Hiking trails around Penticton 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. Panoramic views take in the city itself, Okanagan Lake, Skaha Lake and distant mountain ranges. Trails provide opportunities for viewing wildlife both common and rare.
In the city, take a gentle stroll on the Kiwanis Promenade, a brick walkway along Okanagan Beach, or follow the paved pathway beside the Okanagan River Channel. Both are wheelchair accessible and rated easy. Another paved path leads to a lookout on Munson Mountain, where there's also a rough trail (rated moderate) along the ridgeline with outstanding views of Penticton and Okanagan Lake. This is the site of a giant Hollywood-style "Penticton" sign.
Further Afield
Further afield, take in the views along the KVR Trail (rated easy, part of the Trans-Canada Trail); follow the boardwalk to the bird watching platforms and a possible glimpse of a California bighorn sheep at Vaseux Lake Provincial Park; hike the Ellis Canyon loop (rated easy to moderate) for a look at post-wildfire forest regeneration; and hike the shoreline of a high country lake at Nickel Plate Provincial Park.
Highlight Walks & Hikes Around Penticton
Okanagan River Channel
The Okanagan River Channel connects Okanagan Lake with Skaha Lake. A mostly paved pathway, which is level and wheelchair accessible, runs for 8km/5mi along the raised bank. During summer, check out the people gliding by on inner tubes and rafts as they "float the channel."
Kettle Valley Railway Trail
The KVR Trail (part of the Trans-Canada Trail) is an easy walk with gentle two per cent grades on the former rail bed of the Kettle Valley Railway. From Naramata on the east side of Okanagan Lake, the trail descends into Penticton with terrific views of orchards, vineyards and the lake. It passes among several wineries of the Naramata Bench. From Penticton, hike the west side of Okanagan Lake to Summerland. Here the KVR Trail tops spectacular clay cliffs, with more wonderful lake views, and crosses the historic Trout Creek trestle bridge before veering westward among the orchards of Prairie Valley.
The total trail distance from Naramata to Summerland is 40km/24.8mi.
Carmi/Ellis Creek Trail
The Carmi/Ellis Creek trail on the eastern ridge above Penticton overlooks steep cliffs into Ellis Creek Canyon. Don't be surprised to come upon deer browsing in the re-growth as this area recovers from the Garnet Forest Fire of July 1994. Rather than pack a picnic, stop for lunch at the Lost Moose Lodge near the parking area. The view of Penticton and the Cascade Mountains to the west is something.
Three Blind Mice Trail
The 121ha/300ac Three Blind Mice trail system (rated moderate to advanced) is located northeast of Penticton, partially within the city limits. Also a popular mountain biking area, there are three main routes with many trails. Views include Naramata Bench wineries and Okaganan Lake.
Vaseaux Lake Provincial Park
Vaseux Lake Provincial Park, 25.8km/16mi south of Penticton, offers a short trail with big wildlife viewing opportunities. A boardwalk leads to platforms 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.
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 city and at provincial parks are accessible year-round.
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