Knox Mountain is the quintessential hike in the Central Okanagan. Find out what the best things to do on Knox Mountain.
Located in Kelowna’s North End, this city park lets you see and experience why Kelowna is the fastest growing city in Canada. Adventure under clear skies and bask in the amazing lake and valley views the Okanagan is famous for.
What’s in Knox Mountain Park
Although Knox is known mostly for its hiking trails there are other things to do. That is, if hiking isn’t of interest to you. At the base of the mountain there are pickleball and tennis courts as well as a disk golf course, all of which are free to use. A fenced dog off leash park is located on the right side of the park where Knox Mountain road begins to climb. Dogs are allowed in all areas of the park but must be kept on leash when not in the designated off leash area.
Knox Mountain road ascends to two lookouts. However, the road is now closed to traffic after the first lookout. This is due to the economic and safety reasons that have arisen from the daily use of the park doubling in recent years. Find out more info about the park on the city’s website.
Going to Vancouver Island? Check out this post on the Very Best Things To Do In Victoria.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking has gotten very popular in the Okanagan. So, it makes sense that as the sport has grown and Knox Mountain’s close proximity to downtown Kelowna, it is one of the most popular mountain biking spots.
There are seven biking trails on Knox. Three of the trails only permit mountain biking while the other four are shared with pedestrian traffic.
Paul’s Tomb
Paul’s Tomb is the most leisurely of the three main trails. To get to the trailhead there are two options. This first and more difficult is to take the Apex trail to the first lookout and then follow the signage that directs you to Paul’s Tomb. The first part of this trail will lead down the backside of Know Mountain to where it connects to the other main trailhead. During the right time of year the mountain is in bloom with wildflowers.
The trailhead starts behind Knox and is accessible by taking Poplar Point Road to its conclusion. There is street parking next to the trail access. From there you walk slightly uphill for a couple of minutes where the two trails become one.
The Trail takes a little over an hour to go there and back and is between 4-5km (2.5-3miles) and is a shared trail with mountain bikers. It is an easy trail that slowly descends towards the lake. There are sections of the trail that drop off quite dramatically so if you have keep a close eye on them.
The trail concludes at a picnic area where there is swimming access and an area for dogs off leash. There is also a small bluff that is a popular spot to jump off into the lake.
The trail is named after Paul. He built the tomb for his family near their summer cabin. Nowadays only a small section of the tomb is visible. If you want to hunt for the tomb it is located approximately 100 meters from the shoreline on the hillside.
Gordon Trail to Pavillion
This trail is the most difficult of the three but is also the most all encompassing trail as well. To access Gordon Trail you have to take Paul’s Tomb Trail about half way where you will see a trail on the right hand side that viers upwards. There is a sign that points you in the right direction which is right after a cliffed section where it states you should be aware of falling rocks.
Gordon Trail is the steepest section of the route up the backside of Knox. It has 10-13 switchbacks. The steepest sections have stairs. There are a few resting spots with benches and viewpoints as you make your way up. Even if you don’t need a break its worth stopping to look back at the view out towards Vernon. It makes for a terrific photo.
Once you get ⅔ of the way up to the summit it’ll flatten out a bit and you’d see some different options for trails. The one you’ll want to take is the Pavillion Trail. This trail traverses the mountain while gradually working its way towards the summit. Once you hit the Pavillion you’re almost there!
Take the Apex Trail the rest of the way until you get to the Upper Apex lookout.
Apex Trail
Apex Trail is the most popular trail. It begins just past the parking lot of the left hand side of Knox Mountain Drive. If you reach the dog off leash park then you’ve gone too far.
The bottom section of the trail is the most difficult. There are five switchbacks on your way up to the first lookout. You’ll know you’re getting close when you reach the staired section of the trail. The first lookout is a beautiful spot to catch your breath and take some photos. Keep in mind it is just an appetizer. The main course is at the summit.
The trail is just shy of 1,300 meters (4200 feet) with an elevation climb of 170 meters ( 555 feet).
This part of trail is well maintained. It criss crosses up the hillside and through the straw grass. It is not uncommon to come across wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled and remember to never approach the animals.
When you concur the trail and reach the summit and Upper Apex Trail lookout you will find satisfaction in the impressive views of Lake Okanagan, the City of Kelowna and the Valley as a whole. It’s worth the effort.
Knox Mountain – The Verdict
Knox Mountain Park is one of the best activities to take part in while in Kelowna. If you have any aspirations of taking on a physical activity this one’s for you. It is conveniently located close to downtown, it has a plethora of activities to take part in, and has fire views. It’s good for your body and good for your social. It has to be one of the best places to take photos in the city.