Bear Creek seen from Glenmore Highlands

Bear Creek – Canyon Rim Trail

Bear Creek Provincial Park is a popular family-friendly walking trail that loops around a waterfall gorge. With its lower elevation and proximity to Kelowna, it is accessible throughout the entire year.

The trail climbs in elevation until it reaches the mouth of the river gorge, crosses a bridge and follows the other side back.

For the wet off the beaten path version, walk up the river into the gorge for a close up view of the waterfall (river fording / swimming required).

[caption id="attachment_2780" align="alignnone" width="834"] Fallen tree near the furthest point on the loop[/caption]

Directions To Trailhead:

Take Westside Rd out of West Kelowna. Drive along Okanagan lake and after 6.5 Km there will be a well marked trailhead and parking area.

[caption id="attachment_554" align="alignnone" width="500"] Click on map for higher res version[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2782" align="alignnone" width="834"] Beside the bridge at the turnaround portion of the loop[/caption]

Distance from downtown Kelowna to Trailhead: 11km
Walking time: 1-2 hours
Trail Length: 3.5km round trip
Elevation gain: 80m
GPS: Not necessary
Easy to stay on trail: yes

GPS Download: GPX | KML

[caption id="attachment_2770" align="alignnone" width="834"]Bear Creek seen from Glenmore Highlands Bear Creek seen from Glenmore Highlands[/caption]

Paul's Tomb Beach

Paul’s Tomb – Hike or Bike to Kelowna’s Famous Grave Site

Paul's Tomb trail is one of the popular trails of Knox Mountain. It begins at the Knox upper parking lot and descends gently along the slope of Okanagan Lake. This is a good walk for the whole family and is a relatively easy route to cycle as well. At the end, of course, is an old tomb but there are also some beaches, interesting caves and rock formations to explore.

Ok, but who is Paul? Fun fact: Paul is actually a surname. The tomb contains Rembler and Elizabeth Paul. There is also a full-sized locked metal door beneath the stone arch visible today. The door was covered with a load of dirt 50 years ago after the tomb was vandalized. To continue the history lesson, go here.

Another interesting fact useless to hiking Paul's Tomb trail is that Ogopogo is not too far from the shore at the end of the hike. Not known well outside the local diving community, it rests about 30feet underwater - check out this pic.

After Paul's Tomb, you can continue on to Lochview trail but this is a one-way trip.

[caption id="attachment_2752" align="alignnone" width="500"]Paul's Tomb The non-buried portion of Paul's Tomb[/caption]

Directions To Trailhead:

The main trailhead to Paul's Tomb begins at the upper parking lot (Lower Crown Lookout) of Knox Mountain which is normally accessible unless the gate is shut at the bottom of the mountain. If this is the case, you can still hike up 1/3 of the Apex Trail to the parking lot and Paul's Tomb trailhead.

Alternatively, there is an access point off Poplar Point Dr (turn left at the north end of Ellis Dr instead of entering the main Knox parking lot). This cuts off half the hike including steep downhill sections and is preferable for families with small children.

[caption id="attachment_2750" align="alignnone" width="834"]Paul's Tomb Beach Hanging out at one of Paul's Tomb Beaches[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_554" align="alignnone" width="450"] Click on map for high-res version[/caption]

Walking time: 1.5-2 hours
Trail Length: 5km round trip
GPS: Not necessary
Easy to Keep on Trail: yes

GPS Download: GPX | KML