Not Luxe ☼ Travel
  • ABOUT NICK & RAYCHEL
  • WHY “NOT LUXE”
  • Cambodia
  • Australia
  • Travel
  • Teaching ESL
  • Move Abroad
  • Travel Insurance
Not Luxe ☼ Travel
  • ABOUT NICK & RAYCHEL
  • WHY “NOT LUXE”
  • Cambodia
  • Australia
  • Travel
  • Teaching ESL
  • Move Abroad
  • Travel Insurance

things to do in vernon

    Winter in Vernon BC Canada

    Things To Do During Winter in Vernon BC

    by Nick & Raychel March 17, 2021

    Vernon, BC is a small city of only 40,000 people in the Okanagan region of Canada – but for it’s small size, it packs a punch! There are many things to do during winter in Vernon, and we are about to give you some of our favourite winter activities in this article. 

    Vernon is roughly 45 minutes from Kelowna, BC – so needless to say, the winters in Kelowna are not that different from the winters in Vernon! One of our favourite parts about living in the Okanagan is that you really experience the diversity of all four seasons. So what is there to do in Vernon, BC in the winter? Let’s dive into it here!

    If you’d prefer to watch us hang around Vernon in the winter, you can do so on our YouTube channel here!

    Visit Kalamalka Lake (& bring your skates just in case)

    Technically it’s in Coldstream, but Kalamalka Beach is one of the most popular spots in the Vernon area for a reason. It’s absolutely beautiful! If when you think of the beach, you think more on the cusp of sunnies and flip flops – think again. Kalamalka Lake actually froze over this year, and we were able to skate and play hockey right near Kal Lake’s famous dock. 

    Note: When attempting to ice skate on any natural body of water, be sure to check the ice’s thickness and consult the local authorities in the area.

    Kalmalka Lake Frozen over in winter in Vernon BC

    If the lake isn’t frozen over enough to skate on this winter in Vernon, don’t worry! Grab a hot chocolate from up the road and take a meander onto the dock. The views are absolutely stunning all year ‘round.

    Snowshoe through a winter wonderland at Sovereign Lake Nordic Club

    One of the best things to do during winter in Vernon is to take up snowshoeing! If you don’t have your own, you can always rent a pair up at Sovereign Lake. Walk through snow-covered trees and (surprisingly) break a sweat up in this winter wonderland located right in Vernon. 

    Tickets sell for as little as $8.00 CAD and you’ll be sure to get that gorgeous Instagram shot. If you’re lucky enough, maybe you’ll even run into some wildlife. 

    Note: Sovereign Lake Nordic Club also offers night skiing and other winter activities too! 

    Visit the animals & learn about some history at O’Keefe Ranch

    The Historic O’Keefe Ranch is a great place to visit, even in the winter in Vernon. Something that many people don’t realize is that the grounds are always open, even outside of tour times! 

    The ranch was founded in 1867 and was a completely self-contained community. Now, you can wander around the historic buildings and visit the farm animals that live there.

    If you opt for a self-guided off-season tour, don’t forget to drop a donation in the provided donation boxes at the ranch.

    winter at o'keefe ranch in vernon bc

    Head up to Silver Star Mountain Resort

    If you ski or snowboard, you will absolutely love Silver Star Mountain Resort right here in Vernon, BC. Silver Star is Vernon’s winter playground, with your obvious activities like skiing & snowboarding and other less expected ones like tubing, ice skating, and even horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow.

    One thing is for certain – if you’re looking for winter activities in Vernon, you will be sure to find an abundance of winter activities at Silver Star. 

    Don’t ski, snowboard, or like slipping down hills? No problem! While your daredevil family members go to play, you can take up my favourite winter activity – drinking a frosty beer in the village! All jokes aside, the Silver Star mountain village is absolutely charming, and you’ll be sure to have a great time.

    winter in vernon bc at silver star mountain resort

    Grab a cup of joe at a local coffee house downtown Vernon

    Once you’re done playing in the mountains, head downtown and see the quaint and gorgeous downtown Vernon has to offer. For a city on the smaller side, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all of the lovely, local shops. Our favourite coffee house is Triumph Coffee – 10/10 recommend!

    downtown vernon bc in the winter


    If you’re about to enjoy your first ever winter in Vernon, make sure to layer up and stay warm. Like we said, we love the diverse seasons in the Okanagan – but we talk more about that in this article here.

    Are you going to be around for summer in Vernon? We have a blog post on that too! You can check that out here.

    So, what do you think? Are you excited for another winter in Vernon? Let us know in the comments what you love to do!




    0 PinterestEmail
  • Things to do in Vernon BC

    by Nick & Raychel December 28, 2020

    If you’re looking for things to do in Vernon BC Canada, you’re in the right place! Here is our list of the top things to do near Vernon.

Categories

Trending

  • living in BC vs. living in Ontario Toronto vs. Vancouver
    Travel

    Living in Ontario vs. Living in British Columbia (BC)

    January 23, 2021
  • living in Vancouver Canada
    Move Abroad

    Living in Vancouver, Canada | The Pros & Cons

    May 23, 2020
  • Raychel swims in a luxurious pool
    CambodiaCambodia - Phnom Penh

    15 Things To Do in Phnom Penh: A Visitor’s Guide

    March 29, 2019
Nick & Raychel
Nick & Raychel

In 2018, we sold everything we owned and moved to Cambodia to teach English.

Let’s make this clear: this journey didn’t start with money. This journey started with a desire to see the world and to do something different for a change.

We’re not going to fool you with photos of floating breakfasts and private jets. We know what it’s like to be on a budget. Although we like to take pretty pictures, we aren’t going to wake up at an ungodly hour to give you unachievable travel jealousy. We aren’t going to censor ourselves or lie to you.

What we are going to do is stay in cheap hostels, find ways to make money, give the advice that we would want to hear, and share our experiences with you honestly.

Are you in?

Not Luxe

Recent Posts

  • guide to naramata bc
    CanadaTravel

    The Ultimate Guide To Naramata, British Columbia

    June 29, 2023
  • the interior of a budget van build
    Australia - Working Holiday

    How to Save Money On A Budget Camper Van Build

    February 17, 2022
  • road trip
    TravelVan Life

    How to Prepare for a USA Road Trip (For Canadians)

    November 15, 2021

GUIDE TO MARKETS | PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (2018)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8v49HKtlIk

IS CAMBODIA SAFE? LIVING IN PHNOM PENH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NShIg00dj8Q

KAMPOT & KEP | PEPPER PLANTATIONS, KAYAKING, BOAT TOURS & TAPAS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3DgTbP4SKQ

LONGBOARDING IN THE PHILIPPINES | LAPU LAPU & OSLOB

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT6ABZE4mSE

CAMBODIA | PROS & CONS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLMhjVTJUxE&t=14s

Subscribe and Follow

Keep in touch

Instagram Pinterest Youtube

Recent Posts

  • Van Life Myths : Debunked

    November 3, 2021
  • Travel The World For Free With Trusted House Sitting

    February 14, 2021
  • Things Worth Buying as Minimalist Nomads

    April 28, 2020
  • Markets to Visit in Phnom Penh: A Guide

    March 19, 2019
  • How to Move to Cambodia & Teach English

    March 18, 2019
  • 8 Tips You Need to Read BEFORE Moving to Phnom Penh

    March 18, 2019
  • 8 Things to Know Before MOVING to Cambodia

    March 10, 2019
  • Currency in Cambodia: Explained

    March 5, 2019
  • Saving Money: Teaching & Living in Phnom Penh

    February 19, 2019
  • Where to Stay in Phnom Penh : A Visitor’s Guide

    February 12, 2019
  • Day Trip to Phnom Chisor: How to Get to Phnom Chisor from Phnom Penh

    February 5, 2019
  • WHY You Should Teach English in Cambodia

    January 29, 2019
  • The Ultimate Guide To Naramata, British Columbia

    June 29, 2023
  • How to Save Money On A Budget Camper Van Build

    February 17, 2022
  • How to Prepare for a USA Road Trip (For Canadians)

    November 15, 2021
  • Things to do in Chilliwack BC

    November 15, 2021

CATEGORIES

ABOUT NICK & RAYCHEL

About Us Hi! We’re Nick & Raychel, the Canadian travel couple behind the brand ‘Not Luxe’. Far before we were married (and on a mission to see the world), we were working…

Read More

Trending

  • living in BC vs. living in Ontario Toronto vs. Vancouver
    Travel

    Living in Ontario vs. Living in British Columbia (BC)

    January 23, 2021
  • living in Vancouver Canada
    Move Abroad

    Living in Vancouver, Canada | The Pros & Cons

    May 23, 2020
  • Raychel swims in a luxurious pool
    CambodiaCambodia - Phnom Penh

    15 Things To Do in Phnom Penh: A Visitor’s Guide

    March 29, 2019

Instagram

  • Full-time travel: rapid-fire answering the most common questions about having no fixed address (PART 2) 

* Language Barriers: English is our first language, but we learn key phrases before visiting a new country, use language apps, and rely (pretty heavily lol) on Google Translate for help.

*Bank Accounts: Our primary bank account is in Canada, and we open accounts in other countries if we stay for more than 6 months. We use WISE for fund transfers.

*Safety Overseas: Yes, we feel safe by using common sense, learning local laws, and staying informed about local news.

*Budgeting and Saving: We work on the road, choose affordable accommodations, and keep travel costs low.

*Routine: We’re still figuring this out, ngl. 

*Belongings: Sold everything in 2017, traveled with just a backpack, upgraded to a van, downsized AGAINA and now have a $100/month storage locker (!!!) 

*Handling Change: Honestly? Online therapy and staying connected to friends help, but we’ve learned to embrace the constant change of our nomadic lifestyle.

Any questions about living on the road? 
Drop ‘em here.

➟ follow @nickandraychel // slow travel & alternative living

Tags: #travelcouple #travelinspo #vanlifecouple #travelcouple  #granolagirl #lifeontheroad #cheaptravel #vandwellers #travelinyour30s #lowcosttravel #explorecanada #yvrcreators #canadiantravelbloggers #traveltips  #outdoorscreator #girlslovetravel #travelforless #digitalnomad
  • It’s official – we’ve quit our jobs once more as our journey takes us abroad again. Over the past 5 years, we’ve been travelling & working temp gigs along the way. 

With just 5 weeks until we touch down in New Zealand, we’ve checked off step 2 on our to-do list. Selling our trusty van, quitting our jobs, securing visas, booking flights, snagging travel insurance, updating resumes, job hunting, finding accommodation, packing our bags, and saying our goodbyes.

This marks our third move to a foreign land without ever setting foot there before. There’s no turning back now, but we’re ready for the adventure. 

So here’s to another wild ride.

➟ follow @nickandraychel // slow travel & alternative living

__

Tags: #traveldiaries #traveltips #travelforless #travelinspiration #tinyliving #budgettravel #lifeafterthirty #ohcanada #canadiancreators #granolagirl #travelbloggers #workingholidayvisa #whv #newzealand #movingabroad
  • I think I’ve found my people on this side of the pond. 

➟ follow @nickandraychel // slow travel & alternative living

__ 

Tags: #traveleurope #scandanavianstyle #travelcouple #travelinspo #travelinyour30s #yvrcreators #canadiantravelbloggers #eesti #travelgram #twoduvets #girlslovetravel
  • Suddenly you’re in a tiny floating cabin in Europe and everything makes sense? 

📍 @paekaldapuhkekeskus 

➟ follow @nickandraychel // alternative living & slow travel 

Tags: #notluxe #visitestonia #traveltips #travelcouple #tinyhome #girlslovetravel #travelgram #getoutstayout #livetoexplore #travelblogger #floathome #tinycabins #exploreeurope #canadiancreator
  • One of the biggest misconceptions about affordable travel is that it has to be uncomfyBUT there are ways to *actually* enjoy economy - so let’s chat about it. 

Here are our main tips for enjoying saving money on travel:
Follow @porterairlines and sign up to their email list (link in bio) to get first access to their biggest sale of the year so far.
Off season travel. Trust us. It doesn’t hurt the bank account and guess what - travelling in the off-season means shorter lines, more affordable accommodation and less crowds.
Add some spontaneity into your life & be flexible (if possible). 
Porter Airlines has had our backs as savvy travellers for YEARS and we absolutely love them for elevating economy air travel. 

If you haven’t had the chance to experience Porter’s Actually Enjoy Economy experience - Now is your chance.
 Free, fast WiFi (included for all on the new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft)
 No middle seats
 Free beer, wine and cocktails served in glassware
 Free Premium snacks
+ more (!!)

➟ follow @nickandraychel // full-time van life & budget travel 

@porterairlines #FlyPorter #ActuallyEnjoyEconomy #porterpartner #notluxe #traveltips #travelgirls #travelgirlsgo #girlslovetravel #travelgram #getoutstayout #livetoexplore #travelblogger #ad
  • Travelling in comfortable silence >>>

On long travel days, we love being together but we definitely don’t want to talk lmao. There is something amazing about being *with* your person, but not needing to say anything at all.

Anyone else?

Tags: #notluxe #vanlifecouple #travelcouple #gapyear #travelgirls #travelgirlsgo #girlslovetravel #travelgram #getoutstayout #livetoexplore #travelblogger #traveleurope #lovelanguage
Follow Me!

Popular Posts

  • 1

    Living in Vancouver, Canada | The Pros & Cons

    May 23, 2020
  • 2

    Living in the Okanagan Valley, Canada (What It’s Like)

    May 29, 2020
  • 3

    Living in Kelowna vs. Living in Vancouver

    February 25, 2021
  • 4

    Top 5 Neighbourhoods to Live in Vancouver, BC

    January 12, 2021
  • 5

    What To Pack For Cambodia

    July 22, 2019
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Youtube

@2019 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign


Back To Top