The group message is exploding with joyous emojis. You and your crew have accomplished the impossible: Finally landing on a date that works for a summer group getaway. We might be biased, but our part of the world has it all: food, adventure, and a down-home atmosphere.
Gather your buds and hit the road to adventure in Greater Vernon, the Trails Capital of BC and home to countless lakes, mountain vistas, and incredible food and drink tasting experiences. Check out these group-friendly activities in and around Silver Star Village.
Ride One of North America’s Best Bike Parks
Gear up and shred the hero dirt in one of North America’s best bike parks, which is celebrating 30 years of awesomeness in 2024. With 39+ kms (86 miles) of downhill, enduro, and cross-country trails to choose from, you’ll never run out of options. Book a guide to show you the ropes or take a private lesson with SilverStar’s Bike School. Rentals are also available for those who need them. If your shred crew already has some mileage under the tires (and the endurance for big days), you can plan a group ride to Beowulf, the thigh-burning XC EPIC that winds through cedar forests and along steep ridgelines.
Hit the Hiking and Running Trails
Take the scenic Des Schumann Summit Express Gondola or Comet Express to the summit, or warm up the legs by hiking up. SilverStar Mountain Resort offers 16 km (10 mi) of hiking and running trails that traverse through alpine meadows and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Monashees and Okanagan Valley below.
Sample the Terroir With Foodie Tours and Tastings
Dotted by farms, vineyards and orchards, the North Okanagan has a bounty of delicious food and drink that beckons to be tasted by your group of fun-loving pals. Sip, swirl and savour the terroir with wine tastings and indulgent meals at award-winning vineyards and restaurants. Elect a designated driver and do a self-guided winery tour through the constellation of picturesque wineries located within a one-hour drive of Silver Star, including those in Lake Country. Better yet, let someone else do the driving—Mojo Tours offers pick-up and drop-off service at Silver Star Village.
Closer to home, check out live music and tastings in a third-generation apple orchard at Cambium Cider Co., just 20 minutes down the road. Spirit-lovers can enjoy a tour of the family-run Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery, home to North America’s tallest copper pot still.
Enjoy XC Biking and Running in the Greater Vernon Area
The Greater Vernon Area area, only a 20-minute drive from Silver Star Village, boasts a spider web of multi-use trails that offer sweeping views of sparkling Kalamalka and Okanagan lakes, technical single track through the forest and some incredible viewpoints overlooking the Ponderosa pines, rolling foothills and grasslands. Trail runners and cross-country mountain bikers alike will discover incredible trails, stewarded by the North Okanagan Cycling Society. Take your crew out for a cross-country ride or group trail run or hike in the newly-coined Trails Capital of BC.
Explore Kalamalka Lake By Paddle or Pedal
Venture to Kalamalka Lake in Vernon, known as the “The Lake of a Thousand Colours,” for its vibrant colours of electric green and blue. For those looking for a more mellow adventure, you can rent e-bikes and ride the famous Okanagan Rail Trail which traverses 50 kilometres (30 miles) along the lakeshore, from the north end of Kalamalka to the center of Okanagan Lake in Downtown Kelowna. Get closer to those sparkling waters and explore the crystalline waters of “Kal Lake” by stand-up paddleboard. SUP and bike rentals are available at Kalavida Surf Shop.
Entertain Your Crew at Markets & Events
Every day shared with friends is a day well-spent. Make new memories together as you enjoy all the Okanagan has to offer. Check out our events calendar to stay up to date on arts, culture, food and sporting events at Silver Star.
On the foodie front, nothing beats our beer and wine festivals, both now heading into their second years.
Valley First presents Solstice SIPS runs June 22 and will feature 15 BC wineries, culinary partners and live entertainment, giving you a taste of the Okanagan’s renowned wine scene in a relaxed mountain environment. Meanwhile, the Silver Star Craft Beer & Cider Festival takes place on September 7 with beer tasting, bands, and pub fare.
Our summer calendar is also action-packed with sporting events. The signature Crankworx Summer Series: SilverStar returns August Long Weekend, merging mountain biking with mountain culture. Watch elite athletes or enter amateur competitions and test your metal.
Pals with a penchant for art and culture will enjoy a visit to the Polson Artisan Night Market, which takes place in Vernon every Friday evening in Vernon from 4-8pm. The self-proclaimed “make it, bake it, grow it, upcycle, market” features stalls from local artisans and provisioners. You can also check out their SilverStar Summer Series pop ups in the village throughout the season.
Where to Stay
We have plenty of accommodation options that cater to larger groups, including vacation properties with multiple bedrooms and kitchens for self-catered meals. Try the multi-bedroom mountain homes at Silver Star Stays or book a stay with The Bulldog SilverStar, which offers rooms for smaller groups, as well as house rentals and vacation properties.
Where to Dine
Apres and Cocktails
Silver Star village is bustling with activity during the summer months and the pedestrian village is dotted by sunny patios throughout. After a day in the bike park or the valley, kick back with your buddies for an afternoon tipple. The Bulldog Grand Café, sister to the illustrious Bulldog Coffeeshop in Amsterdam, offers casual drinks and eclectic Indonesian-Dutch bites. Just a few steps away, the Black Pine Social serves up refined West-Coast bistro fare and an impressive drinks menu featuring BC wine and artisan cocktails.
Dinner
Bring your buds for beer, good food and entertainment at The Red Antler. They offer a varied menu that caters to many different dietary needs, including gluten free and vegan. Whether it be hearty pulled pork po boy or a Mediterranean falafel dish, there are plenty of options to choose from. Keep your eyes peeled for pub quiz nights and live bands in the evenings.
Check out a full assortment of bars, restaurants and eateries right in Silver Star Village that offer local fare, a friendly atmosphere, and good times for all.
Photo Credits: Lianne Viau, Robb Thompson, Tourism Vernon, Brian Goldstone
