Parks

Mission Creek Regional Park

Mission Creek is the centrepiece of Mission Creek Regional Park and Mission Creek Greenway. Learn about dry climate gardening and native plants in the xeriscape demonstration garden at the park. Walk or cycle beneath old cottonwood trees beside one of the Okanagan's most important kokanee salmon spawning creeks, or hike into Gallagher's Canyon for a close up look at Layer Cake Mountain, reportedly the only volcanic formation of its kind on Earth.

Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park

Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park encompasses 11,038ha/27,276ac of wilderness south of Kelowna, including 33km/21mi of undeveloped Okanagan Lake shoreline, the Okanagan Mountain peak, and three upland lakes. There are no public roads, but nearly 80km/50mi of hiking trails traverse the park and there is excellent water access to many secluded beaches and coves. Sail, paddle, or motor to Buchan Bay, Commando Bay, Goode's Creek, Van Hyce Beach and Halfway Bay for swimming, picnicking, and camping. Hike, mountain bike, or ride a horse to wilderness campsites around the upland lakes and fish for rainbow trout. The park is home to abundant wildlife including the western rattlesnake: exercise caution. Access Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park at the end of Lakeshore Road.

Bear Creek Provincial Park

Located on the west side of Okanagan Lake 14k/8.7mi from Kelowna, Bear Creek Provincial Park has 400m/1,312ft of sandy beaches. Swim, fish, canoe, kayak, or wake board – the area is ideal for every water activity. Hike along the 5km/3mi creek trail to the ponderosa pine grasslands high above the canyon for excellent views of Bear Creek Falls and a panorama of Okanagan Lake. Take along the camera for shots of wildflowers, swallows, hawks, and possibly a coyote or a bear. Picnic in the day-use area or set up camp at one of the 122 campsites (reservations are recommended during high season).

Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park

Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park covers a cross-section of Thompson Okanagan ecosystems including the dry valley grasslands, riparian creek zones, warm mineral springs, sub-alpine meadows, and rock escarpments. Hike, cycle, or horseback ride over the popular Myra Canyon section of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) Trail. On other park trails look for the remnants of historic irrigation flumes and water towers. The park also protects an ancient First Nations kekuli (winter dwelling) site and a hidden waterfall. In winter, backcountry skiers and snowshoers head for Little White Mountain. Myra-Bellevue is a day-use park.

Provincial Park Safety

• Bears and cougars live in the wilderness around Okanagan Lake: Store food safely, dispose of garbage in provided containers, and never feed or approach bears or other wildlife.
• Detailed information on provincial parks is available at the Kelowna Visitor Centre, 544 Harvey Ave. (Highway 97).

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