Summer on East Hill: Pools, Parks and Long Evenings
Quick answer: Summer on East Hill revolves around water and long evenings: the free Peanut Pool and spray park at Lakeview Park, Canada Day in Polson Park, and Kalamalka Lake's beaches about 10–15 minutes away by car. It's hot, so smart East Hill households plan for shade, water restrictions and smoke days too.
Okanagan summers are the reason many people move to Vernon. On East Hill, you're close enough to downtown to walk to events and close enough to the lake for a swim after dinner. Here's our guide to the season.
Pools and water play
Lakeview Park's Peanut Pool
Lakeview Park, at 3001 18th Street, is East Hill's summer hub. Its "Peanut Pool" is a free, supervised wading pool where young children can get comfortable in the water. The pool was renovated and reopened in June 2024 with a new basin designed for access for all abilities and a new change-room and washroom building.
The pool usually runs from the May long weekend to mid-September, weather permitting. The park's splash pad normally runs daily in summer, but it can close during water restrictions. As of September 2026, the City listed it as closed under Stage 3 water restrictions, so check the City of Vernon's Lakeview Pool page before you go.
Vernon Aquatic Centre
For bigger kids and lap swimmers, the Vernon Aquatic Centre (3310 37th Avenue) has a 25-metre, eight-lane pool, a leisure pool with a waterslide and rope swing, and a one-metre diving board. It's a good fallback on smoky or very hot days.
Parks and summer events
Polson Park
Polson Park, on Highway 6 near downtown, has a playground, a skateboard park, tennis courts, a running track, the Floral Clock and the Japanese Garden. It also hosts Vernon's Canada Day celebration. In 2026, the all-day event ran from 11 a.m. until after 9 p.m., with bouncy castles, a market, live music and community performances.
Arts and evenings
- The Vernon Public Art Gallery's signature events include Midsummer's Eve of the Arts.
- The Caetani Cultural Centre on Pleasant Valley Road hosts concerts and events through the year.
- The Vernon Farmers' Market runs Monday and Thursday mornings at Kal Tire Place through October.
Lake evenings
Kalamalka Lake's beaches are about 10–15 minutes by car from East Hill. Popular spots include:
- Kal Beach and the Rotary Pier, a family favourite and a popular paddleboard launch.
- Kirkland Beach, with a playground and shade.
- Jade Bay, Juniper Bay and Cosens Bay in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, with buoyed swimming areas and designated pet beaches.
You can also ride there: a multi-use path runs from downtown through Polson Park and along Kalamalka Lake Road to the Okanagan Rail Trail trailhead on College Way in Coldstream.
For cooler air, SilverStar Mountain Resort, about 30 minutes away, runs lift-served mountain biking and hiking in summer.
Staying comfortable in an East Hill summer
Okanagan summers are hot and dry, and older homes weren't always built with that in mind. A few practical tips:
- Cooling: many older East Hill homes were built before central air conditioning was common. If you're buying, ask how the home is cooled. Heat pumps are a popular retrofit, and rebate programs change, so check current federal, provincial and utility offers.
- Shade: mature trees and deep verandahs, both common on heritage homes, keep houses cooler. Keep them healthy.
- Watering: follow Greater Vernon Water's current watering stage and schedule. Drought-tolerant plantings reduce the pressure on your garden and your water bill.
- Wildfire smoke: keep an eye on air quality advisories. A portable HEPA air cleaner and good window seals help on smoky days.
- FireSmart: clear dry debris from roofs, gutters and around the house. FireSmart BC offers free guidance and home assessments.
This is general information. Confirm rebate eligibility and program details with the relevant agency before you buy equipment.
Buying or selling in summer
Summer shows East Hill at its liveliest, with gardens in full bloom, kids in the parks and long evenings on verandahs. If you're selling, our selling in East Hill page covers how to prepare your home. If you're buying, see our East Hill neighbourhood guide, and browse current listings on Tim's live East Hill MLS® search. We feature Tim Jones, a fellow agent who lives in East Hill, as our local East Hill expert.
FAQ
Is the Peanut Pool free?
Yes. The City of Vernon lists free public swim admission at Lakeview Pool, which usually runs from the May long weekend to mid-September.
Why is the Lakeview spray park closed?
The splash pad can close when Greater Vernon Water restrictions are in effect. The City posts its status on the Lakeview Pool page.
Where is Canada Day celebrated in Vernon?
Vernon's Canada Day celebration is held in Polson Park, just down the hill from East Hill.
Ready to spend your summers on East Hill? Call or text Sean at 778-363-0542, or call the Sarah AI info hotline any time at 604-227-4810.
Featured photo: stock image from Unsplash, for illustration.
