Okanagan | Kelowna | Vernon | Kamloops | Penticton | Osoyoos
Real Estate/Homes in Vernon, British Columbia feature deluxe adult communities such as Desert Cove and condos featuring stylish Mediterranean living such as Mandalay Okanagan. If you're looking for more Vernon Real Estate then click on the links below to discover what Vernon BC has to offer
Vernon B.C. is nestled in the North Okanagan midway between Vancouver, B.C. and Calgary, Alberta on Highway 97. Vernon is only a 35 minute drive to Kelowna and less than a 1.5 hour drive to Penticton.
Vernon offers an abundance of four-season activities suitable for families and individuals of all ages. Recreational activities range from winter skiing at Silver Star Mountain Resort, Sovereign Lakes Cross Country skiing to golfing at the four local golf courses: Predator Ridge, Spallumcheen, Vernon Golf and Country Club and Hillview Golf.
Hiking and cycling trails are in ample supply as well as many sun-drenched beaches.
Named after Forbes George Vernon, a former MLA of British Columbia who helped grow the famed Coldstream Ranch, the City of Vernon was incorporated on December 30, 1892. The City of Vernon has a population of 35,944 (2006), while its metropolitan region, Greater Vernon, has a population of 55,418 (2006). With this population, Vernon is the largest city in the North Okanagan Regional District.
During both World Wars, Vernon was an important training ground for Canadian troops. The military camp, #110 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre, trained thousands of soldiers from 1940-45. The 19th Infantry Brigade made its headquarters here, comprising of 3rd Battalion Irish Fusiliers (Vancouver Regiment), Winnipeg Light Infantry, Prince Albert Volunteers, 26th Field Company Royal Canadian Engineers, 25th Field Ambulance and various support units. Some 6 km to the east of the camp on the edge of the Coldstream Ranch was the Battle Drill School. This camp trained Canadian soldiers in advanced fighting skills from 1942-45. It was the first FIBUA (Fighting In Built Up Areas) training centre in the world. To this day, unexploded artillery and mortar shells used in training are still turned up by the frost and development of the surrounding hills. Internment camps were also located in Vernon during the World Wars; in WWI for Ukrainian Canadians (this camp is now the site of a high school) and in WWII for people of Japanese decent (mostly from Vancouver).
After WWII, the camp was mothballed. In 1949 it was reopened and became an Army Cadet Training Centre for the Royal Canadian Army Cadets which it continues as to this day, Vernon Army Cadet Summer Training Centre.