Description

If you have a half day free in Kelowna and want to see what the fuss is all about regarding the Okanagan, do this hike.

It's not overly strenuous but it starts with a climb right out of the gate and the descent can be slippery in damp conditions.

Other than those 2 things, there's not much to worry about and you can get on with enjoying the views! The hike does actually go through bear country, but you are very unlikely to encounter any bears and most people do not carry any sort of bear repellant or defence system. Start by parking at the northern end of Ellis Avenue and hiking north into Knox Mountain Park.

Follow a clear path (signposted "Apex Trail") as it zig zags up to the summit of Knox mountain, 300 metres above Okanagan Lake.

Soak in the huge views and, if you're new to the area, take the opportunity to get your bearings and figure out how the Okanagan valley is laid out. Head north from the summit following a blunt ridge to the Pavilion hut, a small shelter with a good view west down to the lake.

Drop left off the ridge and follow an undulating path as it traverses northwards high above the lake.

When the path begins to descend consistently, keep an eye out for a left turn.

Having located the left turn, take it and make the fairly steep (and at times rocky) descent down to the Paul's Tomb trail.

If you're pushed for time then turn left when you reach the almost-flat Paul's Tomb trail and head back to the carpark.

If time allows then detour to Paul's Tomb itself - a fabulous viewpoint right on the shore of the lake.

The detour only adds 20 minutes or so to your day and is well worth it for the views alone. Regardless of whether or not you take the detour, the trip back to the carpark is both easy and spectacular.

Enjoy every step and then return to civilisation.