Our Favourite Hiking Trails in the Okanagan

 Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to explore the stunning trails of the Okanagan Valley. From the scenic Myra Canyon to the challenging Knox Mountain, the region offers diverse hiking experiences for all levels. We love to stick closer to home on evening hikes after work since there isn’t much daylight left, but we will begin travelling further away as summer arrives. Hiking is such a great way to stay fit and enjoy time with family, and the photos we get are amazing. 

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, being well-prepared is key to enjoying the beauty safely and comfortably. Here is a wide variety of our favourite hikes and essentials we like to take with us. 

🌄 Top Hiking Trails in the Okanagan

The Okanagan Valley is home to numerous trails that showcase its natural beauty:

• Glen Canyon is a great West Kelowna location that we frequent every year it’s located just off the highway and has multiple entrances for changing difficulty.

• We just discovered Terravita Walkway behind our house and it has lots to explore as well. It says it’s private on Alltrails but there is public access all over the mountain. 

• Goats Peak is a fantastic trail with lots of great views, they have recently made improvements to it as well. It is one of the easier hikes on the list as it is not steep and is well maintained. 

• Pincushion mountain is located in Peachland and this is one of the more difficult terrains as well. It is steep and rocky, but the views of the Okanagan Lake are gorgeous.

• Another challenging one worth the work is The City On The Edge Of Forever, this one is located near rose valley and is pretty steep. Pack plenty of water and use good hiking boots. 

• Knox Mountain via Apex Trail: A popular trail offering panoramic views of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake. 

• Myra Canyon Trail: Known for its historic trestle bridges and tunnels, this trail provides a unique hiking experience. Myra Canyon Adventure Park is a great adventure as well. 

• Boucherie Rush Trail: Located in West Kelowna, this trail offers a moderate hike with rewarding views of the valley. Boucherie is one of the harder ones on this side of the bridge for sure, I recommend doing some easier ones first to get warmed up. 

• We are hoping to do Carrot Mountain this year as it is one I have never done yet. It is located pretty close to home and supposed to be one of the longer hikes. 

For more trail options, Hike The Okanagan and Tourism Kelowna provide comprehensive guides to the best hikes in the area.

🎒 Essential Hiking Gear

Before hitting the trails, ensure you have the following essentials:

• Navigation Tools: A map, compass, or GPS device to stay on track.

• Hydration: Carry enough water and consider a portable water filter for longer hikes.

• Nutrition: Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and dried fruit. We love to take Frubites with us as there is no prep, mess, or chance of spoiling. 

• Clothing: Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions.

• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction.

• First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications.

• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.

• Emergency Shelter: A lightweight tarp or emergency bivy sack.

• Lighting: A headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.

• Fire Starter: Matches, a lighter, or fire starter sticks.

These items align with the “10 Essentials” recommended for safe hiking. 

🧭 Safety Tips

• Plan Ahead: Research the trail and check weather conditions before your hike.

• Tell Someone: Inform a friend or family member about your hiking plans and expected return time.

• Stay on Marked Trails: To protect the environment and for your safety, stick to established paths.

• Be Wildlife Aware: Understand the local wildlife and know how to react if you encounter animals.

• Leave No Trace: Carry out all trash and minimize your impact on the natural surroundings.

I’m really hoping to learn more about foraging and enjoying natural treats while we are hiking. We learned some great morel mushroom spots last year so we will continue to do that but I would love to learn about even more. I will be looking into this new adventure over the next few months so stay tuned to learn with me. 

For more tips on enjoying the outdoors and making the most of your adventures, check out this great article on budget friendly adventures.

Happy hiking! 🌲🥾