Top 14 Vernon, BC Murals, Street Art, And Arts And Culture Spots

The Vernon, BC murals are only the start when it comes to arts and culture in the Northern Okanagan city. The

I’ve visited Vernon several times and recently spent 2 days there, enjoying the arts and culture, pumpkin patches, and lakes. Despite Vernon being the ‘trails capital of BC’, it’s the murals, galleries, and museums that have me planning a return visit soon.

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.

Table of Contents

1. Downtown Vernon Murals Walk

Downtown Vernon transforms into an open-air gallery when you look up, showcasing more than 30 murals throughout the area. These artworks depict the region’s history, highlighting local legends and significant cultural moments that have shaped the community.

During my 2 days in Vernon, I enjoyed wandering around downtown…looking at the murals and dropping into both the Vernon Art Gallery and the Vernon Museum and Archives.

Even if you only have one day to spend in Vernon, I’d recommend you do the same, since everything is located very close to each other and you can easily walk between locations and check out the murals along the way.

Mural titled “The Captive” Artist on a downtown Vernon wall, depicting stylised portraits of early 20th-century figures alongside surreal imagery of flowing fabric and a seated woman appearing to sew or mend. — “The Captive Artist” reflects the tension between restriction and resilience in Vernon’s past—an artistic nod to the emotional and social confines faced by women and marginalized groups.

Full mural view of “Pottery and Its Place” showing two men, shelves filled with pottery, and a massive blue ceramic plate on the side of a downtown Vernon building. — In “Pottery and Its Place,” the mural expands to show the legacy of early trades and artisan pride in Vernon’s downtown.

Mural titled “Multiculturalism” on a downtown Vernon building, showing portraits of diverse historical figures alongside Chinese cultural elements like a dragon mask. — “Multiculturalism” celebrates the diverse communities that shaped Vernon’s identity, honouring Chinese, Japanese, and other cultural legacies.

This accessible and free activity allows you to discover how each artwork reflects aspects of Vernon’s identity at your own pace. It is an excellent option for those interested in art and local culture who also want to spend some time outdoors.

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.

Large abstract painting in vivid pinks, greens, reds, and blues, with layered brushstrokes and gestural lines, displayed in the Vernon Public Art Gallery. — Bold colour and movement burst from this immersive abstract work—part of VPAG’s rotating exhibits that spotlight Canadian artists.

2. Vernon Public Art Gallery

Location: 3228 31 Avenue, Vernon
Entry by donation

The Vernon Public Art Gallery is centrally located in downtown and showcases a diverse range of contemporary and regional artists.

With regularly rotating exhibits, visitors can experience a variety of artworks, including local landscape paintings and innovative experimental pieces.

The Art Gallery is donation-based, which I appreciate since one large exhibition room was closed at the time of my visit due to work being done on a future exhibit.

You may find street parking nearby, but the parkade attached to the gallery is an easy and inexpensive option. I didn’t think it was very accessible, though, if that’s something you need to consider.

A well-lit gallery wall at the Vernon Public Art Gallery displaying a mix of landscape, abstract, and figurative paintings, with display stands below. — From moody skies to quirky cats, the gallery wall at VPAG reflects the diversity of Vernon’s artistic voices.

Shelves of handmade pottery, cards, and small artworks in the Vernon Public Art Gallery’s gift shop, with display cases and a view of the street outside. — Shop local, gift artfully—the VPAG gift shop supports Okanagan makers with a curated collection of unique pieces.

The gallery store has paintings of all sizes for sale as well as locally made ceramics, jewelry, and other items that are perfect for gift-giving. I picked up a pair of earrings made by a local artist. That’s the kind of souvenir I most enjoy.

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.

3. Greater Vernon Museum & Archives

Location: 3009 32 Avenue, Vernon
Suggested Donation: $5 for adults or $20 for a family

Just a short walk from the art gallery, the Vernon Museum & Archives invites visitors to reflect on the area’s rich tapestry of stories.

Here, one can enjoy exhibits that thoughtfully honour Indigenous heritage, early settler experiences, and Vernon’s significant place in Okanagan history.

A set of scavenger hunt brochures and a bingo-style activity sheet sit on a round table beside a mug with pencils, promoting a kids' activity at the Vernon Museum. — The Vernon Museum makes learning fun with scavenger hunts for curious kids and kids-at-heart. Also, I love that mug and wish they sold them!

Recreated historic storefronts inside the Vernon Museum, including “Cameron” and “Vernon Photo Co,” with wood facades and vintage displays. — Step back in time at the Vernon Museum, where you can wander through a recreated streetscape from the town’s early days.

Historic display at the Vernon Museum showing crates, tools, and packaging from the Vernon Fruit Union’s heyday, with a vintage office door and “no smoking” sign. — From orchard to office—the Vernon Museum’s fruit industry exhibit preserves the story of a community built on apples and hard work.

It’s small but well-curated, and the air-conditioning is a quiet blessing in summer or during the warmer fall days.

Main entrance to the Vernon Museum & Archives with a directional tourism info sign and potted flowers nearby. — Whether you’re after archives or trip tips, Vernon’s community services building doubles as a visitor centre and hub for history and helpful info.

Abstract green jade sculpture on a white pedestal outside the Vernon Museum and Archives, with a partly cloudy sky behind. — This jade sculpture outside the community services building invites visitors to reflect on the layers of Vernon’s cultural and natural history.

Visitors can check out Vernon’s art scene by following a self-guided walking route, with maps available at the visitor centre. There are also free route maps for coffee tours.

4. Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre (VDPAC)

Location: 3800 33 Street, Vernon

The Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre is the city’s main stage for touring theatre, dance, live music, and family-friendly productions. It’s a polished but welcoming venue with comfortable seating, easy parking, and performances running throughout the year.

If you enjoy an evening show when you travel, this is the spot to check first — programming ranges from orchestral music to contemporary theatre, and it never feels overwhelming or pretentious.

5. Powerhouse Theatre

Location: 2901 35 Avenue, Vernon

Powerhouse Theatre is one of the Okanagan’s longest-running community theatres, run entirely by skilled volunteers. Expect thoughtful productions, beautiful sets, and a strong sense of pride from the cast and crew.

It’s a great way to spend a relaxed evening, especially if you appreciate small-town arts scenes woven together by people who genuinely love what they do.

6. Vernon Towne Theatre

Location: 2910 30 Avenue, Vernon

The Vernon Towne Theatre is a historic single-screen cinema with retro charm and a mix of blockbusters, indie films, and occasional live events.

If you enjoy older theatres that feel personal and cozy, this is an easy addition to your downtown wanderings, especially after dinner or a mural walk.

7. Vernon Jazz Club

Location: 3000 31 Street (upstairs), Vernon

The Vernon Jazz Club is a volunteer-run venue known for intimate concerts featuring jazz, folk, blues, and acoustic performers. Shows usually run on weekends, and the space has a relaxed, close-knit feel.

It’s ideal for travellers who prefer low-key nightlife rooted in local culture rather than bars or loud venues.

8. Vernon Community Arts Centre (VCAC)

Location: 2704A Highway 6, Vernon (Polson Park)

The Vernon Community Arts Centre is one of the most hands-on creative spaces in the region. Operated by the Arts Council of the North Okanagan, it offers classes and workshops in clay, glass, drawing, painting, and printmaking.

Members can access specialist studios on a drop-in basis, and visitors can browse rotating exhibits. The centre also hosts Artsolutely, a popular winter artisan market, along with seasonal shows and community art sales.

9. Vaz Art Gallery

Location: 3105 31 Avenue, Vernon (appointments recommended)

Vaz Art Gallery features British Columbia–inspired paintings and prints, often highlighting regional landscapes and the natural beauty of the Okanagan.

Visits are typically private or by appointment, making it a quiet, unhurried way to enjoy local art.

10. Gallery Vertigo

Location: 102–3105 28 Avenue, Vernon

Gallery Vertigo is a grassroots artist-run centre supporting emerging and established creatives. Exhibits rotate regularly, and the space often hosts workshops, meet-ups, and creative discussions.

It’s one of the best places in Vernon to get a feel for the local arts community and its evolving conversations.

11. Caetani Cultural Centre

Location: 3401 Pleasant Valley Road, Vernon

Set in a historic home once owned by the Caetani family, the Caetani Cultural Centre is now a creative hub for workshops, small performances, readings, artist residencies, and outdoor events.

In summer, the gardens host concerts and community gatherings that feel relaxed and intimate — perfect for travellers who enjoy culture mixed with fresh air.

12. Creative Chaos Festival

Location: Vernon Recreation Centre & nearby grounds

Creative Chaos is one of the largest craft and artisan festivals in the Okanagan, held annually in early June. More than 200 makers typically attend, with food stalls, demonstrations, and plenty of handmade goods.

If you’re planning a summer visit, this festival is one of the liveliest weekends of the year.

13. Artsolutely Winter Market

Location: Vernon Community Arts Centre, Polson Park

Artsolutely is the region’s long-running winter artisan market, open for several weeks leading up to the holidays. It features local artists, ceramics, glasswork, textiles, jewellery, and small-batch goods.

It’s an ideal place to support local creators and pick up meaningful souvenirs or gifts.

14. Caetani Summer Music Festival

Location: Caetani Cultural Centre grounds

This outdoor concert series brings musicians to the Caetani gardens for relaxed summer evenings. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in under the trees to enjoy live music in one of Vernon’s prettiest heritage spaces.

It’s one of the simplest ways to enjoy Vernon’s creative side without rushing between venues.

How to Plan Your Trip to Vernon

Map of Vernon Arts and Culture Locations

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

Vernon is 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.

Best Time to Visit Vernon

Late summer to early autumn: This is Vernon at its best. Farm markets are overflowing, pumpkin patches open up, and the trails earn their title—Vernon is the Trails Capital of BC, after all. It’s the season for lake days, easy hikes, and long afternoons outdoors.

Spring: Fresh blooms, quieter streets, and a gentle start to hiking season. It’s a peaceful time to enjoy the scenery without the summer pace.

Winter to early spring: A great off-season choice if you prefer cafés, galleries, and slower days. Trails are still accessible in town, and the cozy side of Vernon really comes through.

Tips for Enjoying Vernon’s Arts, Culture, and Food Scene

Leave room for spontaneity: Vernon’s downtown has small studios, shops, and community art spaces that don’t always show up in guides—you’ll often stumble on something interesting just by wandering.
Start downtown: Most galleries, murals, cafés, and vegan-friendly restaurants are within a few walkable blocks, so it’s easy to pair a meal with an art stop.
Visit during fall: Pumpkin patches, farm markets, and cooler hiking weather make it a great season to enjoy both the trails and the indoor arts spaces.
Check gallery schedules: The Vernon Public Art Gallery and the Museum & Archives often have rotating exhibitions, so it’s worth having a quick look before you go.
Plan a café stop: Places like The Roxy Cafe or Eatology are perfect for breaking up your day between murals, shops, and cultural stops.

Top 14 Vernon, BC Murals, Street Art, and Arts and Culture Spots