My Top 10 Hiking Spots in the Okanagan

One of my favourite things about living in the Okanagan is how easy it is to get outside! Within 30–45 minutes of Kelowna, you can find everything from quick viewpoint hikes to forest trails and waterfalls.

These are a mix of some of my go-to hikes around Kelowna and a few worth driving a little farther for. Most of them have pretty big view payoffs without needing a full-day commitment!

Ready to explore? Here are 10 of my favourite hikes around the Okanagan.

1. Knox Mountain

Knox Mountain is easily one of the most classic hikes in Kelowna. A lot of the best trails in the Okanagan require at least a bit of a drive, but Knox is right in the city, which makes it perfect when you want to get outside without committing to a full-day adventure.

There are a couple of main trails you can take, depending on what kind of hike you’re in the mood for:

• Apex Trail – The steeper option that climbs up to the main lookout at the top of Knox. Once you reach the summit, you’ll get one of the best views in Kelowna, overlooking downtown and Okanagan Lake.
• Paul’s Tomb Trail – A more gradual and relaxed hike that winds along the mountain and eventually leads down to a small beach along the lake.

In the Summer, Paul’s Tomb is a great place to hang out for a bit, bring your dog for a swim, or relax by the water. Some people even do a little cliff jumping nearby when the lake level is right.

Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Location: Kelowna
Best for: City views, quick hikes, sunset views

2. Pincushion

This one’s a bit of a drive from Kelowna, so I don’t do it as often, but I always love it when I do. The drive down to Peachland is beautiful. The hike starts steep, which can be a little challenging, but it eases up as you go. There are some sections where you have to climb over rocks, which is actually pretty fun…just not ideal for young kids or anyone who’s not super comfortable with a little scrambling!

The payoff at the top is worth it, though: stunning panoramic views over Peachland and Okanagan Lake, plus a Canadian flagpole that makes for a perfect photo stop. You can check out my reel here. 

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: Peachland
• Best for: Panoramic views, photo ops, a little adventure

3. Crawford Falls

You’d probably never know this hike existed unless a local tipped you off. Tucked down in a canyon in Crawford/East Kelowna, it’s a bit of a hidden gem. There are two main ways to get down:

• One route is super steep and even has a rope to climb down—definitely not for the faint of heart!
• The alternate route is longer but much safer and easier to navigate.

At the bottom, you’ll be rewarded with two stunning waterfalls. To see both, you do need a little bit of climbing, but it’s totally worth it for the views and the peaceful canyon vibe.

If you love waterfalls, I’ve got a whole other blog post dedicated to some of my favourite waterfalls around the Okanagan, definitely worth checking out.

• Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging (depending on the route)
• Location: Crawford/East Kelowna
• Best for: Waterfalls, hidden gems, adventurous hikes

4. Lebanon Creek

This is a steep, challenging hike in East Kelowna, with plenty of uphill sections that will definitely get your heart pumping. The trails are well marked, but I’d recommend bringing water as you’ll need it on the way up!

The payoff is worth it, though: at the top, you’re greeted with fantastic views over the valley and a charming stone fire pit that makes for a perfect photo stop.

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Location: East Kelowna
• Best for: Stunning views, adventurous hikers, photo ops

5. Spion Kopp

This is a spectacular hike in Lake Country! One of the best things about it is the view, as you can see Wood Lake, Duck Lake, and Okanagan Lake all at once, which is pretty incredible.

I love this hike because there are lots of trail options, so you can pick the route that matches the difficulty you’re looking for. Whether you want a shorter, easier hike or a longer, more challenging route, you’ll be rewarded with those sweeping lake views. How many hikes let you see that many lakes at the same time? Not many!

• Difficulty: Easy – Moderate (depending on the route)
• Location: Lake Country
• Best for: Panoramic lake views, flexible trail options

6. Goat’s Peak

This hike is located right as you’re leaving West Kelowna heading toward Peachland, which makes it super convenient if you’re exploring that area!

The trail starts off as a nice, wide path along the water, perfect for an easy warm-up. Then it turns into a bigger climb up to the peak. Along the way, you’ll see lots of wildflowers, and the trail is well-marked, so it’s easy to follow.

The views at the top are similar to Pincushion, with sweeping panoramas over the valley and lake, it’s seriously gorgeous. I’d highly recommend this one if you’re looking for a hike that mixes a little water-side walking with a satisfying summit climb.

• Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging
• Location: West Kelowna / Peachland
• Best for: Wildflowers, panoramic views, a mix of water and mountain trail

7. Christie Falls

Christie Falls is one of the most unique hikes I’ve come across! It’s about an hour from Kelowna, with most of the trek following an old logging service road. I’d definitely recommend a 4×4 or a truck to get there safely.

Finding it can be a bit tricky since there’s no signage, so I’d suggest going with someone who’s been before. Once you get there, though, it’s totally worth it. The waterfall itself is spectacular, nestled right against a large rock wall, and the surrounding forest feels almost magical.

This hike isn’t ideal for kids, as there’s a steep rope climb down to the waterfall. The best time to visit is late May to early June, when the falls are flowing strongly. Later in the summer, the water flow decreases, and earlier than late May, there’s still snow lingering on the trail.

• Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging
• Location: ~1 hour from Kelowna (Crawford/East Kelowna area)
• Best for: Waterfalls, unique hikes, adventurous hikers

8. Giant’s Head Mountain

Giant’s Head Mountain in Summerland is a must-do hike in the Okanagan! Rising about 500 metres above Okanagan Lake, this volcanic dome has a face-like profile carved by glaciers that you can see from all around town. Its name literally means “large lump on the edge of the bluff,” and it really lives up to it!

There are a few ways to reach (or get close to) the summit:

• Grind Trail – steeper and more challenging
• Roadway Trail – paved and gradual for an easier climb
• Switchback Road – drive near the top and take a short walk to the summit

Along the way, you’ll pass forested sections, open slopes, and rocky outcrops. Fun fact: there’s a time capsule buried here in 1967, set to be opened in 2067! The summit is perfect for photos, a picnic, or just soaking in the sweeping views of vineyards, orchards, and Okanagan Lake. Check out my reel here.

• Difficulty: Easy – Moderate (depending on route)
• Location: Summerland
• Best for: Panoramic views, vineyards & lake, sunset hikes

9. Black Mountain

Black Mountain Regional Park in Kelowna is a go-to spot for locals who want something a little different from the typical forest trails. The park has a network of rolling trails that wind through open grasslands with wide views over the valley.

It’s not overly challenging, which makes it great for a relaxed hike, a trail run, or a sunset stroll. In the spring, you’ll often catch wildflowers along the way, which adds a lovely pop of colour to the landscape. Check out my reel here.

• Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging
• Location: Kelowna
• Best for: Open views, wildflowers, casual hikes

10. Mount Munson

Munson Mountain is a short and sweet hike in Penticton that’s perfect if you’re exploring the South Okanagan. The main highlight is the famous “Penticton” hillside sign, which makes for a fun photo stop with a view over the city and Okanagan Lake.

The trail itself is very easy, making it a great option for a quick hike or even a casual walk with friends. Even though it’s short, the summit views feel like a proper reward. You can view my reel here.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Location: Penticton
• Best for: Quick hikes, city views, photography

The Okanagan has so many incredible trails, but these are the ones I think are must-dos around the Okanagan. If you want to see even more, check out my Hiking Highlight on Instagram or browse my reels for other hikes I’ve explored.

Happy hiking!

-Jenna xoxo