Discovering the Top Waterfalls in Okanagan Valley, British Columbia | Off Track Travel

The stunning Okanagan Valley is famous for its lakes and wineries, but did you know it also boasts magnificent waterfalls? Yes, there are numerous breathtaking waterfalls in the region that you simply must visit!

This article highlights eight incredible waterfalls across the Okanagan Valley, from Vernon and Kelowna to Peachland and Naramata. Being residents of Penticton, we’re conveniently close to all of them!

Each waterfall offers a unique experience with varying accessibility levels. Some are easily reachable, while others may require a hike of an hour or two. Read on to find out more about the top waterfalls in the Okanagan Valley!

Published June 2024

Waterfall Safety

While waterfalls can provide breathtaking views, it’s important to exercise caution as there are hidden risks involved.

When visiting the waterfalls in the Okanagan Valley, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Stick to established trails and maintain a safe distance from edges.
• Follow all trail signage and adhere to any closures.
• Be cautious of slippery surfaces; even dry-looking rocks can be dangerous.
• Wear appropriate footwear (avoid flip-flops or sandals).
• Waterfalls tend to be more impressive in spring or after rainfall, but swollen rivers can lead to flooding.
• Pools that appear shallow can be much deeper than they seem.
• Bear in mind that water temperatures are likely cooler than you expect!
• If you’re considering swimming, be aware of risks such as submerged obstacles, swift currents, and whirlpools.

Okanagan Valley Waterfalls

As you explore these stunning waterfalls in the Okanagan Valley, help protect the environment for wildlife and fellow visitors by following the Leave No Trace principles.

BX Creek Falls, Vernon

BX Creek Falls is one of the Okanagan Valley’s standout waterfalls in terms of its effort-to-reward ratio!

To reach it, start from the Tillicum parking area and follow the creek for just 350m to find the staircase leading down. BX Falls sits in a serene canyon below, with water cascading from Silver Star Mountain, especially vigorous in the spring.

This family-friendly trail provides plenty of shade, making it perfect for summer excursions. For those looking for a longer hike, you can climb back up the stairs and continue along the trail, with another trailhead located 3km down at Star Road.

BX Creek Falls remains accessible in winter, but visiting safely requires caution. The steps leading to the waterfall can be icy, so microspikes are essential to navigate the descent without slipping.

Length: 700m out and back
Difficulty: Easy – mostly flat path with over 60 stairs
Trailhead location: Tillicum Road, Vernon
Parking: Small dedicated parking lot
Facilities: None

Cosens Bay Waterfall, Vernon

Known as Cosens Creek Waterfall, this gem is found within Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and is best viewed in spring when the flow is at its peak; it tends to dry up in summer.

Although it isn’t clearly marked, it’s a short detour from the Cosens Bay Express Trail, particularly accessible from the Cougar Canyon parking lot, though this route involves significant road walking.

For a more enjoyable hike, consider starting from the Cosens Bay gate and incorporating a beach visit. This path is especially pleasant in late spring and early summer when the waterfall may be less vigorous.

In winter, the waterfall freezes into a stunning wall of ice. Given the steep terrain around the falls, microspikes can be helpful for winter visits.

Length: 4km return (shortest route)
Difficulty: Easy – some steep and loose sections with road walking
Trailhead location: Cougar Canyon, Kalamalka Provincial Park
Parking: Medium-sized lot
Facilities: Outhouse in the parking lot

Fintry Falls

For a dramatic waterfall experience, look no further than Fintry Falls. Located in Fintry Provincial Park, this breathtaking triple-level waterfall rises 65m high and is considered one of the most stunning in the Okanagan Valley.

Visiting Fintry Falls requires a bit of effort, with almost 400 steps along the main trail. However, the reward includes several observation platforms offering fantastic views of the falls.

This powerful waterfall is particularly impressive during the spring melt when water flow is at its peak. In the early 20th century, James Cameron Dun-Waters harnessed this energy to develop an electricity-generating system for his nearby farm.

The most straightforward route to the falls is a 1km return trail, but a longer 1.4km loop is available that avoids the descent back down the stairs.

Length: 1.4km
Difficulty: Easy – many stairs
Trailhead location: Fintry Provincial Park
Parking: Large dedicated parking lot
Facilities: Signage, outhouses, historical buildings

Christie Falls

For the more adventurous, Christie Falls offers a rugged backcountry experience along unpaved logging roads and an unmaintained trail through an area affected by wildfire.

This stunning waterfall features a free-falling cascade pouring down a steep rock face. There are viewpoints at the top and the base of the falls, the latter accessible via a very steep trail with a rope for support.

A high-clearance vehicle with all-terrain tires (AWD preferred) is recommended to reach the trailhead. Note that you won’t have phone signal in the parking lot, so let someone know of your plans and expected return time.

Length: 2.4km return
Difficulty: Moderate – unmaintained trail with a very steep descent to the base of the falls
Trailhead location: Near Terrace Mountain Road
Parking: Dedicated dirt lot
Facilities: None

Mill Creek Falls, Kelowna

Located near the Kelowna airport, Mill Creek Falls is an accessible, family-friendly cascade that offers a surprisingly peaceful setting despite its proximity to the airport.

The wide and level trail is perfect for strollers and large groups. A short side trail leading to a large bridge crosses the creek—consider taking it on your way back for a more interesting loop.

Visitors can choose to walk above the falls or to the side. The trail continues past the waterfall, but most people typically turn around at that point.

As with many waterfalls in the Okanagan Valley, Mill Creek is particularly impressive during spring melt, but it still maintains its beauty year-round.

Length: 1.6km return
Difficulty: Very easy
Trailhead location: Spencer Road, Kelowna
Parking: Street parking
Facilities: Outhouse near the parking area

Crawford Falls, Kelowna

Also known as Canyon Falls, Crawford Falls is a hidden gem just below a residential area in a steep canyon.

The trail to the falls features a moderately difficult path with a steep, rocky descent. This waterfall is beautifully set in a cove surrounded by tall cliffs, complete with a pool at its base.

As of June 2024, access to the Crawford Falls Trail is restricted due to trail instability. I included it in this article as it is still frequently referenced on social media.

Length: 2km return
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead location: Canyon Falls Court, Kelowna
Parking: Street parking (please be considerate of local residents)
Facilities: None

Bear Creek Falls, West Kelowna

Dramatically plunging into a deep canyon, Bear Creek Falls is one of the most visually striking waterfalls in the Okanagan Valley.

Regrettably, the Canyon Rim Trail, which provided access to the falls, was significantly damaged during a wildfire in 2023 and is currently closed. I included it here due to its continued mention on social media and other platforms.

Hardy Falls, Peachland

Hardy Falls is the most accessible waterfall on this list, with its trailhead conveniently located just off Highway 97 south of Peachland.

The shady path follows Deep Creek through a scenic canyon to the small cascade, crossing several bridges along the way.

This 400m trail is short, wide, and level—making it perfect for families and individuals of all abilities, including those with strollers and wheelchairs.

The ideal time to visit Hardy Falls is between late spring (May, June), during snow melt, and autumn when Kokanee salmon return to the creek to spawn.

Deep Creek provides a critical habitat for Kokanee salmon. To protect the fish and their eggs, keep dogs on a leash and avoid entering the creek between September and May, as even a single footstep could harm numerous salmon.

Length: 0.8km return; allow 20-30 minutes
Difficulty: Very easy
Parking: Dedicated street parking across from the trailhead
Trailhead location: Hardy Street, Peachland
Facilities: Interpretive signage and a viewing platform

Naramata Creek Falls, Naramata

Naramata Creek Falls is hidden just beyond the bustling Naramata Road, offering a beautiful multi-tiered cascade within a forested canyon.

This serene waterfall provides a refreshing escape during the hot summer months.

The hike to the base is moderately challenging. While it’s only 2.5km return, the final approach can be tricky (especially in spring).

The first portion of the hike is fairly easy, following a flat, maintained path along the creek. At the 1km mark, hikers can choose between a narrow uphill path or a route along the creek, which requires crossing the water twice (with no bridges).

The difficulty of these crossings will depend on the season; during low water, you can often rock-hop to stay dry, but this becomes much harder in spring and early summer.

Length: 2.5km return; allow 1 to 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy with some more challenging sections (details provided above)
Trailhead location: Just off Naramata Road, Naramata
Parking: Small dedicated lot
Facilities: Outhouse at trailhead and a picnic table
More information: Naramata Creek Falls hiking guide

Other Helpful Okanagan Valley Posts:

17 of the Best South Okanagan Hiking Trails

The Best Okanagan Valley Wineries: A Local’s Guide

Okanagan Mountain Park: A Complete Hiking and Paddling Guide

22+ of the Best Campgrounds in the South Okanagan, BC

Okanagan Valley Road Trip: What to Do and Where to Stop

Gemma is one half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel. She finds joy in hiking and planning exciting travel adventures. Currently, both JR and Gemma are based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada.