Kalamoir Regional Park

Wonderful Kalamoir Regional Park at the edge of Lake Okanagan - this lovely park has two personalities.

Up high, there are Ponderosa Pine and grassland bluffs that overlook Lake Okanagan and the bridge, much of it barely disturbed from the natural state it’s been in for a hundred years. Eagles and great horned or great grey owls have nests in some of the tall trees, and on a clear day, you can count each of Kelowna’s roof tops on the other side of the lake. For those who love a physical challenge as well as the chance to take some fine panorama photos, some of the steep and slender hillside trails will test your nerve and hiking skills.

Down on the lakeshore, Kalamoir Park offers another world entirely, one of gently lapping waves and long, shady pathways through the trees along the edge of Lake Okanagan. There are a few places to swim, or put in your dingy or canoe.

You are in for a special wildflower treat if you happen to walk this trail during mid-April. The oregon grape are putting on a great show with their clusters of bright yellow flowers. The Saskatoon berry bushes with their white flowers are in full bloom. But the showstopper of all are the sunny flowers from Arrowleaf Balsamroot. These cheery flowers line the hillsides alongside the ponderosa pine. Keep your eyes open for the Brittle Prickly Pear Cactus along the trails. You may be lucky to spy their yellow blooms in the spring as well.

In the summertime, it gets jubilantly noisy! You’ll witness a summer-long party on the lake, as power boaters parade by towing waterskiers or gleefully shrieking riders in inner tubes and other water toys all day long and into the sunset. Kalamoir Park is so special, it has its own volunteer guardians, The Friends of Kalamoir Park.

In winter, Kalamoir Park is closed while the trails are damp and slippery. The rest of the time, this is a fine park in which to hike, picnic or just enjoy the view.

What should we bring?

Plan to spend at least an hour here and maybe several, as it’s the kind of park that is worth savouring for a while. You may want to bring a picnic blanket, a little snack and your camera, and walking poles and water for the steepest trails. If you’re going to do the trails along the hillside, it’s a good idea to hike with a friend, or at least tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.

If it’s hot out, bring sun protection - most of this park faces east and south and the high-level trails get plenty of sun. Keep in mind that REAL sun protection does not come in a tube! We’re talking about good hats here, and the shade of thick trees or a sun umbrella if you’re picnicking on one of the lawns or the beach. The Okanagan has some powerful UV rays that easily defy sun screen creams after just a short time

Can my dog come too?

Yes - as long as your dog is on the leash, and you remember to clean up after it. It’s not very nice to picnic, get into a kayak or walk the trails with poo on your shoe!

How to find Kalamoir Regional Park:

It’s another of those partially hidden treasures. To the joy of many Westsiders and visitors from Kelowna, Kalamoir now has two formal accesses - one in Casa Loma, near the end of Campbell Road, and another accessed from the plateau in Lakeview Heights.

For those who’ve been touring Westside wineries along Boucherie Road and are now contemplating a healthy hike or picnic, the latter will be a good route: Off Boucherie Road, turn toward the lake on Ogden Road, go down to Thacker Road and turn north. Travel a short distance to Collens Hill, then head downhill on Collens toward the lake into the park. There’s a parking area, pleasant beaches and trails, and even outhouses.

An alternative, beginning on Sunnyside Road closer to Quail’s Gate Winery, is to wind your way down through Sunnyside residential area onto Sunnyside Road parallel to the lake, and follow Sunnyside it to its northeastern end.

The new Casa Loma option – great for your friends coming from Kelowna on the other side of the bridge: Close to the bridge on the west side is Campbell Road (thank goodness for the special turn lane! ) Travel to the end of Campbell, and when you get to the junction, Campbell becomes a perpendicular junction, with the west-facing arm becoming Benedick while the other arm of Campbell goes toward the lake. Go straight onto Benedick. At the end of the road, a little distance away from Casa Loma Resort, you will find the new formal trail leading into Kalamoir Park.

ACCESS BONUS: if you don’t feel like driving or you have more people than seat belts, you can get to the top of Collens Hill by public transit bus. Buses run approximately hourly, and you can load on your bicycle, too! Buses are air conditioned and some are double-decker. Most buses also accommodate wheel chairs and strollers. Get your very own schedule by asking a bus driver to sell you one for two bits, check the website at www. busonline.ca, or call 860-8121.

Disclaimer: Please remember to hike safe. Consider your level of fitness, the terrain, the weather, the wildlife, and the expertise/age of those you are hiking with. Since conditions of trails change over time, we do not guarantee the accuracy of our information. Hike at your own risk.

Go back to Westbank and area "Walking and Hiking Trails" page