The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Okanagan Lake
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2,372
hikers
50
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Okanagan Lake are characterized by sparkling lake views, rolling hills, and diverse ecosystems. The region features ponderosa pine forests, sagebrush-covered areas, and lush woodlands, alongside dramatic canyons and scenic waterfalls. This varied terrain provides a range of experiences from gentle lakeside strolls to trails offering panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Okanagan Lake
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Paul's Tomb Trail — Knox Mountain…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
4.9
(7)
108
hikers
6.51km
01:53
160m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
20
hikers
3.56km
00:59
60m
60m
Easy 2.2-mile loop in Kalamoir Regional Park, West Kelowna, offering scenic views of Okanagan Lake and diverse terrain.
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14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(9)
108
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This wharf was once a busy packinghouse and box factory known as "Gellatly Landing." It was rebuilt after burning down in a fire in 1920. Today it's a public park featuring a paved path, benches for relaxing, a pebble beach, and a path through the Cove Lakeside Resort. Dogs are welcome here but must stay out of the orchard area.
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This 2-kilometre waterfront path follows the western edge of Okanagan Lake, connecting a string of beaches, parks, and docks along the way. Some amenities along the Gellatly Bay Recreation Corridor include lighting, public beach access, benches, bike racks, picnic areas, viewpoints, and seasonal bathrooms.
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Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park is named after brothers David and Jack Gellatly who were nut breeders in the 1900s. They created new varieties of nuts that are still grown throughout the world. Today the park is still an orchard of walnut, chestnut, hazelnut, and butternut trees, and visitors can read interpretive signs and explore the heritage buildings here. In the fall Gellatly Nut Farm Society harvests and donates their crops, with all proceeds going back to maintaining the park. The park also offers a playground, grassy lawns, and accessible walking trails beneath the shade of old nut trees.
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Vehicle access ends here and the trails begin. Knox Mountain Park has a variety of trails but the majority of them have little shade cover, so taking the proper precautions in the summer is essential to having a good day out on the trails.
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Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park is a 30-hectare park situated on the shores of Okanagan Lake. It features a large, south-facing beach that is perfect for swimming. The park also offers amenities such as a playground, fire pits, picnic tables, water fountains, and watersport rentals.
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Trout Creek is a small yet vital river located just south of Summerland, serving as the primary water source for the district. Further upstream, the creek becomes a popular destination for whitewater kayaking in the dramatic Trout Creek Canyon.
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This is a fantastic vantage point with a sweeping panorama of the lake and rolling hills that define the region. If you're lucky enough to visit in the evening, it’s a beautiful spot to see the city during sunset.
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Paul’s Tomb is a stone crypt built into the hillside above Okanagan Lake, marking the burial site of Rembler Paul, a Kelowna pioneer and landowner. Constructed in the early 1900s, it’s a quiet landmark with a view over the lake and a piece of Kelowna’s early history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Okanagan Lake?
There are over 45 family-friendly hiking routes around Okanagan Lake, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate adventures, ensuring there's something for every family.
What kind of scenery can we expect on family hikes around Okanagan Lake?
The region offers a diverse range of stunning landscapes. You can expect sparkling lake views, rolling hills, lush ponderosa pine forests, sagebrush-covered areas, and even dramatic canyons. Many trails provide panoramic vistas of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Are there any easy loop trails suitable for families?
Yes, several easy loop trails are perfect for families. The Kalamoir Regional Park loop in West Kelowna is a great option, offering scenic lake views and varied terrain over about 3.5 km. Another excellent choice is the Sun-Oka Beach and Trout Creek loop, which is just over 5 km and features beautiful beach and creek scenery.
Can we find trails with waterfalls suitable for kids?
Yes, the Okanagan Lake area features trails leading to scenic waterfalls. Hardy Falls Regional Park offers an incredibly scenic and family-friendly walk to a waterfall. Bear Creek Provincial Park also provides an easy hike to Bear Creek Waterfall, offering lovely views of West Kelowna.
Are there any trails that are stroller-friendly or suitable for very young children?
For very young children or those with strollers, the Myra Canyon Trail (Myra Canyon Trestles) is an excellent choice. It's an 8 km return trip with no elevation gain, featuring 18 wooden trestle bridges and stunning canyon views, making it very accessible. The Okanagan Rail Trail also offers a low-grade, accessible path with continuous views of Kalamalka and Wood Lake.
Are dogs allowed on family-friendly trails around Okanagan Lake?
Many trails in the Okanagan Lake region are dog-friendly, though leash rules often apply. It's always best to check specific park regulations before heading out. For example, Kalamoir Regional Park is generally welcoming to dogs.
What are some notable landmarks or points of interest we can see on family hikes?
You can discover several interesting landmarks. The Ogopogo Sculpture & Kelowna Sails are iconic sights near the waterfront. The Kelowna City Park offers a great spot to relax. On the Paul's Tomb Trail in Knox Mountain Park, you can visit an historic tomb and enjoy a pebble beach. The Myra Canyon Trestles are also a unique historical and engineering marvel.
What is the best time of year for family hiking around Okanagan Lake?
The best time for family hiking is generally spring, summer, and fall. Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures, while summer offers warm weather perfect for combining hikes with lake activities. Fall provides stunning autumn colors and comfortable hiking conditions. Winter hiking is possible, but some trails may be snowy or icy.
Is parking readily available at the trailheads?
For many popular family-friendly trails, parking is generally available at designated trailheads within regional and provincial parks. However, during peak season or on busy weekends, lots can fill up quickly, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable.
Are there options for public transport to reach family-friendly trails?
While some trails, particularly those closer to urban centers like Kelowna, might be accessible via local public transport, many of the more scenic or remote trailheads are best reached by car. It's recommended to check local transit schedules and routes for specific trail access points.
Which easy trail offers great lake views?
The Paul's Tomb Trail — Knox Mountain Park is an excellent choice for families seeking beautiful lake views. This easy 6.5 km hike takes you along the shoreline of Okanagan Lake, offering picturesque vistas and a pleasant walk to a pebble beach.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Okanagan Lake?
The family-friendly trails around Okanagan Lake are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning lake views, well-maintained paths, and the variety of terrain that keeps children engaged, from forests to beaches.
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