The Best Hiking Trails In and Around Vernon
Short answer: The best hiking trails in Vernon are Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park (Cosens Bay and Rattlesnake Point), the BX Creek Falls trail, the Middleton Mountain trail network, sections of the historic Grey Canal Trail, and short, steep viewpoint hikes like Becker Park and Rocky Ridge. For easy walks, Swan Lake Nature Reserve and the BX Creek Delta are flat and family friendly.
One of the first things people notice when they move here is how close the trails are. In most Vernon neighbourhoods you’re less than ten minutes from a trailhead, and some of the best views in the Okanagan are a 20-minute climb from a suburban street.
Below are the trails I recommend most, grouped by effort. Trail information comes from BC Parks, the City of Vernon and the Ribbons of Green Trails Society, which publishes free maps for the whole Greater Vernon area. Conditions change, so check before you go.
What is the best hike in Vernon?
If I could only send a visitor on one hike, it would be Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. BC Parks lists over 14 km of trails, mostly easy to moderate, through protected North Okanagan grassland and ponderosa pine.
The highlights:
- Cosens Bay Trail (about 2.5 km, easy): the classic walk to a quiet beach on Kal Lake.
- Rattlesnake Point: a viewing platform with benches looking out over the lake. Bring your camera.
- Juniper Trail (about 1.5 km): a paved trail down to Juniper and Jade Bays.
- Grassland and Crest trails: short routes with big views and spring wildflowers.
A practical note: BC Parks says dogs must be leashed except in designated pet areas, and it specifically warns that off-leash dogs are more at risk of rattlesnake bites. Stay on the trail and give snakes space.
Where can I see a waterfall near Vernon?
BX Creek Falls is Vernon’s waterfall hike. Ribbons of Green rates the BX Creek Falls trail as difficult because of uneven ground and a steep staircase down to the falls, but it’s short and shaded under mature forest, which makes it a good pick on a hot day. Spring runoff is when the falls look their best.
For something much gentler, the BX Creek Delta Trail follows the creek toward Swan Lake on crushed stone and boardwalks. It’s a nice one for little legs.
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What are the best short hikes with a view?
Vernon is full of small knolls and hills that give you a huge view for not much time. These are my go-to “I’ve got 45 minutes” hikes:
- Becker Park: the City describes it as short but steep, with views over the city centre and a peek at Okanagan Lake. The trailhead is at the curling rink parking lot behind the Recreation Complex.
- Rocky Ridge Park: a short trail next to Turtle Mountain with a 360-degree view from the top.
- Nel’s Leap: a steep little path up a historic ski-jump hill with a panorama of Vernon.
- McKergow Meadows on Middleton Mountain: steep but short, with views to Kalamalka Lake and a pond that attracts ducks and other wildlife.
Which trails are good for a longer workout?
If you want to feel it the next day, try these:
- Middleton Mountain Circle Trail: about a 6 km loop linking several Middleton Mountain trail areas, with great views. It needs a decent level of fitness.
- Upper BX Creek Trail: about 5.8 km with a big elevation change through dense forest and over bridges.
- Coldstream Ranchlands Trail: a longer loop climbing through grassland with ravine views.
- Kal Crystal Waters Trail: about 12 km from Okanagan College toward Lake Country with varied terrain and lake views.
Distances above come from the Ribbons of Green trail list. Always check current maps and access before heading out, since some trails cross private or ranch land.
What is the Grey Canal Trail?
The Grey Canal was a historic irrigation canal that wrapped around the hillsides of Greater Vernon. Today, sections of its old route are walking trails. The City lists sections through the Silver Star foothills and East Swan Lake, East Vernon, Coldstream and Bella Vista/Turtle Mountain.
My favourite is the Bella Vista section, an easy walk through orchards, vineyards and grassland with lake views. The Turtle Mountain sections have remnants of the old siphons, which is a fun bit of local history.
Are there easy, flat walks in Vernon?
Absolutely. Not every outing needs a summit.
- Swan Lake Nature Reserve: a short, flat loop for watching waterfowl and marsh birds.
- Allan Brooks Nature Centre grasslands trail: short and wheelchair friendly, with views of three lakes.
- Polson Park and the Polson Greenway: flat, paved and right downtown.
- Okanagan Landing multi-use path: paved, running from Polson Park toward Paddlewheel Park.
What about the Rail Trail, Ellison and SilverStar?
The Okanagan Rail Trail runs from Coldstream along Kalamalka and Wood Lakes toward Kelowna, and Ellison Provincial Park has trails above Okanagan Lake. Both are wonderful and deserve their own guides, so I’ll just say: put them on your list.
In summer, SilverStar Mountain Resort turns into a hiking and mountain biking destination, and it’s usually noticeably cooler than the valley on a hot day.
Trail tips for Vernon
- Watch for rattlesnakes and ticks in the grassland areas in spring and summer.
- Check wildfire and trail closures in summer. BC Parks posts park advisories on each park page.
- Carry water. The grassland trails have little shade.
- Respect private land where trails cross ranches and orchards.
If trail access matters to you when choosing a home, ask me. Middleton Mountain, Turtle Mountain and Coldstream all have trails right out the door. And if you hike with a dog, see my guide to dog-friendly Vernon or my list of Vernon’s best parks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular hike in Vernon, BC?
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, especially the Cosens Bay Trail and the Rattlesnake Point viewpoint, is one of the most popular hiking areas in the Vernon area.
Is there a waterfall hike in Vernon?
Yes. BX Creek Falls has a trail that leads down a steep staircase to the falls. Spring is the best time to see it flowing strongly.
Are Vernon trails dog friendly?
Many are, with rules that vary by trail. In Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, dogs must be on leash except in designated pet areas, according to BC Parks.
Where can I get a Vernon trail map?
The Ribbons of Green Trails Society offers free downloadable maps of Greater Vernon trails, and the City of Vernon links to them from its trails page.
More Vernon guides
- Arts and Culture in Vernon: Theatre, Galleries and Live Music
- The Best Patios in Vernon, BC (Chalet Sean’s Picks)
- Dog-Friendly Vernon: Off-Leash Parks, Trails and Beaches
- Vernon and Coldstream neighbourhoods
- Okanagan Landing homes for sale
Questions about buying or selling in Vernon?
I’m Sean Phillips, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty in Vernon, BC. I live in Okanagan Landing, and I help buyers and sellers across Vernon, Coldstream, SilverStar and the North Okanagan.
Text or call Sean: 236-599-5898
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This article is general information as of fall 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, fees and conditions change, so confirm details with the appropriate professional or authority before making a decision.