Hiking

The Mission Creek Greenway acts as the main artery for accessible outdoor activity. This flat, crushed-gravel path follows the water for over 16 km, with shaded sections suited for families, strollers, and casual walkers. Multiple access points and washrooms along the way let you easily customize the distance. You can take a short walk or push further east until the terrain shifts into Scenic Canyon Regional Park.

For a straightforward walk with a clear destination, take the Paul's Tomb route in Knox Mountain Park. This well-maintained path is roughly 4.8 km return and hugs the shore of Okanagan Lake. It ends at a quiet, secluded pebble beach that works well for a summer swim. The path gets its name from the stone tomb built by Rembler Paul, an early pioneer, which sits near the turnaround point.

The Myra Canyon trestles are part of the historic Kettle Valley Railway in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park. This wide, flat corridor takes you across 18 wooden trestle bridges and through two tunnels. It is heavily used by both pedestrians and cyclists. The full out-and-back distance is 25 km, but you can turn around at any time, keeping it manageable for all fitness levels.

Local tips

• Bike rentals operate at the Myra Canyon trailhead parking lot.
• The beach at the end of Paul's Tomb is a quiet alternative to the busier city sands.
• The Mission Creek Greenway has multiple parking lots, including major ones at Casorso Road and Hollywood Road South.

Knox Mountain Park sits just north of the downtown core. The main route, the Apex Trail, is a steady climb with some steep sections over its 4 km roundtrip. The path is heavily travelled and leads to the upper lookout, giving you a clear vantage point over the city, Okanagan Lake, and the west side. It is a local staple for a quick, intense workout.

Head southeast to walk through Scenic Canyon Regional Park. This area highlights dramatic geological formations like Layer Cake Mountain and Pinnacle Rock. The paths here connect with the Mission Creek Greenway but involve more elevation gain, including stairs and switchbacks. Walking through the canyon gives you a close look at the region's volcanic past and demands a solid physical effort.

Across the bridge, Rose Valley Regional Park contains an extensive network of paths with sightlines back toward the main city. The terrain varies from wooded areas to open grasslands and steep cliffs. Routes like the Yellow Bell Loop are moderately difficult with some sharp inclines. The park sustained damage during a recent wildfire, so some sections may remain closed for restoration. Always respect the posted signage.

Local tips

• Wear sturdy footwear for the Apex Trail because sections have loose rock.
• Dogs are permitted on-leash in these specific parks.
• Mountain bikers heavily use Rose Valley, so keep your head up and listen for approaching riders.

For a short but intense physical test, drive to Goats Peak Regional Park on the west side of the lake. The Mountain Goat Trail is a difficult 1.3 km climb that zig-zags up the slope, gaining 235 metres in elevation. A viewing platform at the peak looks out over Okanagan Lake. The route has loose scree and dirt, making proper footwear essential for the descent.

Further north in Lake Country, the Spion Kop network delivers widespread 360-degree views. Using trailheads like Raven Ridge, you can choose from several routes to the summit. The Arrowleaf and Summit paths are difficult, with significant, continuous elevation gain. From the top, you can spot Wood, Kalamalka, and Okanagan lakes.

The Spion Kop area is a large wilderness reserve with over 17 km of marked routes. You must carry your own water and navigation tools because there are no washrooms or water taps on the mountain. The network winds through dense forests and over exposed grassy ridges, feeling much more remote than the city parks. Stay on the marked routes to protect the soil and respect private property boundaries.

Local tips

• Goats Peak gets very hot with little shade, so tackle it early in the morning during summer months.
• Parking at Spion Kop trailheads is limited, so arrive early in the day.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it on these remote routes.

Basic courtesy keeps these outdoor spaces in good shape for everyone. The fundamental rule is to leave no trace. This means packing out everything you bring in, including all garbage and food waste. Stay on the designated paths to prevent erosion and protect the fragile Okanagan ecosystems that surround them.

When you encounter other people, be friendly and aware. On multi-use paths, cyclists must yield to pedestrians and horses. A friendly bell or a vocal heads-up when passing helps avoid collisions. When walking on an incline, those travelling uphill have the right-of-way. If you need to stop for a break or a photo, step to the side so others can pass easily.

Keep your pets under control. Most regional parks require dogs to be on a leash at all times. This protects your pet, other people, and the local wildlife. You must pick up after your dog and drop the waste bag in a designated bin, never leaving it on the side of the path.

Spending time outside in the Okanagan means sharing the space with local wildlife. The most common animals you will see are deer, marmots, and various birds. Black bears, coyotes, and rattlesnakes also live in this region. Making noise while you walk, by talking or clapping, helps alert animals to your presence and prevents a surprise encounter.

You should carry bear spray, especially when travelling on less-trafficked or remote routes. Know how to use it and keep it clipped to your hip or chest, not buried inside your backpack. If you see a bear, stay calm, do not run, and back away slowly while speaking in a firm voice. Never feed wildlife, as this creates dangerous situations for both the animal and future visitors.

Rattlesnakes often sun themselves on warm, rocky paths. They are not aggressive but will strike if they feel threatened. Give them a wide berth and find a safe way to walk around them. Always watch where you step, especially in rocky or tall grassy areas. Keeping pets on a leash prevents them from provoking a snake.

Local tips

• Avoid walking at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.
• Travel in groups when possible.
• Store food securely and pack out all garbage.

The Okanagan summer brings intense heat. Temperatures routinely spike, making midday exertion uncomfortable and dangerous. During July and August, start your walk early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the peak heat of the day. Always carry more water than you think you need, as dehydration happens fast on exposed slopes.

Sun protection is mandatory. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Choose routes with heavy tree cover, like the lower sections of the Mission Creek Greenway, for midday walks. Exposed, south-facing slopes like Goats Peak and Knox Mountain get dangerously hot. Listen to your body and take breaks in the shade.

Fire season runs from late spring through early fall. Wildfires start quickly and lead to immediate park closures. Before you head out, check for the latest advisories. Official sources like the BC Parks website and the Regional District of Central Okanagan parks site have the most current information. Never smoke or light fires in parks, and report any signs of smoke immediately.

Local tips

• Check the air quality index before heading out, as wildfire smoke poses a serious health hazard.
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing to stay cool.
• Always carry a fully charged phone in case of an emergency.