Mount Boucherie is one of the most obvious landmarks in West Kelowna. Located just minutes from the bridge and a quick detour off Highway 97, it attracts hikers from all over to experience the awesome hiking, views, and landscape. This mountain is actually an extinct volcano that has been around for 50-60 million years and has slowly been eroding over time.
Boucherie Rush Trail
The most popular trail on the mountain is the Boucherie Rush Trail – a 5.6km moderately challenging route that typically takes 2 hours to fully complete. With an elevation gain of 280 meters, this trail leads you to panoramic views up and down the Okanagan Valley. Most of the trail is easy enough for the whole family to enjoy, however some steep switchbacks towards the north east side should only be explored by more experienced hikers. Once you arrive at the top, we recommend wandering around to explore a variety of viewpoints in all directions. Due to the popularity of the trail, you’ll most likely see other hikers and mountain bikers along the way.
This hike is more popular during the dryer months of the year, however can still be explored when there’s snow on the ground. One of our favourite times to hike here is during an early July sunrise, a cool experience where you see the city waking up from far above!
Parking
There are two main access points to these trails – East Boundary Road on the west side and Eain Lamont Park on the east side. For Easy Boundary Road access, turn south off Highway 97 on Bartley Road. This road turns into East Boundary Road, follow it for about 1.5km, and you’ll see the small parking lot on the left. For Eain Lamont access, turn south off Highway 97 on Hudson Road. Take a right onto Guidi Road until you get to a “T” intersection with Trevor Road. Here, go right down this, which will turn into Lakeview Cove Road. Continue on Lakeview Cove Road until you reach another “T” intersection where you will turn right again. On the left hand side of the road, you’ll see a parking sign for Eain Lamont park, yay!