In the early half of the fall months, the harmonious blend of crisp mornings into warm afternoons offers ideal conditions to get out and explore Vernon in all of its autumn glory.
From epic outdoor experiences to charming small town festivities, this destination in the Okanagan Valley has an endless amount of fun fall activities to create a memorable getaway from the city.
Even better, you can jet off from Vancouver International Airport to Vernon Regional Airport in only an hour with direct one-way flights (starting at $199) through Cascadia Air.
Convinced yet? Once you’ve confirmed your trip, here’s a roundup of what you can do in Vernon during the months of September and October.
Adventure outside
The region’s average daily temperature throughout September can climb up to a high of 23°C, providing the perfect conditions for venturing out to Vernon’s trails and lakes.
Whether on foot or by bike, you can hit the hiking and biking trails and witness the changing colours of the fall foliage amidst the region’s picturesque scenery. Vernon’s trails offer a lot of variety, from leisurely strolls along the Okanagan Rail Trail to mountain biking at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, there’s a route for everyone.
Since Vernon still sees summer weather during this time of the year, you can still enjoy lakeside activities, such as paddling around Kalamalka Lake and hanging out at the beach at Okanagan Lake.
Tee off at Golftoberfest
From cooler (though still bright) playing conditions to shorter waiting periods for tee time, golfing in the fall comes with many perks.
During the first two weeks of October, the 12th annual Golftoberfest at Predator Ridge will give golfers the opportunity to score the lowest rates of the season at the golf resort’s two award-winning golf courses — Ridge Course and Predator Course — for just $99 per person.
Vernon is home to a host of other fantastic golf courses. For more information on fall golf packages and experiences in Vernon, visit golfvernon.ca.
Experience the hub of BC Culture Days
The hub of this year's BC Culture Days celebration is in Vernon. The kickoff Vernon Arts & Culture Festival is on September 23, marking the official start of the fall season.
Starting at 10 a.m. at Polson Park, the festival will present a full day of family-friendly activities, including live music, dance performances, visual arts exhibit, an artisan market, food trucks, and more.
Throughout BC Culture Days, businesses around Vernon will continue to host free community events for 24 days until October 16 in celebration of arts and culture in the Okanagan.
Visit the Vernon farmers’ market
Over 100 local growers and artisans pop-up at the bi-weekly Vernon Farmers’ Market outside Kal Tire Place, which runs on Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until the end of October.
Some of the fresh fall goods you can expect to find from the participating vendors include harvest fruits and veggies, gourmet foods and preserves, plants and flowers, arts and crafts, and much more.
Go apple picking & cider tasting
Throughout the month of September, celebrate the apple harvest season by picking apples straight from the apple trees at Davison Orchards. From Sunrise to Golden Delicious, the orchard features many different varieties of one of fall’s signature fruits.
Pure apple juice and other farm-fresh and home-baked speciality goods are available at the Farmhouse Cafe.
Formerly the BX Press Cidery, the newly re-branded Cambium Cider Co. restaurant opens this fall. In addition to their contemporary farm-to-table menu, guests will be able to enjoy their locally-sourced and low-crafted small batches of cider on the orchard-side patio.
Pick a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch
When October rolls in, so do the great selection of pumpkins at Davison Orchards!
Open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., visitors to the orchard can hop on the tractor out to the u-pick pumpkin patch, where you can find yourself the perfect pumpkins for your festive jack-o’-lantern carvings and pumpkin pie baking sessions.
Wander through the haunted corn maze
Spooky season is almost here, and when the sun sets in October, the epic corn maze at Historic O’Keefe Ranch transforms into a haunted corn maze, aptly named ‘Field of Screams’. You’ll be in for a guaranteed scary good time!
Discover a haunted heritage house
Starting September 8, the Caetani Centre offers guided tours of the 126-year old heritage house, where guests can discover the intriguing and disturbing story of Leone Caetani, a descendant of Italian royalty, and his family’s residence in Vernon.
From October 24 to 29, the Haunted Halloween Tour will give paranormal seekers a chance to explore the mysterious second floor and learn about the home’s mysterious occupants, strange happenings, and the 25 year imprisonment of the Caetani’s daughter by the family’s matriarch.
Face your fears in the depths of the forest
From October 11 to 28, Caravan Farm Theatre presents Sparagmos, an immersive binaural sound experience where you’ll be compelled to face your darkest fears while walking through the fields and forests.
Then, on October 29, the Walk of Terror returns, where participants will walk through fifty acre to the great Timber Barn while encountering a terrifying ensemble of community and professional performers along the way.
Stay at a luxury hillside B&B
For a place to stay with the fall vibes to complement your autumn getaway in Vernon, book a room at Culinary Confetti Farm. Located on the hillside above Okanagan Lake, this luxury B&B offers delectable farm-to-fork culinary experiences, complete with fresh produce and edible flowers.
Go to tourismvernon.com to start planning your fall trip to Vernon today.
