The Okanagan Valley is home to some incredible activities, amazing adventures and gorgeous scenery. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, fun with the family, challenging activities, or the simple serenity and profound stillness found deep in nature, there are a multitude of things to do in Kelowna year round.

Is Kelowna worth visiting in winter?

From outdoor skating at Stuart Park to snowboarding at Big White, Kelowna offers endless winter adventures. When mountain biking and boating seasons end, hitting the slopes or strapping on skates feels like a natural next step. The varied terrain attracts both hikers and mountain bikers, making it a popular destination for diverse outdoor activities. For those seeking tranquility, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking through Kelowna’s natural beauty offer profound moments of peace—deep in the forest or by the water, nature’s stillness creates a sense of belonging that’s hard to describe but universally felt.

Winter hikes not only offer a great workout, but also a spiritual experience, as the quiet of the season envelops you. If you’re seeking breathtaking views and the serenity of winter hiking, keep reading for our top spots and tips.

Introduction to Winter Hiking in Kelowna

Winter hiking in Kelowna offers a serene and peaceful experience, with snow-covered trails and breathtaking views of the Okanagan Valley. The city’s mild winter climate makes it an ideal destination for winter hiking, with many trails remaining accessible throughout the season. From easy walking trails to more challenging routes, Kelowna hikes provide a variety of options that cater to different skill levels and preferences.

Planning and Preparation

Before heading out on a winter hike in Kelowna, it’s essential to plan and prepare accordingly. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your winter hiking experience:

• Check the weather forecast and trail conditions before heading out. Some trails may be closed due to snow or ice, while others may require snowshoes or crampons.
• Dress warmly and wear layers, including a base layer, insulating layer, and waterproof jacket. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and scarf to keep you warm.
• Wear waterproof hiking boots or shoes with good traction to handle snowy and icy conditions.
• Bring a backpack with essentials such as water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a map.
• Consider bringing snowshoes or crampons if you plan to hike on trails with deep snow or ice.
• Let someone know your hiking plans and estimated return time.
• Choose a shaded hike for better comfort (during summer hikes), as trails with tree cover can provide relief from the sun.

Some popular winter hiking trails in Kelowna include:

• Knox Mountain: A moderately challenging route with stunning views of the city and Okanagan Lake.
• Myra Canyon: A scenic trail with 18 trestle bridges and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Mission Creek Greenway: A flat and easy trail that follows the creek and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Paul’s Tomb Trail: A short and easy trail that leads to a scenic viewpoint with stunning views of Okanagan Lake.

Remember to always prioritize your safety and the safety of others when hiking in winter conditions. Enjoy your winter hiking experience in Kelowna!

Our Top Picks For Winter Hikes In Kelowna

Paul’s Tomb

• Distance: 3 km round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~50 m
• Highlights: Found in Knox Mountain Park, this easy trail offers lake views and a small secluded beach. It’s a short and relaxing hike, perfect for a casual outing.

Paul’s Tomb, located along the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, is a popular hiking spot known for its stunning views and historical significance. The easy, 30-minute trail winds through forested areas and offers scenic overlooks of the lake. At the end, visitors find a small memorial to Paul D. Coyle, a notable local figure. The tranquil spot is perfect for reflection and is part of the larger Knox Mountain Park trail system, offering more hiking options and breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Mission Creek Greenway

• Distance: 16.5 km one way
• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Highlights: A flat, easy trail running along Mission Creek, suitable for walking, jogging, or cycling. It’s family-friendly with access to several scenic points​

Winter hiking at Mission Creek Greenway offers a serene escape with stunning views of snow-covered landscapes and the creek winding through the valley. The well-maintained, flat trail is perfect for a peaceful winter stroll, suitable for all skill levels. As you walk, you’ll pass through quiet, snow-dusted forests and wetlands, where you might even spot local wildlife in the crisp winter air. The Greenway is an ideal spot for those seeking a calm, scenic hike, offering a tranquil winter retreat just minutes from downtown Kelowna.

Okanagan Rail Trail

• Distance: ~50 km (one way, between Kelowna and Vernon)
• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Highlights: A flat, multi-use trail along the shores of Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake. It’s perfect for cycling, walking, and enjoying beautiful water views.

Winter hiking along the Okanagan Rail Trail offers a serene journey through snowy landscapes, with flat, well-maintained paths that make it suitable for all skill levels. Stretching alongside Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, and rolling hills, the trail provides breathtaking winter views of frozen waters and the surrounding valley. The peaceful atmosphere and chance to potentially spot wildlife make it an ideal choice for a serene winter escape. Proper footwear is recommended for icy or snowy sections, ensuring a safe and enjoyable hike on this scenic trail.

Kalamoir Loop Trail, West Kelowna

• Distance: ~3-6 km (depending on the loop taken)
• Elevation Gain: ~150 m
• Highlights: Peaceful trails along the shores of Okanagan Lake, wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to beaches.

Winter hiking on the Kalamoir Loop Trail in West Kelowna offers a scenic and peaceful adventure through snow-covered forests and along the shores of Okanagan Lake. The easy to moderate trail loops around the park, providing stunning winter views of the lake and surrounding hills. As you hike, you’ll enjoy the quiet beauty of the area, with opportunities to spot local wildlife as you breathe in the brisk winter air. The well-maintained trail is perfect for all skill levels, though proper footwear is recommended for icy conditions. It’s a serene and accessible winter escape close to the city.

Myra Bellevue Provincial Park

• Distance: 12 km round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~ 200 m
• Highlights: A popular, scenic route along the Kettle Valley Railway. It features historic trestles and tunnels with minimal elevation gain, suitable for all levels​

Winter hiking in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park offers a peaceful retreat into nature, with snow-carpeted trails that wind through dense forests, open grasslands, and rugged cliffs. The park’s highlight is the historic Kettle Valley Railway trestles, which provide breathtaking views and a touch of history to your adventure. Trails range from easy strolls to more challenging routes, making it suitable for various skill levels. In winter, the quiet atmosphere and chance to view wildlife such as moose, owls and more add to the park’s charm. Proper footwear and winter gear are recommended for navigating snowy and icy paths.

Knox Mountain—Apex Trail

• Distance: 2.1 km one way
• Elevation Gain: ~ 300 m

Highlights: A steep trail leading to breathtaking panoramic views of Kelowna, Okanagan Lake, and West Kelowna. This challenging hike is a favorite for locals​

Winter hiking on the Apex Trail at Knox Mountain offers a rewarding adventure with stunning views of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake blanketed in snow. The trail steadily ascends through snowy switchbacks, passing forested sections and rocky outcrops, before reaching the summit viewpoint. The invigorating winter air and serene atmosphere make this moderate hike a peaceful retreat close to the city. Proper footwear is essential, as snow and ice can make the trail slippery, but the panoramic winter vistas from the top are well worth the effort.

Mount Boucherie – Boucherie Rush Trail

• Distance: ~4.5 km round trip (depending on the route)
• Elevation Gain: ~300 m
• Highlights: Panoramic views of Okanagan Lake, volcanic rock formations, and diverse wildflowers. The summit offers an excellent vantage point of the surrounding valley.

The Boucherie Rush Trail on Mount Boucherie offers a stunning winter hiking experience with panoramic views of Kelowna, Okanagan Lake, and the surrounding mountains. The trail, with its moderate difficulty, provides a challenging yet rewarding ascent through a mix of forest and rocky terrain. In winter, the trail becomes a reposeful, snow-covered escape, offering a serene atmosphere and a chance to connect with nature. The crisp, fresh air and sweeping views make it a perfect winter hike for those seeking a bit of adventure and tranquility.

Blue Grouse Mountain

• Distance: ~10-15 km (varies based on the route taken)
• Elevation Gain: ~700-800 m
• Highlights: Spectacular views of Okanagan Lake and the Monashee Mountains. Popular for snowshoeing in winter and wildflower viewing in spring and summer.

Winter hiking at Blue Grouse Mountain offers a peaceful and scenic journey with breathtaking views of the surrounding Okanagan Valley. The trail, which winds through snow-blanketed forests and open slopes, provides a moderate challenge, making it perfect for those looking for a rewarding winter hike. As you ascend, you’ll enjoy the refreshing winter air and relaxing atmosphere, with the chance to spot local wildlife along the way. The mountain’s tranquil setting, combined with stunning views, makes it an ideal destination for a quiet and invigorating winter adventure.

Angel Springs Trail

• Distance: 10.3 km round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~ 469 m
• Highlights: This trail follows KLO Creek, with multiple creek crossings, lush forest scenery, and ends at the Angel Springs. It has a moderate difficulty level with a steep climb toward the end. It’s suitable for most hikers but may challenge beginners​.

Winter hiking at Angel Springs in Kelowna offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful views of snow-covered forests, canyons and surrounding hills. The Angel Springs hike near McCulloch Road is a 9 km round-trip trail known for its year-round natural springs, which create stunning ice formations in winter. This moderate hike winds through dense forests, rugged rock formations, and historic routes, offering a tranquil escape with chances to spot wildlife. Less crowded than other Kelowna trails (you may even be the only one up there), its snow-packed and icy winter conditions call for proper gear, and 4-wheel drive capability so you can get there.

KLO Creek

• Distance: Varies by route
• Elevation Gain: ~462 m

Highlights: Located within KLO Creek Regional Park, this trail offers views of rock formations, small waterfalls, and a forested environment. It’s less busy, making it a peaceful option​

Winter hiking at KLO Creek in Kelowna offers a peaceful retreat through a picturesque valley, with snow-covered forests, looming cliffs and the quiet creek winding through the landscape. This popular 4 km trail takes you along the creek, through the serene KLO Creek Regional Park before connecting to the Angel Springs trail, offering beautiful views of frosty vegetation and winter wildlife. The trail is moderate in difficulty, with sections that can be challenging in the snow, but the reward is a tranquil hike through a less-crowded area. The crisp winter air and snow-covered surroundings make it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude and natural beauty in Kelowna’s winter landscape (and is a great area for rock-climbing in warmer months).

Lebanon Creek Trail

• Distance: ~6-7 km round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~400 m
• Highlights: Incredible views of Okanagan Lake, shaded forest paths, and a peaceful, natural environment.

Winter hiking on Lebanon Creek Trail offers a serene experience with snow-blanketed paths leading through quiet forests and open ridges. This moderate trail, located in the Johns Family Nature Conservancy, rewards hikers with stunning panoramic views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding valley. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for those seeking a winter escape, and, as with the rest of the Okanagan Valley, the opportunity to spot wildlife adds to its charm. Proper footwear and winter gear are recommended, as snow and ice can make sections of the trail more challenging.

Crawford Falls

• Distance: ~1.2 km round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~80-100 m
• Highlights: A short but steep hike to two stunning waterfalls. The lower falls are more accessible, while the upper falls require some scrambling.

Winter hiking to Crawford Falls offers a magical experience, with the trail winding through a quiet forest to reach the frozen beauty of the falls. Located in Kelowna’s Upper Mission area, the moderate hike features a short but steep path, rewarding visitors with views of cascading ice formations in the creek and falls. The serene atmosphere and snow-covered surroundings make it a calm winter sanctuary. Due to icy conditions and steep sections, proper footwear and caution are essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.

Pincushion Mountain Trail

• Distance: ~5 km round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~300 m
• Highlights: Amazing views over Peachland and Okanagan Lake, rugged terrain, and a rewarding summit with 360-degree vistas.

Winter hiking on the Pincushion Mountain Trail offers a rewarding adventure with sweeping, snow-dusted views of Peachland, Okanagan Lake, and the surrounding valley. This moderate-to-challenging trail features a steady climb through rugged terrain, with a mix of forested paths and rocky sections. At the summit, hikers are treated to breathtaking panoramic vistas, especially stunning in the winter’s exhilarating air. As with most winter hikes in the region, proper footwear and winter gear are essential, as snow and ice can make the trail more demanding, but the views make it well worth the effort.

Mill Creek Waterfall

• Distance: ~2 km round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~50 m
• Highlights: A quick and easy walk to a beautiful waterfall. Shady, forested paths make this a great hike for hot summer days.

Winter hiking to Mill Creek Waterfall in Kelowna offers a peaceful and scenic adventure through snow-clad forests and along the creek. The moderate trail leads to the waterfall, which often freezes into striking ice formations during the winter months. The hike features a mix of forested paths and rocky terrain, with the sound of the creek providing a tranquil backdrop. Due to icy sections, proper footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike, making it a rewarding winter destination for those seeking natural beauty and a bit of adventure.

Scenic Canyon Rock Ovens and Layer Cake Hill Viewpoint

• Distance: Varies
• Elevation Gain: ~167 m
• Highlights: A family-friendly hike through diverse landscapes, including rock formations, old lava flows, and a section of the Mission Creek Greenway. The trails are accessible and have moderate traffic​

Winter hiking to the Scenic Canyon Rock Ovens and Layer Cake Hill Viewpoint offers a unique adventure through Kelowna’s rugged landscape. The trail takes you past the historic rock ovens, carved into the canyon walls, and up to the Layer Cake Hill Viewpoint, where you’ll be treated to stunning winter vistas of the surrounding valley and Okanagan Lake. The hike is moderate in difficulty, with rocky terrain and steady elevation gain. In winter, snow and ice can make the trail challenging, so proper footwear is recommended. The peaceful surroundings and panoramic views make this a rewarding winter hike.

Fintry Falls

• Distance: ~1 km round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~100 m (via stairs)
• Highlights: A series of three cascading waterfalls along a well-maintained stair system, with views of Fintry Estate and Okanagan Lake.

Winter hiking to Fintry Falls offers a picturesque and tranquil experience through snow-topped forests and along the serene creek. The moderate trail leads to the falls, where the cascading water often freezes into stunning ice formations during the colder months. The hike features a mix of stairs, forested paths and rocky terrain, with the peaceful sound of the falls adding to the winter charm. Proper footwear is essential for icy conditions, but the breathtaking views and quiet beauty of the falls make it a rewarding winter destination.

Rose Valley Scenic Loop, West Kelowna

• Distance: ~6-7 km round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~300-350 m
• Highlights: Stunning vistas of Rose Valley Reservoir, rugged rock formations, and serene forested sections.

Winter hiking on the Rose Valley Scenic Loop in West Kelowna offers a peaceful escape through snow-lined forests and rolling hills. This moderate trail loops around Rose Valley, providing stunning winter views of the surrounding mountains and valley. As you trek through the area, you’ll soak in the serenity, with opportunities to encounter wildlife and enjoy the cool winter breeze. The well-maintained trail is suitable for most skill levels, though proper footwear is recommended for icy sections. It’s a stunning winter hike that offers a blend of natural beauty and tranquility, just beyond the city.

Coyote Ridge

• Distance: Approx. 3 km one way
• Elevation Gain: ~ 537 m
• Highlights: Located in Stephens Coyote Ridge Regional Park, this trail offers a moderately challenging climb with stunning views of Glenmore and the surrounding landscape​

Winter hiking at Coyote Ridge offers a peaceful and scenic escape into nature, with trails winding through snow-covered grasslands and rolling hills. Located in the Black Mountain area, this moderate hike provides stunning winter views of the Okanagan Valley and surrounding mountains. The peaceful ambiance and the opportunity to observe wildlife enhance its charm, making it a rewarding destination for nature enthusiasts. Proper footwear and winter gear are recommended for navigating snowy or icy sections of the trail, ensuring a safe and enjoyable winter adventure.

Spion Kop summit, Lake Country

• Distance: 2.2 to 10.5 km depending on the route
• Elevation Gain: ~ 130 m
• Highlights: Located in Lake Country, this network of trails ranges from easy to challenging, with panoramic views of Okanagan Lake and surrounding valleys​

Winter hiking to Spion Kop Summit in Lake Country offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure with breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding valley. The trail, which climbs steadily through forested terrain, can be steep and snowy in winter, making proper footwear essential. At the summit, hikers are treated to panoramic winter vistas, with snow-covered landscapes stretching for miles. The peaceful, secluded atmosphere and the opportunity to spot wildlife add to the allure, making this a perfect destination for those seeking a more strenuous winter hike with stunning rewards.

Kalamalka Lake

• Distance: Varies depending on the trail
• Elevation Gain: ~ 437 m
• Highlights: Trails around Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park showcase stunning turquoise water and scenic vistas. Options range from easy shoreline walks to more challenging routes​

Kalamalka Lake, located near Kelowna, is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters that change hues with the seasons, earning it the nickname “Lake of a Thousand Colors.” Winter hiking at Kalamalka Lake offers a serene and picturesque experience along trails that wind through snow-crested forests and hills, with breathtaking views of the lake’s turquoise hues, which are especially striking in winter. The trails vary from easy to moderate, making them suitable for most skill levels. The expansive quiet and the chance to glimpse our animal neighbors enhance the sense of connection with nature. Proper footwear and winter gear are essential for navigating snowy or icy sections, ensuring a safe and enjoyable hike in this stunning Okanagan destination.

Is winter good for hiking?

With the right preparation, hiking is as pleasant in winter as hiking in summer. Depending on your equipment, you can easily adapt it to cold temperatures and winter hikes. In fact, with proper preparation, Kelowna hikes during the winter can be a magical experience.