Kelowna Snowshoeing Guide: Where to Go & What to Know
Snowshoeing in Kelowna is such a fun way to experience winter in the Okanagan! Kelowna is famous for its sunny summers, but when the snow falls, Kelowna transforms into a whole new kind of beautiful. The trails are quiet, the scenery is stunning, and snowshoeing is hands-down one of the best ways to get out there and soak it all in.
Whether you’re new to snowshoeing or just looking for fresh trails to explore, this guide will help you plan your adventure and point you toward some of the top spots around Kelowna to hit the snow.
Snowshoeing is my personal favourite way to get outside in the winter! It sure helps that it’s way more affordable than skiing or snowboarding.
Guide to Snowshoeing in Kelowna
Kelowna’s snowshoeing trails have a little something for everyone. Want a peaceful stroll through the trees? Done. Looking for stunning mountain views? You got it. Whether it’s a quick trip close to town or a full-on backcountry adventure, there’s no shortage of awesome options.
You can pretty much snowshoe any trail, but below are some of the best spots to strap on your snowshoes and explore everything Kelowna has to offer.
Kelowna Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Club
✅ Price: Day passes are $5 for youth and $10 for adults. Annual memberships are also available.
Kelowna Nordic has over 80 km of snowshoe trails, and in my opinion, it’s one of the best places for snowshoeing in Kelowna. The trail network is huge and has well-marked routes that range from chill loops to longer treks.
One of my favourite parts about Kelowna Nordic is how dog-friendly it is. Being able to bring your pup along to watch them bounce through the snow makes the whole experience so fun!
The cozy warming huts are another highlight. They’re perfect for taking a break, pulling out a thermos of something hot, and enjoying winter’s stillness before heading back out. Jacob and I always like to hang out a little longer in the huts, it really feels like a reward after putting in so much effort on the trails.
Big White Ski Resort
✅ Price: Day passes are $15 and annual passes are $119.
Big White might be famous for skiing and snowboarding, but it’s also an amazing spot for snowshoeing. It’s about an hour from Kelowna, which makes it an easy day trip if you’re looking for a change of scenery. If you’re new to snowshoeing or just want a little extra guidance, they even offer guided tours that are a fun way to get to know the mountain.
There are 25 km of snowshoe trails at Big White and the views of the Monashee Mountains are incredible. The network has a mix of gentle trails and more challenging routes, so whether you’re after a relaxed stroll through the snow or a workout that gets your heart pumping, you’ll find it here.
One of my favourite parts of snowshoeing at Big White is finishing the day in the Village. After hours outside, nothing beats warming up with good food and a drink before heading back down the mountain. It makes the whole outing feel like a little winter getaway.
Myra Canyon Trestles
✅ Price: Free
Snowshoeing the historic trestles at Myra Canyon feels straight out of a postcard. Just a short drive from downtown Kelowna, the trail follows the old Kettle Valley Railway and you’ll hike past sweeping canyon views and over the iconic wooden trestles. It’s such a unique way to see the area in winter.
The trail is 12 km one-way (24 km round trip), but don’t let the distance scare you. It’s flat and easy to follow, which makes it perfect if you’re new to snowshoeing or just looking for something more relaxed. You can always turn around earlier if you don’t feel like tackling the full length.
Getting there can sometimes be the trickiest part. The road up to the trailhead isn’t always plowed, so having a 4×4 or high-clearance vehicle is a good idea. That said, in the 2024/25 season the road was maintained regularly, which made access a lot easier.
Telemark Nordic Club
✅ Price: Day passes are $5/youth and $10/adults. Season passes are also available.
Telemark Nordic Club in West Kelowna is one of my go-tos for snowshoeing. With almost 50 km of trails, you can wander through snowy forests and really make a whole day of it. And yes, some trails are dog-friendly, so your pup can bounce through the snow right alongside you.
What I love most about Telemark is how easy it is to mix things up. Some days I just do a short loop, but other times, I’ll head out on the longer routes and turn it into a proper workout. The trails are super well-marked, which means you can just relax and enjoy the scenery instead of stressing about directions.
Every time I snowshoe here, I find something new to love. Maybe it’s the way the trees are heavy with snow, maybe it’s the views, or maybe it’s just that perfect quiet you only get in the forest in the middle of winter.
Crystal Mountain
✅ Price: Connected to Telemark, prices are the same as the club.
If you’re looking for a snowshoe trail that’ll really test your legs, Crystal Mountain is the one to take on. Starting from Telemark Nordic Club, this 15 km route is no joke. It’ll have you huffing and puffing, but the views along the way make every step worth it. Plan on spending 3-4 hours out there, depending on your pace.
This isn’t your average snowshoe and Crystal Mountain is best suited for experienced snowshoers who want a workout. If that sounds like you, you’ll love the challenge and the reward at the top.
Knox Mountain Park
Knox Mountain is a local favourite in the summer and that definitely doesn’t stop in the winter! It’s super close to downtown Kelowna, has fantastic views, and is perfect for a quick snowshoe. You can hit the trails and be back in time for lunch or coffee downtown.
There are a lot of trails to choose from, but here are two of my favs:
- Paul’s Tomb Trail: This is one of the most popular trails on Knox because, well, it’s awesome. This trail is perfect if you’re in the mood for a snowshoe with fantastic views of Okanagan Lake.
- Lochview Trail: This hidden gem often flies under the radar! The trail connects to the beach at Paul’s Tomb, except from the opposite end of the park. It’s much less crowded which makes it perfect for a quiet adventure (without actually being that secluded).
PS: Paul’s Tomb and Lochview connect, so you could do them both in one go.
✅ Price: Free
KLO Creek Regional Park to Angel Springs
✅ Distance: 10.3 m | Price: Free
Angel Springs is hidden away in KLO Creek Regional Park in East Kelowna, and it gives you a mix of dramatic canyon scenery and quiet stretches of forest where the only sound is snow crunching under your snowshoes. The trail follows a frozen creek most of the way, which adds a lovely winter touch.
The out-and-back trail is about 10.3 km, and while that might sound long, it’s actually a pretty approachable snowshoe and a good choice if you’re still building confidence on winter trails. You won’t hit a ton of steep climbs, but you’ll still get a nice workout as you make your way deeper into the canyon. Along the route, you’ll cross icy creek beds and pass natural springs.
If you’re looking for something a little different from the more popular trails, Angel Springs is worth the drive. Angel Springs might not be as well known as some of the other Kelowna snowshoeing spots, but that’s part of what makes it so great!
Pincushion Mountain
If you’re looking for a short-but-steep snowshoeing adventure near Kelowna, Pincushion Mountain in Peachland is a must! This 3.5 km trail is a solid workout with a steady uphill climb that’ll get your heart going.
To tackle Pincushion in the winter, make sure your snowshoes have good crampons and heel lifters. The trail can get icy, especially on the steeper sections, and you’ll want that extra grip. The climb takes you through forested paths with peek-a-boo views of Peachland and Okanagan Lake along the way.
If you’re up for a bit more exploring, check out the backside trail which is a slightly longer 4.3 km route that offers a quieter, more gradual climb. It’s a great option if you want to avoid the steeper sections and take your time enjoying the winter scenery.
✅ Price: Free
Spion Kop
If you’re looking for a snowshoeing adventure with plenty of variety and incredible views, Spion Kop in Lake Country is a fantastic choice. This large network of interconnected trails has something for every snowshoer, whether looking for a leisurely walk or a climb to the summit.
The trails weave through peaceful forests, open meadows, and rocky viewpoints with plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the views over Lake Country and Okanagan Lake. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Kelowna, Vernon, and the surrounding mountains!
✅ Price: Free
Goat’s Peak Regional Park
Goat’s Peak in West Kelowna is an awesome spot for a snowshoe adventure that’ll get your heart pumping! The 5.8 km trail is a solid workout with plenty of elevation gain and the views of Okanagan Lake are totally worth the effort.
This trail isn’t your typical forest hike; it’s pretty exposed with rocky outcrops, switchbacks, and steep climbs, which means some sections can get icy or too rocky for snowshoes, so make sure to pack crampons for those trickier spots.
✅ Price: Free
Okanagan Mountain
If you’re looking for a snowshoe adventure that feels like an escape from the city, Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park is calling your name. The trails here are remote, rugged, and full of epic views over Okanagan Lake; but fair warning, you’ll need to put in some work to earn them!
Popular routes like Divide Lake or Buchan Bay have stunning winter scenery, with a mix of forested paths, rocky outcrops, and open views. The trails aren’t well-marked, so it’s best for more experienced snowshoers. Make sure to bring GPS, layers, snacks, and crampons for icy spots, you’ll thank yourself later.
Kettle Valley Railway
If you’re after a beginner-friendly snowshoe near Kelowna, the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) is a great pick! It’s flat, scenic, and super easy to follow. You’ve probably heard of Myra Canyon, which is one of the most popular sections, but the KVR actually stretches 660 km from Hope to Castlegar (don’t worry, you’re not doing the whole thing!).
The trail winds through quiet forests and has some great views of the Okanagan Valley. Since it’s an old railway bed, it’s a steady, easy walk with no steep climbs which makes it perfect for beginners or families.
Popular winter access points include June Springs Road and Myra Forest Service Road. Just a heads-up, though, you’ll likely need an AWD or 4×4 to reach them since the roads can get icy and very snowy.
✅ Price: Free
Minnow & Haynes Lake Loop
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Kelowna and enjoy some peace and quiet, the Minnow and Haynes Lake Loop at McCulloch Reservoir is the perfect spot. You’ll get to snowshoe around two lakes in one trip, how cool is that?
This trail is basically an old FSR that winds through beautiful, snow-covered forests and around two frozen lakeshores. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, about 40 minutes from downtown Kelowna, but it’s worth the drive out.
Heads up, though: you’ll definitely want an AWD or 4×4 vehicle to get here in the winter. The roads can get pretty snowy and slick, and you don’t wanna get stuck.
✅ Price: Free
Scenic Canyon Regional Park
Scenic Canyon along the Mission Creek Greenway is a great spot for a snowshoeing adventure right in Kelowna. The route is beginner-friendly, with some elevation change from the trailhead to the creek and multiple paths to explore.
The trail has canyon views, snow-covered pine forests, and a few unique features like historic rock ovens, a towering rock pinnacle, and even remnants from Kelowna’s gold panning days.
✅ Price: Free
Little White Mountain
Little White Mountain is one of Kelowna’s best-kept secrets for a challenging snowshoe adventure. Located about 90 minutes from downtown, this is a backcountry hike.
The snowshoe route to Little White’s summit takes you through beautiful forests, past snow-covered meadows, and up to sweeping views of the Okanagan Valley, including glimpses of Big White in the distance. It’s a steep climb with plenty of elevation gain, so this trail is best suited for experienced snowshoers.
Accessing the trailhead is difficult; you’ll need a high clearance 4×4 or AWD. I haven’t been in the winter and have seen reports than only snowmobiles can access it, but I can’t confirm that.
✅ Price: Free
Important Safety Tips for Snowshoeing
One of my favourite things about snowshoeing is how easy it is to dive in. No expensive passes, fancy gear, or years of experience needed! It’s such a fun and accessible way to enjoy Kelowna in the winter.
That said, a little preparation goes a long way. Picking the right trail, dressing for the weather, bringing the ten essentials, and knowing what to expect makes all the difference in having a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Carry a Map
Winter in Kelowna is magical, but familiar summer trails you love are likely completely hidden under a blanket of snow. That’s why it’s super important to come prepared when you head out snowshoeing.
I always recommend carrying a map, downloading a GPS app like AllTrails, or even better, doing both! Winter adventures can throw you a curveball and it’s easy to get turned around.
Don’t forget to pack a portable power bank to keep your phone charged. Cold weather drains batteries faster than you’d think. And just to be extra safe, tuck a paper map into your bag for backup. Better safe than sorry, right?
Communication
When you’re out snowshoeing around Kelowna, don’t count on your cell service to save the day; it’s not always reliable out there. That’s why it’s so important to let someone know your plans: where you’re heading, when you’re starting, and when you expect to be back.
To stay even safer, consider using the location-sharing feature on apps like AllTrails, Strava, or Life360. These let your friends track your progress in real-time, but they will drain your phone battery faster. That’s why a fully charged phone and a portable power bank are essential.
If you’re planning to spend a lot of time on less-traveled trails, it’s worth investing in a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach for emergency SOS and location sharing just in case you need help when cell service isn’t an option.
Dress for the Cold
Layers, layers, layers; that’s the golden rule for staying warm and comfortable while snowshoeing in Kelowna. The right layers can mean the difference between a fun adventure and a freezing trek you wish you could cut short.
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin (yes, you’ll sweat even in winter!). Add a warm, insulating middle layer to trap heat and top it off with a waterproof shell and down jacket to keep the snow and wind at bay.
You’ll warm up quickly once you start moving, so bring a backpack to stash bulkier layers. Don’t skip the heavier gear, though; if you run into an emergency or the weather takes a turn, having those layers makes all the difference in staying safe and warm.
And don’t forget the finishing touches: warm, moisture-wicking socks, waterproof gloves, a toque, and a buff or scarf to shield your face from the wind.
Water & Snacks
Snowshoeing in Kelowna can be a serious workout and it burns more calories than you might expect! Staying hydrated and fueled is key to keeping your energy up and making the most of your snowy adventure.
Bring plenty of water in an insulated bottle (check out this local company) to prevent it from freezing. Along with water, pack snacks that are high in protein and healthy fats like jerky, nuts, or trail mix. For a little indulgence and an energy boost, toss in some chocolate, it’s a winter trail classic!
For an extra treat, pack something warm in a thermos like soup, tea, or hot cocoa. Trust me, there’s nothing better than sipping on something warm during a trail-side break.
Where to Rent or Buy Snowshoes in Kelowna
If you’re looking to gear up for a snowshoe adventure in Kelowna but don’t have your own pair, no worries! There are plenty of spots around town where you can rent or buy snowshoes, whether you’re heading out for a one-time trip or want to invest in your own gear for the season.
From outdoor shops to rental spots that offer flexible rates, here’s a quick guide to where you can find the right snowshoes for your next winter adventure!
- Play It Again Sports: Affordable rentals and a selection of used gear to buy.
- MEC: High-quality snowshoes for sale and rent.
- Village Centre Mall, Big White: Convenient snowshoe rentals for use within the resort.
- Fresh Air Kelowna: Knowledge staff to help you buy snowshoes.
- Atmosphere: Often have great sales on snowshoes (this is where we bought ours).
Enjoy Snowshoeing in Kelowna!
Kelowna is such a great place for snowshoeing! There are endless trails to explore, from peaceful lakeshores to challenging mountain climbs. Whether you’re new to snowshoeing or a seasoned adventurer, there’s no shortage of great routes to enjoy during the winter months.
With so many incredible spots right in our backyard, I think snowshoeing is one of the best ways to get outside, stay active, and enjoy the Okanagan’s beautiful winters. So, grab your gear, bundle up, and hit the trails. I’ll see you out there!
