Written by Dr. Deane Studer, DC

Vernon is situated in the northern part of British Columbia's Okanagan. The area has four distinct seasons, which break up the activities that one can enjoy while living here. Summers are typically hot and dry. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures. Winters are fairly short and mild in comparison to my childhood spent in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Once the snow melts in the spring, I get to enjoy my favourite activities which are mountain biking, golf, and rock climbing.

Vernon is host to a network of mountain biking trails for all abilities. I got into mountain biking once I moved here in 2014. I acquired my level one Professional Mountain Biking Instructor (PMBI) certificate in 2016 and coached up at SilverStar for 2 years. I have been to Whistler Mountain Bike Park many times but the three local areas in Vernon to ride are Kalamalka Provincial Park, Ellison Provincial Park and SilverStar Provincial Park. Kalamalka Park has two distinct riding areas broken into a north and south area. The northern section is most favourable in both the spring and the fall. The southern section has a later start due to slower snow melt and its northern-facing slopes. Ellison Park has mild elevation changes and is one of the first trails ready to go in the spring. The trail can lead you up toward the community of Predator Ridge for stunning views of Lake Okanagan and The Ridge golf course. SilverStar Mountain has access to both downhill and cross-country trails that extend into the Sovereign Lake area. Specific information on these trails can be found on the North Okanagan Cycling Society's website (NOCS) or on their app.

When I’m not biking you can often find me at one of my favourite two golf courses: Hillview or Spallumcheen. My dad got me into golfing at a young age and golfed a lot as a child growing up in Saskatchewan. My fondest memory was golfing in Waskesiu, which is north of Prince Albert where my dad caddied when he was a teenager. After a long hiatus from golfing, I have revisited the game and have an appreciation for the skills it takes to play the game. Hillview is a great place to practice your irons and short game. It's an 18-hole executive golf course located right in the town of Vernon next to Highway 6. The course is affordable, well kept, and has challenging greens. A quick 9 holes after work in the evenings is a perfect way to end the day. Spallumcheen is located just north of Vernon past Swan Lake and across from the Historic O'Keefe Ranch. It has 18 holes as well as an additional 9-hole executive course. The course is moderately forgiving if you're not on your best game. The layout is beautiful yet has some good holes to challenge your golf game.

Cougar Canyon within Kalamalka Provincial Park is THE place to go for local outdoor climbing in Vernon. I have climbed for more than 20 years and sport climbing and bouldering are what I enjoy the most. Vernon also offers an indoor facility called The Rock Garden. It has recently doubled in its size and climbing area. It offers a top-roping area which is great for upcoming climbers and children who are natural climbers. It also has a new dedicated bouldering area with varying angles and modulars which even the most experienced climbers will appreciate. Tony, the owner, has created a space for all ages to enjoy. You can even host a birthday party there for your young, aspiring climber!

Since moving to Vernon 6 years ago, I have been fortunate to experience much of what Vernon has to offer. These are just a few of my favourite go-to activities in and around Vernon. If you are interested in knowing more about any of these activities, please don't hesitate to ask the next time you're in at Arise Chiropractic. I'm always happy to talk and share good adventures.