Winter Adventures, Part 4

Winter Adventures, Part 4

Just because the snow flies in the Okanagan valley, doesn’t mean hikers have to stop enjoying the phenomenal scenery our region has to offer. Many of the easy to moderate trails in the area easily convert to snowshoe trails in the winter time. Snowshoeing is an excellent sport for cardiovascular fitness and endurance, often resulting in the breaking of a good sweat and some burning in the hip and leg muscles. It’s essential to dress in layers because it’s not unheard of for snowshoers to strip down to a long sleeve merino wool t shirt in sub-zero temperatures as they work up a sweat! 

Kalamoir Park in West Kelowna provides snowshoers with a meandering 4.72 km trail that provides views of Okanagan Lake as you wander amongst a cotton wood forest. Don’t let the easy rating fool you! What may be an easy trek in the spring and summer months, can prove to be a workout if there is an accumulation of fresh powder on the ground.

Another relatively easy trail that will lead you through a winter wonderland is the Mission Greenway Phase 2: Scenic Canyon. With various trails that can loop and combine to make up to 13.68 km, there is plenty of forest, geological foundations, and waterways to explore. It will feel like a winter wonderland with the small bridges and creek by your side.

For the more adventurous and intermediate snowshoers, there are some trails which provide a great workout combined with stunning views. The 4.33 km Rose Valley: Summit Loop consists of some moderate to steep inclines, but rewards snowshoers with stunning panoramic views of the Okanagan Valley. It is always useful to carry poles while snowshoeing, as they will provide support in maneuvering tricky, slippery slopes and steep ascents and descents. Throughout this park there are also countless other exciting trails that vary in difficulty.

The Myra Canyon: Teddy Bear Loop traverses for 6.92 km through the land ravished by the forest fires of 2003. The trail is typically wide and well developed, however, for snowshoeing; it depends on recent snowfalls and frequency of use. Stunning views of Okanagan Lake and Kelowna are prevalent along this trail. As with Rose Valley, this network also has numerous well signed alternative trails.

For an extra challenge, the new trail at Mt. Boucherie provides snowshoers with an excellent opportunity to work those leg muscles, while taking in the phenomenal views of downtown Kelowna at the summit. 

For all snowshoe treks, as with hiking in the warmer months, wearing layers and bringing a supply of water and snacks is a must. Crampons are metal spikes that strap onto the bottom of snow boots for those without actual snowshoes.  You will work up a sweat and get thirsty! Enjoy the opportunity to take in the snow covered landscape of the Okanagan Valley from some of our favourite summer hiking spots.