Winter Is Home in Vernon

“A man who I assume was their Grandpa, decked out in all kinds of Carnival pins from over the years, standing next to what I assumed were his grandkids at a Carnival event; the smiles on their faces were identical,” says Vernon Winter Carnival board member Josh Winquest. That moment hit Winquest so strong that he’s been one of the many who put on Western Canada’s biggest winter showcase ever since.

Those in Vernon have a lot to smile about during winter given SilverStar Mountain Resort is about 30 mins from downtown, Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre is one of the top in the world, and Vernon’s Winter Carnival may not be the longest running as the 62nd annual, but considering the length and array of events it’s certainly in the top three for Canada’s biggest celebration of the season!

Their calendar of events is epic:

https://vernonwintercarnival.com/events

Here’s a quick rundown on what to expect:

The Vernon Winter Carnival Parade 

Back for its 61st run (biggest non Christmas winter parade in Western Canada), Feb 5

Silverstar snow Sculptures

Up at the ski resort, teams compete to see who can sculpt the most awesome creations all out of snow.

The Vernon Winter playground 

Ice slides for the kids and more! For adults an ice bar within an inflatable igloo running throughout the Carnival. 

The big new attraction this year is the Vernon Winter Carnival Playground taking over Vernon’s DND Field (home to Funtastic - a massive summer ball tourney and music festival). 

“This will be a winter park designed for people of all ages, plenty to do for kids, young adults, families and local vendors. Showcasing some of the talents in Vernon, ice sculptors, games, ice slides,” explains Winquest.

“Moving from the hustle and bustle of the coast and into Vernon four years back, the best way to make a place feel like home is giving back and adding to the community you live in,” continues Winquest.

“When I was approached to be part of the board, I jumped at it given the rich tradition and the wake that is left when you see all ages coming together, enriching the community while celebrating this unique place we get to call home.”

Winquest is just one in a small army who produce this winter masterpiece, totaling 500 volunteers for 2022 edition of the Carnival. They still have room if you want to pitch in - you can sign up here. 

Speaking of pitching in, be sure to pitch in a couple bucks in the raffle for a chance to win amazing prizes like a snowmobile, West Jet flights and more.

“It’s the best community event that brings us all together via a shared interest: WINTER!” explains Festival Director Vicki Proulx. “Especially this year, having this collective passion for an event that fosters community spirit and gives everyone something to look forward to; this year more than ever – that matters!”

When You Go

Make plans to visit the winter carnival and have something to look forward to. 

To help plan your trip, visit Tourism Vernon’s website for accommodation specials, places to eat and even more winter fun.

Feeling Lucky? Score your tickets now for the Vernon Winter Carnival raffle and support this premier winter fest. Up for grabs includes WestJet Flights, SilverStar tickets and even a new sled!

Let us know when you go, tag @FestivalSeekers so we can engage with your posts and help share the winter stoke.