Knox Mountain Park Kelowna British Columbia
Kelowna's largest natural park, offering stunning lake views, diverse trails for hiking & biking, and a popular disc golf course.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular sunset views
Knox Mountain Park Kelowna British Columbia
Best Time
Spectacular sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kelowna's largest natural park, offering stunning lake views, diverse trails for hiking & biking, and a popular disc golf course.
"The view from the top of the mountain is just eye pleasing. It's worth climbing after reaching the till the peak."
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Kelowna gets hot! Stay hydrated on your hikes, especially in summer.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from paved to rolling hills; good footwear is key for enjoyment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Views from the Apex
Apex Trail Lookout
Witness the sky ablaze with color over Okanagan Lake and Kelowna. A truly unforgettable sight.
Paul's Tomb Trail
Lakeside Trail
A scenic, mostly flat trail offering stunning lake views and a secluded beach feel.
Disc Golf Challenge
Disc Golf Course
Test your skills on the challenging disc golf course, a popular spot for locals and pros alike.
Panoramic City Vistas
Various Viewpoints
Climb to the summit for breathtaking, eye-pleasing views of Kelowna and the surrounding valley.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
+1Hydration and Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Kelowna gets hot! Stay hydrated on your hikes, especially in summer.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from paved to rolling hills; good footwear is key for enjoyment.
🌅 Aim for Sunset
The views are incredible during golden hour and sunset. Arrive early!
🐶 Leash Your Dog
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. There's also a dog park nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Kelowna gets hot! Stay hydrated on your hikes, especially in summer.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from paved to rolling hills; good footwear is key for enjoyment.
🌅 Aim for Sunset
The views are incredible during golden hour and sunset. Arrive early!
🐶 Leash Your Dog
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. There's also a dog park nearby.
📸 Capture the Views
Plenty of photo opportunities from various viewpoints and lookout towers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Knox Mountain Park for its breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunset, and its diverse range of well-maintained trails suitable for hiking and biking. The park is praised for its accessibility and natural beauty, offering a peaceful escape with opportunities for swimming and disc golf. Some visitors note that it can get crowded during peak times, particularly for sunset viewing.
"Peaceful place for hiking. Walking and Bicycle both Hike are awesome. The view from the top of the mountain is just eye pleasing. It's worth climbing after reaching the till the peak. If take apex trail and then follow the ogopogo trail that's breathtaking experience. There are also washrooms 🚻 in middle of trails and dustbins are available in same way."
Smit Patel
"A great place for hikes and different levels of activity. You can mountain bike, hike straight up to the viewpoint, walk up a paved road or take trails that aren’t as steep. The different viewpoints of the lake and Kelowna are spectacular! Great photo ops!"
Raquel Millikin
"Knox mountain park in Kelowna is a great place to take a nice hike, or bike, on a lovely, sunny day in the Okanagan. It’s the areas largest natural park. We would take friends and family here for a stroll in the rolling hill trails, with its switch backs winding up the mountain. It has a quaint, winding, wooden fences and steps to help you get to the top for spectacular views. You can see the city, lake Okanagan and the bridge that divides eastern and western Kelowna. There is also a wooden lookout tower that is a fun spot to take photos from.
Take lots of water on a sunny day if you are going in the summer, as Kelowna can be scorching hot at times. A hat and sunglasses are a must! It is a moderate hike that kids can do for lovely views of the Okanagan. Dogs should be on leashes, but there is a dog park here as well. It’s open 6 am to 10 pm."
Kevin Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Knox Mountain Park is conveniently located just 5 minutes north of downtown Kelowna. You can drive directly to the park entrance or take a short taxi or rideshare. Some trails also start from the base of the mountain, accessible by car or public transport.
Yes, there are parking areas available within the park, including at the base and near some trailheads. During peak times, especially for sunset, parking can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Knox Mountain Park is accessible year-round. In winter, you can still access the first lookout point by vehicle, and it offers a beautiful winter wonderland experience.
You have several options! You can hike up via the Apex Trail, which is a moderate 4.0 km round trip, or take the paved road for an easier ascent. Some visitors also park closer to the top and take shorter trails.
While direct bus routes to the very top might be limited, the park is close enough to downtown Kelowna that you could potentially walk or take a bus to a nearby stop and then walk to the park entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Knox Mountain Park is a natural park and is free to enter. You can enjoy its trails, viewpoints, and natural beauty without any admission cost.
The park is generally open from 6 am to 10 pm daily, allowing ample time for hiking and enjoying the scenery.
Since there is no entrance fee, no advance booking is required to visit Knox Mountain Park. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
The main restriction is that dogs must be kept on a leash. Otherwise, the park is open to the public during its operating hours.
Yes, you can get to the top of Knox Mountain with a relatively short walk, making it suitable for a quick visit to catch the views.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Apex Trail for summit views, Paul's Tomb Trail for lakeside scenery, and Lochview Trail which connects to Paul's Tomb. The park offers a variety of trails for different skill levels.
Yes, Paul's Tomb Trail leads to a secluded beach area where you can swim in Okanagan Lake.
Definitely! The park has well-maintained trails suitable for mountain biking, offering a fun experience for cyclists.
Yes, there are restrooms located along the trails, which is convenient for longer hikes.
Visitors have reported seeing deer in the park. It's a natural habitat, so keep an eye out for local wildlife.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit viewpoints offer spectacular panoramic shots of the lake and city. Paul's Tomb Trail also provides beautiful lakeside photography opportunities. Don't miss the wooden lookout tower for unique angles.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most magical light for photography. Sunrise can also be beautiful, though sunset is more frequently recommended. +1
While not explicitly stated in the provided information, drone usage in parks can be restricted. It's always best to check local regulations or with the park authority before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A tripod is helpful for sunset shots.
Yes, the disc golf course is a scenic part of the park and can make for interesting action shots or landscape photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with slightly older children, the Apex Trail offers a rewarding hike to a viewpoint, teaching kids about perseverance and the beauty of reaching a goal. The Paul's Tomb Trail is also a good option, as it's less strenuous and leads to a beach area where kids can play. Remember to keep an eye on children, especially near viewpoints and water.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Focus on exploring the various hiking trails, from the accessible paved paths to the more challenging summit routes. The Paul's Tomb Trail is a great option for a scenic and free experience, including access to a beach for swimming. It's a perfect way to experience the Okanagan landscape without spending a dime.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Don't overlook the lakeside perspectives offered by Paul's Tomb Trail, which can provide serene and reflective shots. The park's varied terrain and viewpoints mean you can capture a wide range of landscape and nature photography. Consider bringing a drone for aerial shots if regulations permit, as seen in some content.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Knox Mountain
+1For hikers looking for a bit more adventure, consider exploring the Lochview Trail, which connects to Paul's Tomb, or venturing off the beaten path to discover hidden bluffs like Highpoint Bluff. The park also features a paved road section, making it accessible for those who prefer a less strenuous walk or a leisurely bike ride. Remember to check trail conditions, especially after inclement weather, and always carry water.
Beyond hiking, Knox Mountain is a hub for other activities. The park features a well-maintained disc golf course that attracts enthusiasts from all over. Mountain biking is also a popular pastime here, with trails designed to offer a thrilling experience. Whether you're looking for a vigorous hike, a peaceful stroll, or an active adventure, Knox Mountain Park has a trail for you.
Capturing Kelowna's Beauty: Photography at Knox Mountain
+1For a different perspective, the Paul's Tomb Trail provides stunning opportunities for lakeside photography. The trail's proximity to the water allows for unique angles and reflections, and the secluded beach offers a tranquil setting. Don't miss the wooden lookout tower mentioned in reviews; it provides an elevated platform for capturing expansive shots of the landscape.
When planning your photography session, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the scenery and a telephoto lens if you're hoping to spot any local wildlife. A tripod will be invaluable for low-light conditions during sunset or sunrise. Remember to check the park's operating hours to maximize your time for capturing the best light.
Disc Golf and Outdoor Recreation
Beyond disc golf, the park is a haven for mountain bikers who can enjoy the dedicated trails that wind through the natural landscape. The combination of hiking, biking, and disc golf makes Knox Mountain a versatile outdoor recreation hub for locals and visitors alike.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, simply strolling along the paved paths or enjoying a picnic with a view is also a great way to spend time in the park. The accessibility of different activity levels ensures that everyone can find something they enjoy.
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