Hikes in Okanagan Valley

Western Canadians love to flock to the Okanagan Valley during the crisp summer months—and for good reason, this British Columbian region boasts 50 lakes. Kalamalka, Okanagan, Skaha, and Wood are the most popular lakes, where people bask in the sun's rays along the many beaches lining the glistening waters.

But summertime bliss and watersports aren't the only outdoorsy activities spanning this area: you'll find a network of hikes in the Okanagan. Some walks sit deep in the backcountry, while other trails lead to unreal views of one (or more) of the many lakes nestled in the valley. The best part is that you don't have to drive far to lace up your shoes and wind to charming vistas!

Hiking in the Okanagan Valley is a fantastic way for all ages to immerse in nature and get moving! The inner town and nearby provincial parks offer relaxed walks that require little effort for a big reward. The Monashees, although further away, will satisfy avid hikers seeking a more rugged experience. You'll also find creekside walks—some that lead to waterfalls—tucked away in the trees near downtown cores.

The Okanagan Valley consists of several towns and cities, including Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Summerland, and Peachland. All encompass a similar family-friendly charm, but if you're looking for the perfect combination of city fun and outdoor adventure, Kelowna is your greatest bet. However, all cities and towns are in the thick of adventure hotspots or super close to hikes, biking trails, ski resorts, and the list goes on.

What’s New in 2026

• This is rattlesnake country, and knowing that changes how you walk. The Okanagan is the Canadian range of the western, or northern Pacific, rattlesnake, British Columbia’s only venomous snake, and it lives in exactly the grassland, dry open forest and rocky slopes these trails cross. It is not aggressive and it would far rather avoid you: watch where you put your hands and feet, keep dogs on a leash, step onto rocks and logs rather than over them, and if you hear a rattle, back away slowly and give it room. The species is at risk in BC and legally protected, so never harass or kill one. Trails like the Rattlesnake Point Trail and the hikes around Osoyoos, Oliver and Penticton are prime habitat.
• Summer heat is the real limiting factor here, not winter. The Okanagan is the hottest and driest corner of Canada, with valley temperatures regularly sitting in the low to mid thirties Celsius through July and August, and many of the best viewpoint trails are south-facing, treeless and without water. Start at first light, carry at least two litres a person, and consider swapping an exposed ridge for a creekside or lakeside walk in a heatwave.
• Wildfire has reshaped some of these trails, and the hazards outlast the fire. Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park lost most of its trees in the huge 2003 fire, and BC Parks still warns of unstable trees, holes and loose rock there, which is worth remembering on the Okanagan Mountain Hike. The McDougall Creek fire of August 2023 burned nearly 14,000 hectares above West Kelowna, affecting the country the Mount Hayman via McDougall Rim Trail passes through. Check current trail status before heading into burned areas, especially after rain or wind.
• Not everything here is a year-round trail. The valley-bottom and lakeside walks around Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton genuinely are open all year with the right footwear, but the Monashee routes are a different matter. Twin Lakes, Spectrum Lake, Monashee Lake and Little White Mountain sit high enough to hold snow well into summer, and several of the access roads need a high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle, so save those for July through September.

The Best Walks in the Okanagan Valley

Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or challenging backcountry wonders, the best hikes in the Okanagan Valley have you covered. Kids will enjoy the trestles along the Myra Canyon Trail, and anyone looking for a leisure day will fall in love with the bright blue-green water flanking the Okanagan Rail Trail. For more intensity, the Enderby Cliffs are where to go. The views from the top will make you feel like you're watching a fairytale from a bird's eye view. Then there's the Monashees, where more hardcore hikers want to find untouched scenery along paths-less-travelled-by.

1. Enderby Cliffs

Looking for an unreal half-day excursion? The Enderby Cliffs Hike in Enderby is a fantastic option, especially if you're staying in Vernon or Armstrong. The steady elevation gain leads you to the top of a cliff face, where you can admire the Shuswap River crisscrossing through the valley below. Be sure to bring a lot of water and some snacks as you'll need to replenish at the top. There is almost no shade on the climb, so this is one to start early in summer.

2. Twin Lakes Hike

The Twin Lakes Hike is one of the best adventures in the Monashees! This 8.3 km hike leads you along a challenging 507 m elevation, but the reward makes the momentary pain worthwhile. Expect to marvel at mountains bordering glistening lakes! The Twin Lakes Hike is truly a backcountry wonder. Being high in the Monashees, it holds snow into early summer.

3. Boucherie Rush Trail

Located in West Kelowna, the Boucherie Rush Trail is a microcosm of a lot of hikes in the Okanagan Valley: it's not long and gets your heart pumping. Marvel at the glistening Okanagan Lake nestled between a metropolis and rolling hills. The sharp elevation gain in a short period may be too much for younger kids to handle!

4. Myra Canyon Trail

Don't let the 24.9 km distance prevent you from taking on this phenomenal adventure—one of the best family-friendly experiences in the Okanagan. You don't have to do the entire thing to revel in exceptional scenery! Several people turn around at the 6.0 km- 8.0 km mark, making it a 12.0 km- 14.0 km walk. This is also a multisport trail, making biking an option.

5. Knox Mountain via Apex Trail

You'll find a network of trails etched across Knox Mountain. And if you want a straightforward route that leads to a magical up-high perspective of Okanagan Lake and Kelowna's sprawling metropolis, this 4.0 km adventure is tailor-made for you.

6. Ellison Park

Head out from Ellison Provincial Park along the Ellison Nature Park Trail towards a scenic swimming cove! This walk is an excellent summer-friendly activity that immerses you in nature and grants the chance to cool off the refreshing Okanagan Lake. The verdancy, wildflowers, and vistas of the lake en route make this walk extra peaceful.

7. Rattlesnake Point Trail

Break up your beach day at Juniper Bay in Kalamalka Provincial Park with a quick walk to Rattlesnake Point. The best part is that you can always extend this walk along one of the many connecting trails after or before reaching the stunning viewpoint that unveils the ever-so magical Kalamalka Lake.

8. Sugarloaf Mountain

Want to escape the crowds? The Sugarloaf Mountain Hike gets you on a trail that doesn't attract a lot of traffic. But just because people don't flock to this area doesn't mean it's not worthwhile. The overlook of Okanagan Lake and the valley resting below are just as stunning as some of the best hikes in the Okanagan Valley.

9. Bluenose Mountain

Fuse exercise with exceptional valley views on this hike near Vernon! The Bluenose Mountain Hike may be short, but it's a great substitute for regular exercise, and it takes you to a vista of a puzzle of acreages carved across the valley. Admire the faded Monashees lining the backdrop, too! But that's not the only view you'll see. After this pitstop, opt to head back the way you came or continue towards a second vantage point, where rolling hills embroidered with trees captivate. Expect a lot of switchbacks!

10. Spectrum Lake

Another masterpiece of an adventure tucked into the Monashees: Spectrum Lake Hike. This hike takes you along an easy-to-follow trail towards the mountain-backed Spectrum Lake. Revel in the refreshing wild air while you take a dip in this mountain lake before turning around heading back the way you came. Do note that you may need a 4x4 to reach the trailhead.

11. Pincushion Mountain Trail

The Pincushion Mountain Trail in Peachland has you tackling an elevation gain of 245 m in 3.4 km! But don't worry. You'll have a chance to rest when you reach the vantage point opening up to an image of Okanagan Lake glittering below. Families and dogs will love this short, rewarding trail!

12. Hardy Falls Hike

The Hardy Falls Hike takes you over a series of eight bridges en route to a waterfall. The 1.0 km distance and relatively flat terrain have worked together to cement this walk as a family favourite in the Okanagan's Peachland. Those with strollers can do this one, too!

13. Naramata Creek Falls Hike

Immerse in a heavily forested area and follow a partially maintained path to a roaring waterfall. Be prepared to cross the creek twice en route! While this 1.8 km hike is family-friendly, it's essential to keep an eye out for poison ivy and roots while you walk.

14. Peach Cliff Trail

Peach Cliff Trail is a fun kid-friendly hike that takes you along an out-and-back route. Before you turn around, spend some time admiring the viewpoint revealing Skaha Lake glistening below. Turn this into an epic adventure by having a picnic at the top!

15. Mount Kobau Hike

The Mount Kobau Hike sits an hour from both Oliver and Osoyoos, but the drive is definitely worth it—even if the hike is super short. However, the walk takes little effort—making up for the car ride—and unveils sweeping views of a lake tucked in the valley and peaks stretching into the horizon. Bring some food, games, and make a day out of it!

When Is The Best Time To Hike in the Okanagan Valley?

Most hikes in the Okanagan Valley grant year-round access. If you plan to hike in winter, be sure to pack along crampons to prevent slippage in the snow. While this area is the postcard of summer, the snowy views fall into the ever-so-lovely "winter wonderland" category, making hiking here in winter just as magical but in a different way. Spring and autumn are arguably the sweet spots, though. The Okanagan is the hottest, driest region in Canada, and by midsummer the exposed valley trails can be punishing in the afternoon, while the high Monashee routes are only clear of snow from about July. April to June brings wildflowers and green hillsides, and September and October bring cool air, vineyard colour and far fewer people.

Best Regions for Hiking in the Okanagan Valley

To find the most hikes within close proximity, head to either Vernon or Kelowna, where various walks and views await. But the most epic hikes are tucked into the Monashees. However, it's probably best to stick to the hikes in and around Vernon, Kelowna, or any of the towns in the Okanagan Valley if you're with your kids.

Other Outdoor Activities in the Okanagan Valley

You've probably already guessed the answer to this: water sports! In the summer, spend time kayaking, water skiing, paddle boarding, beach-lazing, beach volleyball, rowing, and the list of water-related activities goes on and on. But that's not all! There are many incredible lakeside camping spots, such as Mabel Lake Provincial Park, Fintry Campground, Bear Creek Provincial Park, to name a few. If you're renting or own a boat, you can always find some secluded lakeside spots inaccessible by car and stay there for the night. Just be sure to clean up after yourself and be mindful of wildlife.

When the snow blankets the area, head to either Big White or Silver Star Mountain Resort for high-quality skiing and snowboarding.

Road biking in Okanagan Valley is another outdoor activity that's rising in popularity and it's a great way to explore more hidden gems of the valley at your own pace. Check out our best road biking trails in Okanagan Valley.

And lastly, you can't go to the Okanagan without hitting up a winery. You'll find several vineyards stretching across slanted hills backed by lakeside views. Locals love to hop on their bicycles and create a makeshift wine tour. Try this out with the wineries in Lake Country!

Plan Your Trip to the Okanagan Valley

The Okanagan is one corner of hiking in British Columbia and the wider hiking in Canada. If you would rather have the planning handled, browse our Guided tours in North America.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the Okanagan Valley from Vancouver?

It takes around 4-5 hours to drive from Vancouver to the Okanagan Valley — not bad, right?! The distance by road is approximately 380.0 km.

What is the Okanagan Valley famous for?

The Okanagan Valley boasts of neverending fruit trees, ranging from apple to cherry to peach. Just imagine biting into a juicy peach on a hot summer's day while you sit lakeside. Talk about a dream!

What are the main cities in the Okanagan Valley?

Kelowna is the biggest city, thanks to its ability to cater to the young with its city fun and all ages with its beachfront activities and easily accessible hikes. Vernon, Penticton, Peachland, Summerland are all great secondary places to consider staying when you visit.

Are there rattlesnakes in the Okanagan Valley?

Yes. The Okanagan is one of the few parts of Canada where rattlesnakes live, in this case the western or northern Pacific rattlesnake, the province’s only venomous snake. They favour dry grassland, open forest and rocky slopes, and are most often seen from spring through early autumn in the southern valley around Penticton, Oliver and Osoyoos. Bites are rare and the snakes avoid people where they can. Watch where you place hands and feet, step onto rocks rather than over them, keep dogs leashed, and if you hear a rattle, stop and back away calmly. The species is at risk and protected, so never handle or harm one.

When is it too hot to hike in the Okanagan?

Midsummer afternoons on the exposed trails. This is the hottest, driest region in Canada, and trails such as Peach Cliff, Okanagan Mountain and the ridge routes above Kelowna carry little shade and no water. In July and August, start at sunrise and be finished by late morning, carry at least two litres per person, and on heatwave days choose a shaded creek walk such as Mill Creek or BX Falls, or a lakeside route with a swim at the end.

Find other amazing hiking regions in British Columbia

• hiking in Whistler
• hiking in Kootenay National Park
• hiking in Glacier National Park
• hiking in Mount Revelstoke National Park
• hiking in Yoho National Park
• hiking in Strathcona Provincial Park