The 66th Vernon Winter Carnival brings parades and poutine to the city

More than six decades of winter tradition is set to return to the streets, parks, and neighbourhoods of Vernon for the Vernon Winter Carnival. This will be the event’s 66th annual festival, one of the largest and longest-running winter celebrations in North America.

This multi-day carnival, founded in 1961, brings together thousands of residents and visitors each year for more than one-hundred community-driven events that highlight the city’s creativity.

The 2026 carnival will run from Feb. 6 to 15. This year’s theme, Team Carnival – Canada Goes for Gold!, embraces the excitement of international winter sports and wraps it in red-and-white pride. The theme will shine through every corner of the festival, from friendly competitions and family activities to food events and evening celebrations.

The ten-day event has everything from a parade to family fun parks to chili tastings and so much more. Visitors can expect snow sculpting, races, raffles, and plenty of activities to entertain everyone in the family, no matter their age.

The new Poutine and Caesar Showdown will kick off opening day on Feb. 6 before running throughout the carnival, turning Vernon and Armstrong into a ten-day tasting tour. Participating restaurants are serving up creative spins on classic Canadian poutine and Caesar salads, with diners voting online to crown the People’s Choice winner. Early contenders include BNA, The Edge, The Clove, and the Longhorn Pub.

That same evening, the beloved Hot Air Balloon Glow will light up the Village Green Shopping Centre from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests can get up close to illuminated balloons, meet the pilots, enjoy vendors, and capture photos under a sky filled with colour. Admission is by donation to the Vernon Winter Carnival Society.

Vernon will heat up again on Feb. 7 with a Chili Cook-Off, running from noon to 3 p.m. Tickets are required for attendees to sample chili made by local chefs and vote for their favourites.

One of our most anticipated highlights is the Winter Carnival Parade, which returns on Feb. 7 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. along 27th Street, south from 45th Avenue to 32nd Avenue. Bundle up your loved ones for the chilly outdoor air, bring a hot chocolate, and line the route to catch a glimpse of the themed vehicles taking over the road. Following the event, visitors will also have a chance to vote on who should receive the Overall Parade Spirit Award.

Some of our team at iNFOnews.ca will be participating in the parade, so we’re inviting readers to stop by, say hello, and share in the carnival spirit. We hope to see you there.

There are so many delightful events happening, so we highly encourage you to check out the full lineup of events by visiting the Vernon Winter Carnival website.

This event thrives on community involvement and volunteer support, offering countless ways for residents, businesses, and visitors to take part. So, how will you be joining in on the fun this year?