Find Amazing Scenery Near You at These 6 Kelowna Hiking Trails and Walking Paths

Anyone visiting or living in the city of Kelowna might have a shared passion for the great outdoors. Thanks to the temperate climate, millions of nature lovers flock here annually to visit, while residents have year-round access. One of the best ways to enjoy British Columbia's nature is to head out to Kelowna's best trails. Dozens of communities are situated along the banks of Okanagan Lake, a hotbed of trailheads leading to mountain views, valleys, and an abundance of wildlife viewing points.

Apex Trail in Knox Mountain Park

While Knox Mountain Park has a few trails, one of the locals' favourites is Apex Trail. This hike has a moderate difficulty with the occasional steep parts but offers excellent views of the lake and wilderness surrounding it.

True to its name, Apex Trail takes visitors to the summit of Knox Mountain, which rises 300 metres above Okanagan Lake. This trail is an excellent outing for those who appreciate nature and are seeking incredible vistas of the valley below. The park has a swimmable beach area, pickleball courts, tennis courts, and disc golf. Winter recreation is popular here, too, and dogs on leashes are welcome on the trails.

Mission Creek Greenway

Mission Creek Greenway is a linear trail that runs 16.5 kilometres right along the banks of Mission Creek. This stunning trail is easy to moderate in difficulty and has the added benefit of connecting to several other local Kelowna parks. This out-and-back pathway beckons one to drop a line in the river to try and catch a fish or rest at the picnic and viewing areas.

Mission Creek Greenway also features a scenic section near the Environmental Education Center for the Okanagan, which is free to enter and explore. Dogs are welcome on leashes at this year-round park to join walkers, hikers, joggers, and cyclists. Bathrooms are conveniently located near the parking lot.

Paul's Tomb at Knox Mountain Park

Paul's Tomb in Knox Mountain Park is a challenging course of 4.8 kilometres of predominantly uphill hiking. However, anyone with some experience who can handle the distance will enjoy this forest setting—especially between April and September. Cyclists, walkers, and pedestrians frequent the out-and-back path throughout the year, and snowshoers and cross-country ski enthusiasts explore the trail in winter.

Knox Mountain Park has many natural amenities and represents multiple ecosystems, including wetlands, dry interiors, and ponderosa pine/bunchgrass. These are fragile areas, so pets must always stay leashed on the trail way and are prohibited from traversing the grasslands.

Kelowna Waterfront Boardwalk

Along the Kelowna Waterfront Boardwalk, pedestrians can enjoy an easy 5.6-kilometre walk showcasing Okanagan Lake's scenery. This pathway connects to the wilderness-filled Rotary Marshes area, where one can often spot beavers, squirrels, eagles, and herons. The trail combines pavement and gravel sections passing by marinas, beach volleyball courts, playgrounds, water parks, and a thrilling skate park.

Dogs are allowed on the waterfront's trails and boardwalk but must be under control at all times and remain leashed throughout the park boundaries. The gradient here can be steep towards the end of this trail, but there are benches for rest stops along the route.

Bear Creek Loop Trail in Bear Creek Provincial Park

The Bear Creek Loop Trail is a short 2.1-kilometre hike along the western side of Okanagan Lake. It is situated in Bear Creek Provincial Park, which encompasses around 180 hectares of space. There is a highlight to this walking, hiking, and jogging trail beyond the fantastic bird-watching opportunities: a rewarding set of waterfalls along the route that are well worth stopping at any time of year.

The trail is moderate and contains mostly paved and gravel surfaces, making it kid-friendly and dog-friendly—although pets must remain on leashes. Many people come out to swim in the creek and enjoy doing so near the falls, which is a nice break from the hike during warm weather.

Shannon Lake Regional Park

Shannon Lake Regional Park is a smaller park with only 3.7 hectares of parkland that wraps around the picturesque Shannon Lake community in the West Kelowna area. There is a small trail system for pedestrians and cyclists, and dogs on leashes are also welcome on the park's pathways.

There are a few picnic tables near a floating dock where people enjoy swimming and sunbathing. Kids can participate in the park's Go Fish program during summer, and the waters are great for spotting turtles and other waterbirds that nest and reside here.

Overnight camping is not allowed at this park, and open fires, motorized vehicles, and smoking are prohibited on the trails. Bears are sometimes active at Shannon Lake Regional Park.

Find a Kelowna Home Amidst an Abundance of Nature

Anyone choosing between Canadian cities with vibrant attractions and amenities should consider moving to Kelowna. This amazing community has great jobs, tons of public transportation, and housing options ranging from condos to luxury homes. Connect with nature here and explore Kelowna's many offerings today!

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.