Fall Hiking in Kelowna: Trails & Outdoor Adventures

Fall hiking in Kelowna offers everything from short creekside walks to steep climbs overlooking Okanagan Lake. Cottonwoods turn yellow along Mission Creek, larches change colour above Myra Canyon, and cooler days make the hillside trails more comfortable. Whether you have an hour or most of the day, these fall hikes in Kelowna and nearby communities will help you find a route that suits your plans.

You may also want to pair your hike with other seasonal activities, explore things to do in the fall, or build your own itinerary for a complete Okanagan experience.

Easy Fall Hikes in Kelowna & the Okanagan Valley

Start with these gentler routes for shorter outings, family walks, and fall colours close to town.

Dilworth Mountain Park Love for Kelowna 12

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Dilworth Mountain Park Love for Kelowna 14

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(1) Photo: Studio Iverson (@studioiverson), (2) Photo: Studio Iverson (@studioiverson), (3) Photo: Vince Jones

Dilworth Mountain Park: Short Walks & City Views

Dilworth Mountain Park offers short trails overlooking Kelowna and Okanagan Lake, making it a good choice when you want views without a long outing. In fall, dry grasses and changing shrubs add colour to the hillside. Access the trails from Chilcotin Crescent and choose a shorter walk or connect paths for a longer loop. Wear shoes with grip for loose gravel.

^{Photo: Matt Ferguson Photography}

Rotary Trails, West Kelowna: A Walk Along Powers Creek

Follow Powers Creek through the Rotary Trails for a short walk beneath yellowing leaves. Gravel paths, footbridges, and a boardwalk make this an easy outing near West Kelowna’s waterfront. Early fall can also bring spawning kokanee, which you may spot from the bridges. Keep dogs out of the creek and give the fish space. Parking is available on Gellatly Road.

Mission Creek Greenway Regional Park Fall 1

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Salmon Spawning Channel at Mission Creek Regional Park

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Mission Creek Greenway Regional Park Fall 2

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(1) Photo: ©RDCO & Michael Hintringer, (2) Photo: ARK Media, (3) Photo: ©RDCO & Michael Hintringer

Mission Creek Greenway: Cottonwoods & Creekside Trails

Mission Creek Greenway is a good place to see fall colours in Kelowna, with yellow cottonwoods lining much of the creek. Choose the flatter western section for an easy walk and turn around whenever you’re ready. Farther east, the route becomes hillier as it enters the canyon. Start from Mission Creek Regional Park on Springfield Road, where you can catch a glimpse of the kokanee salmon spawning in the channels during late summer and early fall.

Couple Biking at Myra Canyon Trestles during Golden Larch Season 7

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Couple taking in the view at Myra Canyon Trestles during Golden Larch Season 1

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(1) Photo: Ken Hagen, (2) Photo: Ken Hagen, (3) Photo: Ken Hagen

Myra Canyon Trestles: A Rail Trail Above the Valley

Myra Canyon's former railway route crosses 18 trestles and passes through two tunnels over roughly 12 km one way. Walk a shorter section or rent a bike to enjoy the full route. Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals & Tours offers rentals and tours until mid-October. It’s also a must-visit for golden larch spotting in fall. Start at Myra Station, pack layers, and check conditions before heading up, as snow can arrive earlier than in the valley.

Scenic Canyon Regional Park: Creekside Walk from Hollywood Road South

Start at the Hollywood Road South entrance for a gentler walk along Mission Creek, with bridges, boardwalk sections, and changing fall leaves. Follow the creekside trail for a shorter outing, turning back before the steeper sections. Trail closures interrupt connections farther into the canyon, so don’t plan to walk through to the Field Road trails. Check RDCO’s park map and notices before visiting.

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(1) Waterfront Park. Photo: Matt Ferguson, (2) Waterfront Boardwalk. Photo: Steve Small, (3) Rotary Marsh Park. Photo: Darren Hull Studios

Waterfront Park & Boardwalk: An Easy Downtown Walk

For a fall walk close to cafés and restaurants, follow the paved waterfront paths through Downtown Kelowna. Changing leaves frame the lake, while nearby Rotary Marsh Park offers a place to watch waterbirds around the ponds. The mostly level route suits a shorter outing with plenty of opportunities to stop. Use downtown parking and bring binoculars if you enjoy fall birdwatching.

Moderate Fall Hikes with Okanagan Lake Views

If you’re seeking more challenging hikes and unforgettable views, discover these rewarding routes.

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(1) Photo: One Peak Creative, (2) Photo: Danika Lee Photography, (3) Photo: Darren Hull Studios

Knox Mountain Park: Choose Your Climb

Knox Mountain Park offers two different outings: the gentler Paul’s Tomb Trail follows the hillside above Okanagan Lake to a quiet cove and beach, while the steeper Apex Trail leads to the mid-station and upper-station lookouts for lake and city views. Cooler fall temperatures make the climb more comfortable, or you can pack a snack for a lakeside break at Paul’s Tomb. Start at the base parking lot in Kelowna’s North End or shorten your hike by driving to the first-lookout parking area, accessible daily from noon to 8 p.m. during the frost-free season. Check road access before visiting, as weather, wildfire risk, maintenance, or special events can cause closures.

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(1) Photo: Nic Collar Films, (2) Photo: Callum Snape, (3) Photo: Nic Collar Film

Mount Boucherie, West Kelowna: Views Above the Vineyards

A West Kelowna landmark, Mount Boucherie offers a rewarding moderate hike through volcanic rock and open grasslands. The main trail is just over 6 km round trip, with steady elevation gain and rocky sections that require careful footing. In fall, you can look across vineyards changing colour during harvest season. The Boucherie Rush Trail is a popular summit route from East Boundary Road, with switchbacks and rocky sections along the way. Allow time for the climb and choose footwear suited to uneven ground.

Scenic Canyon Southeast Kelowna Landscape (1)

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(1) Photo: Matt Ferguson Photography, (2) Layer Cake Mountain, (3) Scenic Canyon Rock Formations

Scenic Canyon Regional Park: Rock Ovens & Layer Cake Mountain from Field Road

For a longer fall outing, start at Field Road and follow the Saskatoon Trail into the canyon toward the Rock Ovens and views of Layer Cake Mountain. Changing leaves line the creek beneath the rock formations. The access trail is rated easy, but connecting routes can add hills and uneven terrain, making your chosen route important. Check the park map for open connections.

Couple Hiking at Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park 22

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Couple Hiking at Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park 24

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Couple Hiking at Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park Aerial 8

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(1) Photo: Ken Hagen, (2) Photo: Ken Hagen, (3) Photo: Ken Hagen

Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park: Grasslands, Cliffs, and Views

In Kelowna's Upper Mission, Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park offers trails through open grassland and recovering forest, with lake views and the cliffs known as the Crags. Fall grasses and changing shrubs add colour to the slopes. It’s also a designated Nocturnal Preserve, where artificial light is minimized to protect the night sky and wildlife. Access is via Chute Lake Road; expect some rocky sections and limited shade.

Challenging Fall Hikes Near Kelowna for Experienced Hikers

These steeper climbs and longer routes call for more experience, preparation, and time.

Goats Peak Provincial Park
^{Photo: Steve Small}

Goats Peak Regional Park: A Steep Lakeview Climb

Goats Peak rises above Okanagan Lake in West Kelowna, with a steep climb along the Mountain Goat Trail. Cooler fall days suit this exposed route, which passes through grassland before reaching the summit views. The Big Sagebrush Trail offers a gentler alternative within the park. Access is off Seclusion Bay Road, and sturdy footwear helps on the steeper, loose sections.

View from Okanagan Mountain Park
^{Photo: Nicole Hamilton}

Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park : Longer Backcountry Routes

South of Kelowna, Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park offers a large network of trails through rugged grassland, forest, and rocky terrain. Fall brings cooler hiking weather, but shorter days make route planning especially important. Access the northern trailhead via Lakeshore Road and use the park map to plan your full distance. Carry drinking water and navigation tools, and check BC Parks’ trail reports.

Photos from Destination BC image bank. Tag @miraecampbell when using on Social Media.

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High Rim Trail, Okanagan Lake looking towards Kelowna

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(1) High Rim Trail Lookout. Photo: Destination BC and Mirae Campbell, (2) Golden Larches. Photo: Matt Ferguson, (3) High Rim Trail. Photo: Hiking Addiction

High Rim Trail: A Long Highland Hike

The High Rim Trail runs roughly 58 km between the Kelowna area and Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park near Coldstream. Day hikers can explore a shorter section from the Oyama Lake Road access point in Lake Country, pairing their hike with a visit to nearby Oyama Lake for fall colours and golden larches. Find more details in our guide to golden larches near Kelowna. Early fall generally offers a better window before snow reaches the higher elevations. Plan your turnaround point and carry navigation tools for this backcountry outing.

Fall Trail Tips

Start early: Days get shorter quickly in October, and regional parks are open from dawn to dusk. An early start also means easier parking at popular trailheads.
Check seasonal access: Some trailhead lots, including Scenic Canyon's Field Road entrance, close for the season around November. Higher routes like Myra Canyon and the High Rim Trail can see snow while the valley stays mild.
Dress in layers: Mornings can be chilly and afternoons surprisingly warm. Pack a warm layer and a rain shell, even for short outings.
Come prepared: Several trails have no washrooms or potable water stations. Carry more water than you think you'll need, and on longer or unmarked routes, bring a map and tell someone your plans.
Be wildlife aware: Bears and other wildlife are active in fall as they fatten up for winter. Make noise on quieter trails, keep dogs on leash, and give spawning kokanee room in the creeks.
Know before you go: Review our outdoor safety tips, pack in what you pack out, follow Leave No Trace principles, and check current conditions before heading out.

Extend Your Fall Hiking Trip in Kelowna

Fall is harvest season in the Okanagan, which makes it easy to pair a morning on the trail with an afternoon of local flavour. Explore wineries across the Okanagan Valley during grape crush, or, for something casual, stop by one of the region's breweries, cideries, and distilleries, or browse the farms, orchards, and markets for apples, pears, and pumpkins to take home.

Want more time outdoors? Find waterfalls in our guide to waterfall hikes in and around Kelowna, and discover quieter routes among our underappreciated hiking trails.

When it's time to rest your legs, settle into one of Kelowna's cabins and cottages, hotels and resorts, or browse dog-friendly accommodations if you're hiking with a four-legged companion.

Plan Your Fall Hike in Kelowna

Whether you're after an easy lakeside stroll or a challenging summit climb, fall is one of the best times to hit the trails around Kelowna. Share your hiking photos by tagging Tourism Kelowna and using #exploreKelowna. We'd love to see where the season takes you. For more trail ideas, visit our Kelowna hiking page and start planning your fall getaway at tourismkelowna.com.

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