Kid-Friendly Hikes in the Okanagan
From north to south, we are fortunate to live in an area that offers kid-friendly hikes that help get us outside and exploring.
Whether your kids are into leisurely strolls, or looking for a more challenging path, we’ve gathered up our favourite kid-friendly hikes in the Okanagan. Get ready to strap on your hiking shoes, and get exploring!
Fintry Provincial Park
Fintry
Kids will be lured to this hike with the promise of seeing a waterfall, while parents will appreciate the very doable 1km walk to the falls’ viewpoint. If your kids want to keep the adventure going there are other trail options that wind through the historic buildings in the park.
Hidden Lake Parkway
Kelowna
Caution, turtles crossing! Have your kids keep their eyes peeled for any hard-shelled friends who may be wandering alongside them. The stroller-friendly path leads young kiers around two marshy ponds full of friendly wildlife and birds.
Kalamoir Park
Kelowna
Designed to be a 60-90 minute round trip walk, Kalamoir Park is a good fit for slightly older children, or kids who are used to walking distances. The narrow path is not stroller friendly, so leave it at home as you savour the panoramic view across the lake.
Paul’s Tomb on Knox Mountain
Kelowna
A popular hiking destination for locals, the 5km round-trip trail can easily be done with a stroller. The majestic views are camera-worthy, and the minimal elevation makes it walkable/runnable/skippable for any little ones in tow.
Cougar Canyon Trail
Vernon
This easy-to-follow trail in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park is a popular choice for local hikers as it offers expansive views, and shaded walking areas thanks to mature evergreens. With views of the lake and the valley, the path splits into two at the end, one leading to the top of the cliffs, and the other to the bottom. There are steep drops at the cliff edges so it is recommended to take older children on this hike.
Munson Mountain
Penticton
Home of the “Penticton” sign, Munson Mountain offers a 1km round-trip trail for explorers of all ages. Kids will enjoy finding the sunset markets, affectionately known as “Pen-Henge,” that are set up to mark the position of the sun as it sets.
Naramata Creek Park
Naramata
The perfect hike for a hot day, Naramata Creek Park trails stay shaded and cool thanks to large rock slabs, old-growth trees and trickly creek. Accessible year-round, the 2.4km round trip takes visitors over bridges and through a river canyon to the waterfall.
Hardy Falls Regional Park
Peachland
This flat, 15-minute walk to the falls is perfect for younger kids. With an opportunity to see spawning sockeye salmon at the end of summer, the park is a great area for kids to learn about local ecology.