If hiking in some of the world’s most captivating natural scenery awash with soul-inspiring waterfalls is your thing, then Kelowna is for you. Based in the Okanagan Valley, the region has a series of well-maintained hiking trails and beautiful parks, with hikes ranging from easy to difficult, depending on your level of fitness. If you’re wondering where the best waterfalls are within Kelowna, then read on!
1. Hardy Falls Regional Park
For an easy, 2-kilometre (round trip) hike, then Hardy Falls within the Hardy Falls Regional Park is a good start. Named for Harry Hardy, one of the region’s first orchardists, this is a six-hectare national park at the south end of Peachland. If you’re looking for a gentle hike or something suited to the whole family, then a hike to Hardy Falls is a great option. It’s a simple, winding creek to the waterfall and the constant shade makes this a great trip, even in the hot summer months. There is also some fantastic wildlife viewing, including the Kokanee Salmon which return to spawn in the fall. Within the park, you can find the rushing waterfall, a picnic area and a great viewing platform. Motorised vehicles, overnight camping and open fires are not permitted, and you will need to look out for bears. Dogs are welcome if kept on leashes along the trails and pathways.
2. Canyon Falls Park
Found just above the Crawford subdivision of Kelowna, this is a moderate-to-difficult, 2-kilometre hike that features impressive upper and lower waterfalls. You can take the shorter pathway which leads to the 20-foot Crawford Falls, although this is quite a difficult hike. And if you continue another 10 minutes, you get to the 40-foot Canyon Falls. In 2014, the city of Kelowna revamped the trails, which used to be incredibly steep, but due to flooding in 2017, the trail was closed. It’s been reopened to the public and makes for a really incredible excursion. Dogs can be walked on a leash.
3. Naramata Creek Park Falls
No matter your hiking skill level, Naramata Creek Park Falls is an achievable feat, which follows a 1.8-kilometre out-and-back trail. The trail to this Kelowna-based waterfall follows a deep river canyon and takes just over an hour, although it feels much shorter when you’re taking in the towering rock slabs, cool trees and lush gully. There’s an outhouse at the trailhead, and well-maintained bridges, a bench and a picnic trail. Dogs are allowed on a leash, but watch out for poison ivy and snakes.
4. Mill Creek Falls Regional Park
If one waterfall isn’t enough, then why not visit Mill Creek Falls Regional Park which is home to a series of waterfalls accessed by trails ranging in difficulty. There’s a lot of poison ivy, so it’s vital that you wear appropriate clothing. Located 15.3 hectares in the Ellison area east of Kelowna International Airport, this is a beautifully cool trail that works its way to the waterfalls, with wildlife viewing along the way. You’re welcome to bring dogs on a leash and, if you’re a birdwatcher, bring binoculars because there are some great species to spot. You can’t bring motorised vehicles, camp overnight or have an open fire here, however.
5. Fintry Provincial Park
Another unmissable site in Kelowna, which is home to a series of waterfalls, is Fintry Provincial Park. It includes 360 hectares of former Fintry Estate, a heritage site with a rich Canadian history. Within the park is the well-maintained Shorts Creek Trail which leads to a gorge, up 400 flights of stairs to a cascading series of waterfalls. There is more than 2-kilometres of waterfront ensconced by towering mountains and deep canyons. This is a great place for camping, fishing, swimming, kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing including birdlife, small mammals, deer and bighorn sheep. Alongside the wonderful natural environs are great historical features such as Manor House and the octagonal barn.
Beyond the extensive natural hiking trails and incredible waterfall viewing sites, Kelowna is home to a range of incredible outdoor activities on its lakes and beaches. The area is also renowned for its incredible wineries, locally-produced fruits, and incredible fine dining options and entertainment on offer.
