Winter on East Hill: Vernon Winter Carnival and Snow-Season Living
Quick answer: Winter on East Hill combines small-city convenience with big-mountain access. The ten-day Vernon Winter Carnival fills February with over 100 events, Centennial Outdoor Rink offers free skating when the weather allows, and SilverStar is about 30 minutes away. Living on a hill does mean planning for snow, ice and steep driveways.
Some people dread winter. In Vernon, a lot of people plan their year around it. Here's our guide to the season on East Hill, from the carnival to practical snow-season habits.
The Vernon Winter Carnival
Vernon has been celebrating winter for a long time. The town hosted a winter festival as early as 1893, and the modern Vernon Winter Carnival was founded in 1961. It's run by the Vernon Winter Carnival Society, and organizers describe it as Western Canada's largest winter carnival.
What to expect
The carnival runs for about ten days each February, with more than 100 community events across the North Okanagan. Traditions and favourites include:
- Parades
- Balloon Glow nights
- Family Fun Parks
- Snow sculpture competitions
- Bed races
- Live entertainment, dances and themed parties
Recent and upcoming dates
- 2026: the 66th carnival ran from February 6 to 15 with the theme "Team Carnival – Canada Goes For Gold".
- 2027: scheduled for February 5 to 14, with the theme "Out of this World, a Carnival in the Cosmos".
Tickets and event details are posted on the carnival's website, and the carnival office is on 35th Avenue. From East Hill, many downtown events are within walking distance, which saves hunting for parking on busy nights.
Other winter fun close to home
Outdoor skating
Centennial Outdoor Rink, at 3409 35th Avenue, offers free public skating, parent-and-tot sessions and shinny when the weather allows. The City doesn't rent skates at any of its facilities, so bring your own. The City expects the rink to reopen in December 2026.
SilverStar and Sovereign Lake
SilverStar Mountain Resort is about 30 minutes from East Hill. It has 3,282 acres of skiable terrain and 132 runs, and its Nordic trails connect with those at the Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre next door. Because the resort's parking lots sit more than 1,200 metres above Vernon, there's often plenty of snow on the mountain while town streets are bare.
Indoor options
On the coldest days, the Vernon Aquatic Centre (3310 37th Avenue), with its leisure pool, sauna and steam room, and the Okanagan Science Centre in Polson Park are good family escapes.
Snow-season living on a hillside
East Hill's slopes give it views and character, but they also make winter planning important.
Driving
- Use proper winter tires, and check the province's current winter tire rules for highways you drive, including the road up to SilverStar.
- Give yourself extra stopping distance on downhill streets.
- If your street is steep, have a backup plan for icy mornings, such as parking at the bottom of the hill or taking the bus.
Walking
- Traction cleats make sloped sidewalks much safer.
- Keep ice melt or sand by the door.
At home
- Driveways: a steep driveway can be the hardest part of winter. Line up snow clearing early.
- Sidewalks: check the City of Vernon's current snow-clearing information and any bylaw rules for clearing the sidewalk in front of your home.
- Roofs and gutters: watch for ice dams on older homes, which can signal insulation or ventilation problems worth fixing.
- Heating: keep your system serviced, and have a plan for power outages.
Buying an East Hill home with winter in mind
When you view homes, especially outside of winter, ask how the property handles snow:
- How steep is the driveway, and which way does it face? South-facing driveways tend to melt faster.
- Is there a garage or covered parking?
- How is the house heated, and how old is the system?
- Are there signs of past ice damming on the roof?
Our buying in East Hill page covers more of what to check in older homes. For street-level advice, we feature Tim Jones, a fellow agent who lives in East Hill, as our local East Hill expert. Our East Hill neighbourhood guide has more on year-round living.
FAQ
When is the 2027 Vernon Winter Carnival?
The carnival's website lists February 5 to 14, 2027. Check the website for the full event schedule.
Is there free skating near East Hill?
Yes. Centennial Outdoor Rink at 3409 35th Avenue offers free public skating when the weather allows. Bring your own skates.
Is it hard to drive on East Hill in winter?
Some streets and driveways are steep, so good winter tires and a little planning help. Ask about driveway slope and parking when you view homes.
Want to find an East Hill home that works in every season? 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.
