You might have experienced Silver Star as a beloved winter destination, tucked away in the North Okanagan, just 20 minutes up the road from Vernon, BC. But did you know that summer is a great time to visit too? Warmer months here are filled with adventures on two wheels or two feet, great wine, and trails less travelled. Whether you’re looking for cozy mountain mornings, epic rides, time in nature, or village vibes, here are a few reasons why you should add Silver Star to your summer travel plans.Â
Stay in the Mountains
Get the best of the Okanagan by staying and exploring in the mountains, with the option to venture down the road to lakes, golf courses, wineries, and trails.
There’s nothing quite like waking up in the mountains and inhaling the crisp alpine air as you have your morning coffee. Enter Bugaboos Bakery Cafe, the perfect perch to watch the sunrise over the Monashee Mountains as its golden rays fan out across the valley.
Many accommodations in the colourful mid-mountain village are well-positioned for ride-in, ride-out access to the SilverStar Bike Park (Canada’s second largest bike park). A gentle walk from the village to the Des Scheumann Summit Express gondola or Comet Express chairlift will transport you to 16 kms (10 miles) of hiking and running trails, where wild berries, wildlife and wild flowers beckon.
When your mountain adventures are wrapped for the day, venture farther into the Okanagan Valley to enjoy an abundance of activities and attractions within a one-hour drive of Silver Star Village.
Unwind On Okanagan Time
Ask any local: Okanagan Time is a thing. Feel the weight of the world roll off your shoulders as soon as you hit the expansive grasslands, cool lakes, and inviting mountains—quintessential landscapes of the region. Silver Star might be a place for big rides and nature activities, but you can also kick back and unwind without the hustle and bustle of many other summer destinations. A rejuvenating getaway awaits with shorter lift lines, fewer crowds, a laid back atmosphere, and even a day spa.
Taste (and Toast) the Region
Silver Star Village is a gateway to expanding your culinary horizons in the resort and surrounding area. Sample artisan drinks and regionally-focused fare at Black Pine Social, Indonesian dishes at The Bulldog Silver Star, and wood-fired sourdough at Pizza Gratta, to name a few restaurants in town. SilverStar Mountain Resort’s talented executive chef, Scott Sanderson, who also produces the menu at The Red Antler, has a recipe featured in the Okanagan Eats cookbook.
The North Okanagan is sprinkled with wineries, cideries, and a distillery—many of which you can sample at the annual Summer Wine Festival and Silver Star Beer and Cider Fest (stay tuned to our Events page for the latest information!). If you’re visiting outside of these event dates, you can sample local beverages at village restaurants or head off on a valley tasting excursion for the day (with a designated driver, of course). Visit Vernon’s Cambium Cider Co to try hand-pressed ciders and enjoy their new restaurant and patio space. Or, head to Lake Country, just an hour’s drive away, for wine tastings. Ex Nihilo Vineyards, overlooking Okanagan Lake, is a must.
Tip: Mojo Tours and Sip Happens Wine Tours offer pick-up and drop-off service at Silver Star.
Take a Day Trip to the Valley
Silver Star is a great home base to explore all that the region has to offer. Try a multi-activity day with any number of adventure combos, all within a one-hour drive of the village.
Hit the bike park in the morning and explore the cross-country trails in the Vernon area. Or, go for a trail run at SilverStar Mountain Resort, then plunge into refreshing Kalamalka Lake in the valley below. Start your day with the Gnome Roam self-guided walking tour at Silver Star, then ride the Okanagan Rail Trail by e-bike or play a round of golf at Predator Ridge.
Enjoy Fun Sporting Events and Live Music
From trail running and biking events to live music, Silver Star has a raft of exciting programming lined up between June and September. The summer season officially kicks off on June 21 with the opening of the SilverStar Bike Park, Slay the Dragon Trail Race, local market vendors and live music. The Canada Cup (July 5-9), and the annual Beer & Cider Fest (September 6-8) will round out the events calendar.
With so many reasons to explore Silver Star, there’s only one thing left to do: plan your visit!
Photo Credits: Dave Heath, Lianne Viau, Greg Huszar/Tourism Vernon, Joe Roberts, Alan Lam
