Best Parks in Kelowna: Kelowna, BC Parks & Recreation Guide

Visiting a public park is the best way to enjoy fresh-air activities year-round. Fortunately for Kelowna residents and those visiting or planning a move to the city, there are plenty of options, as over 200 parks, green spaces, and beaches are available. If you want to get out and explore this city's green spaces, read more to discover the best parks in Kelowna, BC.

Kelowna City Park

Address: Kelowna City Park, 1600 Abbott St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1B7, Canada

Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Kelowna City Park has a great variety of fun activities. People who love friendly competition can enjoy games such as lawn bowling, while more serious types can focus on the sand volleyball courts or soccer field. Dedicated areas also exist for tennis and skateboarding enthusiasts. Kids can enjoy the playground areas, while those looking to relax can gaze over Okanagan Lake.

Close to downtown Kelowna, the park also has a running track and washrooms for those wanting a quick workout before or after work. There are also plenty of picnic areas for groups to get together and celebrate on the weekends. The lakefront areas have a long strip of sandy beach, and leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park. There is also a children's water park and aqua park on the grounds for those warm summer days, in addition to concession stands with food and snack options.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Address: Mission Creek Regional Park, 2363 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC V1X 7N7, Canada

Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

While smaller parks offer a great chance to relax after a long day, Mission Creek Regional Park is a complete experience. At an entire 92 hectares, this park provides the perfect escape. Like many other outdoor havens, the area has picnic tables and places for gathering to enjoy the fresh air.

Dogs are allowed on a leash, and owners must clean up after their pets. There is also a playground on-site. A fishing pond designed specifically for children can help them learn the pastime.

However, the area's main benefit is the vast open spaces with opportunities for watching and interacting with wildlife. Perhaps the most fulfilling way to enjoy the park is to pick a trail and spend the day taking in nature. The Turtle Pond Trail lasts 0.45 km, while at 3.5 km, the Soopollalie Trail is the longest in the park and follows parallel to Mission Creek.

Each of the trails includes opportunities to locate one of the 100+ types of birds living in the park, such as the hairy woodpecker or magpie. Animal lovers may also spot red squirrels, mule deer, or gopher snakes. Flowers like brown-eyed Susans, wild roses, and nightshades are also visible from many of the trails. Visitors can print out the park checklist and track how many are spotted!

Waterfront Park

Address: Waterfront Park, 1200 Water St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R7, Canada

Hours: Daily, all hours

Waterfront Park is another downtown destination. Running along the edge of Okanagan Lake, the park provides opportunities for all water-related amenities. The beach area is available for relaxing or watching the lovely birds congregate. The park is close enough to downtown for a brisk walk during lunch or a relaxing jog after work. On warmer days, visitors can enjoy swimming in the designated area along the lakefront.

People love that the park is right next to the Grand Hotel, providing opportunities to walk directly from their room to the lakeshore areas. There is a concession at the park for refreshing drinks or food for visitors to replenish without leaving the scenery behind. The washroom facilities allow park-goers to clean up after swimming or exercising.

Likely the best part of the park, the boardwalk charts a long path alongside the lake's edge. It is possible to follow this path to City Park to discover a different experience. Before leaving Waterfront, however, visitors should be sure to visit the uniquely landscaped gardens and succulent greenery or become inspired by the contemplative public art displays created by local and famous creators. They can also take a look at the city skyline from the natural environment's perspective.

Knox Mountain Park

Address: Knox Mountain Park, 450 Knox Mountain Dr, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9X3, Canada

Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

First dedicated to the community in 1939, Knox Mountain Park is more than 300 hectares and located north of downtown. Whereas many parks in the area are primarily flat, this particular site hosts a summit nearly 300 metres in height. However, the western edge of the park also borders Okanagan Lake. This combination provides unparalleled views to thrill onlookers.

Surrounding developments of waterfront homes and luxury properties feature breathtaking views of the summit and lake. People hiking the summit can experience scenic views overlooking the water or nearby skyline. Sitting alongside the lake also provides views, as well as the opportunity to study the mountain slopes.

Knox Mountain Park features spectacular walking, running, hiking, and biking paths. There are areas where dogs can roam free, but much of the park requires a leash. Visitors can also enjoy a disc golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, and swimming areas.

Bear Creek Provincial Park

Address: Bear Creek Provincial Park, Westside Rd, Kelowna, BC V0E 1S0, Canada

Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Created in 1981, Bear Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest parks in the community at 178 hectares. The area sits in part of the Okanagan Basin to the west of Okanagan Lake. Perhaps most known as a place for camping, Bear Creek also has over 400 metres of sand-filled beaches and 5 km of hiking trails. The breathtakingly scenic canyon is a unique feature created by Bear Creek, carving its way through the bedrock.

Potential visitors should know that reservations are required for camping during the summer because of the bustling crowds. Additionally, the park also maintains a concession near the gates during this season. Along with hiking and viewing the wildlife, there are several other things to do. Water lovers will find areas marked for swimming, water-skiing, fishing, and canoeing. Those who enjoy other exercises can cycle or walk through trails with leashed pets.

Boyce-Gyro Beach Park

Address: Boyce-Gyro Beach Park, 3400 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna, BC V1W 3S9, Canada

Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

As the name implies, Boyce-Gyro Beach Park is primarily a sandy area on the edge of Okanagan Lake. It is located south of Kelowna's downtown area and is about 3.60 hectares large. This area is an excellent location for traditional beach activities during summer, such as swimming, water-skiing, or boating. The beach also has sand volleyball courts for those wanting to challenge competitors. Energetic types will find a playground area for hours of fun.

Dogs are allowed at Boyce-Gyro Beach Park as long as they remain on a leash, and washrooms are available.

Mill Creek Regional Park

Address: Mill Creek Regional Park, 6300 Spencer Rd, Kelowna, BC V1X 7T7, Canada

Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

At 15.3 hectares, Mill Creek provides a great system of trails following the progress toward the falls. Because the area is shaded and mostly flat, it is an excellent way for visitors to enjoy a stroll and watch the wildlife. Nature lovers can search the surrounding area to identify favourite birds or plant species. Because the park does not allow motorized vehicles, fires, or overnight camping, this is generally a quiet area.

Dogs are allowed on a leash as long as owners clean up pet waste. People can visit the park during different seasons to get completely different insights into the cycles of botanical and animal lives.

Don't Miss the Fresh Air in Kelowna's Best Parks

Kelowna residents have opportunities for fresh air, stress relief, and nature education right in their community. Locations exist with areas for quiet contemplation or boisterous fun.

If the opportunities in Kelowna excite you, contact the agents at KelownaHomes.ca at 250-999-9844 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find the perfect home in Kelowna today.