Discovering Hiking and Biking in Vernon, B.C!

As temperatures already starting to cool, we all start wondering how to keep fit and healthy during the Autumn months, and into Winter. Well, don’t hop onto those treadmills just yet, because we have some fantastic trails and cycling routes to tell you about! Hiking and Biking is very popular here in Vernon, B.C, especially during the spring, summer and fall months! There are so many different trails to chose from, from easy, difficult to moderate difficulty, it can sometimes be difficult to pin point exactly which is the best for you! So, here are some of the most well known trails!

 Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park Trails are a great place to start! These moderate difficulty trails are a mixture of dry grasslands, wetlands, canyons and forests. The trails are right by Kalamalka Lake, so you also do have the option of going down to the beach! There are the main bays located on Kalamalka Lake; Jade, Juniper, and Cosens Bay. All are great for swimming, but Juniper Bay is larger so it does offer more amenities like picnic tables, grass lawns, and viewing benches, which it great if you’ve got the whole family with you! Not only is the 14km network of trails good for Hiking, but all the Kalamalka Trails are also great for Cycling, Mountain Biking and even Horseback Riding!

 Ellison Provincial Park Trails also has some easy to moderate trails, located southwest of Vernon. Throughout the park, there are a series of small hiking and mountain biking trails. The terrains vary in difficulty, both in grade and terrain; it does have some wheelchair accessible sections of trail. Another option is BX Creek Falls; this section has a trail head and parking at each end. This 2 km, creek-side trail goes through the forest and gives you an inside look at some of Vernon’s wildlife! This trail works for both Hiking and Mountain Biking! If you prefer cycling only route, the BX Bike Loop is a great one to try! This pleasant cycling route offers views of the valley and lake, it also has a nice viewing spot which you can stop and take a break! There is also an interpretive sign which helps you access BX Creek Falls.

Safety Tips:

Hike with a partner or a group of friends. The Okanagan has a large wildlife population so having a partner is always a good decision. Also the companionship on a hike is fun and you can encourage each other to meet your fitness goals.

Take plenty of water and a snack. The water in the streams, rivers, and lakes may look clean but they are used by all the wildlife, so drinking it can make you ill.

Don’t walk off-trail.  Walking off-trail increases your chances of suffering an injury or getting lost.

Keep your distance. Wildlife lives in all of our parks. If you encounter wildlife on a trail, keep your distance and back away slowly. Poison Ivy is a common plant throughout the Okanagan. Make sure you can identify its shiny, three-leafed pattern and avoid touching it.