Hiking

Trails in the city and provincial parks are frequently travelled and appropriate for self-guided hikes. There are also summer walking paths at Silver Star Mountain Resort that are wheelchair and stroller-friendly. However, trails into wilderness areas, especially in the Monashees, which is grizzly bear country, require backcountry knowledge and good equipment. Only experienced hikers should venture into these areas without a local guide.

The best time to hike in the mountains is late June through September, depending on snow conditions. Trails in the city and at the provincial parks are accessible year-round.

Highlight Hikes in Vernon

Hiking trails in Ellison Provincial Park connect with trails at Predator Ridge Golf Resort and continue out onto the grasslands of The Commonage. Expect to see coyotes on the ground and hawks in the air.

Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park is home to seven popular trails totalling 14km/9mi. Easy to moderate, they cross grasslands, follow Red Hawthorne Creek, slip through ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest and skirt cliffs with views of Kalamalka Lake. Several lead to beaches at Cosens Bay, Jade Bay and Juniper Bay.

Eco tours led by naturalist Roseanne Van Ee of Outdoor Discoveries include mushroom safaris around Mabel Lake in the autumn. In summer, ride the chairlift up the mountain at Silver Star Mountain Resort and learn about wildflowers, bears and local history on the hike back down.

Practical Points

• When hiking in the dry grasslands, be aware that this is habitat for the western rattlesnake.
• Black bears are not uncommon at lower elevations and are definitely seen on the sub-alpine slopes where they feed in summer. The wilderness area of the Monashee Mountains is grizzly bear habitat.
• 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 the provincial parks are accessible year-round.

For information on hiking trails and guide services, visit the Vernon Visitor Centre on Highway 97 south. The Vernon Outdoor Club publishes a guide to trails in the region. The seventh edition includes colour maps and GPS references. It is available at local bookstores and online.

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