Vernon's distance to Vancouver is about 470 kilometres, and the North Okanagan BC receives many thousands of vacationers each year coming from within British Columbia and Canada, and internationally. From the north, via Salmon Arm and Sicamous, travelers leave the Trans Canada Highway and head south into the warmer Okanagan and Vernon BC area.

  The economic trading area includes the bordering communities, towns and smaller cities, such as Armstrong BC, Coldstream BC, Lumby BC, Falkland BC, Enderby BC, and Silver Star BC. In the past decade, major retailers like Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Canadian Superstore, Rona and The Brick have opened retail outlets in Vernon BC. They recognize the growing population in the North Okanagan area is continuing to concentrate in and around the City if Vernon.

  Vernon BC Real Estate has increased in value from 2003 to 2009, by approximately 70%. For example, a Vernon BC house that sold for $150,000 in 2003 now has a value of about $255,000. Real Estate prices in Vernon BC and surrounding areas is still affordable compared to the Vancouver coast area. The North Okanagan Valley, being situated at the top of Okanagan Lake, continues to have a surplus of waterfront properties. These waterfront homes in Coldstream and Vernon are considerably more expensive than non-waterfront, perhaps by up to 300%. Vernon beaches and boat launches for everyone are located all around with easy access, making Vernon BC a wonderful place to live regardless of the ability to afford property.

  Public venues in the Okanagan BC and Vernon offer family entertainment of many varities. The Performing Arts Centre in Vernon BC stages music and comedy concerts. The Wesbild Centre Multiplex is home to the Vernon Vipers junior hockey team, and also hosts large concerts and trade shows.