Tourism

Take a break from the slopes to discover the rich culture and diversity of Vernon. Michelle Beaudry photo, courtesy Tourism Vernon.

Tourism Vernon could see 40% cut to budget due to COVID-19

New approach to help residents and visitors activate their adventures

 

Miska Haven Bed & Breakfast, located east of Enderby along the Shuswap River, has kept busy with guests from closer to home in 2020. (Contributed)

‘Staycation’ spike keeps North Okanagan bed and breakfasts bustling

Owners say locals have been filling the void left by fewer travellers from afar during the pandemic

 

Peter Kaz, host of Okanagan’s Got Talent, is the new marketing, communications and promotions director for the Downtown Vernon Association. (Morning Star file photo)

Downtown Vernon Association introduces new, familiar face

Peter Kaz is the association’s new marketing, communications and promotions director

 

Pumpkin picking opens Oct. 1 at Davison Orchard in Vernon. (Contributed)

Pumpkins ripe for the picking at Okanagan orchard

Fall fun in season at Davison

Pumpkin picking opens Oct. 1 at Davison Orchard in Vernon. (Contributed)
Kennedy Lake is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, but more resources are needed to make sure those visiting the area are respecting their surroundings. (Westerly file photo)

Tofino-area First Nation considering closing doors to visitors again

Swamped with tourists, scared of COVID-19, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation says more support needed

Kennedy Lake is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, but more resources are needed to make sure those visiting the area are respecting their surroundings. (Westerly file photo)
The Kettle Valley Steam Railway has shut down its operations for the rest of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Contributed)

COVID-19 prompts Summerland railway to cancel operations

Kettle Valley Steam Railway will not hold Christmas trains this year

The Kettle Valley Steam Railway has shut down its operations for the rest of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Contributed)
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce continues to encourage the province to buy 234 acres of Okanagan Lake shoreline on Cameron Road for further recreational pursuits. (Colliers International photo)

Vernon chamber continues calls to expand provincial park

Chamber urges province to purchase land adjacent to Ellison Provincial Park

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce continues to encourage the province to buy 234 acres of Okanagan Lake shoreline on Cameron Road for further recreational pursuits. (Colliers International photo)
Salmon Arm’s Visitor Information Centre sits empty on Wednesday morning, Aug. 26, 2020. (Lachlan Labere-Salmon Arm Observer)

Salmon Arm Visitor Information Centre closed

Facility closure follows city’s termination of contract with chamber

Salmon Arm’s Visitor Information Centre sits empty on Wednesday morning, Aug. 26, 2020. (Lachlan Labere-Salmon Arm Observer)
Carver Ryan Villiers puts finishing touches on the lifelike chainsaw carving of John J. Rambo (played by Sylvester Stallone) before it was installed at Hope’s Memorial Park Aug. 14, 2020. (Emelie Peacock/Hope Standard)

Sylvester Stallone gives shout-out to new Rambo chainsaw carving in Hope, B.C.

Sylvester Stallone, the star behind John J. Rambo, “very proud” of newly installed red cedar work

Carver Ryan Villiers puts finishing touches on the lifelike chainsaw carving of John J. Rambo (played by Sylvester Stallone) before it was installed at Hope’s Memorial Park Aug. 14, 2020. (Emelie Peacock/Hope Standard)
Hesquiaht Harbour. (Hesquiaht First Nation)

Visitors and non-residents entering closed remote B.C. First Nation’s territories

With limited resources, they say they don’t have any authority or power to enforce the closures

  • Aug 6, 2020
Hesquiaht Harbour. (Hesquiaht First Nation)
Allan Brooks Nature Centre manager Cheryl Hood welcomes guests to check out the new view boards donated by Vernon realtor David Pusey as the centre is open to the public under strict COVID-19 rules. The boards are one of several new items to the centre, celebrating its 20th anniversary. (Roger Knox - Morning Star)

Tours connect North Okanagan to history

Museum makes August all about field trips

Allan Brooks Nature Centre manager Cheryl Hood welcomes guests to check out the new view boards donated by Vernon realtor David Pusey as the centre is open to the public under strict COVID-19 rules. The boards are one of several new items to the centre, celebrating its 20th anniversary. (Roger Knox - Morning Star)
Alex Wenezenki stands by the Robinson R44 Raven II which he uses to offers aerial tours of the Shuswap on behalf of BC Helicopters, on Friday, July 24. (Jim Elliot/Eagle Valley News)

Pilot offers helicopter tours taking off from Sicamous golf course

Alex Wenezenki has been enjoying showing people a bird’s eye view of the Shuswap this summer.

Alex Wenezenki stands by the Robinson R44 Raven II which he uses to offers aerial tours of the Shuswap on behalf of BC Helicopters, on Friday, July 24. (Jim Elliot/Eagle Valley News)
Kids climb on the Kelowna Wibit adventure park located off Hot Sands Beach in City Park. (File photo)

Thompson Okanagan tourism takes a hit

Lack of international travelers coming to the region causing a devastating impact

Kids climb on the Kelowna Wibit adventure park located off Hot Sands Beach in City Park. (File photo)
The Summerland Ornamental Gardens have been closed to the public since March as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A reopening date has not yet been determined. (Summerland Review file photo)

Summerland Ornamental Gardens remain closed

Staff and volunteers continue to weed and maintain plants

The Summerland Ornamental Gardens have been closed to the public since March as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A reopening date has not yet been determined. (Summerland Review file photo)
The Kettle Valley Steam Railway will resume its operations on July 18. The tourist train will operated with a reduced schedule and physical distancing measures in place. (Summerland Review file photo)

Summerland steam train to begin operations

Reduced schedule, physical distancing planned for Kettle Valley Steam Railway beginning July 18

The Kettle Valley Steam Railway will resume its operations on July 18. The tourist train will operated with a reduced schedule and physical distancing measures in place. (Summerland Review file photo)
While tourism numbers in the summer of 2020 are lower than in previous years, visitors are still spending time at Peach Orchard Beach and other amenities in Summerland. (John Arendt - Summerland Review)

After slow start, Summerland sees more tourism activity

Majority of visitors come from within British Columbia

While tourism numbers in the summer of 2020 are lower than in previous years, visitors are still spending time at Peach Orchard Beach and other amenities in Summerland. (John Arendt - Summerland Review)
Visitors Center along Hwy 5 to the town of Valemount, B.C., with the Cariboo Mountain range in background. (Village of Valemount/Wikimedia Commons)

Northern communities welcome tourists as province opens to in-B.C. travellers

Officials have asked British Columbians to be careful as they travel this summer

  • Jul 6, 2020
Visitors Center along Hwy 5 to the town of Valemount, B.C., with the Cariboo Mountain range in background. (Village of Valemount/Wikimedia Commons)
B.C. accommodators need phone lines to light up as in-province travel given green light

B.C. accommodators need phone lines to light up as in-province travel given green light

Travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic have decimated the tourism and hospitality industries

  • Jul 5, 2020
B.C. accommodators need phone lines to light up as in-province travel given green light
B.C. Premier John Horgan speaks about economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic at the B.C. legislature, June 17, 2020. (B.C. government)

B.C. Liberals criticize Horgan’s economic recovery plan for excluding tourism sector representation

The Economic Recovery Task Force began meeting weekly on conference calls in April

B.C. Premier John Horgan speaks about economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic at the B.C. legislature, June 17, 2020. (B.C. government)
The Village of Keremeos is preparing to open up the village to in-province travellers as the province enters Phase 3 of its reopening plan. (Brennan Phillips - Keremeos Review)

Village of Keremeos prepares to welcome in-province travellers

B.C. has loosened travel guidelines for residents within the province

The Village of Keremeos is preparing to open up the village to in-province travellers as the province enters Phase 3 of its reopening plan. (Brennan Phillips - Keremeos Review)