Situated in the northern tip of the Okanagan Valley at the confluence of the Swan, Kalamalka and Okanagan lakes, the city of Vernon is the oldest community in British Columbia's interior. Beginning in the early 1860s, miners and ranchers began to flock to Vernon after the discovery of gold and favourable ranching conditions. This rich history can be explored at the Historic O'Keefe Ranch, located just north of the city, at the Greater Vernon Museum & Archives or throughout Vernon's downtown, where 19 murals illustrate Vernon's growth into a city. Area lakes provide a number of recreational opportunities and are the reason the city is an important shipping centre in the Okanagan. When the weather gets hot locals and visitors flock to Kalamalka and Kin beaches to enjoy the sun, sand and surf. A popular tourist destination, Vernon's population swells during the summer with visitors in pursuit of Vernon's culture, abundance of recreational opportunities and sun-laden days.