8 Short Hikes around Vernon, BC

Hiking trails in Vernon, British Columbia

Vernon has a lot of great, short trails that are perfect for all ages, and abilities, and to get a quick workout in. Check out these hiking trails around Vernon the next time you venture out! Wondering how to find other hiking trails in your area? Check out this blog post.

Table of Contents

Grey Canal Trails

i. Turtle Mountain

ii. Rocky Ridge Park

iii. Bella Vista

iv. Swan Lake East

Swan Lake Nature Reserve

Middleton Mountain

BX Trail

Okanagan Lake Lookout Trail

Grey Canal Trails: Vernon Hiking

There are a few of these hiking trails dotted around Vernon that offer easy, quick hikes with views.

i. Turtle Mountain

Distance: 3.5km one way

A quick jaunt on this hike leads you to views all over Vernon and the views continue the entire way. This hike will take you past a boardwalk, huge lava rocks, sweeping grass meadows littered with cows, and a few benches to enjoy the view closer to Blue Jay Road.

Parking: There are 2 parking lots- Turtle Mountain Boulevard and Blue Jay Road.

Views from Grey Canal-Turtle Mountain hiking trail

ii. Rocky Ridge Park

Distance: ~1km roundtrip

If you're already hiking Turtle Mountain, walk across the street and follow the trail to Rocky Ridge Park. A short little jaunt offers 360° views of Okanagan Landing, Coldstream, Vernon, and Swan Lake. Note: there are some stairs to climb and steep cliffs all around.

Parking: There are 2 parking lots on Turtle Mountain Boulevard. They are across from each other.

Views from Grey Canal-Rocky Ridge Park hiking trail

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iii. Bella Vista

Distance: 6.9km one way

This is a short, flat, scenic hike that is perfect for all ages and levels. Enjoy one of the many benches/chairs scattered throughout this trail, overlooking the backyards of homes, vineyards, orchards, and of course Vernon.

Parking: end of Vineyard Way, take the little trail down to start; Pinto Place, drive to the end, and park or Sierra Road.

Views from Grey Canal-Bella Vista hiking trail

iv. Swan Lake East

Distance: 11.1 km roundtrip

A fairly flat trail that becomes narrower, the further you go towards Swan Lake. With views over Vernon and Swan Lake, you get a little treat by hiking along the historical Grey Canal irrigation system. Interpretive signs are dotted along the way, providing more detail about the irrigation system.

Parking: Blackcomb Way or Baker Hogg Rd

Views from Grey Canal-Swan Lake East hiking trail

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Swan Lake Nature Reserve

Distance: 1.9km return

A super easy flat, wide loop with 360 views. This hike can be used for all ages and levels. Make sure to stop at the viewing platform as you pass by.

Parking: There is a parking lot at the end of a gravel road, off of Old Kamloops Rd, turning at Stawn's Honey (you will go through their parking lot).

Views from Swan Lake Nature Reserve hiking trail

Middleton Mountain Trial

Distance: 1.6 - 7.7km return

If you ever wonder where postcards get their inspiration from, this is it. An unbelievably easy hike leads you to some fantastic views! There are many starting points/parking lots depending on the amount of km you want to walk. This is a very open hike with little shade.

Parking: Kalamalka Beach parking lot (longer hike) and Mt. Ida Drive (shorter hike).

Views from Middleton Mountain hiking trail

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BX Trail

Distance: 6.8km roundtrip

Need some Instagram-worth photos, this is your spot! BX Creek runs through the entire trail, with BX Falls only 300m in at the beginning. Note: there are stairs for some portions of this hike. Unfortunately, you do need to use them to view the falls.

Parking: Tillicum Road (for easy access to the falls) or Star Road.

Views from BX Creek hiking trail

Okanagan Lake Lookout (Predator Ridge)

This is a ~20-minute drive from Vernon

Distance: 3.2km one way

Even though Predator Ridge is right there, you barely see it on this hike. There are viewpoints for Okanagan Lake and Predator Ridge, along with a picnic table to take it all in. This path is also shared with bikers.

Parking: Birdie Lake Drive (on the left-hand side just before the roundabout to Sparkling Hill).

Views from Okanagan Lake Lookout Loop hiking trail

Hiking in Vernon, BC is perfect for all ages and levels. Choose one of these 8 short hikes the next time you need to get outside! Looking for more hiking inspiration? Check out my Canada Hikes blog page!

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Vernon Hiking Trails: Short Hikes