Trails around Naramata offer an immense variety of sights and challenges.
Landscapes include orchards and vineyards, dry grasslands and ponderosa pine hillsides, clay banks and granite cliffs, deep forest and mountain lakes. Trails provide opportunities for viewing wildlife both common and rare.
Start a self-guided walking tour at the interpretive sign on Robinson Avenue. A map and guide to points of interest are also contained in the Discover Naramata Visitor's Guide.
This easy walk on Naramata's level, tree shaded streets takes in murals at the museum and packing house; wharf park, where the sternwheeler lake boats once docked; the Naramata Heritage Inn and Spa, built by Naramata founder JM Robinson; the Naramata Centre.
Look out for Naramata's signature silt cliffs, deposited 10,000 years ago during the last glaciation; Creek Bridge, ideal for spotting Kokanee salmon in autumn; and Manitou Park with its sandy beach and green picnic areas.
Naramata Circle Walks
Beyond the village centre take circle walks to the north and south benches. Brochures with specific directions are available at local businesses and public buildings.
Trans Canada Trail
The Trans Canada Trail passes Naramata on the gentle 2% grades of the former Kettle Valley Railway. From Chute Lake the trail descends past Naramata into Penticton with terrific views of orchards, vineyards and the lake. Popular sights include Little Tunnel and rock ovens used by labourers to bake bread during the years of railway construction.
Food & Wine Stop
Several Naramata Bench wineries are easily accessible from the trail. The Trail Store, south of Naramata, sells fresh fruit, snacks and ice cream trailside.
Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park
Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park with access approximately 10km/6mi north of Naramata is a wilderness area encompassing mountain lakes, grasslands, spruce and fir forests and rugged mountain scenery accessible only by foot, horseback or bike.
Okanagan Mountain
Climb to the summit of Okanagan Mountain (1571m/5154ft) for views of Okanagan Lake, the Okanagan Highlands and the Monashee Mountains. Divide Lake and Baker Lake offer rustic campsites and trout fishing.
Wilderness Trails
Several popular trails branch out from the south parking lot of Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park. Gemmill Lake Trail is an easy 2km/1.2mi hike to the lake. More experienced trekkers take the difficult Mountain Goat Trail, a 5km/3mi hike to Divide Lake. Connect with Divide Lake Trail to reach the summit of Okanagan Mountain or with Baker Lake trail for more rustic camping and fishing.
Wildhorse Canyon Trail
Wildhorse Canyon Trail hugs the flank of Okanagan Mountain for 18.5km/11.5mi, skirting its west and northern faces. Most of the trail follows the route of mid-19th Century Hudson's Bay fur brigades. Slated for development as a provincial highway, it was saved in 1973 when local activists were successful in having Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park created.
Loop back south via Divide Lake Trail. Rated moderate to difficult.
Practical Points
- Carry plenty of drinking water.
- When hiking in the dry grasslands, be aware that this is habitat for the western rattlesnake.
- Black bears are not uncommon even at lower elevations and definitely on the sub-alpine slopes where they feed in summer.
- When hiking in bear country, carry bear spray, make enough noise to announce your presence and be aware.
- The best time to hike in the mountains is late June through September, depending on snow conditions. Trails in urban areas and at provincial parks are accessible year-round.
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