Trails & Maps of Vernon Area

The green starred numbers on the map below indicate hiking trails in the Vernon area.

Trail descriptions and printable maps are located below this map:

Grey Canal Trails

In the early 1900's, the Grey Canal was BC's longest irrigation channel extending from Lavington to Okanagan Lake.
The 50 km (30 mile) canal sustained orchards and agricultural land throughout the Vernon and Coldstream valleys.

Several sections of the original Grey Canal have been reclaimed as hiking trails. The hikable sections include: Foothills, Swan Lake East, East Vernon, Coldstream Valley Estates and Bella Vista.

Green Starred
Trail Number &
Trail Name

Description

Map

1. Grey Canal: Foothills
(Blackcomb Way to Rugg Rd loop)

This portion provides a loop trail with a 1.1 km high trail and a 1.42 km low trail. Easy to moderate.

Features: Views of Swan Lake and Vernon. High trail climbs a hill. All gravel surface. Dogs are allowed. Great for walk or cycle.

Access: Parking lots at Blackcomb Way and Rugg Rd.
- Blackcomb Way: follow 48th Avenue to Silver Star Road, 1.5 km past BX Elementary School, turn left (west) on Blackcomb Way; watch for parking signs 100 meters on left under hydro lines.

- Rugg Road: parking lot is off L&A Road.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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2. Grey Canal:
Swan Lake East
(Rugg Rd to McLennan Rd)

1.3 km in length, uneven trail surface, narrow track through trees, part of this section is Grey Canal Rd.

Features: No dogs allowed

Access: Parking is available at Rugg Rd or McLennan Rd.

Click below to View and Print trail map

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3. Grey Canal:
Swan Lake East
(McLennan Rd to Glenhayes Rd)

2.2 km walking trail on natural dirt and rock surfaces. Not suitable for cycling. Often rough and uneven, with gullies; users should be cautious.

Features: There are many remnants of the old canal structures as well as excellent views of Swan Lake. No dogs allowed

Access: Parking is available at McLennan Rd or Glenhayes Rd.

At west end of Glenhayes Rd parking lot, look for trail marker indicating trail that descends 830 meters to Baker Hogg Rd. This portion is a natural surface trail suitable for hiking and horseback riding.

Click below to View and Print trail maps:

View McLennan to Glenhayes Map

View Glenhayes to Baker Hogg Map

4. Grey Canal: Foothills
(Blackcomb Way to Star Road parking lot, BX Creek/BX Falls Trailhead)

Approximately 800 meters in length, an easy gravel trail that crosses Silver Star Road.

Features: This trail connects the Grey Canal Foothills parking lot (off Blackcomb Way) with the Star Road parking lot.

- The parking lot off Blackcomb Way is the trailhead for the Grey Canal Foothills trail which continues north and west. See Trail #1 description.

- The Star Road Parking lot is the trailhead for two trails. At the north end of the Star Road parking lot is the trailhead to the BX Creek/BX Falls Trail. At the south end of the Star Road parking lot is access to another section of the Grey Canal trail which continues to Malim Rd, Maddock Rd and DeRoo Rd.

Access to Star Road Parking Lot: Heading north on Silver Star Road, just past BX Elementary school, turn right onto Old Silver Star Road. Continue ahead to parking and trailhead sign on right.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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5. BX Creek / BX Falls

This very peaceful and enjoyable trail follows the BX Creek mostly under the cover of mature forest for 3.7 km. The BX Falls are located at the northeast end of the trail.

Features: Experience the cool, humid world of birch trees, devil’s club, horsetail and cedar trees. The ascent/descent at the BX Falls at the northeast end of the trail is particularly steep with a stairway. A short side trail leads to the creek bottom below BX Falls. The trail continues from the falls along the BX Creek crossing six bridges. There are uneven surfaces and some steep sections.

NOTE: During spring runoff the trail may be unsafe and unusable, due to high water levels. In Spring 2012 two bridges were washed away by high water. The creek has shifted its course in some locations, which has resulted in some trail route changes. Currently, the trail is usable, but with challenges.

Access: Trail heads and parking are located at each end (Star Rd and Tillicum Rd); the trail does not loop.

- Star Rd (southwest trail end): From Vernon, take Silver Star Rd. East (48th Ave becomes Silver Star Rd). Just past the BX School, turn right onto Star Rd. Sign and parking at trailhead on the right just before turning left up the hill.

- Tillicum Rd (northeast trail end): Continue up Silver Star Rd another 2 km, turn right on Tillicum Rd. Parking is on the right, just after the hard right hand turn (about 1 km off Silver Star Rd).

Side Trail: A side trail of approx. 0.3 km provides access from Star Rd at Marmot Court, but parking is not available. This trail is quite steep.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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6. Grey Canal:
East Vernon
BX Creek & Falls Trailhead (Star Rd) to Maddock Rd

Dip down into the cool, shaded BX Creek valley and ascend up on the other side continuing through several ecosystems which offer views of Vernon and lakes.

Features: This 1.5 km natural surface trail begins with a steep climb in and out of the BX Creek, traversing one bridge over the BX Creek and another bridge by Maddock Rd. Short sections require walking on Curlew and Maddock roads.

Access: Parking is available at Star Rd, Malim Rd, and Maddock Rd

- Star Rd: Two trail entrances are located at the Star Rd Parking lot. Take the south trail entrance which has a steep climb down over the BX Creek and up the other side.

- Malim Rd: At the west end of Malim Rd is a marked trail entrance.

- Maddock Rd: At the west end of Maddock Rd, follow marked trail sign leading north into a ravine and up onto Curlew Rd.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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7. Grey Canal:
East Vernon
DeRoo Rd to Maddock Rd

From DeRoo Rd the Grey Canal Trail continues north to the BX Creek & Falls Trailhead on Star Rd. Several sections of the trail are on road.

The trail section from DeRoo Rd to Hartnell Rd is 1.42 km on natural surfaces and some short sections on road. Walking trail only; not suitable for biking. Horseback riders also use this trail.

Features: Good views west and south over Vernon, Okanagan Lake, Commonage.

Access: Parking available on DeRoo Rd, Hartnell Rd and Maddock Rd

- DeRoo Rd: From East Vernon Rd turn onto Welker Rd and then left onto DeRoo Rd. Trail entrance is at the end of DeRoo Rd on the left. Parking available for several cars.

- Hartnell Rd: Very limited roadside parking on Hartnell Road (beware of ditches).

On Road section connecting Hartnell Rd to Maddock Rd: Walk west on Hartnell Rd, turn right (north) onto Dixon Dam Rd. Follow Dixon Dam Rd (passing Hughes Rd). Turn left (west) on Maddock Rd. At west end of Maddock Rd is a trail head marker leading north towards BX Creek & Falls trailhead on Star Rd (See Trail #6, BX Creek & Falls to Maddock Rd)

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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8. Grey Canal: Coldstream Valley Estates
(North end of Cypress Dr)

This trail heads north along Vernon Hill crown land and eventually splits into two options: a short flat trail straight ahead or turn right and climb steeply up Vernon Hill. Hard-packed gravel.

Features: Both trails offer wonderful views of the valley, the City and Swan Lake. The high trail has a bench at a vantage point.

Access: To access Coldstream Valley Estates, follow Highway 6, turning north at Aberdeen Rd intersection, onto Buchanan Rd. From Buchanan Rd, turn north onto Upland Dr and follow all the way up the hill to Cypress Drive.

Turn left on Cypress Drive. Park at the north end of Cypress Drive and walk through the concrete barriers

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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8. Grey Canal: Coldstream Valley Estates
(Cypress Dr)

This trail heads southeast towards the Coldstream Valley. 2.1 km total, mostly on
hard-packed gravel. A portion of the trail is on Cypress Drive. At the east end of the trail, a trail sign post splits the trail: continue 200 meters straight ahead (east) to the Coldstream Ranch fence, or turn left and climb to a dead-end of Ravine Drive (not indicated on map).

Features: Superb views of Coldstream, the valley, Kal Park and Kal Lake.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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9. Grey Canal:
Turtle Mountain

There are three sections of the trail located on either side of Turtle Mountain Boulevard:

a) East of Turtle Mountain Boulevard the trail is gravel, loose rock and boardwalk for 0.72 km, with some steep sections. Beware of steep slopes with no guardrails, narrow path, as well as many patches of poison ivy. Not suitable for bikes or dogs.

Features: Great views of Swan Lake, Silver Star, Middleton Mountain and the city.

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b) West of Turtle Mountain Boulevard, the trail is gravel and flat for 0.4 km. Suitable for walkers. Dogs must be on leash. Too short for biking.

Features: Views of Mission Hill and Okanagan Lake.

c) At beginning of West trail, turn left after first row of houses and follow short trail to Rocky Ridge Park, an outstanding viewpoint.

Combined distance: 1.12 km

Access: On Alexis Park Drive turn west onto Turtle Mountain Blvd. Parking lot is to the right of subdivision entrance.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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10. Grey Canal:Bella Vista
Okanagan Hills

1.6 km on a gravel-surfaced trail. An easy walk or ride

Features: Nice views of Okanagan Lake, the Commonage, and Vernon.

Access: Bella Vista Road becomes Okanagan Hills Boulevard climbing the hill towards The Rise. Take the first right turn onto Vineyard Way and park beside the trail on the right.

From here you can hike west 300 metres or east 1.3 km.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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11. Swan Lake Nature Reserve

A 1.8 km loop trail located at the southwest end of Swan Lake, preserving and restoring valuable marshland area.

Features: Swan Lake is one of the most important waterfowl areas in southern BC and is located on a main migration corridor. Three interpretive signs explaining species and habitat are situated along the trail. ABSOLUTELY NO DOGS - this is a nature reserve and bird sanctuary.

For more information visit the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club website, Swan Lake link
(Click here)

Access: On Old Kamloops Road, turn into Stawn’s Honey and follow a gravel road 0.7 km to a parking area at the trail head.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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11.1 Swan Lake Bird Blind

A 1.73 km walk (one-way) to the Bird Blind situated on the south east lake shore, allowing excellent observations of the numerous birds on the lake and in the marshland.

Note: the creekside trail can be very wet - even impassable - in the spring.

Access: On Old Kamloops Road, turn into Stawn’s Honey and follow a gravel road 0.7 km to a parking area at the trail head.

From the parking area, head south east following an old driveway (parallel to Hwy 97). Turn left into a forested area where the trail follows BX Creek to the bird blind.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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12. BX Creek Wetland Boardwalk Trail

1.4 km, easy walk or cycle on crushed stone, boardwalks and bridges.

Features: Several crossings of BX Creek. Nature Park with wetland ponds at Deleenheer Road. Dogs must be on leash.

Access: North end of trail is at Frontage Road on Hwy 97 and south end of trail is at northeast corner of 20th St & 48th Ave.

Parking and access in Frontage Road cul-de-sac; on 20th Street (behind Rona); and Deleenheer Road.

Access, but no parking, from 20th St, just north of 48th Ave.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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13. Becker Hill

1.0 km trail on dirt, gravel and rock surfaces with a 30 meter elevation change. There are some steep climbs and uneven surfaces, so this trail is not for everyone.

Features: The trail provides several vistas from which you can look over the city, view Okanagan Lake, Camelback Mountain and other local landmarks. Beware of cactii and uneven footing!

Access: The southern-most access is near the Schubert Seniors’ Centre (north-east corner). The northern terminus is at Becker Park, beside the Vernon Curling Club. Parking lots at both locations.

There are several other points to access or leave the trail, including from 35 St and 35 Ave.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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14. Polson Park Walkway

0.7 km on gravel trail and elevated boardwalk. Easy walk or cycle.

Features: Trail crosses and follows creek. Dogs on leash.

Access: From Polson Park, near Japanese Garden, or from Polson Drive (take 14th Ave off Kalamalka Lake Road).

Parking in Polson Park. Roadside parking, where permitted, on Polson Drive.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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15. Middleton Mountain Circle Trail

The Middleton Mountain Circle trail begins at the Kal Beach Parking Lot and continues to the summit of Middleton Mountain, passing through Middleton Mountain Park, McKergow Meadows, and returning back to the Kal Beach Parking lot. Total hike takes approximately 2 ½ hours.

Features: Exquisite views of Kalamalka Lake, the Coldstream Valley, Swan Lake and the City of Vernon. Portions of the trail are steep and require good fitness. Dogs must be on a leash. Remain on the trail to avoid cactii and thistles.

Access: Several access points include: Kal Beach Parking Lot on Husband Road; Off Kalamalka Rd and north of Kidston Rd; Braeburn Place; Middleton Mountain Park; north end of Mt Ida Drive;

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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15.1 Kal Beach to Middleton Way,
(Middleton Mtn)

Beginning at the Kalamalka Lake Beach Parking lot, this route is 1.7 km in length, on crushed gravel and some asphalt on the lower section, and natural surface (dirt and stone) on the ascent of the hill to Middleton Way.

It is suitable for walking and cycling on the lower section, and walking only on the ascent (Neumann Connector).

Features: Includes Kal Beach Connector, Creed Loop and Neumann Connector. Views of Kal Lake, Kal Park and Coldstream Valley.

Access: At east end of Kal Beach Parking lot, a large trail head sign indicates the start of the trail. Parking also available on Middleton Way, across from Mt Moberly Pl.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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15.2 Middleton Way to
Middleton Mtn Summit

This trail starts at the north upper end of the Neumann Connector Trail (on Middleton Way and Mt Moberly Pl) and continues through residential streets to Middleton Mtn Neighbourhood Park. From the tennis courts via Mt Ida Drive and Mt Tanner Place, climb the reservoir access road to the summit of Middleton Mtn. Several loop trails exist at the summit; descend the stairs down to Mt Ida Dr.

Features: Amazing 360 degree views from summit. Numerous flowers in spring,

Access: Park on Middleton Way or Mt Moberly Place.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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15.3 Mt Ida Stairs to Summit,
(Middleton Mtn)

At the north end of Mt Ida Drive a trailhead map indicates the trail to the summit of Middleton Mtn. Very steep stairs with no guardrails ascend to the summit. Dogs must be on leash to avoid cactii and disturbing grassland wildlife.

Features: A circle trail at the summit offers 360 degree views of Kal Lake, Coldstream Valley, Monashee Mountains, Swan Lake and City of Vernon. Grassland wildlife includes deer, bluebirds, eagles, hawks, marmots.

Access: North end of Mt Ida Drive

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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15.4 McKergow Meadows, (Middleton Mtn)

1.0 km total in a network of easy, gravel trails surrounding Mud Lake.

Features: Mud Lake, a small pond in the centre of this park is home to a variety of duck, geese, toads and salamander. Views into the valleys and Kalamalka Lake.

Access: Several access points include: Mt Ida Drive, Mt Bulman Place, Husband Rd, and Middleton Way.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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16. Kidston Road to Palfrey Drive,
Coldstream

Kidston Road multi-use pathway. 1.0 km paved trail for walking and cycling.

Features: The trail parallels Kidston Road, with two lighted crossings, and has an east-west connection between Kidston and Palfrey Drive.

Access: Red Gate entrance of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and off Palfrey Drive.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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17. Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park

14 km of paved and gravel trails for hiking, running, horseback riding, biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Features: Kalamalka Lake, with its pristine aqua blue water, creates an exquisite
park border and backdrop. Along the shoreline discover isolated coves, distinctive cliffs, sandy beaches for swimming, boating, and a dog beach. Climb steeper trails for stunning vistas and relax in one of the picnic areas.

This 4,209 hectare park protects native North Okanagan grasslands dotted with ponderosa pine and groves of Douglas-fir. Other features include wetlands, canyons, escarpments and varied wildlife. Extensive wildflowers bloom from early spring through mid-June.

Access: Main parking lot at southern end of Kidston Rd. Parking also available on Kidston Rd (at red gate), southern end of Cunliffe Rd, and at Cosens Bay Rd gate.

Click below for a brochure and map generously provided by the Friends of Kalamalka Lake Park (two pages)

View Brochure and Map

18. Nka-kul-kem Trail, Clarence Fulton Secondary School

290 meters of gravel and boardwalk, starting at Fulton Road bridge and ending on the wetland boardwalk platform.

Features: This trail was a project of Clarence Fulton Gr. 11 Global Education student Jennifer Borchert in 2011.

Access: West of Clarence Fulton School on Fulton Road.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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19. Commonage Trail

A 2.4 km gravel trail connecting Okanagan Ave to Mission Rd, suitable for walking and cycling. At Okanagan Ave the trail makes a steep climb with switchbacks. The trail is generally level at the top of the hill to Mission Rd.

Features: Views of Okanagan Lake, Vernon, Swan Lake, Silver Star, Coldstream

Access: The Okanagan Ave trailhead is to the east of Fulton School. No parking on Okanagan Ave, however vehicles can park on Fulton Road and South Vernon Drive. At Mission Rd, parking is available at the baseball fields. A pedestrian light is provided to assist crossings of Mission Rd.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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20. Jack Schratter Trail

This 2.7 km paved trail connects Mission Rd to Okanagan College. The trail parallels the Vernon Army Camp and Highway 97 and is suitable for walking and cycling.

Features: Use the traffic lights at College Way to cross Highway 97.

Access: Parking is available at the baseball fields on Mission Rd and at Okanagan College.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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21. Longacre Trail

1.7 km paved trail for an easy walk or cycle.

Features: Views of Okanagan Lake. Rolling terrain. Easy to moderate. Dogs on leash. Be aware of possible coyotes in the area.

Access: Small parking lot at east end of trail at Apollo Road and Longacre Drive.
Access also off Longacre Drive opposite Okanagan Landing Elementary School.
Roadside parking and access at west end on Bench Row Road.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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22. Bench Row Rd,
Forest Research Site

There are 2 to 3 km of easy walking trails through this provincially-owned forest on Bench Row Road.

Features: Dog walking is permitted, but please keep dogs off adjacent farms. Please do not disturb the bluebird nestboxes during the summer nesting season.

Access: Parking is on the shoulder of the Bench Row Road.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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23. Predator Ridge Golf Course Trails

Predator Ridge has a trail system of well maintained hiking and walking trails, allowing hikers to enjoy all the scenic vistas and the natural beauty of the 1,200 acre Predator Ridge property.

Features: The trail system is home to many species of plants and wildlife including painted turtles, owls, red-winged black birds, mule deer, pheasants and quail.

Access: On Highway 97, turn off on Bailey Road and follow the signs to Predator Ridge Golf Course.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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23.1. Predator Ridge - Okanagan Lake Lookout Loop

3.18 km loop, starting from a roadside trail parking area between Birdie Lake and Sparkling Hill.

Much of the trail is on an old logging road, over rock outcroppings and on forest trails. From Birdie Lake, a paved path returns you to the parking. Dogs must be on a leash. Hiking boots are recommended. Follow the well-used and maintained trail and watch for the Predator Ridge trail signs.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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23.2. Predator Ridge - Birdie Loop Trail

1.0 km loop, mix of asphalt and gravel trail. An easy walk circling this small lake, which is a good birdwatching location. There is an observation platform.

Parking for one or two cars is beside Birdie Lake Drive.

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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23.3. Predator Heights Loop Trail

2.7 km loop in grasslands and forest.

Features: Natural surfaces - dirt, sometimes rocky. Trail cleared to 1.5m width. Hilly with some short, steep climbs or descents. Views of Commonage are superb.

Access: Begins and ends at parking lot on the east side of Commonage Road, opposite Predator Ridge Drive (Predator Ridge Golf Course entrance).

Click below to View and Print trail map:

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24. Ellison Provincial Park

Over 6 km of easy walking trails, with some steep sections access many of the park’s natural features and viewpoints.

From the campground, the Nature Trail Loop ascends the forested bench lands offering panoramic vistas of Okanagan Lake.

Two trails head down to the Otter Bay and South Bay beaches. From the beaches, hiking trails along the scenic headlands are steep and require care and attention.

The Sandy Beach Trail leads down to the Pet beach and is accessed between campsites 11 and 12.

An additional network of hiking and mountain biking trails exist prior to the Park Entrance (east side of Eastside road).

Features: Nestled on the northeastern shore of Okanagan Lake, Ellison Provincial Park includes 200 hectares of forested bench lands above a rocky shoreline of scenic headlands and sheltered coves.

This recreational area offers camping, rock climbing, three beach areas for swimming, boating, beach volleyball, scuba diving, and picnic areas.

Access: From Highway 97, turn west on 25th Ave. Continue 16 km (approximately 20 minutes) along 25^th Avenue which becomes Okanagan Landing Rd, which becomes Eastside Rd.

The park entrance is closed from late fall to early spring, but the park is still accessible.

Click below to access Park Map from BC Parks website

View BC Park map