Fun seekers should head to Crawford Falls, even with kids. Crawford Falls is a wonderful and straightforward hike and it’s great for families.

Clocking in at 5km (1-2 hours) round trip, kids can manage the majority of the trail largely on their own. It’s also highly likely you’ll spot deer, squirrels and other wildlife along the pathway and there are ample opportunities to fling rocks and sticks into the creek or the pooling water at the base of the waterfall.

If you’re not hiking with kids in tow, the workout, the views, and the falls themselves offer plenty of inspiration.

There are a number of hiking trails in the Okanagan, and Kelowna in particular, that originate smack in the middle of residential neighbourhoods. While it hardly feels as though a trailhead should be there, there they are! And, if you take the trail, you’ll find fantastic walking and hiking opportunities with really tremendous views.

Crawford Falls is one of these.

The trailhead lies at the top of a cul-de-sac in a quiet neighbourhood in the Crawford district of Kelowna.

View of Kuiper’s Peak from the Crawford Falls parking lot.

At the get-go, straight from the parking lot, you’re rewarded with views of Lake Okanagan and Kuiper’s Peak. From the parking area, the trail to the first waterfall is newly updated with railings along the walkway and refurbished stairways. The trail starts with a steep descent down stairways and a rocky pathway to Bellevue Creek. The first waterfall is right there, nestled in a rocky cove.

first crawford falls
One of our daughters at the first of Crawford’s two waterfalls.

While it is lovely and scenic, don’t stop there! Ignore the warning signs, and head up towards the rock face. It is a simple scramble to the top, and once you’re there, you’ll find another well-worn pathway that leads towards the second, and larger set of falls.

second crawford falls

For kids, with a little spotting and scrambling, they can easily manage climbing (and getting back down) the rock face.

Directions To Trailhead:

Click on map for a high-resolution version

Walking time: 1-2 hours
Trail Length: 5km round trip
Elevation gain: 50m
GPS: Not necessary
Easy to Keep on Trail: yes

GPS Download: GPX | KML

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