Hiking trails around Oliver cover a tremendous variety of terrain from easy walks along Okanagan River or around high country lakes to the steep grind up the back side of McIntyre Bluff. Landscapes include orchards and vineyards, dry grasslands dotted with antelope brush and sage, stands of ponderosa pine, granite cliffs and mountain lakes. Trails provide opportunities for viewing wildlife both common and rare.
The easy-walk International Hike & Bike Trail follows the course of the Okanagan River channel from McAlpine Bridge on Highway 97 in the north to Osoyoos Lake in the south. The total distance is 18.4km/11.3mi, of which nearly 10km/6.2mi is paved. The path is broad and virtually flat, fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. There are many access points along the trail, including at the Oliver Visitor Centre. Stop for a look at the interpretive sign describing the history of sockeye salmon in the river.
Golden Mile Trail
Hike the Golden Mile Trail along the hillside west of Oliver for a personal look at many of the area's diverse ecosystems. Take the full 10km/6.2mi loop starting at Tinhorn Creek Winery and walk among vineyards and orchards in the irrigated riparian valley floor before climbing to the dry antelope brush and ponderosa pine parkland ecosystems above. Stop at the Fairview townsite, once a bustling gold mining town, now a wide-open ecological reserve, and read about its history at the info kiosk. Views from the trail take in Oliver, the valley and the mountains beyond. Near Tinhorn Creek, a side trail leads to the stone ruins of a stamp mill that was used in gold mining days. Many people also do this hike as an 11km/6.8mi out and back walk along the hillside, skipping the road section through the orchards. The trail is rated moderate.
Mount Baldy/Camp McKinney
East of Oliver, there are numerous trail options in Oliver's winter recreation area. Four marked snowshoe trails at Mount Baldy Ski Resort and three loops at McKinney Nordic Ski Area (Sidley Meadow) offer many kilometers of hiking from easy to moderate. Bring the camera to capture memories of meadows brimming with wildflowers in spring/summer and views from lofty lookouts. Also, just off the access road to Mount Baldy, take a 0.4km/0.2mi stroll to see the balancing rock.
Sandy Hill/Oliver Mountain
Hike the 4km/2.5mi Sandy Hill Trail up the back side of Oliver Mountain, immediately west of the town centre. This moderate climb to the water tower takes in old mining roads across the grasslands and provides great views of the valley and Tuc-el-Nuit Lake. Connect at the summit with the Oliver Mountain Trail, a moderate 4km/2.5mi descent down the front side of the mountain to the town centre.
Vaseux Lake Provincial Park
Vaseux Lake Provincial Park, 14km/8.7mi north of Oliver, offers a short easy walk with big wildlife viewing opportunities. A boardwalk leads to a tower and blind in the Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada Waterfowl Sanctuary. Birdwatchers look for a wide range of species including trumpeter swans. The park is also home to rare and endangered species like California bighorn sheep, badgers and pallid bats. More common are turtles, beaver, muskrats and deer.
Pick up trail maps at the Oliver Visitor Centre (6431 Station St).
Practical Points
- 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 the valley are accessible year-round.
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