Greater Vernon Museum and Archives (3009 32nd Ave., 250/542-3142, Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., by donation) holds photos from the early 1900s and a large collection of pioneer and native artifacts. Displays cover natural history, recreation, period clothing, and steamships.
In the same vicinity is Vernon Public Art Gallery (3228 31st Ave., 250/545-3173, Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., by donation), featuring works by local artists as well as touring exhibitions.
Polson Park, off Highway 97 at 25th Avenue, has a Chinese teahouse, a small Japanese garden, and paths along a willow-lined creek, but most people go to stare at the spectacular floral clock—nine meters (30 feet) wide, made up of more than 3,500 plants, and the only one of its kind in western Canada [1].
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/western-canada