In Kelowna, hiking at any time of year can be beautiful, but getting outside to take in the gorgeous snowy vistas of a winter walk in the wilderness can't be beaten. Depending on the conditions, a winter hike can be best done with snowshoes or simply good boots. So get outside and check out some of these winter trails.


1. John's Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park

Hike at Cedar Creek
 

Meghan Hiking at Cedar Creek

View from Cedar Creek Park

John' Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park is a great trail system with impressive views of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake. The road up to the trailhead is steep, so if it’s snowy and you don't have a 4 wheel drive vehicle, you can park at the bottom and walk up - the view is well worth the extra steps. The trails are well marked and on a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views. An added bonus of this trail system is its proximity to wineries along the Lakeshore Wine Route. Stop by Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Cedar Creek Estate Winery, St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery for a celebratory tasting after your adventure. You may need to book in advance for a wine tasting at the wineries.


2. Rose Valley Regional Park

Rose Valley Hike

Rose Valley Frozen Lake
Frozen Rose Valley Lake in Rose Valley Regional Park in West Kelowna

Rose Valley Hike, Lakeside

Rose Valley Regional Park in West Kelowna is home to an extensive network of trails. Although the trail system is close to Kelowna, it's tucked behind the hills making it feel natural and secluded. My favourite trail in the network is the walk down to the Rose Valley Lake which is usually frozen in the winter and makes it the perfect spot to relax for a while (remember to bring some hot chocolate).


3. Kettle Valley Railway, Myra Bellevue Provincial Park

Kettle Valley Rail Hike
Snow covered trestles in Myra Bellevue Provincial Park

Hiking on the Trestles

Kettle Valley Trestle View

The Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) is an iconic trail system and one of my favourite places to walk, bike, or snowshoe. The Myra Canyon portion of the trail is one of the most scenic sections, and is in close proximity to Kelowna. This section of the trail is home to 18 impressive trestles, 2 tunnels, abundant wildlife, and incredible vistas. This trail makes for a beautiful and easy winter hike as there are no steep elevation changes. Though you can enter from either end, I would recommend bringing your snowshoes (or renting some in Kelowna) and start at Myra Canyon Station off of Myra Canyon Service Road and walk in the direction of Ruth Station which is off June Springs Road. It's approximately 1 KM to the first trestle. 


4. Bear Creek Provincial Park

Bear Creek Hike

Bear Creek Provincial Park

Bear Creek Provincial Park is known for it’s gorgeous lakeside campground and the park's proximity to downtown Kelowna. In the winter the provincial campsite is closed, but the hiking trails are as stunning covered in snow as they are in the warmer months. If there's been a stretch of cold weather you can actually walk right up the creek bed until you reach the frozen waterfalls. A treat you can only experience in winter. On a milder winter day you can walk the Canyon Rim Trail and catch some cool vantage points of the falls below. The trail has some steep sections with stairs, and there are three loop options of varying lengths for you to choose from.