Hiking Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park - panoramic view
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Hiking in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park: trails, map and practical info

Thompson Okanagan • British Columbia

4.8 Appreciated by 20 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
8 km
Elevation
300 ft
Duration
3h15
Max altitude
533 ft

Explore the famous turquoise waters of Kalamalka Lake on this 6 km moderate hike near Vernon in British Columbia's Thompson Okanagan. The 300 m elevation gain takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes and rewards you with panoramic views across those impossibly blue-green mineral-rich waters and surrounding valleys.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

3 community photos

Trail description

{
"section_to_update": "Trail Network and Hiking Experience - Rattlesnake Point Trail paragraph",
"original": "The Rattlesnake Point Trail stands out as the park's signature hike and for good reason. This moderate route takes you up through fragrant pine forests and across open slopes to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking Kalamalka Lake. The payoff is spectacular—a sweeping panorama of those famous turquoise waters stretching toward the distant hills. The contrast is particularly striking during summer months when the lake's mineral content creates the most vivid blue-green hues. The trail involves steady climbing but nothing too technical, making it accessible to most hikers with basic fitness levels.",
"corrected": "The Rattlesnake Point Trail stands out as the park's signature hike and for good reason. This 3.9 km loop with 155 metre elevation gain takes you up through fragrant pine forests and across open slopes to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking Kalamalka Lake. The payoff is spectacular—a sweeping panorama of those famous turquoise waters stretching toward the distant hills. The contrast is particularly striking during summer months when the lake's mineral content creates the most vivid blue-green hues. The trail involves steady climbing but nothing too technical, making it accessible to most hikers with basic fitness levels."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

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Elixir Tour Mid WP
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Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
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Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
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4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
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Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Vernon, BC V0E 2G0, Canada
GPS coordinates
50.2043045, -119.2800247
Phone
(250) 548-0076

Starting Point

The trails at the kalamalka lake provincial park in British Columbia can be accessed from the main park entrance, which is located on the east side of the lake.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
50.2043045, -119.2800247
Center
(250) 548-0076

Hikers' opinions

4.8
6 Reviews
M
Marcus
Sep 15, 2025
I hiked through the park in early fall with friends and was impressed by the stunning landscape. However, we encountered some sections where trail markings were unclear, making navigation challenging as the season progressed. I'd recommend carrying a detailed map, especially during autumn when visibility decreases and seasonal changes affect the terrain.
J
James
Aug 10, 2025
As a regular hiker, I appreciated the diverse terrain and multiple trail options throughout the park. The variety of viewpoints overlooking Kalamalka Lake is exceptional. During a hot summer day, the brilliant turquoise waters were absolutely breathtaking and provided incredible photography opportunities. This park offers something special for every visitor.
D
David
Jul 3, 2025
A remarkable walk through the park that requires approximately two hours to reach the beach and return. Along the way, we encountered diverse wildlife, other hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders sharing the trails. The experience was extraordinary, with moments of pure natural wonder. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an immersive outdoor adventure.
S
Sarah
Jun 22, 2025
An early morning visit to Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park was absolutely magical. The serene atmosphere and golden sunlight reflecting off the water created an unforgettable experience. This destination is perfect for solo hikers seeking peaceful solitude and natural beauty away from crowds. The tranquility here is truly restorative.
E
Emma
May 18, 2025
The park proved excellent for a family outing in May. We spotted beautiful wildflowers that delighted the children throughout our walk. While the trail is generally accessible and sunny, some sections do feature steeper elevation changes. Overall, it's a wonderful destination for families seeking outdoor adventure and natural beauty in a pleasant setting.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
300.00 m
533.00 m
Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
3h15
No
No
No, dogs are not permitted on the trails at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. This policy helps protect the natural environment and wildlife in the area.
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM throughout the week. These hours apply to all days including weekends and may vary seasonally, so verify current hours before your visit.
The trails at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park feature approximately 300 meters of elevation gain. This moderate elevation change provides scenic viewpoints while remaining accessible to most hikers.
No, parking is not free at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. There are parking fees associated with visiting the park, so plan accordingly and check current rates before your visit.
The trails at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park can be accessed from the main park entrance, which is located on the east side of the lake. This is the primary access point for all hiking trails within the park.
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Update : June 2026