Kelownafornians are notorious dog lovers. You’ll find adventurers exploring with their pups throughout this lake-side city. Whether you’re walking your dog or your dog is walking you, there are plenty of amazing dog-friendly trails to choose from in Kelowna. Below are the best hikes and dog parks for your next trip to the Okanagan.
1. Paul’s Tomb
Knox Mountain
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Length: 3 km roundtrip
Off-Leash? No
You and your pup will absolutely love Knox Mountain. There are plenty of hikes to choose from at Knox Mountain but Paul’s Tomb is one of the best. This trail takes visitors along the edge of the mountainside, with gorgeous views of Okanagan Lake and opens itself up to a small beach. Paul’s Tomb is the perfect area for your dog because there is also an off-leash dog park at Knox Mountain.
Read more: tourismkelowna.com
2. Ellison Dog Park
Length: Varies
Off-Leash? Yes
The Ellison Dog Park is the perfect getaway for your rambunctious puppy. With over seven hectares of space to roam off-leash, the park is an oasis for your pup.
Read more: kelowna.ca
3. Mission Creek Greenway
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com
Length: 16.5 km one-way
Off-Leash? No
The Mission Creek Greenway is one of the most popular hiking trails in Kelowna. It’s an easy hike with many large bridges passing over the creek. With so many trailheads to choose from, it’s best to start at the Greenway Mission Dog Park. This way your puppy can enjoy some off-leash time before hitting the trail.
Read more: regionaldistrict.com
4. Stephens Coyote Ridge Regional Park
Length: 1 - 2 km
Off-Leash? No
Stephens Coyote Ridge Regional Park is home to pristine ponds, grasslands and incredible wildlife. Just like the name suggests, the park is home to some coyotes as well as other animals. This park is the perfect hike for you and your pup because the park entrance is right beside the off-leash North Glenmore Dog Park.
Read more: regionaldistrict.com
5. Angel Springs
Length: 4 km one-way
Off-Leash? No
Tucked away in Myra-Bellevue Park, Angel Springs is perfect for a relaxing walk with your dog. The springs are not for swimming, but geological formations and mineral deposits make an interesting sight. Crossing the springs can be a bit tricky in some areas; there are some bridges.
Read more: okanagangals.com
6. Myra Canyon Trestles
Kettle Valley Railway
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com
Length: 12 km one-way
Off-Leash? No
Myra Canyon has two large tunnels and 18 trestle bridges originally built as part of the Kettle Valley Railway. The trestles offer fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and can be enjoyed on foot or by bicycle with your furry friends. Visitors will not only be able to appreciate the scenery but also the history of the Canyon.
Read more: myratrestles.com
7. Mill Creek Regional Park
Adam Jones Flickr cc by sa 2.0
Length: 1.5 km one-way
Off-Leash? No
Hikers come to Mill Creek for the waterfalls. While not huge, they do create a few pools that visitors often swim in. Dogs are welcome on this trail and must be kept on-leash.
Read more: tourismkelowna.com
8. Trepanier Creek Greenway
Length: 6 km loop
Off-Leash? No
The Trepanier Creek Greenway is located between West Kelowna and Peachland and is a beautiful place to enjoy with your four-legged best friend. With a beautiful creek and stunning views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains, you really can’t go wrong.
Read more: regionaldistrict.com
9. Glen Canyon
Length: 0.5 km
Off-Leash? No
Glen Canyon Regional Park is a beautiful area with 74 hectares of land for you and your dog to roam. Located in West Kelowna, the canyon follows Powers Creek all the way into Okanagan Lake.
Read more: regionaldistrict.com
10. Carrot Mountain Exterior Loop
Length: 4 km round trip
Off-Leash? No
Less commonly referred to as Davidson Creek, Carrot Mountain is a more intense hike to take your dog. The trail can sometimes be slippery and is quite steep but the views from the top make the trek worthwhile. From the top of Carrot Mountain, hikers and their furry friends can enjoy views of West Kelowna, Shannon Lake and Okanagan Lake. Plus there is also a big Canadian flag at the top, perfect for snapping a photo for your dog’s Instagram page.
Read more: tourismkelowna.com
For more information on Kelowna’s parks and leashing information, click here.