By Sean Phillips, REALTOR®, Strand resident ·
Short answer: Winters in the Okanagan valley are generally milder than on the Prairies, with some snow, cool temperatures and occasional grey, foggy days when cloud settles in the valley. At a well-run lakeside condo, snow removal, heating and building care are handled for you, and features like heated underground parking and a year-round hot tub make winter easy.
Valley weather
- Temperatures are cooler than summer but milder than much of Canada
- Snow falls in the valley but is usually lighter than in the mountains
- Low cloud, called valley cloud or inversion, can bring grey stretches, while SilverStar sits in sunshine above it
- Okanagan Lake usually stays open through winter
Winter at The Strand
At The Strand Lakeside, the strata handles snow removal throughout the property, the underground parkade is heated, and the hot tub runs all year. Natural gas for your fireplace is included in the strata fee. See what Strand strata fees include.
Boats and the marina
Boating winds down in fall. At The Strand, owners are asked to take boats out by mid-October, and many store them for the winter.
If you're away for the winter
- Keep the heat on at a safe minimum.
- Shut off the water supply to appliances where recommended.
- Arrange for someone to check the unit regularly. Your insurer may require it.
- Make sure your insurance covers the strata's water damage deductible.
The upside of winter
Quiet trails, skiing at SilverStar, cozy evenings by the fireplace and no summer crowds. Many owners say winter is when they most appreciate lock-and-leave living.
Frequently asked questions
Does it snow in Vernon, BC?
Yes, but the valley usually gets less snow than the mountains, and winters are milder than on the Prairies.
Does Okanagan Lake freeze in winter?
Okanagan Lake usually stays open through winter because of its size and depth, though small bays and shallow edges can freeze in cold spells.
What should I do with my condo if I'm away for the winter?
Keep the heat on, shut off water to appliances where recommended, have someone check the unit regularly, and confirm your insurance covers the strata's deductibles.
More guides to Okanagan Landing and The Strand
- Ski and Lake: Living Between SilverStar and Okanagan Lake
- Lock-and-Leave Living: Why Snowbirds Choose Okanagan Condos
- Condo Insurance in BC: How Strata Deductibles Affect You
- The Strand Lakeside FAQ: 50 questions answered
Have a question about waterfront living in Vernon?
I'm Sean Phillips, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty. I live at The Strand in Okanagan Landing and specialise in Vernon-area waterfront condos. For current listings and recent sales, visit 7343okanaganlanding.ca.
Text 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 always confirm details with the appropriate professional or authority before making a decision.
General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm details for your situation with the appropriate professional.
