Hiking in Kelowna

The Mission Creek Greenway is the city's main artery for accessible outdoor activity. This flat, crushed-gravel path follows the creek for over 16 km, offering shaded sections perfect for families, strollers, and casual walkers. With numerous access points and facilities along the way, it's easy to customize your distance. You can enjoy a short stroll or a longer journey that eventually leads into the more moderate terrain of Scenic Canyon Regional Park.

For an easy hike with a rewarding destination, take the Paul's Tomb trail in Knox Mountain Park. This well-maintained path is roughly 4.8 km return, hugging the shore of Okanagan Lake with beautiful water views the entire way. It leads to a quiet, secluded beach perfect for a picnic or a summer dip. The trail is named for the stone tomb built by Rembler Paul, an early Kelowna pioneer, which you can see near the end of the trail.

A truly unique Okanagan experience is the Myra Canyon trestles, part of the historic Kettle Valley Railway. Located in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park, this trail takes you across 18 trestle bridges and through two tunnels. The path is wide, flat, and very well-maintained, making it popular for both walking and cycling. You can go as far as you like on the 25 km out-and-back trail and turn around at any point, making it suitable for all fitness levels.

Local tips

• Bike rentals are available at the Myra Canyon trailhead parking lot.
• The Paul's Tomb beach is a great alternative to busier city beaches in the summer.
• The Mission Creek Greenway has multiple parking lots, including at Casorso Rd and Hollywood Rd S.

Knox Mountain Park is Kelowna's most prominent natural park, located just north of downtown. The main route, the Apex Trail, is a rewarding climb with some steep sections over its 4 km roundtrip. The trail is well-travelled and leads to the upper lookout, offering fantastic panoramic views of the city, Okanagan Lake, and West Kelowna. It's a local favourite for a reason and a must-do for any visitor.

Head into Southeast Kelowna to explore Scenic Canyon Regional Park. This area features dramatic geological formations like Layer Cake Mountain and Pinnacle Rock. The trails here connect with the Mission Creek Greenway but involve more elevation gain, with stairs and switchbacks. A hike through the canyon offers a different perspective on the region's volcanic past and is a fantastic workout with rewarding scenery.

On the west side, Rose Valley Regional Park provides an extensive network of trails with panoramic views back towards Kelowna. The park features varied terrain, from wooded areas to open grasslands and steep cliffs. Trails like the Yellow Bell Loop are moderately challenging with some steep climbs. Please note that the park was impacted by the 2023 wildfire, and some areas may still be closed for restoration; always respect signage.

Local tips

• Wear sturdy footwear for Knox Mountain as the trail has sections of loose rock.
• Dogs are welcome on-leash in these parks.
• Trails in Rose Valley are shared with mountain bikers, so be aware of your surroundings.

For a short but steep challenge, head to Goats Peak Regional Park in West Kelowna. The Mountain Goat Trail is a difficult 1.3 km climb that zig-zags up the mountain, gaining 235 metres in elevation. Your reward is a viewing platform at the peak with incredible views over Okanagan Lake. The trail has sections of loose rock, so proper hiking shoes are essential, especially for the descent.

In Lake Country, the Spion Kop trail network offers some of the best 360-degree views in the entire Okanagan. With multiple trailheads like Raven Ridge, you can choose from several routes to the summit. Trails like the Arrowleaf and Summit trails are considered moderate to difficult, with significant elevation gain. From the top, you can see Wood, Kalamalka, and Okanagan lakes, making the effort well worth it.

The Spion Kop area is a large wilderness reserve with over 17 km of marked trails. Be prepared with water and navigation, as there are no facilities on the trails. The network winds through forests and over grassy ridges, offering a true backcountry feel close to the city. Always stay on the marked trails to protect the environment and respect private property boundaries.

Local tips

• Goats Peak gets very hot with little shade; hike it in the morning during summer months.
• Parking at Spion Kop trailheads is limited; arrive early.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it for these more remote trails.

To ensure our trails remain beautiful and accessible for everyone, a little courtesy goes a long way. The fundamental rule is to leave no trace. This means packing out everything you pack in, including all garbage and food waste. Stay on the designated trails to prevent erosion and protect the fragile Okanagan ecosystems that surround them.

When you encounter other people, be friendly and aware. On multi-use trails, cyclists should yield to hikers and horses. A friendly bell or a vocal heads-up when passing is always appreciated. When hiking, those travelling uphill have the right-of-way. If you need to stop for a break or a photo, please step to the side of the trail to allow others to pass easily.

Keep your pets under control. In most regional parks, dogs are required to be on a leash. This is for the safety of your pet, other trail users, and the local wildlife. It's also crucial to pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste properly in a bin, not leaving it on the side of the trail. By following these simple guidelines, we can all contribute to a positive and respectful trail culture.

Hiking in the Okanagan means sharing the space with a variety of wildlife. While encounters are not an everyday occurrence, it is important to be prepared. The most common animals you might see are deer, marmots, and various birds. However, black bears, coyotes, and rattlesnakes also call this region home. Making noise while you hike—by talking or clapping—can help alert animals to your presence and avoid a surprise encounter.

It is highly recommended to carry bear spray, especially when hiking on less-trafficked or more remote trails. Know how to use it and keep it accessible, not buried in your pack. If you do encounter a bear, stay calm, do not run, and back away slowly while speaking in a firm voice. Never feed wildlife, as this can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans, creating dangerous situations for everyone.

Rattlesnakes are often found sunning themselves on warm, rocky trails. They are not aggressive but will defend themselves if they feel threatened. Give them a wide berth and find a way to go around them. Always watch where you are stepping, especially in rocky or grassy areas. Keeping pets on a leash is particularly important for preventing negative wildlife encounters.

Local tips

• Avoid hiking at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.
• Travel in groups when possible.
• Store food securely and pack out all garbage.

The Okanagan summer is famous for its heat. Temperatures can soar, making midday hiking uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. During July and August, it's best to start your hikes early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the peak heat of the day. Always carry more water than you think you will need, as dehydration is a serious risk.

Sun protection is essential. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Choose trails with ample shade, like the lower sections of the Mission Creek Greenway, for midday walks. Exposed, south-facing trails like Goats Peak and Knox Mountain can become extremely hot. Listen to your body and take breaks in the shade when you need to.

Fire season is a reality in the Okanagan, typically running from late spring through early fall. Wildfires can start quickly and lead to trail and park closures. Before you head out, always check for the latest advisories and closures. Official sources like the BC Parks website and the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) parks site will have the most up-to-date information. Never smoke or have fires in parks, and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately.

Local tips

• Check the air quality index (AQI) before hiking, as wildfire smoke can be a health hazard.
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing to stay cool.
• Always have a fully charged phone in case of an emergency.