Voice of BC's Professional Bed & Breakfast Industry

Vernon Winter Carnival Goes Prehistoric in BC’s North Okanagan

by | Jan 5, 2013 | Thompson Okanagan

Vernon Winter Carnival logo
Vernon Winter Carnival logo

Kalamalka Lake in Winter at Vernon, BC Vernon, BC makes a magical winter setting for the annual winter Carnival.

The 2013 Vernon Winter Carnival runs from February 1-10 and is a highlight of the cold season in the North Okanagan region of British Columbia.

Vernon has hosted this annual festival since 1961 and it has become the largest winter carnival in western Canada.  The theme for 2013 is “Prehistoric Carnival,” so you can expect dinosaurs and cavemen amongst the decorations, events, and parade floats this year.

Over 100 events, many of them free and ranging from snow sculptures to hot air balloon rides, are scheduled for this year’s carnival.  Some of the events are all ready sold out, so now is the time to secure your tickets and make reservations at the memorable North Okanagan lodging of our member bed & breakfast inns.

Vernon Winter Carnival Offers a World of Events

This year’s carnival provides opportunities for enjoyment for all family members.  Highlights include:

Snow sculpture

Snow presents a challenging, yet gorgeous, medium for sculpting.

BC Championship Snow Sculpture Competition

This hot competition offers a cash prize and is open to British Columbia snow carvers.  The sculptors have to create a work of art out of a mound of snow 8 feet wide by 12 feet long by 8 feet high.  Hand tools (but not power tools) are allowed and the volume of snow must not be more than what is initially provided.  Only snow and water must be used for materials in the sculpture.
Winter Hot Air Ballooning

21st Annual Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Once again, the hot air balloons, the gentle giants of the sky, will float overhead in races and light up the night like enormous lanterns.  Rides are available through Okanagan Ballooning with a call to 250-712-0342.
Night Snowshoe HikeBlack Prince Cabin

Guided Moonlit Snowshoe to Black Prince Cabin

Enjoy a group nighttime snowshoe hike from Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre to the Black Prince where you will share a hot meal and refreshments with your fellow hikers.

There will also be daytime snowshoe safaris open to all ages.

Prehistoric Science Events

Dino Gangs

T-Rex AttackInternationally-respected Canadian palaeontologist Dr. Philip Currie presents his new theory of the Tyrannosaurs and their ancestors, which dispels the notion of them as solitary and suggests that the giant carnivores hunted in cunning packs.

Fantastic Fossils

SpinnersThe Okanagan Science Centre invites you to view its extensive collection of fossils and bring in your own for identification by a special guest. Learn how to “read” fossils and make your own permineralized fossil.

Prehistoric Planetarium

M31, Andromeda Galaxy [explored]Come to the Okanagan Science Centre planetarium to see how the Earth’s night sky has changed throughout history and how it may look to the stargazers of the future.

Sabretooths and Giant Sloths and Hominids, Oh My!

Sabretooth TigerLearn about the weird and ferocious mammals wandering North America before and during the last Ice Age. Make your own Ice Age cave art with authentic ochre-based paints.

Plus a Kid’s Karnival, antiques sale, curling, free dance lessons, broomball, iceskating, theatre performances, hockey, speed skating, dances, and much, much more.  Learn more and purchase your tickets via the Vernon Winter Carnival website.

Choose North Okanagan, BC Lodging as Memorable as the Vernon Winter Carnival

Breakfast at North Okanagan BC Bed & Breakfast B&Bs

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at our North Okanagan B&B inns before all the activities at the Vernon Winter Carnival.

Our North Okanagan Bed and Breakfast inns offer uniquely designed accommodations to pair with the fine dining and events of the Vernon Winter Carnival and all the activities and attractions in the region of North Okanagan, British Columbia.

Savor a variety of breakfast options, cozy guest rooms and the personalized service & area knowledge of the innkeepers at locations all across North Okanagan, BC.

What’s Your Vernon Winter Carnival Expectation or Experience?

Winter festivals in Vernon, BC stretch back to 1893 and the Winter Carnival has been held regularly since 1961.  In that time, the festival has grown to become the largest in British Columbia and one of the biggest in all of Canada.

Please share your plans for this 2013 event and memories of past Vernon Winter Carnival events.