Hikes in Okanagan Valley
Western Canadians love to flock to the Okanagan Valley during the crisp summer months—and for good reason, this British Columbian region boasts 50 lakes. Kalamalka, Okanagan, Skaha, and Wood are the most popular lakes, where people bask in the sun's rays along the many beaches lining the glistening waters.
But summertime bliss and watersports aren't the only outdoorsy activities spanning this area: you'll find a network of hikes in the Okanagan. Some walks sit deep in the backcountry, while other trails lead to unreal views of one (or more) of the many lakes nestled in the valley. The best part is that you don't have to drive far to lace up your shoes and wind to charming vistas!
Hiking in the Okanagan Valley is a fantastic way for all ages to immerse in nature and get moving! The inner town and nearby provincial parks offer relaxed walks that require little effort for a big reward. The Monashees, although further away, will satisfy avid hikers seeking a more rugged experience. You'll also find creekside walks—some that lead to waterfalls—tucked away in the trees near downtown cores.
The Okanagan Valley consists of several towns and cities, including Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Summerland, and Peachland. All encompass a similar family-friendly charm, but if you're looking for the perfect combination of city fun and outdoor adventure, Kelowna is your greatest bet. However, all cities and towns are in the thick of adventure hotspots or super close to hikes, biking trails, ski resorts, and the list goes on.
The Greatest Walks in the Okanagan Valley
Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or challenging backcountry wonders, the best hikes in the Okanagan Valley have you covered. Kids will enjoy the trestles along the Myra Canyon Trail, and anyone looking for a leisure day will fall in love with the bright blue-green water flanking the Okanagan Rail Trail. For more intensity, the Enderby Cliffs are where to go. The views from the top will make you feel like you're watching a fairytale from a bird's eye view. Then there's the Monashees, where more hardcore hikers want to find untouched scenery along paths-less-travelled-by.
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Enderby Cliffs
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Twin Lakes Hike
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Boucherie Rush Trail
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Myra Canyon Trail
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Knox Mountain via Apex Trail
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Ellison Park
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Rattlesnake Point Trail
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Sugarloaf Mountain
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Bluenose Mountain
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Spectrum Lake
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Pincushion Mountain Trail
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Hardy Falls Hike
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Naramata Creek Falls Hike
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Peach Cliff Trail
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Mount Kobau Hike
Looking for an unreal half-day excursion? The Enderby Cliffs Hike in Enderby is a fantastic option, especially if you're staying in Vernon or Armstrong. The steady elevation gain leads you to the top of a cliff face, where you can admire the Shuswap River crisscrossing through the valley below. Be sure to bring a lot of water and some snacks as you'll need to replenish at the top.
The Twin Lakes Hike is one of the best adventures in the Monashees! This 8.3 km hike leads you along a challenging 507 m elevation, but the reward makes the momentary pain worthwhile. Expect to marvel at mountains bordering glistening lakes! The Twin Lakes Hike is truly a backcountry wonder.
Located in West Kelowna, the Boucherie Rush Trail is a microcosm of a lot of hikes in the Okanagan Valley: it's not long and gets your heart pumping. Marvel at the glistening Okanagan Lake nestled between a metropolis and rolling hills. The sharp elevation gain in a short period may be too much for younger kids to handle!
Don't let the 24.9 km distance prevent you from taking on this phenomenal adventure—one of the best family-friendly experiences in the Okanagan. You don't have to do the entire thing to revel in exceptional scenery! Several people turn around at the 6.0 km- 8.0 km mark, making it a 12.0 km- 14.0 km walk. This is also a multisport trail, making biking an option.
You'll find a network of trails etched across Knox Mountain. And if you want a straightforward route that leads to a magical up-high perspective of Okanagan Lake and Kelowna's sprawling metropolis, this 4.0 km adventure is tailor-made for you.
Head out from Ellison Provincial Park along the Ellison Nature Park Trail towards a scenic swimming cove! This walk is an excellent summer-friendly activity that immerses you in nature and grants the chance to cool off the refreshing Okanagan Lake. The verdancy, wildflowers, and vistas of the lake en route make this walk extra peaceful.
Break up your beach day at Juniper Bay in Kalamalka Provincial Park with a quick walk to Rattlesnake Point. The best part is that you can always extend this walk along one of the many connecting trails after or before reaching the stunning viewpoint that unveils the ever-so magical Kalamalka Lake.
Want to escape the crowds? The Sugarloaf Mountain Hike gets you on a trail that doesn't attract a lot of traffic. But just because people don't flock to this area doesn't mean it's not worthwhile. The overlook of Okanagan Lake and the valley resting below are just as stunning as some of the best hikes in the Okanagan Valley.
Fuse exercise with exceptional valley views on this hike near Vernon! The Bluenose Mountain Hike may be short, but it's a great substitute for regular exercise, and it takes you to a vista of a puzzle of acreages carved across the valley. Admire the faded Monashees lining the backdrop, too! But that's not the only view you'll see. After this pitstop, opt to head back the way you came or continue towards a second vantage point, where rolling hills embroidered with trees captivate. Expect a lot of switchbacks!
Another masterpiece of an adventure tucked into the Monashees: Spectrum Lake Hike. This hike takes you along an easy-to-follow trail towards the mountain-backed Spectrum Lake. Revel in the refreshing wild air while you take a dip in this mountain lake before turning around heading back the way you came. Do note that you may need a 4x4 to reach the trailhead.
The Pincushion Mountain Trail in Peachland has you tackling an elevation gain of 245 m in 3.4 km! But don't worry. You'll have a chance to rest when you reach the vantage point opening up to an image of Okanagan Lake glittering below. Families and dogs will love this short, rewarding trail!
The Hardy Falls Hike takes you over a series of eight bridges en route to a waterfall. The 1.0 km distance and relatively flat terrain have worked together to cement this walk as a family favourite in the Okanagan's Peachland. Those with strollers can do this one, too!
Immerse in a heavily forested area and follow a partially maintained path to a roaring waterfall. Be prepared to cross the creek twice en route! While this 1.8 km hike is family-friendly, it's essential to keep an eye out for poison ivy and roots while you walk.
Peach Cliff Trail is a fun kid-friendly hike that takes you along an out-and-back route. Before you turn around, spend some time admiring the viewpoint revealing Skaha Lake glistening below. Turn this into an epic adventure by having a picnic at the top!
The Mount Kobau Hike sits an hour from both Oliver and Osoyoos, but the drive is definitely worth it—even if the hike is super short. However, the walk takes little effort—making up for the car ride—and unveils sweeping views of a lake tucked in the valley and peaks stretching into the horizon. Bring some food, games, and make a day out of it!
When Is The Best Time To Hike in the Okanagan Valley?
Most hikes in the Okanagan Valley grant year-round access. If you plan to hike in winter, be sure to pack along crampons to prevent slippage in the snow. While this area is the postcard of summer, the snowy views fall into the ever-so-lovely "winter wonderland" category, making hiking here in winter just as magical but in a different way.
Best Regions for Hiking in the Okanagan Valley
To find the most hikes within close proximity, head to either Vernon or Kelowna, where various walks and views await. But the most epic hikes are tucked into the Monashees. However, it's probably best to stick to the hikes in and around Vernon, Kelowna, or any of the towns in the Okanagan Valley if you're with your kids.
Other Outdoor Activities in the Okanagan Valley
You've probably already guessed the answer to this: water sports! In the summer, spend time kayaking, water skiing, paddle boarding, beach-lazing, beach volleyball, rowing, and the list of water-related activities goes on and on. But that's not all! There are many incredible lakeside camping spots, such as Mabel Lake Provincial Park, Fintry Campground, Bear Creek Provincial Park, to name a few. If you're renting or own a boat, you can always find some secluded lakeside spots inaccessible by car and stay there for the night. Just be sure to clean up after yourself and be mindful of wildlife.
When the snow blankets the area, head to either Big White or Silver Star Mountain Resort for high-quality skiing and snowboarding. Another option is to go snowshoeing or cross country skiing! A notable spot to snowshoe or cross country ski is Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre.
Road biking in Okanagan Valley is another outdoor activity that's rising in popularity and it's a great way to explore more hidden gems of the valley at your own pace. Check out our best road biking trails in Okanagan Valley.
And lastly, you can't go to the Okanagan without hitting up a winery. You'll find several vineyards stretching across slanted hills backed by lakeside views. Locals love to hop on their bicycles and create a makeshift wine tour. Try this out with the wineries in Lake Country!
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Okanagan Valley from Vancouver?
It takes around 4-5 hours to drive from Vancouver to the Okanagan Valley — not bad, right?! The distance by road is approximately 380.0 km.
What is the Okanagan Valley famous for?
The Okanagan Valley boasts of neverending fruit trees, ranging from apple to cherry to peach. Just imagine biting into a juicy peach on a hot summer's day while you sit lakeside. Talk about a dream!
What are the main cities in the Okanagan Valley?
Kelowna is the biggest city, thanks to its ability to cater to the young with its city fun and all ages with its beachfront activities and easily accessible hikes. Vernon, Penticton, Peachland, Summerland are all great secondary places to consider staying when you visit.
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Best Hikes in Okanagan Valley
Okanagan High Rim Trail
The Okanagan High Rim Trail is a fun 55.0 km backpacking route that travels from Kelowna to Vernon, but this route guide highlights one 12.0 km section of this awesome trek! The backcountry Grandview Campsite also makes it possible to turn this easy-moderate hike into a fun overnight outing.
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Giant’s Head Hike
Looking for the ultimate family-friendly hike in Summerland, BC? You’re in luck! The Giant’s Head Hike is tailor-made for all skills levels. To top it off, it snakes to unreal views of Okanagan Lake tucked into the lush, rolling valley sprawled below. You can find more trails laced throughout the area leading to Giant’s Head, making it possible to amp up your heart rate if you’re in the mood for more exercise and intensity!
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Pinnacle Lake Trail
Pinnacle Lake Trail demands a lot from hikers, physically, but the alpine lake nestled into a theatre of the green-covered rock face at the top pays off for the intense exertion. To make matters better, you can turn this into a mini backpacking trip and stay the night for free, without booking, along the shores of the lake.
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Denison Lake Trail
When summer rolls around, the Okanagan Valley’s scorching hot weather propels most to flock to the beaches, but why not change things up a bit and go on a well-shaded hike to a backcountry lake, where you can cool off and bask in quieter, remote views. The Denison Lake Trail immerses you in the Okanagan’s less-travelled rustic backyard!
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Myra Bellevue Trail
The Myra Bellevue Trail takes you around a wide loop, granting far-away unveilings of Okanagan Lake nestled at the forefront of rolling hills. This is an excellent route for locals looking for a change of hike as it immerses you in nature and gets your body moving. It’s also a multi-use trail, so expect to encounter animal friends like horses and dogs, as well as fellow adventurers choosing to take this route via mountain biking instead of hiking.
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McIntyre Bluff Hike
The McIntyre Bluff Hike leads to one of the most revealing views of the Okanagan Valley. From the top, admire the patches of land, varying in colour and shades, and shimmering lakes nestled in an amphitheatre of rolling hills. Currently, the trailhead at Covert Farms is closed, but you can still do this hike—just prepare for some added kilometres.
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Blue Grouse Mountain Hike
The Blue Grouse Mountain Hike near Kelowna, BC, is a challenging hike that carries you up a steep ascent to a rewarding view of the Okanagan Valley. But don’t worry! You’ll get the intense climb done early before the trail relaxes.