Knox Mountain Park — Attraction in Kelowna

As Knox Mountain Park is literally my backyard, I have walked, hiked, and biked this gem of a park almost every day for the last 20 years or more. I can honestly say I am familiar with every road, trail and deer track that crisscross amongst this relatively large swath of nature and wildness. And during all this time, I have developed some strong opinions regarding this particular green space. With that said, please take my comments with a grain of salt and understand this is only my subjective viewpoint and I mean no disrespect.

1. As a less developed regional park (which I approve of and want it to stay this way), there are few creature comforts of home. Washroom facilities are available at the pavilion up top with a few Jiffy Johns throughout (most notably at the lower pavilion)... but that's it. Be prepared to hold it or use a nearby tree or bush.
2. Also, trash cans are not peppered throughout. Trash in, trash out.
3. Bring your own drinking water.
4. This is a "dog on leash" park which I find ludicrous. This is such a large park, my dog and I have never had an issue with other people or the local wildlife. The deer are not concerned as my dog doesn't chase them and the coyotes and black bear are similarly not bothered by us. In fact, the only "wildlife" that has ever taken exception to my dog being off leash are the by laws officers who have more than once tried to chase us down to write us a ticket. We just hike further into the trees and they soon give up. In fact, there are large sections of the park where I have never seen another soul in over 20 years of trekking.
5. And that is one of the best things of this park, the ability to find your own space like: The inukshuks on the east ridge above Kathleen Lake Kathleen Lake itself bordering the Highpointe residential subdivision. The trail from Magic Estates down to Paul's Tomb... a smaller version of the Grouse Grind. the green glade from the south end of Rio Dr to Kathleen Lake the quiet viewpoint in and to the left of the trail starting at Lambeth Ct. There are many more but I don't want to give away all my secret spots
6. On the far eastern border of the park, there are new property survey pins stuck into the ground... approximately 150 metres INSIDE the park boundary!!! I am going to have to call city hall about this.
7. The one paved road to the top is currently still closed because of the Covid 19 crisis.
8. The Apex trail is supposedly one way (uphill) again because of Covid. However, the other trails are still a free for all.
9. The mountain bike trails are well maintained and decent although not technically difficult for expert riders.
10. Over the years, there have been a couple of cougar sightings but I have never seen any evidence... which is a good thing. Mostly, mule deer, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and black bear... and a lot of smaller mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles.
11. Lastly, stay on the trails to keep human created erosion down, lessen our environmental impact and to prevent yourself from stepping on the annoying cacti.

A great regional park. Please enjoy responsibly and help keep my...

This is a large park North of downtown Kelowna. There is a free parking lot at the bottom. The two parking lots higher up the mountain are closed off at the moment due to the pandemic. Apex trail will take you to a lookout. If you take Paul's Tomb trail this is a gradual slope downwards until you reach a roundabout at the end at a small rocky beach where you can swim. If you are looking for Paul's Tomb, when you reach the roundabout, before continuing onward head up the hill to your right and you will find the actual tomb. It is easy to miss if it is your first time. There is a small trail head to the tomb if you head right on the roundabout, but it is quite close to the front. Also if you head back out and decide to take Ogopogo trail be prepared to sweat, there is a steep elevation up this trail, but you will get to the top of the mountain quickly. At the top of Ogopogo is the pavilion trail and the caretakers hut. You can bring dogs as long as they are leashed. There are also a plethora of bike trails. I believe the park...

Knox mountain park in Kelowna is a great place to take a nice hike, or bike, on a lovely, sunny day in the Okanagan. It’s the areas largest natural park. We would take friends and family here for a stroll in the rolling hill trails, with its switch backs winding up the mountain. It has a quaint, winding, wooden fences and steps to help you get to the top for spectacular views. You can see the city, lake Okanagan and the bridge that divides eastern and western Kelowna. There is also a wooden lookout tower that is a fun spot to take photos from.

Take lots of water on a sunny day if you are going in the summer, as Kelowna can be scorching hot at times. A hat and sunglasses are a must! It is a moderate hike that kids can do for lovely views of the Okanagan. Dogs should be on leashes, but there is a dog park here as well. It’s open 6...