Day trip to Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park
Now that the weather is starting to cool down and Lake Okanagan is getting almost too cold to swim in, why not embark on a hike? Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park is open year-round and is the ideal place to warm up your muscles.
The Park spans over 10,580 hectares and is the only part of Lake Okanagan’s shoreline that remains undeveloped, making it perfect for hikers. As you explore higher levels of the mountain, you will be treated to superb views of the lake. You can enjoy a range of ecosystems and micro-climates because of the park’s large size. This means you might be in partial-desert wilderness when you are at lower levels, then as you climb further you can expect to see beautiful green forests. Also watch out for wildlife in the area – if you’re lucky, you might get the chance to see deer, elk and black bears! Why not sit tight and see if you can find a mountain goat? There are also several reptiles to keep your eyes peeled for, including the Western Rattlesnake.
Go camping, hiking & boating!
For keen campers or boaters, this park offers six marine campgrounds as well as sheltered beaches – an excellent opportunity to explore the lake from a different location!
There are several trails of varying lengths and difficulties, so be sure to check out the BC Parks map to see what ones are most suitable for you. It’s also important to note that the area is prone to wildfires – watch out for unexpected hazards and expect some unstable conditions. Travel carefully and always let someone know where you are going. The park has limited facilities so make sure that you take plenty of water with you, especially in the summer.
For more activities in the Okanagan, check out our previous blog posts here. Happy hiking!
Written by Hannah Poaros
