Winter Hiking Trails in British Columbia
Get out and explore the Canadian winters in the Okanagan with these winter hiking trails.
Winter Hikes in the North Okanagan - Looking for car-accessible winter hikes in the North Okanagan? Look no further! As much as I love winter, it becomes a bit more challenging to hike. If you're like me and are limited to non-4x4 or AWD trails, there are still plenty of hikes out there to keep you exploring! However, it must come with a view!
6 Car-Accessible Winter Hikes in the North Okanagan
1. Mount Rose Swanson Loop, Armstrong, BC
Distance: 5.6km loop (there are trail options to make it shorter or longer)
Mount Rose Swanson is located just outside of Armstrong, just off of Chamberlain Rd. The road and parking lot were nicely plowed however, it becomes quite busy on the weekends! Depending on the distance, there are a few trail options. Once at the top, you have a spectacular view over Armstrong and Spallumcheen area.
2. Enderby Cliffs (Enderby Provincial Park), Enderby, BC
Distance: 12.6km return
Located near Enderby is another popular day hiking option. There is a huge parking lot with a pit toilet. The trail starts across the road, walking along a farmer's fence before ascending up with switchbacks. With that in mind, the higher you go, the deeper the snow will be. Your reward will be the view overlooking Enderby, Shuswaps River, and the Okanagan Valley. Click here for a more in-depth trail description .
3. Bluenose Mountain, Lavington, BC
Distance: 4 km return
Just a little drive from Lavington, this short hike leads you to big views. You can either go clockwise for a quicker, steeper view or go counter-clockwise for a more gradual incline. Bluenose Mountain offers 2 viewpoints, one overlooking the Monashee Mountains and the other overlooking Lavington/Vernon area. Regardless of which way you start, both views are well worth seeing!
4. Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, Coldstream, BC
Distance: There are numerous winter hikes in the North Okanagan for all experiences and levels.
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park has viewpoints, beaches, a waterfall and so many different trails to explore, you'll have to come back a few times! Some of the most popular trails include Rattlesnake Point (~5km return), Coming Around the Mountain (8.5km), and Cosens Beach Trail (~7km). There are 2 parking lots to start your adventures from.
5. Ellison Provincial Park
Distance: There are numerous trails for all experiences and levels.
Located 30 minutes from Vernon, Ellison Provincial Park has multiple interconnection trails. There's even a trail that runs up to Predator Ridge! Take Okanagan Landing Road (turns into Eastside Rd) all the way until you enter the park. The parking lot is on the left-hand side. Note: The park gates to access the campsite are closed until it opens up in the spring.
6. Fintry Falls and Loop (Fintry Provincial Park and Protected Area)
OkDistance: 1km return
If you want a quick jaunt to a spectacular waterfall, look no further when talking winter hikes in the North Okanagan! There's a staircase that leads you to the top overlooking Fintry Falls, not to mention a few viewing platforms. If you want to keep going, take the trail to the right (before the last viewing platform) and make your way around back to the parking lot. I would highly recommend checking out the beach. The calmness of the water is the perfect spot for a quick lunch or coffee break after venturing to these car-accessible winter hikes in the North Okanagan.
Exploring the North Okanagan
Get your snowshoes or spikes ready and check out these 6 car-accessible hikes in the North Okanagan the next time you're out. Looking how to be more prepared for winter hikes? Click here.