10 Best Hikes in Kelowna (from a Local)
Discover the best hikes in Kelowna! Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, there’s a trail here for you.
Looking for the Best Hikes in Kelowna?
As a Kelowna local, I’ve hiked these trails more times than I can count and they’re always my go-to spots for a hike. Whether you’re a visitor or a fellow local, these are, in my opinion, the best hikes in Kelowna.
You can chase waterfalls, soak up lake views, trek through semi-desert terrain, or wander in beautiful forests. Kelowna has hiking options for every adventure level and there’s something for everyone!
Grab your hiking boots, plenty of water, and let’s hit the trails!
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1. Apex Trail on Knox Mountain in Kelowna
4.2 km | 260 m gain | ~ 1 hr 45 mins | Moderate
If you only have time for one hike in Kelowna, do the Apex Trail on Knox Mountain! It’s such a beautiful hike and the bird’s-eye view of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake always blows me away. It’s a bit of a workout, but 100% worth it.
Knox Mountain is super popular — it’s close to downtown, yet it feels like a world away once you’re on the trails. There are tons of other hikes too, like Paul’s Tomb, Kathleen Lake, and Lochview Trail, so you can mix it up depending on how much time or energy you have.
2. Black Bear trail at Scenic Canyon Regional Park in Kelowna
6 km | 195 m gain | ~2 hrs | Moderately easy
The Black Bear Trail at Scenic Canyon Regional Park is one of my go-to hikes in Kelowna. Even though part of the trail is currently closed, don’t worry—you can still access the upper portion which is where the best part of the hike is anyway! This is where you can get the best view of the Pinnacle which is the park’s most well-known rock formation.
Don’t miss a little side trip down to the rock ovens, too; they’re really cool! Even with the partial closure, the upper part of the Black Bear Trail is still one of the best hikes in Kelowna.
3. Pincushion Mountain in Peachland
3.5 km | 265 m gain | 1 hr 30 mins | Moderate
Pincushion Mountain is one of those hikes I’ll go out of my way for every time—it’s just that good! Even though it’s a bit of a drive from Kelowna (about 30 minutes), it’s totally worth the extra effort. It has absolutely amazing views!
You start climbing almost right away and it’s definitely a bit of a workout, but when you reach the top and see Okanagan Lake stretching out in front of you, you’ll see why this is one of the best hikes near Kelowna. And if you get there just as the sun’s setting, it’s pure magic.
Tip: If you’re wanting to check out more hikes,try the Backside of Pincushion Mountain trail or the nearby Gladstone trail.
4. Lochview Trail on Knox Mountain in Kelowna
3.3 km | 142 m gain | 1 hr 30 mins | Moderate
Lochview Trail is one of Kelowna’s hidden gems and one of my personal favourites when I’m looking for a quieter hike. Tucked away just north of Paul’s Tomb on Knox Mountain, this hike has stunning views of Okanagan Lake and, surprisingly, isn’t well-known. I do this hike often when I want something scenic, but quiet.
The trail winds through a beautiful mix of forest and open views and it’s not too long which makes it a great option if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy some outdoor time. While nearby Paul’s Tomb is also a fantastic hike, Lochview Trail has this tucked-away charm that keeps me coming back!
5. Goat’s Peak Regional Park in West Kelowna
5.8 km | 399 m gain | 2 hrs 30 mins | Moderate
Goat’s Peak in West Kelowna is a fantastic hike with great views of Okanagan Lake, but don’t let its shorter length fool you—this one packs a punch! The quick elevation gain, combined with loose gravel sections, makes it more challenging than you might expect. I definitely recommend bringing hiking poles to help with the steeper spots.
Once you reach the top, though, you’re rewarded with incredible views of the lake. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the Okanagan’s beauty. The stunning views make the Goat’s Peak trail one of Kelowna’s must-do hikes!
6. Hoodoo Trail in Black Mountain Regional Park in Kelowna
6.6 km | 250 m gain | 2 hrs | Moderately Easy
Black Mountain Regional Park is one of Kelowna’s newest parks, but it’s quickly become one of my favourites for hiking. The Hoodoo Trail, in particular, is a gem.
It takes you through rolling grasslands with almost no shade, but the views are well worth it—especially when you catch that perfect glimpse of Okanagan Lake in the distance. If you’re there at sunset, the way the golden light hits the hills is absolutely magical!
I love how quiet it is out here—you’ll rarely run into anyone which makes it feel like your own personal escape. Just a heads-up, though, cougars, wolves, and bears have been spotted in the area so always bring bear spray and keep your dogs leashed.
7. Christie Falls on Terrace Mountain in West Kelowna
2.4 km | 105 m gain | 1 hr | Moderate
Christie Falls is hands down one of Kelowna’s best hikes! Tucked away in the hills behind West Kelowna, this stunning free-falling waterfall is totally worth the bumpy ride on the forest service road to get there. The drive into the mountains takes about an hour and you’ll want a high-clearance vehicle to tackle the rough terrain.
You can only really access Christie Falls from mid-May to early fall; otherwise, snow will block your way to the trailhead. Once you get there, the hike starts off easy but gets more challenging as you go. You’ll cross a few creeks and the fun really begins when you use a rope to carefully make your way down the cliffside to reach the falls. It’s an adventure!
8. Myra Canyon Trestles in Myra Bellevue Provincial Park in Kelowna
25 km (12 km one way) | Basically flat | 2 to 6 hrs | Easy
The Myra Canyon Trestles are one of Kelowna’s top attractions! It’s best explored by bike so you can see as much as possible, but you can definitely hike it, too. Along the way, you’ll cross 18 historic wooden trestles and pass through two rock tunnels, all built in the early 1900s as part of the Kettle Valley Railway.
You can hike the Myra Canyon Trestles year-round and spring to fall is when it’s busiest. If you’re heading up, plan to arrive early—the parking lot fills up fast! And don’t forget a jacket, even on warm days, because it can be pretty windy and chilly up there compared to Kelowna.
Tip: This is a there-and-back hike, not a loop. I recommend starting at Myra Station if you’re hiking.
9. Spion Kop in Lake Country
4.7 km | 253 m gain | 2 hrs | Moderate
The Spion Kop trail network might technically be in Lake Country, but for me, it easily ranks among the best hikes near Kelowna. It’s actually one of my go-to spots because the views from the summit are just incredible!
Spion Kop has a huge variety of trails—some are dedicated hiking paths while others are geared more toward ATVs and mountain bikers. The hiking trails are generally well-marked, but I always have AllTrails handy, just to be safe.
If it’s your first time at Spion Kop, I highly recommend taking the Arrowleaf, Summit, and Tower trails route. This loop gives you a perfect feel for the mountain and leads you right to the best part—the summit! The panoramic views of all the surrounding lakes are stunning. Bring a backpack cooler and enjoy a little summit picnic while soaking in the scenery—it’s the perfect way to finish the hike.
10. Boucherie Rush Trail on Mt Boucherie in West Kelowna
5.6 km | 300 m gain | 2 hrs | Moderate
Mount Boucherie is an extinct volcano right in the heart of West Kelowna and you can spot it from pretty much anywhere in the Kelowna area. It’s one of my favourite day hikes near Kelowna and has absolutely stunning views of Okanagan Lake and West Kelowna. If you can, head up at sunset—it’s pure magic watching the sky light up from the summit.
There are quite a few trails on the mountain, but the Boucherie Rush is the go-to for most hikers. It takes you up a series of switchbacks through a mix of shaded and exposed sections, so it’s a bit of a workout (especially when it’s hot). In the summer, this hike can feel like a scorcher, so come prepared with lots of water and maybe a hat. But the views from the top? Totally worth every step!
Other Noteworthy Kelowna Hikes
It was really hard to choose only ten of the best hikes in Kelowna — if it was up to me, there’d be about one hundred! But I know that’s not super helpful, so I had to be picky.
However, I couldn’t resist throwing in a few honourable mentions. Without furthur ado, please enjoy some of these other awesome Kelowna (and area) hiking trails.
- Fur Brigade Trail, Peachland | 7.9 km, moderate
- Gladstone Trail, Peachland | 4.2 km, moderate
- Rooster Tree Lake Loop in Rose Valley Regional Park, West Kelowna | 4.5 km, moderate
- Kalamoir Regional Park Loop, West Kelowna | 3.5 km, easy
- Mission Creek Greenway, Kelowna | 16.7 km, easy
- Canyon Rim Trail in Bear Creek Provincial Park, West Kelowna | 2.6 km, moderate
- Lebanon Creek Greenway Trail, Kelowna | 6.4 km, difficult
- Lightblue Lake in Stephens Coyote Ridge Regional Park, Kelowna | 4.2 km, moderate
- Angel Springs via KLO Creek, Kelowna | 10.3 km, moderate
- McDougal Rim, West Kelowna | 17.5 km, difficult
I hope you have a wonderful time trying some of the best hikes in Kelowna — get out there and see everything that this beautiful place has to offer for your outdoor adventures!
FAQs: Hiking in Kelowna
Most trails in Kelowna can be hiked all year, but the conditions vary a lot. Expect snow and ice from about mid November to February. Most trails will be snow-free from mid-April to late October. Prepare for mud in March and April. July and August are often too hot for comfortable hiking.
You’ll find everything from waterfall and lakeside hiking trails to mountaintop summits and semi-desert vistas in the Kelowna area.
The longest trail in Kelowna is the Okanagan High Rim Trail which spans from Highway 33 in Kelowna to Kalamalka Provincial Park in Vernon. It’s 53.1 km long and is a multi-day overnight hike (see more Okanagan backpacking trails).
Kelowna is great for hiking! There are trails for every skill level (except maybe mountaineering) and a huge variety of terrain and views to experience.
If you’re hiking in Kelowna in the summer, try to avoid hiking in the mid afternoon when it’s the hottest. Go early in the day or in the evening for the best temperatures. If you can’t avoid the heat, bring lots of water, electrolytes, and seek out shade often.