Engage with your classmates. Our small class sizes enable lifelong friendships to develop as you work, study, and play together. Connections with classmates are one of the wonderful side benefits of the OV culture. Just ask our Alumni. Meaningful connections develop through Spa nights, free performance tickets, beach day, student art, community events, and of course study groups. See the difference our culture of connection makes.
Students usually rent apartments, suites or houses. Many share accommodations to help cut down costs. This also has the benefit of a built-in study partner.*
The average apartment & suite rental rates in Vernon:
*See accommodation listings below
This valley offers a vibrant mix of forests, vineyards, orchards, lakes, creeks, world-class ski hills and golf courses, and a stunning blend of beautiful scenery. While the Okanagan has many attractions, including its weather, it is the warmth of its people that most visitors remember.
Almost halfway between Calgary and Vancouver, Vernon is situated on Highway 97 in the interior of BC, 25 minutes to an international airport and 175 Km from the US border.
The city of Vernon provides a small town life-style experience, with a population of about 40,000. Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy is located right in the heart of downtown Vernon. We are within easy walking distance of restaurants, cafes, shopping, apartment complexes, and fitness and recreation facilities, including the Performing Arts Centre. Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake and Swan Lake are all within 10 minutes drive of the centre of the City.
Many students are able to find accommodations within walking/biking distance or on a bus route. For more information about visiting and living in Vernon, visit Vernon Tourism, Downtown Vernon Association or Living and Working in Vernon.
For me, uprooting my life from North Vancouver to Vernon to attend OV was a no brainer. Yes, I could have gone to school in Vancouver but having lived there for 30 years, it was time for a change.
Trail Running: Kal Park is a favorite among locals and there are many races that happen there throughout the year.
Rock Climbing: There are hundreds of sport and trad climbing routes as well as boulder problems in Cougar Canyon without the crowds!
Mountain Biking: Downhill mountain biking at the Silverstar Mountain Resort bike park and XC riding at Ellison Park and Kal Park.
Skiing: Downhill skiing at Silverstar Mountain Resort and world class Nordic Skiing at Sovereign Lakes.
Lake life: swimming, canoeing/kayaking, SUP on Kalamalka Lake, Ellison Beach and Okanagan Lake.
I have never lived anywhere where it takes a measly 5 minutes to walk to both school and work.
In late spring, summer and fall, you can pretty much find a farmer’s market every day of the week. The biggest one in town is a 15 min walk from school and happens every Monday and Thursday. There is also one 2 blocks from school on Friday nights.
You will also find them in Coldstream on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which is a very short drive (5 min) from the city center. (*Markets are subject to change and may not remain as described.)
In Vernon you get to experience all four seasons! It actually snows in the winter!
What traffic??? There’s no traffic!
I feel so lucky that there is such an amazing Massage Therapy program in Vernon. What a win win situation!
OV Roommates wanted - posted Sept. 18, 2019
3 BR 2 Bathroom Top Floor Suite - Upper mission hill park area - trhaud posted Nov 27, 2019
Room for Rent - 10 Min to the College- Ruby - Posted Sept 17 2019
Log Home for Rent - Cherryville - Michelle - Posted Sept 17 2019
OV Student Looking for Two Roommates - Alyssa B - Posted Sept 18 2019
1/2 BR Suite - Walkout Basement - Lynne - Posted Sept 24 2019
Clean, Bright Recently Updated One Bedroom Basement Suite - Tanya - Posted Sep 27, 2019
Room For Rent - Fayne - Posted Oct 4, 2019
Seeking Female Roommates - 3 BR, 2.5 Bathroom - West Kelowna - Jamie M - Posted Oct 22, 2019
Room for Rent for OVCMT Student - Chris - Posted Oct 24, 2019
Cozy Character Home! Room for Rent - Angela - Posted Oct 29, 2019
2 OVCMT Students each with their own room in newly renovated - Nancy - Posted Nov 19, 2019
Room for Rent - Andree - Posted Dec 4, 2019
2 Rooms for Rent - Partially Furnished - Near Butcher Boys - Posted Dec 5, 2019
2 BR Level Entry, Self-Contained, Private Suite - 778-212-3432 - Posted Dec 5, 2019