Short answer: The best patios in Vernon come in four flavours: lakeside (1516 Pub & Grill on Okanagan Lake, Alexander’s Beach Pub by Kalamalka Lake), big-view hilltop patios (The Edge at The Rise, RANGE at Predator Ridge, Gerni’s Farmhouse at Sparkling Hill), orchard patios (Cambium Cider Co, Davison Orchards) and downtown spots like BNA Vernon. Pick the view you want first, then the food.
I’ve been filming a patio series on my YouTube channel for a while now, and the honest truth is that Vernon punches way above its weight when it comes to eating outside. We have two lakes, orchard country, golf course views and a downtown that comes alive from spring to fall.
Here’s my list, sorted by the kind of afternoon you’re after. Menus, seasons and hours change, so check each spot’s website before you head out.
Which Vernon patios have the best lake views?
If you want to be right on the water, 1516 Pub & Grill on Okanagan Landing Road is the one. The pub describes itself as the only waterfront restaurant on the Vernon arm of Okanagan Lake, and on a warm evening the patio fills up fast. It’s close to my home in Okanagan Landing, so I’m biased, but it’s the easiest “boat day energy without a boat” patio in town.
On the Kalamalka Lake side, Alexander’s Beach Pub on Kalamalka Road in Coldstream sits right by the lake. It’s an easy stop before or after a walk along Kal Beach, and it has that relaxed, sandy-feet feel.
Where are the best view patios up on the hills?
This is where Vernon really shows off. These three are the ones I take visiting clients to when I want them to understand why people move here.
- The Edge Restaurant and Bar at The Rise Resort sits about 1,000 feet above Okanagan Lake, according to Tourism Vernon. Sunset here is the main event.
- RANGE restaurant, bar + patio at Predator Ridge looks out over the rolling hills and the championship golf courses. Great for a long lunch.
- Gerni’s Farmhouse at Sparkling Hill Resort serves Austrian food in a centuries-old farmhouse that was taken apart in Austria and rebuilt on the hill. The lake views are a bonus.
If you fall in love with one of these views, you’re not alone. I get a lot of calls about homes at The Rise and Predator Ridge from people who “just came up for dinner.”
Which patios are best for an orchard afternoon?
Vernon’s farm country is five to fifteen minutes from downtown, and a couple of my favourite patios are right in it.
- Cambium Cider Co on East Vernon Road in the BX is a cidery and restaurant set among the apple trees, and it hosts live music.
- Davison Orchards has its Farmhouse Cafe on the orchard property just west of downtown, with views over the valley and plenty for kids to do. The orchard is seasonal, so check its opening dates.
- Friesen’s Countrytyme Gardens on Kalamalka Road in Coldstream is a farm-to-table eatery with a garden setting. It’s a nice breakfast or lunch stop.
For more on where your food comes from around here, see my guide to farmers’ markets, orchards and local food in Vernon.
What’s a good downtown patio in Vernon?
Downtown Vernon has a mix of sidewalk patios, pubs and cafes, and new ones pop up often. The one I point people to most is BNA Vernon, a brewery and eatery downtown that also has bowling inside, so it works for groups where not everyone wants to sit in the sun all afternoon.
The easiest approach downtown is to park once and walk. You’ll find cafe patios and pub patios within a few blocks of each other, and many of them are close to the murals, which makes for a nice after-lunch wander.
Tips for patio season in Vernon
A few things I’ve learned from filming this series:
- Go early on hot weekends. The lakeside and hilltop patios fill up first. Book where reservations are offered.
- Bring a layer for the hilltop spots. Evenings up at The Rise, Predator Ridge and Sparkling Hill can cool off once the sun drops.
- Check for smoke on summer days. Wildfire smoke can roll in during some summers. A quick look at the air quality forecast saves a disappointing drive.
- Ask about dogs before you go. Some patios welcome dogs and some can’t. I’ve got a whole post on dog-friendly Vernon.
- Pair it with something. A Kal Beach swim and Alexander’s, or a Davison Orchards visit and the cafe, turns a meal into a whole afternoon.
Why patios matter when you’re choosing where to live
This might sound funny coming from a REALTOR, but I think patios tell you a lot about a neighbourhood. If you want to walk to a lakeside dinner, look at Okanagan Landing. If you want orchard country and Kal Lake on your doorstep, look at Coldstream. If you want a view patio and a golf course in the same place, the resort communities are worth a look.
The house is only part of the experience. The Saturday afternoon on a patio with friends is the rest of it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best patio in Vernon with a lake view?
For being right on the water, 1516 Pub & Grill on Okanagan Lake and Alexander’s Beach Pub by Kalamalka Lake are the classics. For a high view over the lake, The Edge at The Rise is hard to beat.
Are there patios in Vernon with golf course views?
Yes. RANGE at Predator Ridge overlooks the resort’s golf courses, and The Edge sits at The Rise golf resort above Okanagan Lake.
Where can I eat outside in an orchard near Vernon?
Cambium Cider Co in the BX and the Farmhouse Cafe at Davison Orchards are both set on working orchard land. Check their seasons before you go.
Are Vernon patios open year-round?
Most patios are seasonal and weather dependent, roughly spring through fall. Some restaurants are open all year inside, so check each spot’s website for current dates.
More Vernon guides
- Vernon’s Best Parks: Polson, Swan Lake, Kal Park and More
- Where Locals Eat in Vernon
- Arts and Culture in Vernon: Theatre, Galleries and Live Music
- Vernon and Coldstream neighbourhoods
- Okanagan Landing homes for sale
Questions about buying or selling in Vernon?
I’m Sean Phillips, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty in Vernon, BC. I live in Okanagan Landing, and I help buyers and sellers across Vernon, Coldstream, SilverStar and the North Okanagan.
Text or call Sean: 778-363-0542
Call or text Sarah, my 24/7 info line: 604-227-4810
This article is general information as of fall 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, fees and conditions change, so confirm details with the appropriate professional or authority before making a decision.
Featured photo by Annabel Coope on Unsplash.