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There are many wonderful Kelowna Hikes to explore. Some folks go to Kelowna specifically to go hiking. Although other guests may possibly be unaware of these possibilities, a hike is a given. You will quickly establish a stance everywhere you travel in and around Kelowna, British Columbia, because it is such a walkable city.
Kelowna is like walking, where there are numerously paved and sandy trails that turn into a candy store for hikers and numerous delicacies to select from. Even though there is a soggy hike (the 28-kilometre Kelowna Paddle Trail), for the time being, we’ll concentrate on the ground beneath our errant feet.
Within the city’s boundaries, there are accessible hikes if you don’t want to drive. There are paths nearby that are both physically and mentally calming.
You will encounter a variety of marine, forest, and grassland habitats, from breathtaking mountaintop views to cooling canyon pour-offs, which attract outdoor enthusiasts.
Any adventurous locals will have strong opinions on the greatest hiking trails in Kelowna if you ask them where to go. Your query relies on your availability and skill level, but rest certain that there are a few hiking tracks that is suitable for you. Start by choosing one of the top hikes in Kelowna from our list.
1. Apex Trail in Knox Mountain Park
Only two kilometres from the city center, near the northern end of Ellis Street, Knox Mountain Park offers natural trails for hikers of all skill levels with convenient access by vehicle, bicycle, or foot.
The greatest time to trek these paths, in the opinion of many, is in the spring and summer if you can observe the seasonally changing blooms and see birds.
To get to the mountaintop, where you can see the city from above, start trekking the Apex Trail. There is a 262-meter height rise over four kilometres along the Apex Trail to the Upper Apex Lookout. A 4-kilometer-long road connects Knox Mountain’s base to a parking area close to the peak, as seen on a map.
This is one of the finest Kelowna hikes out of all the Kelowna hikes.
Be warned that it’s likely that the gate at the bottom is locked, which makes it the perfect place for individuals to rise to the peak with strollers and bicycles without encountering any traffic.
By merely climbing to the Lower Crown Lookout, you can cut your trek short and lessen your exertion, but most hikers finish what they’ve started and significantly finish this difficult trail. Hikers may enjoy a few of the nicest lake views, vistas and magnificent sunsets on this popular walk.
2. Black Mountain Regional Park
You pass the Black Mountain Golf Club as you begin this trail. You ascend above residential Kelowna into the desert after ten minutes of hiking. The Black Mountain Regional Park has several quick trails.
This 640-hectare park, which is 21 kilometres east of the city center, is a recent addition to Kelowna’s wealth of outdoor spaces. From the end of Swainson Road, take Highway 33 east of the city to access the trails.
Four simple to intermediate treks is available on the grassland and scree slopes that encircle Black Knight Mountain, the park’s highest point.
From practically anywhere along these routes, you may enjoy stunning western views of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake.
The trail system connects each route, beginning with one of the shortest treks, the Coyote Trail or Ephemeral Pond Trail.
The 1.9-kilometre-long, packed gravel routes cross the Hoodoo Trail, the shortest of the lot. This trail is a few arrowheads over a kilometre long and is moderate.
The Hoodoo Trail connects to the 1.8-kilometre Grassland Trail, another easy hike. You can either complete the Grassland Trail to where it ends at the Upper Access Trail or take the spur on the one-kilometre Ridge Trail (a service road). Additionally, you can return to the Swainson Road trailhead using this trail’s connection to the Upper Access Trail.
3. Knox Mountain Loop and Rose Valley Lake Loop
3.1. Knox Mountain Loop
Active hikers have discovered a quicker way to deplete the treads on their hiking boots by merging three thrilling hikes into one loop trail. The ascent of the Apex Trail at 262 meters elevation marks the beginning of the nearly seven-kilometre-long Knox Mountain Loop.
After collecting your breath and taking in the scenery, get on the comparatively flat Pavilion Trail, which links with the Ogopogo Trail, which descends steeply along switchbacks to the Paul’s Tomb Trail. Enjoy the relaxing Paul’s Tomb Trail and return to your vehicle along the lake to complete the loop.
3.2. Rose Valley Lake Loop
Nine kilometres west of the city center, in the same-named regional park, the trailhead for the Rose Valley Lake Loop can be found. In the Rose Valley section of West Kelowna, there is a parking lot on Westlake Road.
This loop walk, which is a portion of the 250-hectare park, circles the Rose Valley Reservoir amid open Douglas fir and ponderosa pine forests. Both the view of Mount Boucherie, a former volcano, and the panorama of Okanagan Lake are visible. The hike has a 477-meter elevation rise and is classed as moderate.
This is one of the top Kelowna hikes out of all the Kelowna hikes.
Like other park trails in Kelowna, there are numerous optional spurs and unofficial social routes. Refer to the park map to verify the Lake Loop route, or think about a shorter option to match your timetable.
For those who enjoy the outdoors and birdwatching, this trail is well-known. Locals visit this location in the spring to enjoy the beauty of arrowleaf balsamroot, sometimes known as Okanagan sunflowers.
Get a copy of the Kelowna Outdoor Trails map at the visitor center before you go hiking in Kelowna. It neatly rolls up and will be your dependable hiking partner.
4. Canyon Rim Trail
Canyon Rim Trail, the most famous and lengthy hike in Bear Creek Provincial Park, is particularly well-liked during summertime and autumn. You may reach the route early in the morning while camping in the park to go independent hiking. Hike in the spring to witness more water cascading beyond the waterfalls.
Elevated viewpoints along the walk offer breathtaking scenery of the valley, the surrounding landscape, and the waterfalls. Expect a breathtaking view of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake from the top of the eastern slope on the creek’s southern bank.
This is one of the most beautiful Kelowna hikes out of all Kelowna hikes.
You can experience two different microclimates thanks to the bridge that crosses the creek in the trail’s middle segment. You might expect clumps of grass and ponderosa pines whispering on Bear Creek Canyon’s drier north side. On the south side, where huge Douglas fir trees reach upward for the light, moss thrives in the moist shadows.
The 2.5-kilometre, well-maintained, and designated Canyon Rim Trail. The average hiker finishes the trail in an hour. Ascending steep terrain on a series of switchbacks, you hike the loop counterclockwise. Your ascent is made via a series of solid stairs with railings in a counterclockwise direction.
The trail is classified as moderate and gains 90 meters in height. To get to Bear Creek Provincial Park, take Westside Road, 11 kilometres north of the city center. Across the street from the park’s entrance gate is the parking area for the trailhead.
5. Myra Canyon Trail
While trekking the Myra Canyon Trail, you will discover an ancient engineering masterpiece. The Kettle Valley Railway was built more than a century ago along this original line.
The 24-kilometre round-trip track is flat and simple to walk, but you are not required to cover all distances. You pass via six trestle bridges, one tunnel, and the first two kilometres of walking. You will never tire of the views over the canyon and farther.
The Myra Station trailhead is situated 18 kilometres southeast of Kelowna and is over 800 metres higher than Kelowna. The city center. Turn onto Myra Forest Service Road after passing the McCulloch Road Gallagher’s Canyon Golf & Country Club.
This is one of the best Kelowna hikes out of all the Kelowna hikes.
If you’d like to enjoy the entire trail but lack time to hike it, think about renting a bicycle. The trailhead offers easy access to rentals.
6. Kelowna Waterfront Trail and Crawford Falls Trail
6.1. Kelowna Waterfront Trail
Along the Kelowna Waterfront Trail, interact with residents and other tourists. Urbanites use it all year long as a popular entryway for fitness, dog walks, commuting, and taking strolls to their preferred park seat or beach.
Pavement, a wooden boardwalk, and gravel make up the surface appropriate for bicycles, wheelchairs, and strollers. A few trail segments reach a maximum elevation of 66 meters, providing views of the city and Okanagan Lake and opportunities to take in sunsets.
You can access this trail wherever it is most practical. If you want to hike the entire distance, start at Kelowna’s City Park and Hot Sands Beach, where there is enough parking. 5.3 kilometres roundtrip make up the Kelowna Waterfront Trail.
It is likely that you will take the trail in and out frequently to enjoy the lake, admire the opulent boats docked at the Kelowna Yacht Club, snap pictures of beavers or great blue herons in Rotary Marsh Park, or simply get a cool drink.
6.2. Crawford Falls Trail
If you appreciate seeing and being near waterfalls, the Crawford Falls Trail is a match made in heaven. You’re in for a treat since Bellevue Creek has a couple of waterfalls that you may see in a stunning natural setting.
Crawford Falls Trail is located in the 9.85-hectare Falls Canyon Park, less than 12 kilometres from the city’s center. The one-kilometre-long track primarily follows a level surface. The hike is classified as easy. However, each of the falls can only be reached by making a special effort and having good balance. The first and second sets of falls, which are respectively six and twelve meters high, are all distinct in their appearances.
7. Mission Creek Greenway and Mount Boucherie Trail
7.1. Mission Creek Greenway
The Mission Creek Greenway is a 36-hectare stretch of parkland and has a main route, tangents and loops, picnic spaces, rest areas, and locations to analyze the natural world environment. also, city parks are all around you.
There are 14 locations throughout 16.5 km of flat biking and walking pathways where you can access the greenway. To the west of the Gallagher’s Canyon Golf & Country Club, where it empties to the south of Kelowna’s city into Okanagan Lake, the route follows salmon-bearing Mission Creek.
Along the route, there are detailed educational signs that describe the social and environmental history of the area beside the directional charts that show you where you are.
The Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan, which has displays that explain the local animals and plants, is located halfway down the path. To encourage you to visit local natural places, it also gives data on each park in central Okanagan.
You will undoubtedly cross the Mission Creek Greenway as you wander about the south and southeast Kelowna. Take a stroll after stopping at an available trailhead parking area. You don’t have to walk the full greenway trail to enjoy the scenery and exercise. The city celebrates the greenway’s first and second phases when a project is finished. The trail will eventually travel 26 kilometres to Mission Creek Falls.
7.2. Mount Boucherie Trail
Ten kilometres outside the center of Kelowna, in Mount Boucherie Regional Park, are some of the best and most well-liked hiking routes in West Kelowna. East Boundary Road is the starting point for the most beautiful trail leading to Mount Boucherie’s summit and breathtaking views. Locals frequent this moderately difficult, 5.6-kilometre round-trip track, which is open in the spring, summer, and winter.
The trail offers little shade, which contributes to the hot summers that can occur here. You can see lava flow traces where some exposed dark rock appears to have been melted by the sun, but this mountain was once a 2,000-meter-high volcano that blew its top 50 million years ago.
Today’s ascent of Mount Boucherie has a 300-meter height gain. The distinctive vantage point from the peak captures Okanagan Lake and Kelowna’s skyline.
Expect to spot the occasional bald eagle along the trail, a deer close to a swampy meadow, and inukshuk-shaped cairns at the summit. Take a moment to check the bottoms of your footwear for thorny cactus fragments while admiring the scenery.
8. Scenic Canyon Regional Park
The Mission Creek Greenway’s notable section, Scenic Canyon Regional Park, offers some of Kelowna’s most breathtaking views of nature. This 158-meter elevation increase, a five-kilometre round-trip climb, is well-liked all year long and is considered easy.
The parking space at 3965 Field Road is the greatest location from which to access the route into Scenic Canyon Regional Park, close to Gallagher’s Canyon Golf & Country Club. East of the city center, this trailhead is located 15 kilometres.
The walk links visitors to geological structures that are visible and canyon faces with steep walls in addition to breathtaking vistas. See the surviving rock ovens that the earliest Chinese workers utilized.
You can continue your hike past the 2.5-kilometre trail’s turning point if you want extra time on the greenway.
9. Gellatly Bay Trail
The Gellatly Bay Trail offers a variety of sights to observe across a level, four-kilometre return route with good pavement for those who choose to meander or speed up the pace. You may enjoy this maritime trail any day of the year. In the summer, you might want to pack a swimsuit so you can take a swim at one of the beaches or leap off the old wharf.
To enjoy the view across Okanagan Lake, park your vehicle in the Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park’s parking lot and go to the shore. Join the northbound trail that circles Cove Lakeside Resort. The route passes the West Kelowna Yacht Club and Marina Park as it continues to run parallel to Gellatly Road.
This is a great location for a picnic with the cooler of snacks in your car’s trunk on a hot day.
10. Paul’s Tomb Trail
Paul’s Tomb Trail is the most popular nature trail in both Knox Mountain Park and the City of Kelowna. There is a short 100-meter elevation gain on the flat, 2.7-kilometre walk that leads to Paul’s Tomb. One kilometre from Knox Mountain Road’s beginning lies the Lower Crown Lookout parking area, where the trailhead is situated.
This is one of the top Kelowna hikes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlEGcjyQuH0
Up until the trail‘s terminus at a pebble beach, it runs parallel to Okanagan Lake’s shore. The ideal location for a picnic, a swim, and – for the more daring – a cliff jump is at this turnaround. Diving off the deep end into Okanagan Lake is Paul’s Tomb’s summer reward.
I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading about the top Kelowna hikes and were motivated to at least try a few of them.
While visiting Kelowna, British Columbia, be sure to take advantage of the numerous breathtaking hikes available. Plan your trip as soon as you can; it will be worthwhile
Last Updated on by Sanjana
