The best family-friendly hikes and walks around North Okanagan B
4.5
(52)
627
hikers
11
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Family friendly hiking trails around North Okanagan B traverse a diverse landscape characterized by shimmering lakes, rolling hills, and dense forests. The region is home to iconic Kalamalka Lake, known for its distinctive emerald and turquoise waters, and offers expansive views across the Okanagan Valley. Hikers will encounter varied terrain, from lakeside paths to trails winding through Ponderosa Pine forests and open grasslands.
Best family friendly hiking trails around North Okanagan B
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Okanagan Rail Trail, a 10.6 miles (17.1 km) trail that takes 4 hours 28 minutes to complete. This multi-use pathway follows a decommissioned railway line along Kalamalka Lake, offering scenic lakeside views.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Middleton Mountain Park to Kal Beach loop, a moderate 4.6 miles (7.4 km) path. This route provides views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding area.
- Local hikers also love the Upper Rattlesnake Viewpoint – Lower Rattlesnake Viewpoint loop from Red Gate Parking Lot, a 2.1 miles (3.3 km) trail leading through Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, often completed in about 54 minutes.
- Hiking around North Okanagan B is defined by shimmering lakes, rolling hills, and dense forests, with options ranging from easy lakeside strolls to moderate climbs through varied terrain.
- The routes in North Okanagan B are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 30 reviews. More than 500 hikers have used komoot to explore North Okanagan B's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
4.0
(1)
3
hikers
17.1km
04:29
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
7.40km
02:16
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.9
(9)
98
hikers
9.01km
02:43
300m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(7)
85
hikers
8.63km
02:40
320m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(6)
76
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around North Okanagan B
Other adventures around North Okanagan B
Tips from the Community
This section Okanagan Rail Trail might just have the best views for effort ratio of any trail in Canada. You'll follow along the flat, well-maintained trail with Kalamalka Lake glistening in the sunshine to one side and towering cliff faces appearing on the other. To make things even better, there are a number of campgrounds along the way so you can make a multi-day hiking or biking trip out of it and really immerse yourself in the beauty of the area.
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Middleton Mountain Park is a great place to start a hike around Coldstream and Middleton Mountain. Here, there's a playground, dog park, tennis courts, restrooms, and parking.
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Kal Beach is a sandy lakefront beach with a fishing pier, swimming access, kayak rentals, and picnic tables. In the summer, it's great for a dip, easy to walk barefoot on the fine sand, and there's a long, shallow stretch perfect for young kids to splash around. Beachgoers can also enjoy the scenic views over Kalamalka Lake from the Kal Beach Pier.
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The trail up Mount Middleton is short but sweet with a series of switchbacks. Once you reach the top there are three different loops you can take all with great views of the lake and surrounding area.
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Located in south Vernon, Mount Middleton is accessible via a short but steep trail. Once on top there are a few loop trails that give you views of the surrounding area including over Kalamalka Lake.
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Beautiful hike, nice fur trees, beautiful pine trees, nice open meadows,
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Kalamalka Lake (also called "Kal Lake") is a large lake in the Interior Plateau of southern central British Columbia. It is located east of Okanagan Lake and about 4 km south of Vernon. The lake is named after a chief of the Okanagan (Okanogan in the US), who occupied the north shore. At different times of the year - even from different points at the same time - the color of the lake may vary between cyan and indigo; this earned the lake the epithet "Lake of a thousand colors". The color of the lake is caused by the scattering of light resulting from the precipitation of calcite (CaCO3).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in North Okanagan B?
This guide features 12 family-friendly hiking routes in North Okanagan B, with 4 rated as easy and 8 as moderate. The region, often called the "Trails Capital of BC," offers a wide variety of paths suitable for families.
Are there any easy, short loop trails suitable for families with young children?
Yes, for a shorter, easy loop, consider the Upper Rattlesnake Viewpoint – Lower Rattlesnake Viewpoint loop from Red Gate Parking Lot. It's just over 3 km with minimal elevation gain, offering pleasant views without being too strenuous for little legs.
What kind of natural attractions can we expect to see along the trails?
The North Okanagan is rich in natural beauty. Many trails offer stunning views of shimmering lakes like Kalamalka Lake, known for its unique emerald and turquoise waters. You might also encounter diverse forests, rolling hills, and even waterfalls like BX Falls. Some routes provide access to beautiful beaches such as Kal Beach.
Are there any trails that are particularly good for strollers or very young children?
The Okanagan Rail Trail is an excellent choice for strollers and very young children. This relatively flat, multi-use pathway follows a decommissioned railway line along Kalamalka Lake, offering scenic lakeside views on a well-maintained surface.
Can we find trails with good viewpoints over the lakes?
Absolutely. Many trails in the region offer spectacular lake views. The Middleton Mountain Park to Kal Beach loop provides excellent vistas of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding area. You can also find great viewpoints within Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, such as the Kalamalka Lake view from Kekuli Bay Provincial Park.
Are there any family-friendly trails that are dog-friendly?
Many trails in the North Okanagan are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations before you go. Generally, trails like the Okanagan Rail Trail and those in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park welcome dogs on leash. Please ensure you clean up after your pet to keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family hiking in North Okanagan B?
The North Okanagan B area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 38 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning lake views, well-maintained paths, and the variety of trails that cater to different family abilities, making it easy to find a suitable adventure.
Are there any trails that offer a chance to stop for a snack or coffee nearby?
Yes, the Okanagan Rail Trail is particularly convenient. Along this route, you can find the Rail Trail Café, which is a great spot to grab a coffee or a bite to eat with the family during or after your hike.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in North Okanagan B?
The North Okanagan offers year-round hiking opportunities. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with wildflowers in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. Summer is also popular, especially for trails near lakes where you can combine hiking with swimming at spots like Kal Beach or Kin Beach. Even winter offers options for snowshoeing or milder walks.
Are there any moderate loop trails that offer a good challenge for older children?
For families looking for a moderate challenge with rewarding views, the View of Kalamalka Lake loop from Red Gate Parking Lot is a great option. It's about 9 km with some elevation gain, providing a good workout and spectacular panoramic views of Kalamalka Lake.
Where can we find trails that lead to beaches or swimming spots?
Many trails in the North Okanagan lead to or pass by beautiful beaches. The Middleton Mountain Park to Kal Beach loop, as its name suggests, takes you directly to Kal Beach, perfect for a refreshing dip after your hike. Kekuli Bay Provincial Park Campground also offers lake access and is a great base for exploring.
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