
Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park
Vast, undeveloped wilderness park with stunning Okanagan Lake views, hiking trails, and secluded beaches.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast, undeveloped wilderness park with stunning Okanagan Lake views, hiking trails, and secluded beaches.
"Stellar trails, tall trees, and cold seas west coast life is what this place is all about."

🥾 Essential Hiking Gear
Pack sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and snacks. Some trails can be challenging, so be prepared!
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
A rough access road means an SUV or truck is recommended for easier navigation into the park.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Okanagan Lakefront Views
Shoreline access points
Discover secluded rock beaches and enjoy stunning lake views. Perfect for a picnic lunch before hitting the trails.

Summit Trail
Various trailheads
Hike to breathtaking viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding landscape.

Wild Horse Canyon Loop
Kettle Valley area
A scenic 9.3km dog-friendly trail through recovering forest, offering a moderate challenge and beautiful scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Outback Adventure
Accessing the Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Essential Hiking Gear
Pack sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and snacks. Some trails can be challenging, so be prepared!
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
A rough access road means an SUV or truck is recommended for easier navigation into the park.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The park offers stunning aerial perspectives and breathtaking lake and mountain vistas.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Many trails, like Wild Horse Canyon, welcome dogs. Remember to keep them on a leash for everyone's safety.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Essential Hiking Gear
Pack sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and snacks. Some trails can be challenging, so be prepared!
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
A rough access road means an SUV or truck is recommended for easier navigation into the park.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The park offers stunning aerial perspectives and breathtaking lake and mountain vistas.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Many trails, like Wild Horse Canyon, welcome dogs. Remember to keep them on a leash for everyone's safety.
💧 No Washrooms, Be Prepared
Embrace the wilderness! Most areas lack facilities, so plan for 'outback style' visits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stellar trails, secluded lakefront beaches, and breathtaking views, highlighting the park's natural beauty and opportunities for photography. The true wilderness feel is a major draw, though the lack of washrooms and the rough access road are noted drawbacks for some.
"Trails and the open picnic spots are stellar, tall trees and cold seas west coast life is what this place is all about. Only drawback is there is no washrooms so you gotta go at it truly outback style. The trail that takes you to the top is breath taking. My photo didn’t do it enough justice, the lake front has docks that’s public access for a quick lunch before hitting the trail into the mountain. Recommend for all levels of hikers."
David Lau
"Great provincial park for hiking,lake views,finding cute beaches along the shore, and taking photos.
Bring your hiking shoes your lunch and bathing suit and a camera and I'm sure you'll love it.
Parking lot is not huge but works and the trailhead above the highway has a Porta pottie there,the trail map is posted there as well,super beautiful!"
Rick Klassen
"Beautiful park that overlooks Okanagan lake in the upper Mission area of Kelowna. Walk down the trails to the shore where you will find several little rock beaches, quite private and relaxing."
Chill out
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park is located in the Kettle Valley area of Kelowna, British Columbia. The access road can be rough, so an SUV or truck is often recommended for easier travel.
No, the road is generally unpaved and can be rough, especially after inclement weather. Visitors often suggest a higher clearance vehicle like an SUV or truck.
Hiking trails are the primary way to explore. Trail maps are usually posted at trailheads, and having a reliable GPS device or offline map on your phone is advisable due to limited cell service.
Currently, there are no public shuttle services directly to Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park. Visitors typically drive their own vehicles.
While cycling might be possible on some access roads, the park is primarily designed for hiking. Mountain biking trails are not a prominent feature.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park is a BC Provincial Park and generally does not require an entrance fee for day use. However, camping fees apply if you plan to stay overnight.
Provincial parks are typically open year-round from dawn to dusk for day use. Specific access may vary seasonally, and it's always a good idea to check the BC Parks website for any alerts or closures.
Yes, camping reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. You can usually book through the BC Parks reservation system.
During periods of high fire risk, access to provincial parks may be restricted or closed. Always check for fire bans and park advisories before your visit.
Yes, there are parking lots available, though they may not be very large. Arriving early, especially on weekends or holidays, is advised to secure a spot.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy strolls along the lakefront to more challenging routes leading to summit viewpoints. The Wild Horse Canyon loop is a popular moderate option.
Most areas of the park do not have washrooms. Some trailheads might have a porta-potty, but it's essential to be prepared for a true wilderness experience.
Yes, you can access the lake from various small rock beaches along the shoreline. It's a great spot for a refreshing dip on a warm day.
Absolutely! The park provides stunning aerial views, panoramic lake vistas, and beautiful natural landscapes, making it a photographer's paradise.
While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, you might encounter deer, various bird species, and other native fauna. Always maintain a safe distance and do not feed the animals.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for elevated viewpoints along the summit trails for panoramic shots of Okanagan Lake. The lakefront beaches also offer beautiful, serene photo opportunities.
Drone usage is subject to Transport Canada regulations and park-specific bylaws. Always check current regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the vibrant blue of the lake.
While not known for waterfalls, the park's rugged terrain, recovering forests, and the vast expanse of Okanagan Lake provide unique photographic subjects. The 'crash site' of a DC3 is also a point of interest for some.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife, and a sturdy tripod will help with low-light shots or long exposures of the lake.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with older children or teens, the Wild Horse Canyon loop provides a moderate challenge and a sense of adventure. It’s a great way to introduce them to longer hikes in a beautiful setting. Remember to check the weather and dress children in layers. The park's undeveloped nature means it's a great place for kids to experience a more authentic wilderness setting, fostering a sense of exploration and respect for nature.
🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Trails and Terrain
Many trails wind through areas that have experienced forest fires, showcasing the resilience of nature as the landscape recovers. This creates a unique visual tapestry of new growth against a backdrop of older trees. Visitors should be prepared for uneven surfaces and potential elevation changes, especially on longer or more strenuous routes. Always carry sufficient water and snacks, as amenities are scarce within the park.
Some trails, like the one leading to a DC3 crash site, offer a historical element to the hiking experience. Exploring these trails provides not only physical activity but also a deeper appreciation for the natural and historical significance of the park. Remember to check trail conditions before heading out, especially after periods of heavy rain or snow.
Lake Access and Recreation
While the park is known for its hiking, the lakefront also invites activities like swimming on warmer days. The clear waters of Okanagan Lake offer a welcome respite. For those interested in boating, there are opportunities, though specific launch facilities might be limited, and it's best to check park regulations regarding boat access. The combination of mountain trails and lake access makes Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Wilderness Experience and Amenities
While some trailheads might have a porta-potty, it's crucial not to rely on them. Planning ahead for waste disposal and personal hygiene is essential. The parking lot at the main trailhead is functional but not extensive, so arriving early is advisable, particularly during peak seasons. This emphasis on a natural, less-developed environment is a key draw for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit