A Family-Friendly Travel Gem in British Columbia
Vernon, B.C. is worth a visit for skiers, hikers and families—and mark your calendars for its 2020 Winter Carnival
By Kendall Upton January 28, 2020
This article originally appeared in the January 2020 issue of Seattle magazine.
This article appears in print in the January 2020 issue. Click here to subscribe.
Vernon, British Columbia, rests nestled between the northern shores of Okanagan and Kalamalka lakes. It’s not a sleepy small town, but an active one, particularly in the winter. Vernon is the closest town to SilverStar Mountain Resort, known for its 132 runs on powdery snow and nearby, a daily-groomed cross-country skiing network, the largest in Canada. Those who aren’t skiers or snowboarders can take a hike along the Okanagan Rail Trail, a nearly 50-kilometer walking path converted from a discontinued rail corridor connecting Vernon and Kelowna. Also worth noting: 2020 marks the 60th year of Vernon’s popular Winter Carnival, a citywide celebration with more than 100 different events, from craft beer and cider tastings to a parade, and even hot-air balloon rides (February 7–16). This Canadian destination is a family-friendly winter gem, barely unearthed.
Follow Us
Paint Check
Alaska Airlines debuts a bold Aurora Borealis-inspired livery as it expands internationally.
At the beginning of the year, Alaska Airlines unveiled its new global livery: a bold design inspired by the Aurora Borealis. Painted in a palette of deep blues and shimmering emerald greens, the sleek look is a nod to Alaska Airlines’ continued addition of international destinations, which will expand to London, Rome, and Reykjavik by…
Elevated Gaming, Now With a Luxury Stay
Debuting a new era in Pacific Northwest gaming, the opening of the now Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel, transforms a premier gaming destination into a full-scale getaway–pairing top-tier play with the convenience and comfort of an upscale luxurious overnight stay just 30 minutes from downtown Seattle. Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel offers one of the most expansive…
Washington’s Spring Festivals Go Way Beyond Tulips
From cherry blossoms in Seattle to shorebirds on the coast, these spring festivals celebrate the state’s natural abundance.
From our rivers flowing with snowmelt and salmon to valleys dotted with wildflowers and berries, to forests filled with mossy trees and mushrooms, nature is an inseparable part of Washington’s culture and ecosystem. It shapes what we eat and drink, what inspires our art and outdoor lifestyle, and even our cities. Nature is part of…
No Longer a Last Resort
The new wave of luxury-forward Mexico all-inclusives delivers cultural immersion and culinary delights.
Thanks to years of party-goers jetting south in the winter, the mention of a Mexico all-inclusive resort tends to conjure a specific image: wristband-wearing revelers in a crowded pool, dancing the Macarena to booming music, and the relentless buzz of the frozen margarita blender. Luring guests with all-you-can-drink packages and stocked buffets, these hotels left…