.

Evening: Dinner at The Roxy Café

Once you’ve had some time to unwind, make your way downtown for dinner at The Roxy Café. It’s a casual, welcoming spot with great vegetarian and vegan options. I had a plant-based dinner that hit the perfect balance of hearty and homestyle — exactly what you want to end your first day in Vernon.

If you’re visiting in autumn, the downtown lights make an evening stroll especially inviting.

Day 2: Art, History & Lake Time

Dining area with wooden tables and black chairs, featuring a beverage station with a drink dispenser, coffee pots, microwave, and cup storage.
Spacious and casual dining area for complimentary breakfast.

Morning: Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with the complimentary breakfast at Quality Inn & Suites Vernon before heading out for a slower day of art and lake views.

Street-level view of the Vernon Public Art Gallery entrance with a sandwich board that reads “be part of art,” and a modern sign reading VPAG on the building.
Step into Vernon’s creative core at the Vernon Public Art Gallery—where local and contemporary art meet community stories.
A sculpted bronze relief map mounted on a wall, representing an aerial view of Vernon’s street layout with raised sections and labelled blocks.
A textured tribute to Vernon’s cityscape—this bronze wall map greets visitors at the Vernon Public Art Gallery with history in 3D.

Late Morning: Vernon Public Art Gallery

The Vernon Public Art Gallery sits in the heart of downtown, featuring contemporary and regional artists. Exhibits rotate regularly, so there’s always something new, from local landscape paintings to bold, experimental works. The staff are welcoming, and it’s a calm way to start your morning immersed in creativity.

Wide view of the Vernon Museum & Archives entrance under a grey metal roof with an “OPEN” sign by the door and a blue sky above.
Step through the doors of the Vernon Museum & Archives for stories of the Okanagan Valley—from Indigenous history to wartime Vernon.

Midday: Greater Vernon Museum & Archives

A short walk away, the Museum & Archives offers a glimpse into the area’s diverse stories, including Indigenous heritage, early settler life, and Vernon’s role in Okanagan history. It’s small but well-curated, and the air-conditioning is a quiet blessing in summer.

Inside Eatology’s rustic café counter with a chalkboard menu, coffee equipment, plants, and mugs for sale.
From pour-overs to kid-friendly smoothies, Eatology’s counter blends local charm with a strong coffee game.
Alternate view of a vegan brunch spread at Eatology with latte, greens, and scrambled tofu toast in a casual café setting.
Whether you’re fuelling up for mural hunting or museum hopping, Eatology’s got your plant-based breakfast covered.

Lunch: Eatology Café

For lunch, Eatology is the kind of café that wins you over instantly. It’s cheerful, affordable, and full of creative vegetarian and vegan dishes. My meal was hosted by Tourism Vernon, and it genuinely stood out for its flavour and freshness: proof that dining options here can rival big-city menus.

A dusty trail lined with golden grass and wild plants overlooks the deep blue of Kalamalka Lake, with the town of Coldstream and Okanagan Valley hills stretching into the distance.
Overlooking Kalamalka Lake from the hillside trails above Coldstream—one of Vernon’s best views in the Okanagan Valley.
Tazim stands at a wooden railing gazing over sunlit hills and the brilliant blue of Kalamalka Lake, the midday sun shining brightly.
Soaking up the sun and silence above Kalamalka Lake—Tazim enjoying the slower pace of Vernon in the Okanagan Valley.

Afternoon: Kalamalka Lake

Wrap up your visit at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park or one of the easy-access viewpoints along the shore. The lake’s distinct turquoise colour shifts with the sunlight, and there are plenty of shaded picnic spots where you can unwind.

A green historical sign for Coldstream Valley stands above Kalamalka Lake, detailing the region's 19th-century agricultural roots.
Coldstream’s rich farming past helped shape the Okanagan Valley we know today—marked here above stunning Kalamalka Lake.

It’s a perfect place to spend a slow afternoon — no rush, no agenda, just that soft Okanagan light over the water.

How to Plan Your Trip to Vernon

Getting to Vernon

Vernon sits between Kelowna and Salmon Arm in the North Okanagan. It’s roughly:

  • 5 hours (440 km / 273 mi) from Vancouver via Kamloops or Kelowna
  • 1 hour (55 km / 34 mi) from Kelowna
  • 45 minutes (70 km / 43 mi) from Salmon Arm
  • 7½ hours (675 km / 420 mi) from Calgary

It’s a convenient stop on any Okanagan road trip, or a stand-alone weekend getaway worth the drive.

Front entrance of Quality Inn & Suites Vernon with a parked e-scooter, stone siding, and a small round fountain surrounded by safety bollards.
Easy access for walkers, riders, and scooter commuters.
Angled view of two queen beds with crisp white bedding and large black-and-white wall art above the headboards in a Quality Inn Vernon guest room.
Cozy and clean rooms to relax after exploring Vernon.

Where to Stay

I stayed at Quality Inn & Suites Vernon. It’s central, comfortable, and includes breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking, ideal for a relaxed stay. The indoor pool and hot tub make it a nice base year-round.

A flat lay of a Vernon welcome package with local products like hot sauce, jam, honey, stickers, and tourism brochures displayed on a white bedspread.
A taste of Vernon in a box—from sweet jam to cheeky stickers, this local gift pack celebrates small businesses and big hospitality. I was provided with this box by Tourism Vernon.

What to Bring Home

You’ll find plenty of local goods that reflect Vernon’s creative, community-focused spirit:

  • Apple butter, pies, or preserves from Davison Orchards
  • Art prints or postcards from the Public Art Gallery gift shop
  • Handmade crafts or local honey from Swan Lake Garden & Market

Focus on gifts that connect you to the region, things you’ll actually use or enjoy long after the trip.

Best Time to Visit

Late summer to early fall is ideal for farm markets and lake days, but spring brings fresh blooms and quieter streets.

Winter and early spring are surprisingly lovely too; the galleries and cafés make Vernon a great off-season stop.

FAQs About Visiting Vernon, BC

Is Vernon safe?

Yes, Vernon BC is considered a safe city for visitors. Like most Okanagan towns, it’s relaxed and community-oriented — just use normal precautions as you would anywhere when walking at night or leaving valuables in your car.

What is Vernon known for?

Vernon is known for its beautiful lakes, thriving arts community, and family-run orchards. It’s especially loved for Kalamalka Lake, the Davison Orchards experience, and its colourful downtown murals.

How many days do you need in Vernon?

You need about 2 days in Vernon BC to enjoy its markets, art galleries, vegan food spots, and lakeside views at a relaxed pace. If you have more time, it’s easy to extend your stay or include Vernon in a wider Okanagan road trip.

Tips for a Slow Weekend in Vernon

  • Keep your itinerary flexible; Vernon rewards spontaneity.
  • Bring layers; Okanagan weather shifts quickly.
  • Support local wherever possible; small cafés, family farms, and artist-run spaces make up the city’s charm.
  • Leave space for unplanned moments: an extra hour by the lake or an unscheduled stop at a roadside fruit stand.

If you’re extending your trip, continue on to nearby Kelowna or Salmon Arm, or make Vernon a highlight on a longer Vancouver to Okanagan drive.

📌 Save This Vernon Itinerary

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Tazim crafts engaging content that inspires a sense of wonder, curiosity, and adventure. As a 40-something South Asian woman based in the Vancouver area of British Columbia, she brings a unique perspective to her explorations of new cultural experiences, connections with nature, and savouring delicious plant-based food.

Tazim was born in Metro Vancouver in 1980 and has lived there for over 20 years total. She spent her childhood in Calgary, Alberta and Houston, Texas. She is a certified Whistler expert from her time working for Whistler Blackcomb and currently works in the tourism industry.