This is an archived event from Culture Days 2025.
Images
Grey Canal Tour, “A Vernon Game Changer”
In-person
Agriculture History & heritage Physical activity & movement Nature & outdoors TourDate and time
Location
Grey Canal Sierra Rd. Parking Lot
3260 Sierra Road
Vernon, BC
Directions: Parking lot off Sierra Road. From Bella Vista Road, turn north up to Crosby Road. Then turn left onto Sierra Road.
Access
Free.
Offered in English.
Entry level for walking. Good footwear recommended.
About
**Tour begins at Grey Canal Sierra Rd. Parking Lot (3260 Sierra Road). Registration required**
The Grey Trail is a popular hiking route in Greater Vernon. Join Ingrid Neumann, Ribbons of Green Trails Society director, on a guided walk along a section of the trail to learn the amazing history of this scenic trail.
Formerly an irrigation waterway, the Grey Canal sustained over 20,000 acres of orchards and farmlands in the Greater Vernon Area from 1906 until 1970. At one time it was BC’s longest gravity-fed irrigation system from a single water source, spanning 50 km from Lavington to Okanagan Lake.
Along this easy, level 1.5 km walk, you’ll view several historical canal remnants with incredible vistas of Okanagan Lake, orchards, vineyards, grasslands and Vernon.
Organizer
Vernon Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society
The Vernon Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society has recently experienced a revitalization, thanks to the dedication of a small but committed group of volunteers who have breathed new life into its operations. One of the most exciting outcomes of this renewed energy is a revived partnership with the Museum & Archives of Vernon, culminating in two major joint initiatives: a speaker series titled Hometown Histories and an annual fundraising calendar featuring archival images.
The branch holds an annual general meeting each November, which includes approximately 30 minutes of branch news, followed by a guest speaker presentation on a local or historical topic, often accompanied by visuals. Questions and informal conversation continue over coffee and light refreshments. A newsletter is distributed in advance of the meeting, providing details about the speaker and other updates.
In addition to its renewed collaboration with the museum, the Vernon Branch continues to support local heritage initiatives such as the Vernon Heritage Fair, part of the North Okanagan Heritage Fair program. The branch has also maintained ties with the Silver Star Museum, supporting it from its inception with a $1,000 donation and periodic contributions of historical photographs.
You can stay up to date with Vernon Branch activities by following us on Facebook and Instagram, where we regularly share event details, historical content, and project updates.
This event is part of a hub:
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