One of the best parts of living in East Hill is what’s within walking distance. Here are the parks, places and weekend spots East Hill locals actually use.
Lakeview Park and the “Peanut Pool”
Lakeview Park is East Hill’s backyard. Its famous wading pool, known to generations of Vernon kids as the Peanut Pool, reopened in June 2024 after a major revitalization. It now includes a new spray park. Admission to the wading pool is free, which makes it a summer favourite for young families. The park also has ball diamonds, open lawns and a playground.
Check the City of Vernon for current hours.
Circle Park and the Crescents
At the top of the hill, the quiet loops of the Crescents and little Circle Park are a favourite for evening walks, with views out over the city.
Caetani Cultural Centre
This 1895 heritage home on Pleasant Valley Road is now an arts and culture centre. It runs exhibitions, artist residencies and events right in the neighbourhood.
Downtown Vernon, a short walk down the hill
- Independent restaurants, coffee shops and pubs along 30th Avenue
- The Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre
- Vernon’s downtown library and the museum
- Polson Park, with its creek, gardens and trails, a short drive or bike ride away
Within 30 minutes
- Kalamalka Lake: Kal Beach and Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park for swimming, paddling and hiking
- Okanagan Lake: beaches and the Okanagan Landing waterfront
- SilverStar Mountain Resort: skiing, Nordic trails and summer mountain biking
- Golf: several courses around Vernon and Coldstream
- Wineries and farm stands: across the BX, Coldstream and the North Okanagan
Community spirit
East Hill has a real neighbourhood feel: people know their neighbours and walk their dogs, and kids play on the street. For a taste of how Vernon comes together, read about Jonesapalooza, the fundraiser I hosted for years.
