Take in the views from the top of Mount Boucherie, one of the many hikes offering spectacular views near the Comfort Suites’ Kelowna accommodations.

An exceptional area to explore by foot, Kelowna and the surrounding Central Okanagan region offers nature lovers everything from wide, open grassland treks to climbs through Ponderosa pine forest to see some of the most glorious views you have ever laid eyes upon. Home to wildlife (including bears and cougars in more remote areas, so be aware), check out some of these nature hikes from your Kelowna accommodations, many of which are pet-friendly!

Climb Every Mountain

Part of the Interior Plateau, Kelowna is located centrally along a chain of lakes, hills and mountains, which were mostly created by glacial activity in the Pleistocene epoch more than 10,000 years ago. With its varied elevation, the area has a number of mountainous areas, where you can capture vistas of the valley below with its sparkling focal point, Okanagan Lake. They include:

• Knox Mountain Park: Located minutes from north-end Kelowna hotels, including the Comfort Suites, and downtown Kelowna, Knox Mountain has a number of easy-to-moderate trails, all of which travel through nature to amazing viewpoints, where Okanagan Lake is splayed out before you. Dogs are welcome on leash.
• Kuiper’s Peak Mountain Park: Perched above Kelowna’s Mission area, Kuiper’s Peak is an 11-hectare park that was damaged in the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Park fire and has since experienced incredible regrowth. Take the 10-15 minute moderate hike to its summit to see one of the most stunning views of Kelowna. Dogs are allowed on leash only.
• Pincushion Mountain Park: A short drive south of Kelowna, Pincushion is set within a forested area above the City of Peachland. It’s a moderate 807 ft. (245 m) climb from the park gate to the summit, but the view is worth it. Dogs are allowed on the trail, which is perfect if you are visiting from one of Kelowna’s pet-friendly hotels.
• Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park: A great place to hike and bike, this park is home to the world-famous Kettle Valley Railway Trail. View the majestic Myra Canyon from the railway’s trestle bridges, most of which were rebuilt after the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Park fire. Dogs must be on a leash at all times within the Myra Canyon area of the park.
• Mount Boucherie: This dormant stratovolcano, which sits above West Kelowna, is surrounded by orchards and vineyards. Hike your way to the top (dogs welcome on leash) and then wind down with a glass of pinot at one of the nearby world-class wineries!

Nature’s Bounty

Looking for flatter ground in which to explore from pet-friendly hotels in Kelowna? Check out some of these nature trails close to the Comfort Suites, which you can explore with your dog:

• Mill Creek Regional Park: A 15.3-hectare park in the Ellison area, east of Kelowna Airport and the Comfort Suites, explore nature while hiking along this forested trail system, which follows Mill Creek to a beautiful waterfall.
• Angel’s Springs Located along the northern border of Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park, this 4-km hike travels through coniferous forest and features interesting geological formations as well as natural hot springs that are mostly underground. The above-ground springs can be identified by the orange-coloured mineral deposits on the surface.
• Stephens Coyote Ridge Regional Park With more than 100 hectares of preserved nature, this park just south of the Comfort Suites Kelowna offers a pristine habitat for wildlife, including the coyotes that live in the park (make sure your dog is on a leash).

Looking for other ways to get around Kelowna that include Kelowna hotel deals such as our Okanagan wine tour package? Read Kelowna on Foot: Ways to Explore the Okanagan from your Hotel in Kelowna.