Trees changing colours, painting the landscape with gold and red accents. The crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. Crisp air that makes you feel refreshed and alive. Visiting Kelowna during the fall is sure to have you glowing, especially if you venture to these local parks for scenic strolls or for a midday picnic, packed with seasonal produce from the region's abundant harvest.
sntsk'il'ntən - Black Mountain Regional Park
Image credit: Ken Hagen
On the far eastern edge of Kelowna sits the rare grassland ecosystems of sntsk'il'ntən - Black Mountain Regional Park, which officially opened in 2017 and is co-managed by Westbank First Nation and the Regional District of the Central Okanagan (RDCO).
The regional park is the largest in the area, covering an expansive 640 hectares. With its rolling ridgelines, sntsk'il'ntən—meaning the place where flint is found—is home to many native species of plants and animals, including numerous birds, coyote, elk, and spadefoot toads.
The Ephemeral Pond Trail is a shorter, easier option if you want to take a leisurely stroll, or you can explore the other, more moderate trails within the park. Before your visit, you can learn how to pronounce the park name or download a map of the trails through the RDCO website.
On November 6, guests can join syilx knowledge keeper and artist, iskwist spaxwawlm (Northern Lights)/Krystal Lezard, for a guided walk through the park. During the walk, Krystal will share "syilx values, customs, and history, offering participants an opportunity to experience the land through a syilx lens." Space is limited; advance registration is required.
Nearby Stops for Picnic Goods: Bachhat Bazaar, Jaide & Joel's Baking Co., Johnny's Fresh Meats & Deli, Farming Karma, Hillcrest Farm Market, Specialty Bakery
Dilworth Mountain
Image credit: Studio Iverson
You don't have to venture far from downtown Kelowna to find exceptional views of the city and valley. Dilworth Mountain Park is a 128-hectare ridgeline park, offering short, easy hikes for those who love achieving maximum reward for minimal effort.
The park sits about 1,000 feet above the valley floor, with well-maintained trails that make it perfect for families or those seeking a casual hike. If you are eager to capture some extra-memorable shots of the city, be sure to plan your visit for sunrise or sunset, where colours will dance across the vista.
Dilworth Mountain Park also has a playground, perfect for the little people in your group, and is welcoming to furry, four-legged family members, as long as they are kept on leash.
Nearby Stops for Picnic Goods: Carnist, Choices Market, Ellis St. Market, Mediterranean Market, Perseval & Young Cheesemongers, Polene Bakery & Bistro, Rocket Subs, Woodfire Bakery
Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park
Image credit: ©RDCO & Michael Hintringer
Nestled along the shores of Okanagan Lake in West Kelowna sits Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park, B.C.’s oldest working nut farm, which is more than 100 years old. As noted by Visit Westside, it was pioneer Jack Gellatly who started experimenting with nut cultivation in the early 1900s.
Since 2005, the quaint, peaceful setting has operated as a regional park, filled with nut trees and easy walking trails, suitable for explorers of all abilities. Guests to the park can purchase nuts from early September through to the end of October, once the nuts have ripened and fallen off the trees.
All proceeds from the nut harvests and sales, managed by the Gellatly Nut Farm Society, are reinvested into the park's maintenance. On-site, there is also a small heritage house and interpretive signage, picnic tables, and a playground. Visit the RDCO website to access additional interactive park maps.
While you're in the area, you can also explore the nearby Gellatly Heritage Regional Park. On Saturday, October 22, you can join the RDCO for a heritage and cemetery tour of the park, exploring the stories behind the names, dates, and historic buildings, bringing to life the history of the families who once lived here.
Nearby Stops for Picnic Goods: Bliss Bakery & Bistro, Fork Plant Based Market, Frind Beach Café, Kekuli Café, Nature's Fare, Paynter's Fruit Market, Tamm Latin Market, The Market at Quails' Gate Winery (seasonal)
Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park
Image credit: Ken Hagen
Designated by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as the third Nocturnal Preserve in Canada, the Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park is spread over 400 hectares in South Kelowna. The Nocturnal Preserve designation is given to areas where the nocturnal environment is protected by municipalities, with minimal, strictly controlled artificial light, making these parks ideal for stargazing.
Visiting during the day is equally impressive, thanks to the variety of wildlife and the tremendous views as you traverse the 7 km of trails within the park. Climbers will want to visit the park, too, as it's home to a variety of cliffs with around 120 climbs, including several multi-pitch and trad climbs.
The RDCO will be hosting a guided full moon hike at the park on November 5, where guests will "experience the magic of moonlit trails, learn about lunar cycles and natural rhythms, and connect with the night-time landscape." Space is limited; visit the RDCO website to register.
Nearby Stops for Picnic Goods: Bright Jenny Coffee, Lakeview Market, Marmalade Cat Café, Milkshed Coffee House, Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate Lakeshore, Sunshine Market, Urban Fare
Mission Creek Regional Park
Image credit: ©RDCO & Michael Hintringer
Mission Creek Regional Park has much to enjoy throughout the year, but fall is one of the most remarkable seasons to visit this easily accessible park. Earlier in the fall, typically from mid-September to early October, visitors to the park can witness the spawning Kokanee salmon in the creek.
As fall settles in, many of the trees lining the creek will turn bright yellow, enveloping you in the wonder of the season as you walk along the creekside trail. There is a mix of flat and hilly trails, all of which offer easy walking and hiking options. The flat trails are perfect for strollers or those with wheelchairs or mobility aids.
On October 25, you can get into the Halloween spirit with the RDCO's pumpkin carving workshop, in preparation for the Spooktacular event that evening. Learn more and register here.
Nearby Stops for Picnic Goods: 350° Bakehouse and Café, Kelowna Farmers' & Crafters' Market, Kelowna Fruit n Veggies, L & D Meats & Deli, Okanagan Grocery Artisan Breads, Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate, San's Latin Market (plus those listed below as nearby Myra Canyon)
Okanagan Rail Trail
Created from an old railway line, the Okanagan Rail Trail stretches 50 km between downtown Kelowna and Vernon, offering a mostly flat, multi-use pathway with both gravel and paved sections.
One particularly scenic section to explore during the fall is the path that runs alongside Wood Lake in Lake Country. If you prefer biking to strolling and don't have your own bike, you can start your adventure at Pedego Oyama on the north end of the lake to rent e-bikes. The flat trail makes it easily accessible for strollers and adaptive equipment, too.
Nearby Reiswig Regional Park/Beasley Park, on the south shores of Wood Lake, is a perfect picnic stop along your journey.
Nearby Stops for Picnic Goods: Beat. Patisserie, Gatzke's Farm Market (early fall only), Grillers Meats, The Jammery, The Salty Caramel Kitchen, Wooden Nickel Café
Myra Canyon Trestles Trail
Image credit: Ken Hagen
Now is the perfect time to head up to Myra Canyon Trestles Trail to admire the changing Larch trees, which transition to vibrant yellows throughout the canyon from mid- to late-October each year.
The first lookout point along the flat trail is only about 1 km from the parking lot (at the Myra Station end), so you don't have to walk far to take in the beauty. If you have your bikes with you, you can cycle the 12-km trail (you'll have to return the same way, as it's not a circular route) and stop along the way to admire the views, snap some pics, and enjoy a bite at the various benches or perfectly shaped rocks you come upon.
Be sure to keep an eye on the weather and dress accordingly when making your plans, as rain in the valley can often mean snow at higher elevations like Myra Canyon.
Nearby Stops for Picnic Goods: Codfather's Seafood Market, Don-O-Ray Farm Market, Ferrara's Italian Market, Fezziwig's Artisan Bakery-Cafe, K.L.O Farm Market, Meadow Vista Honey Wines (plus those listed above as nearby Mission Creek)
