Kelowna Parks & Gardens

This turbulent creek empties into Okanagan Lake, in the Mission region of Kelowna. Intermediate paddlers can enjoy rock and boulder gardens, caves and a canyon while paddling this creek. The Regional Park is 92 hectares (230 acres) of nature reserve and offers a playground, picnic tables, picnic shelter, interpretive programs, hiking trails and The Environmental Education Centre.

The Woodhaven Nature Conservancy is 21 acres (8.7 hectares) and contains three distinct ecosystems and a historical irrigation flume. The three biogeoclimatic zones are the dry interior zone to the North, the wet interior zone to the West, and an old creek area to the South. Within the creek zone Saskatoon berries, False Solomon's-seal and a thick undergrowth for wildlife seeking shelter can be found. In the wet region are Black Cottonwood, Western Red Cedar, firs, Sarsaparilla and Hooker's Fairybells. In the dry zone there is cactus, Ponderosa Pine, Balsam Root and Penstemon. Open during daylight year round, the conservancy offers interpretive tours for groups.

Located on the east side of Okanagan Lake between Penticton and Kelowna is Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park. Numerous activities are offered here throughout the year, including ice fishing and snow shoeing in winter, and hiking, swimming, and fishing in the summer. Campsites are available here as well.

Bear Creek Provincial Park is located only 15 minutes from downtown Kelowna. Over 122 RV-friendly and paved access is available within the park. In the open hills behind the campsite, over 23 km (14 mi) of trails and 10 km (6 mi) of easy walking trails are waiting for exploration. Covered in forests, this park offers plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Because of the prickly pear cacti that grows in parts of the park, good footwear is required. Visitors are asked to please stay on the designated paths in the park. Lakeside camping is available and guests can bask in the sunshine on the beaches and enjoy water sports in Lake Okanagan.

Watch Kokanee salmon make their way up the spawning channel between mid-Sep. and mid-Oct. Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan open May-Aug., with displays. Drought-tolerant demonstration garden and composting garden. Nature trails, playground, ponds, covered picnic area. Call Regional Parks for a free tour.

Four acres of serene perennial gardens and a "Japanese Inspired Garden", in an orchard setting. Surrounded by mountain views and pastoral country-side. The gardens are great for weddings, photos and garden tours. Open Daily from early April to early October.

Located in the city centre on Water Street, The Waterfront Park is next to The Grand Hotel. Winding along the lakeshore, this park has a broad boardwalk that meanders along the waters edge to the City Park. Perfectly landscaped gardens, statues and plenty of city views await visitors.

This unique Japanese garden is located north of Queensway behind city hall. Take a stroll or spend an hour or two. The park features a little waterfall, resting spots and statues.

The 360 hectare Fintry Provincial Park is located on the west side of okanagan Lake. The area was once an important transportation hub of the valley and remenants of this history are intact, such as a ferry wharf a preserved Manor House, caretakers house and a handful of barns. Besides this unique heritage, the park sustains two distict ecosystems. Beaches, waterfalls, lakes and grassy areas create ample opportunity for hiking, fishing swimming, biking, boating and plenty of snapshot opportunities, to name a few.

Cedar Creek Beach is a long narrow pebble beach located along Lakeshore road. This dog-friendly park is a popular spot and features picnic tables and poratble toilets. Parking is very limited. Nudity is not unknown at the Northern end of the park.

Near City Park in downtown Kelowna, this park allows dogs if they are on a leash.

Located behind the Kelowna General Hospital on Abbott Street, Strathcona Park has a designated swimming area, four picnic tables, playground and offers a large grassy area, shaded by mature oak trees - a perfect spot to read a book, or just relax.

Sit under the shade of a poplar tree, dip your feet into Lake Okanagan, have lunch at one of the picnic tables, bring the kids to the playground, or play a round of tennis, Kinsmen Park provides all these opportunities and more. Washrooms are also located at this park.

Located just south of the city centre, Boyce Gyro Park provides an expansive park with volleyball courts, picnic tables, large playground, washrooms and concession and shallow swimming. A rental shop is located at the south end of the park and offers paddle boats and more. The Mission Shopping Centre and numerous motels are located within minutes from this park.

Dedicated in 1996 to Mr. Ben Lee for his many years of public service in Kelowna, this park features many amenities including a skatepark, waterpark, playground, jogging trail and more.

This cozy little beach is located in the Hobson Road neighbourhood. A playground is located on site and a designated swimming area is offered. Six picnic tables are available.

Located within City Park, these picturesque gardens pay tribute to Kelowna's Dutch sister city Veendam. Visitors to the gardens are treated to a kaleidescope of colourful flowers.

This beachfront public park on Okanagan Lake has a long sandy beach, lawn bowling, kids' waterpark, playground, picnic area, skateboard park, running track, sportsfield, restaurant, concession and change rooms. Park open year-round; waterpark open mid-May to mid-September.

This very popular park has designated swimming areas, change rooms, playground, picnic area and more. Rotary Beach is located on Lakeshore Drive.