Do you want to go for a hike but you don’t want anything too long or secluded with your toddler? Here are three easy hikes you can do with a toddler in Kelowna, BC!
Dilworth Mountain Park
Dilworth Mountain Park is a very easy trail to do with a toddler. It’s very central in Kelowna, paths are wide, it is frequented by other people (helps you feel safe going for a hike there), it’s fairly short and at the end of your loop there is a small park that your kiddo’s can run around and burn some more energy on.
It’s also a gorgeous area to stop and have a picnic on one of the benches or take some photos. We took some beautiful grandparent and grandchild portraits here in the summer.
I find you can take a stroller or hiking carrier with this trail.
P.s. There is a porta-potty but if you’re little one isn’t in diapers anymore I would offer the washroom before you go because I don’t know how often it’s sanitized.
2. Mill Creek Regional Park
Mill Creek is another easy hike but depending on where you live or are staying in Kelowna it can be out of the way. Mill Creek is behind the airport (between Kelowna and Lake Country) so it can be a farther drive for what it is. I love the variety at Mill Creek for a short hike - you have majority flat areas with some light stairs, bridges, boardwalk and a waterfall at the end.
Some things to keep in mind with this trail is parking (it can be tricky at this location), there is no washroom and no park to accompany it.
You can do a stroller with this trail but you won’t be able to do the loop, you’ll have to stick to the flat areas (keeping right on the trail).
3. Mission Creek Greenway or the Okanagan Rail Trail
I wouldn’t classify these as “hiking trails” but they’re great if you want to get out for a walk in nature.
Mission Creek Greenway is a long trail with many access points. A common one is the entrance near Orchard Park Mall off Springfield. If you park near the Education Centre and cross the bridge and follow the path left you’ll have a nice loop along the creek. If you go for a walk mid-September to October you might even catch the spawning season for salmon.
There is also the Okanagan Rail Trail which is similar in that it is a long trail that runs across the Okanagan with many access points. Our favourite entrance is near Beasley Park in Lake Country but there are many entrances you can choose from.
There are plenty of other trails in the Okanagan to choose from - Pauls Tomb or Apex Trail on Knox Mountain, Spion Kop in Lake Country, Bear Creek in West Kelowna to name a few. If I had someone to carry my daughter in the hiking carrier I could probably manage these trails but at 18-weeks pregnant (at the time I’m writing this article) carrying her is a little more taxing and uncomfortable.
With the weather cooling down for autumn I’m so excited to get out there on some trails before the snow hits! If you’re a local mama that loves to go for hikes send me a message! I’d love to connect with you! :)