There is a wide variety of hiking in the Vernon area to accomodate any age and energy level. For more maps and information please visit Greater Vernon Parks and Rec or the Ribbons of Green Trails Society.

Kalamalka Provincial Park

The Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park in the Okanagan Valley is a mixture of desert grasslands, wetlands, canyons and forests filled with ponderosa pine, black cottonwood and douglas-fir trees. The highlights of the park include the large lake, the sandy beaches and the 14km network of trails. There are three main bays located on Kalamalka Lake; Jade, Juniper and Cosens Bays. Jade Bay is less populated and Juniper Bay is larger, and therefore more popular, thus providing more amenities like picnic tables, a swimming area, grass lawns, some pit toilets and viewing benches. 

Swimming, canoeing, picnicking and sun tanning are popular in the park because of the green-blue waters of Kalamalka Lake, the secluded coves and the sandy beaches. Hiking, biking, jogging, horseback riding and cross country skiing are enjoyed in the park because of the large network of paved and gravel trails. For more information view  the trail map or the Kalamalka park website.

Ellison Provincial Park

Ellison Provincial Park is a very popular summer park located southwest of the community of Vernon. The recreation destination park is situated on the eastern shores of Okanagan Lake and is popular for swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, camping and diving. Ellison Provincial Park is 200 hectares in size and is dominated by stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Six kilometers of hiking trails provide an excellent opportunity to explore and see unique plants and animal life. The trails vary in difficulty, both in grade and terrain, and there are some wheelchair accessible sections of trail. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, running water and an outdoor amphitheatre, a playground, picnic tables and a large grass lawn area. For more information, view the trail map or Ellison park website.

Kekuli Bay Provincial Park 

This 2.5 km earthy-gravel walking path around Kekuli Bay Provincial Park explores the grassland hills, providing views of the valley and lake. Some of the attractions are the wildflowers, birds and large rodent type animals that all flourish within the park. Amenities include showers, power, flush toilets, a children's playground area, as well as picnic tables. For more information, view the  trail map or Kekuli Bay park website. 

BX Creek Trail

The following sections are portions of the BX Creek Trail; a hiking and biking wilderness trail that follows beautiful BX Creek. View map. 

BX Creek Falls

This trail section has a trail head and parking at each end. Park either at the Tillicum Road parking lot, 2km from the junction of Silver Star Road, or at the trail head on Star Road. You can experience the cool, humid world of birch trees, devil's club, horsetail and cedar trees along this 2 km, creek-side trail. This trail also connects to the Grey Canal  trail just 300 meters north of the Star Road trail head. 

BX Creek Delta

This sections of the trail goes from Frontage Road on Highway 97 to 48th Avenue. Parking is available on the cul-de-sac at the north end of 20th Street, or on the south end of Frontage Road. The trail provides boardwalks across wetland to protect this sensitive ecosystem. 

Grey Canal Trail 

The following sections are portions of the Grey Canal Trail; a hiking, biking and horseback riding wilderness trail that follows the old Grey Canal irrigation system alignment around Vernon. View map.

Bella Vista / Okanagan Hills 

Follow Bella Vista Road to Okanagan Hills Boulevard and turn right onto Vineyard Way. Park at the end of the street on the right and follow the signs to the trail where you can go west for .03 km or east for 1.2 km. This trail provides excellent views of Okanagan Lake. 

Turtle Mountain 

Go west on 39th Avenue to the entrance of the Turtle Mountain subdivision. Park on either side of the road at the entrance to the subdivision. From the parking lot, follow the Grey Canal Trail north for .07 km or west for .05 km. There is an outstanding view from Rocky Ridge Park along the west section. 

Swan Lake East 

This section of trail goes from Rugg Road to Glenhays Road for a total of 3.5 km. Park at McLennan Road, Rugg Road, or Glenhays Road. This is a gently undulating trail with magnificent valley views. 

Silver Star Foothills

Blackcomb Way Trail Head

Heading along 48th Avenue / Silver Star Road go 1.5 km past BX School, then turn left onto Blackcomb Way; the parking lot is another 100 meters, under the hydro lines. 

Rugg Road Trail Head

This trail extends between Silver Star in a short loop that hooks back at Rugg Road. It is possible to park at Rugg Road and use the trail to head towards Silver Star Road and loop back. 

East Vernon

Access the trail off DeRoo Road. Some sections of the trail are along roadways; follow the signs. 

Coldstream Valley Estates Park

At the North end of Cypress Drive. From this point there are two options:
Option 1: follow the trail north, returning on the same path (.09 km one way). The trail is relatively steep. 
Option 2: go southeast along the edge of the road (Cypress Drive). Just past Upland Drive the trail goes off road to the right. The trail takes a path that offers a beautiful view of the valley, and then crosses Cypress Drive and continues to Coldstream Ranch property. Return following the same route (1.7 km one way). 

Okanagan High Rim Trail 

Okanagan High Rim Trail is a 55 km trail along the eastern slopes of the Thompson Plateau from Vernon to Mission Creek, just east of Kelowna. The trail explores many diverse ecosystems and provides open sections with fantastic views of the valley, as well as canopied sections that allow exploration of the wilderness forests. 

In total, the trail should take no longer then 3-4 days to complete, although most casual hikers will find that it is best hiked in shorter sections; there are numerous access points (or trail heads) making it possible for shorter day hikes. Overall the Okanagan High Rim Trail is well marked, but plan your route ahead and use regular trail safety procedures. The main trail head in the north is located at the Cosens Bay Gate of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. The south trail head is located on Philpott Road of Highway 33. For more information contact the Vernon Outdoors Club. View map.

For more detailed information on the High Rim Trail, check out this website:  www.cabinforestry.com/rec-trails.  It has an amazing Google Earth map of the trail as a kmz file.  You will also find a file with all the route's GPS coordinates and printable PDF files of various sections. 

Silver Star Mountain 

Get your hiking boots on and lose yourself in the surroundings. The hiking trails will take you around Silver Star Mountain to see wildflowers, birds and breath-taking scenery. A great way to get out and enjoy fresh mountain air filled with fragrant wildflowers.  Try a nature tour, go for a hike and take a picnic. Wander your way down to the Comet Express Six-Pack to access Silver Star’s hiking trails, or leave from the village. 

The use of the hiking trails at Silver Star Mountain Resort are complimentary. However, if you wish to use the Comet Express Six-Pack or the Summit Chairlift to start your hike, a ticket is required, which can be purchased from the in-resort village ticket office. Silver Star is open seven days a week from June 24 to Sept. 5, 2011. For more information view the trail map of the Silver Star Mountain website.