About the Mountain
Knox Mountain, located less than five minutes north of downtown, is the largest natural area in the city. With a variety of activities to do on Knox, we consider it as a ‘must-do’ when spending time in Kelowna.
This large-spanning park covers 385 hectares and is filled with a variety of forests, grasslands, and spectacular views. Open year round, but most commonly visited when there isn’t any snow on the ground, the pinnacle of Knox Mountain is Apex lookout – a 360 degree view of the entire city, also extending a north and south view of Okanagan Lake. This is perhaps the most desired view in the Okanagan, attracting people from all over to experience it. Another viewpoint is Crown Lookout, located halfway up the mountain. This can be accessed by either car (during the frost-free season from 12:00pm – 8:00pm) or via hiking trails.
Knox has 15 trails, all varying based on activity type and level of difficulty. This park is perfect for families looking for an outdoor adventure as the trails are well marked, not too steep, and frequently used.
Activities
Knox Mountain is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities at any time of year.
Hiking:
Knox has a variety of trails that wind through beautiful open forests and grassy areas. Depending on where you want to get to, there are a few options:
Apex Trail is the most common trail from the base to the top of Knox. This 4km out-and-back trail is considered moderately challenging and typically takes about 1.5 hours to complete. With beautiful lake, city, and mountain views, Apex Trail will provide you with the ideal hiking experience.
Paul’s Tomb, via Ogopogo, Pavilion, and Apex trail is another popular hiking route on Knox. This Route leads you to a secluded beach and cliff jumping area known as Paul’s Tomb. A similar moderately challenging route, this 7km round trip is typically completed in 2.5 hours. If it’s a warm summer day, we’d recommend packing a bathing suit!
Kathleen Lake Loop, although less popular, is an excellent hiking trail. Rated an easy difficulty, this 2.6km loop flows through a variety of ecosystems, is well maintained, and is great for the whole family.
Lochview Trail provides hikers with prime views of Okanagan Lake and connects Paul’s Tomb with Lochview Road. Although only roughly 1.5km long and 90 meters of elevation gain, this trail is rated as difficult due to the frequent elevation changes and steep drop offs.
Glenmore Ridge is located on the northeastern side of the park and is considered an easy route. A more common hike for Glenmore residents due to its close proximity, there are a variety of ponds and ecosystems to explore. It’s likely you wont see others on this route, as it is a lot less popular.
Mountain Biking:
The mountain bike trails have been around on Knox for a long time, however in recent years have been re-built, providing high quality and easily accessible riding close to town. With well marked trails, a variety of trail difficulty levels, and frequent maintenance, Knox is one of the most popular trail networks in Kelowna. Knox’s MTB trails are generally beginner and intermediate, with the odd advanced section that is clearly marked. A large portion of the trials are cross-country focused, however the most popular being Shale Trail and Simpson’s – two fast, flowy downhill tracks. The most popular climb trail is on the road itself, starting from the base and winding its way up the mountain. Alternatively, you can opt for Apex Trail as an ascending route. Be mindful that this is also a hiking trail and there will be other users on it.
Disc Golf:
Enjoy a full 18 hole round of disc golf at the base of Knox Mountain. Sitting on the edge of Okanagan Lake, this course can get busy, so be mindful of flying discs on the course.
Tennis Court:
Located right next to the parking lot, enjoy a game of tennis. Be mindful that there is only one court, so come early to ensure you don’t need to wait.
Paul’s Tomb:
With easy hiking access from multiple entry points, Paul’s Tomb is a popular destination for those looking to spend time by the lake and avoid crowds at the same time. Outfitted with a clean, rocky beach and a fun cliff jumping spot, Paul’s Tomb is a local favourite on a hot summer day.
Dog Park:
This fully enclosed dog park is perfect for those looking to let their furry friend blow off some steam. With spectacular views of Okanagan Lake and downtown Kelowna, this park runs parallel with Knox Mountain drive on a long and narrow stretch before opening up towards the top of the slope.
Parking
Parking is free, with a main lot at the bottom entrance off Ellis Street. On busy weekends, the parking lot can fill up fast, so opt for a parallel parking spot along Broadway Avenue or Ellis Street. You can also park at the midpoint (Crown Lookout) when the gate is open for vehicle access.