Best Walking & Hiking Trails Near the Okanagan Valley

Experience the unspoiled grandeur of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley from a new perspective. The Okanagan Valley's best hiking and biking trails are much more than mere escapes from the everyday—they're nature's gallery, set against a backdrop of vineyards, orchards, mountains, and sparkling lakes. They plentiful places you can go hiking near Kelowna are just a small part of the region's outdoors. From rugged mountain peaks to tranquil lakeside paths, the Okanagan Valley beckons explorers to immerse themselves in its stunning vistas and diverse ecosystems.

Little White Mountain

Little White Mountain is a challenging hike that should only be attempted by experienced hikers. It includes a significant elevation change, and hikers should plan for at least half a day. The rewarding views from the top of Little White Mountain are well worth the effort for those who can make it to the top. The Southwest Mission area and the Crawford Estates neighbourhood of Kelowna are the closest ones to this trailhead.

Even reaching the trailhead requires a bit of a drive. Follow the June Springs Forestry Road to the Kettle Highway Railway Trail southeast of town. Turn right and drive past the Bellevue Trestle until arriving at the parking lot for the Upper Crawford Trail.

Bring water, a GPS, bear spray, and some snacks for this hike. The base of the trail is about 4,150 feet in elevation, and the peak of Little White Mountain is about 7,095 feet high. The round-trip, out-and-back trail is nearly 16 kilometres in length. A shorter alternate route begins in Myra Bellevue Provincial Park. The trail from this direction is 5.1 kilometres long and features a nearly 1,500-foot elevation change. This is a moderate trail that takes about 90 minutes to complete.

Myra Bellevue Provincial Park

Residents living in the Crawford neighbourhood or in Kelowna South's homes have direct access to the day-use area of Myra Bellevue Provincial Park. Follow Stewart Road East to the south until it turns into a dirt path and terminates at a public parking lot. A marked trailhead on the eastern side of the parking lot is labelled the Lost Lake Trail. This is a jumping-off point for many trails winding through the park's wilderness.

Trails that can be explored include:

• Fairlane Loop
• Upper Bench
• Jekyll and Hyde
• Heckle
• Windfall
• Earring
• Boris and Natasha
• And many more!

There are many kilometres of trails, each offering varying difficulty levels. Myra Bellevue Provincial Park—which adds considerably to the suite of things to do in Kelowna—is open year-round, but the best time to visit is usually between mid-April and October 15, when services are available. Note that the trails are subject to closure due to inclement weather at any time. Leashed dogs are allowed on trails throughout the park.

Spion Kop Hiking Trails

The Spion Kop Hiking Trails are located in the hills between Wood Lake and Okanagan Lake, in the Lake Country area to the north of Kelowna. There are several moderate trails in the Spion Kop network, which lead to various overlooks. There are also three different trailheads to start out on a journey. The trails are well-groomed, but it is essential to remember that they are surrounded by private property, even if they don't have visible homes nearby.

The Raven Ridge Trailhead is at the end of Northstar Lane, in a neighbourhood of spacious luxury homes and Lake Country waterfront homes. The Upper Lakes Trailhead is at the end of Derek Trethewey Drive. The Spion Kop Trailhead begins at the end of Old Mission Road, closer to Wood Lake. The various trails range from 0.9 kilometres to 2.6 kilometres in length. Most have slight elevation gains.

Three different overlooks offer rewarding views of the Valley: Grand Overlook, North Overlook, and Spion Kop Overlook. Traversing to any of these allows views of Wood Lake, Duck Lake and Okanagan Lake, as well as the Bear, Knox, Little White, and Terrace Mountains.

Big White Summer Hiking

The Big White Ski Resort is about an hour's drive southeast of Downtown Kelowna. The resort obviously has a great ski season during the winter months, but there is also a network of outdoor hiking trails that the resort keeps open in the summer. The trails are open from late June until early September each year. This is an excellent chance for skiers to return to the mountain during the summer months and see the beauty waiting under all that snow the whole time.

There are five different trails available on the resort grounds, providing a great opportunity for homebuyers considering homes near Big White Ski Resort. Hikers can set out from the base of the mountain near the resort itself or ride the Bullet Chair to the top for a small fee and hike back down. The Alpine Meadows trail is less than .5 kilometres and only takes about 25 minutes to complete. It's rated Intermediate. Meanwhile, the Falcon Loop Trail is rated Intermediate and takes about four hours round-trip to complete. The Jaimeson Loop is a short trail (0.75 km), but it is rated Hard because it requires a bit of a climb. It takes about 30 minutes to hike the loop.

Hardy Falls Regional Park

Hardy Falls Regional Park is in the southern part of the community of Peachland. The park entrance is less than 30 minutes away from Downtown Kelowna, on the west side of Okanagan Lake. This is an incredibly scenic and family-friendly hike. The trail is rated Easy, just under 1 kilometre long, one-way. Walking to Hardy Falls can take as little as 10 minutes, but it's worth taking more time to view all the sights.

This trail is wheelchair accessible. It crosses eight bridges on its way to the waterfall, and benches are set up at the trail's end to sit and marvel at the view. When kokanee salmon spawn from August to February, they can be seen in the creek that borders the trail.

Hiking the Okanagan Valley

Undoubtedly, the Okanagan Valley's vast array of hiking and biking trails are more than a scenic delight; they're a testament to the region's inherent beauty. Exploring these trails offers a refreshing insight into the Valley's authentic essence, far beyond the limits of urban life; for homebuyers moving to Kelowna or elsewhere in the Valley, the trails offer endless opportunities for recreation. Whether an invigorating mountain climb or a leisurely bike ride by a shimmering lake, these trails promise a compelling adventure, enhancing the appeal of living in this captivating region.

If you're dreaming of living in the Okanagan Valley, call the agents at KelownaHomes.ca at 250-999-9844 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find your perfect Okanagan Valley home.