Knox Mountain Park

Knox Mountain Park is a picturesque natural park and the main recreation area located in the northern part of Kelowna, Canada. Spanning over a thousand hectares, it offers a harmonious blend of lush woodlands and open grassy slopes.

This park is considered one of the region's most significant natural areas and is incredibly popular with both tourists and locals. Its primary allure lies in its unique landscapes and breathtaking bird's-eye views of the Okanagan Valley and the lake of the same name.

As an ideal spot for outdoor activities, Knox Mountain allows you to trade city noise for the serenity of untouched nature without traveling far from downtown Kelowna. It is a place where you can watch the sunrise, get active, or simply spend some quiet time gazing at the endless Canadian horizons.

To plan your visit and check for the latest information on trail conditions or park events, you can use the official contact details below.

The park provides everything needed for active recreation and connecting with nature. There are 10 hiking trails of varying difficulty, with the popular Apex Trail standing out. This roughly 4-kilometer path leads to the summit, offering a great workout and rewarding hikers with magnificent views.

For those who prefer a more relaxed walk or have an interest in history, the Paul's Tomb and Ogopogo Trail routes are excellent choices. The park also features two lookout points that can be reached by car as well as on foot. Photographers and romantics especially appreciate the stunning sunrises, when the first rays of light paint Okanagan Lake in golden hues.

In addition to hiking and running, the park is popular for mountain biking and family picnics. For those with four-legged friends, there is a dedicated fenced-in dog park. Once a year, the area is transformed for the Knox Mountain Hillclimb—the oldest paved hillclimb race in North America, which has been drawing motorsport enthusiasts for over 60 years.

Knox Mountain Park is located at 450 Knox Mountain Dr, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9X3, Canada. It is situated in the northern part of the city, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists.

If you are traveling by car, there is ample parking available on-site, as well as the option to park on adjacent streets. A taxi ride from the city center takes only a few minutes.

For those who prefer public transport, you can take city buses that run to the stops nearest the park, followed by a short walk to the entrance. Due to its proximity to residential neighborhoods, many visitors choose to get there on foot or by bicycle directly from the downtown area.

The park was named after Arthur Booth Knox, a colorful and notorious resident of the city in the late 19th century. Knox was a rancher whose history includes not only farming but also a prison sentence for setting fire to a competitor's haystacks—a reflection of the rough-and-tumble spirit of those times that left its mark on the area.

In 1999, concerned citizens formed the "Friends of Knox Mountain Park" organization. Their goal was to preserve the park's natural purity and develop its infrastructure so that future generations could enjoy the beauty of these slopes.

A botanical fact of interest: the park is home to the Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Okanagan Sunflower), which is recognized as the city's official flower. In late April or early May, the mountain's southern slopes literally burst into a bright yellow carpet of these blossoms. Historically, Indigenous peoples used this plant for food, utilizing almost all its parts—from the roots to the seeds.

The amount of time you should set aside for a visit depends largely on your plans. If you are just planning a light walk to the middle of the main trail to snap a few photos, 1-2 hours will be quite sufficient.

For those aiming to reach the summit and wanting to take their time enjoying the panoramic views of Okanagan Lake, it is better to allow 2-3 hours. If your plans include exploring several remote trails and having a full picnic in the great outdoors, we recommend reserving about 4 hours or even half a day.

Knox Mountain Park is open for visitors every day, making it easy for guests to fit a walk into their schedule. Official operating hours are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

The early opening makes the park an ideal spot for morning joggers and sunrise seekers, while the late evening closing allows visitors to enjoy the lights of nighttime Kelowna from the observation decks.

A visit to Knox Mountain Park can easily be combined with a stroll through other interesting spots in the city. The surrounding area offers plenty of options for relaxing by the water or discovering the region's cultural heritage.