Hiking
Two hikers admiring the views (Picture BC photo)
Varied landscapes, panoramic views, and historic sites make for infinitely interesting hikes around Kelowna.
In the city, walkways follow the shoreline of Okanagan Lake, run along the cottonwood-lined riparian zone bordering Mission Creek, climb the flanks of Knox Mountain and run through pocket nature preserves. South of the city, hike the tough trails of Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park. Across the lake in West Kelowna, explore pathways with a different perspective.
Kelowna Trails
Trails around Kelowna lead to lookouts, waterfalls, historic irrigation flumes, abandoned homesteader's cabins, unique volcanic formations and the deep forest. Most are designed for day hikes, although there are longer overnight routes like the High Rim Trail that stretches 50km/31mi from Kelowna through Lake Country to Kalamalka Provincial Park south of Vernon.
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Trails in Kelowna, neighbouring Lake Country and West Kelowna, as well as the regional and provincial parks are frequently travelled and appropriate for self-guided hikes.
Mission Creek Greenway
Mission Creek Greenway is the longest and most popular trail in Kelowna. Phase 1 of the trail is an easy gravel route running 7.3km/4.5mi along the banks of a significant Kokanee Salmon spawning stream from Mission Creek Regional Park to Okanagan Lake. The 9.2km/5.7mi Phase 2 trail has more challenging sections and follows the creek eastward from the Mission Creek Regional Park into Gallagher's Canyon.
Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) Trail
The KVR Trail, which is part of the Trans-Canada trail, is an easy high-country walk. The 12km/7.5mi section of the trail between the former Ruth Station and Myra Station features reconstructed wood-frame trestles, two steel bridges, and two tunnels. Bring a camera to capture the valley views.
Bear Creek Provincial Park
Hike the easy trail among the cottonwood trees along the creek at Bear Creek Provincial Park. Continue up into the ponderosa pine grasslands above the canyon (more challenging) for excellent views of Bear Creek Falls and a panorama of Okanagan Lake. Total distance 5km/3mi. Continue up into the ponderosa pine grasslands above the canyon for excellent views of Bear Creek Falls and a panorama of Okanagan Lake
West Kelowna Trails
West Kelowna offers tremendous variety of terrain. Walk the flat pathway around the rim of Gellatly Bay to Gellatly Nut Farm, Canada’s first commercial nut farm and now a regional park. Explore forest and grassland trails in Rose Valley, Glen Canyon and Kalamoir Regional Parks. Climb the heights of Mount Boucherie, an extinct volcano, and take in the panoramic views.
Practical Points
- Dry grasslands are habitat for western rattlesnakes – exercise caution.
- Black bears are found at lower elevations and on the sub-alpine slopes. The wilderness area of the Monashee Mountains is grizzly bear habitat: hikers should carry bear spray and make enough noise to have their presence known.
- The best time to hike in the mountains is late-June through September. Trails in the city and at the provincial parks are accessible year-round.
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