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Fall Hikes in and around Vernon British Columbia

Experience the Autumn colours in the Okanagan

Add these fall hikes to your bucket list the next time you venture out in Vernon Canada

Fall is here and to make sure you experience the autumn colours in the Okanagan, check out these Fall hikes in and around Vernon, BC! I would say fall is the most magical time of the year, who doesn't love all the colours changing not to mention the fresh cool breeze and that perfect temperature where it's not too hot or too cold?

"Autumn Is A Second Spring When Every Leaf Is A Flower."
Albert Camus

Hiking Guide for Fall Season

1. Grey Canal-Turtle Mountain

Distance: 3.5km one way, 7km return

A scenic hike with views over Vernon and Swan Lake allowing you to take in the changing of seasons as well as that view. Stroll past lava rocks, pasture land, and relax on the few benches provided to soak it all in.

Parking: There are 2 parking lots at Turtle Mountain Boulevard (one at the trailhead and the other across the street) and a parking lot at Blue Jay Road.

Fall Hikes in and around Vernon British Columbia includes a morning sunrise

Morning sunrise over Vernon, BC. Photo credit: Melanie Adair

2. BX Creek Trail

Distance: 6.8km roundtrip

I absolutely love this BX Creek Trail! It is beautiful all year round and you're greeted with a waterfall in less than 300m if starting from Tillicum Road parking lot. Despite the lure of the waterfall, keep making your way down towards Star Road parking lot for the fall colours and small wooden bridges that switch back and forth over the creek.
Parking: Tillicum Road (for easy access to the falls) or Star Road.

Girl walking over a wooden bridge at BX Creek trail

BX Creek trail in the fall.

3. Okanagan Rail Trail

Distance: 52 km one-way

Before you gasp about the distance, the Okanagan Rail Trail runs all the way from Vernon to Kelowna, however, you do not need to complete the whole hiked to experience all the fall colours. Start in Coldstream and hike to either the 4 or 5 km (8-10km return) mark to get those autumn colours in.
Parking: There are a few places to park. Either park at the Kal Beach parking lot on Husband Road or park on the side of the road at the intersection of Westkal Rd and Kickwillie Loop. Note: there are only bathrooms at the start of the trail and not again till about the 14km mark.

Girl standing in front of Kalamalka Lake on the Okanagan Rail Trail

Okanagan Rail Trail during autumn. Photo Credit: Nicole Adair

4. Grey Canal-Swan Lake East

Distance: 8.6km roundtrip

Swan Lake East offers either one long trail (8.6km return) or 3 shorter trails depending on how energetic you feel. You can start the trail from either end (if doing the whole trail) or park at one of the 4 parking lots (parking lots or roadside parking) and pick your trail length. Walk the most scenic section of the trail from Glenhayes Rd to McLennan Rd, in addition to walking along with the remnants of the old irrigation system.

Parking: there are 4 parking areas. Baker Hogg Rd (roadside parking), Glenhayes Rd, Mclennan Rd and Rugg Rd.

Girl hiking next to the remnants of the Grey Canal irrigations system

Remnants of the Grey Canal irrigation system. Photo Credit: Melanie Adair

5. Grey Canal-Bella Vista

Distance: 6.9km return

Bella Vista is a wide, flat, multi-use trail 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. Strollers and wheelchairs are able to navigate the gravel path.
Parking: There are 3 parking lots: Vineyard Way (just up from Pinto Place, take the little trail down to start); Pinto Place (big enough for about 4 vehicles) and a big parking lot at Sierra Road, at the other end of the trail.

Blue skies with clouds looking at a hill

Fall showing on the Grey Canal-Bella Vista Trail.

6. Rattlesnake Point Loop

Distance: 3.1km roundtrip

Ok, this one really isn't for the fall colours, it's more for the turquoise blue water that happens when the weather is warm. Catch this colour before it turns to a cool blue in the winter.

Parking: park in Kalamlaka Park Main Parking which consists of 2 huge parking lots.

View of Kalamalka Lake and its turquoise water

Turquoise water of Kalamalka Lake.

Mount Rose Swanson Loop

Distance: 5.6km loop (there are trail options to make it shorter or longer)

This is the gem of fall hikes! If you could only do one fall hike, this would be it! Unfotanetly this autumn hike isn't located in Vernon but it is well worth the 20-minute drive to Armstrong. At the parking lot, take the trail to the left (with the Welcome trail sign) where you will wander through pine trees, in addition to frolicking through bits of pieces of colour before completely emerging yourself in colour! This section of the trail is quite flat until the ascent to the summit. Instead of completing the loop, head back the way you came as the other side is mainly pine trees.

Parking: there is a big parking lot at the start of the trail. If this is full, there is an option to park on the side of the road.

Mount Rose Swanson Loop

Enjoy the fall colours Vernon has to offer by trying out some of these hikes. Not sure how to hike in this change of weather? Follow my Top 10 Tips for Hiking in Cooler Weather.