The best walks and hikes around Area N (Beautiful Nicola Valley - South)

West Lake is a quieter water pocket within Kentucky-Alleyne Provincial Park, away from the busier feel of the main lakes. Framed by the dry Interior forest and calm shoreline, it makes a peaceful pause on the trail, especially if you want a softer, more tucked-away view before looping back toward Kentucky or Alleyne Lake.

Kentucky Lake is the kind of turquoise surprise that makes a short hike feel bigger than it is. The easy loop follows the lakeshore through fir and pine trees, with changing viewpoints, swimming spots and calm water all along the way. It's a great spot for families, paddlers, or anyone needing a beautiful leg-stretch.

Needle Peak rises to about 2,095 metres and is reached after a steep forest climb and some light scrambling to the summit. On clear days, you can take in views of nearby peaks like Yak, Guanaco, Zopkios, and portions of the Coast and Cascade ranges. Since the final few hundred metres involve scrambling, check conditions and stop at the exposed ridgeline just below the summit if conditions are wet or if the scramble feels too technical.

Falls Lake is a beautiful subalpine lake in the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area, framed by Nak Peak as its backdrop. It's a great spot for a swim and also offers two tent pads for camping.

The Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area spans 5,750 hectares across the Coquihalla Pass, and is a breathtaking transition zone between the coastal and interior mountains of British Columbia. Established to conserve the unique dry-belt alpine landscape, it offers convenient access to popular high-country trails, including Zoa, Needle, and Flatiron. With its granite ridges, subalpine forests, and remnants of the historic Kettle Valley Railway, this area is a beautiful destination for hikers, snowshoers, and travelers along Highway 5.

This viewpoint just before the Zoa Peak summit is a fantastic spot where the trail opens onto a wide alpine bench with big views toward Thar Peak and distant ridges. It’s a natural spot to take a short break that’s flat and open, with space to sit and take in the scale of the Coquihalla Range. Many hikers stop here, especially in winter, when the final push to the summit can be less defined.

Zoa Peak is a broad, open summit in the Coquihalla Range with fantastic open alpine views, especially toward Thar, Nak, and Zum Peaks. It’s not a dramatic peak, but the alpine vantage is worth the steady climb. The top levels out with scattered boulders and sky that goes on forever—it’s an easy place to linger before heading back down the trail.

Needle Peak Trail begins at the parking area across Highway 5 from the Zopkios Rest Area. The trail climbs to several areas, including Ridge Viewpoint, the summit of Needle Peak, and on to Flatiron Peak.