
Bear Creek Provincial Park
Okanagan Lake's gem with beaches, camping, and scenic hikes through canyons and forests.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Bear Creek Provincial Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Okanagan Lake's gem with beaches, camping, and scenic hikes through canyons and forests.
"A beautiful beach and nice open field area, perfect for camping and picnics."

Book camping online
Secure your campsite via BCParks.ca well in advance, especially for summer weekends!
Hydrate for hikes
Bring lots of water for the steep trails, particularly on hot days. Sunscreen and repellent are also recommended.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Okanagan Lake Beach
Lakeshore
Enjoy sandy shores and clear waters perfect for swimming and building sandcastles. A fantastic family-friendly spot!

Bear Creek Falls
Hiking Trail
A beautiful waterfall cascading into a canyon, offering impressive views and a refreshing natural pool at its base.

Scenic Hiking Trails
Various trails
Explore trails with breathtaking vistas of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding landscape. Some offer shaded forest paths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Campsite Early
Prepare for the Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book camping online
Secure your campsite via BCParks.ca well in advance, especially for summer weekends!
Hydrate for hikes
Bring lots of water for the steep trails, particularly on hot days. Sunscreen and repellent are also recommended.
Family-friendly beach
The park boasts a great beach and playground combo, perfect for kids to enjoy the lake and sand.
Winter waterfall hike
Experience a magical winter hike to the waterfall base, but be cautious on icy creek paths.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book camping online
Secure your campsite via BCParks.ca well in advance, especially for summer weekends!
Hydrate for hikes
Bring lots of water for the steep trails, particularly on hot days. Sunscreen and repellent are also recommended.
Family-friendly beach
The park boasts a great beach and playground combo, perfect for kids to enjoy the lake and sand.
Winter waterfall hike
Experience a magical winter hike to the waterfall base, but be cautious on icy creek paths.
Respect fire bans
Be mindful of fire restrictions to prevent wildfires and protect the natural beauty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bear Creek Provincial Park is praised for its beautiful Okanagan Lake beach, scenic hiking trails, and family-friendly atmosphere. Campers appreciate the clean facilities and lakeside sites. However, some visitors note overgrown trails, limited beach space at times, and the challenging nature of hikes on hot days.
"Bear Creek Provincial Park in west Kelowna, BC is has beautiful hiking trails for scenic views of Okanagan Lake. The hike is tough though and steep and it can be pretty rough on a smoking hot day, like when our family did it. There are shaded areas deeper into the forest though, but take lots of water on a hot day.
There is a lovely creek with cold, clear water and great views of Okanagan lake from the top. A big canyon cuts through the mountains as well. The park has campgrounds and sand beaches. A nice place to hike and enjoy nature. We also saw a huge, eagles nest in a tree and there are some areas burnt from forest fires."
Kevin Jones
"We’ve been a few times and really like this campground. It has a beautiful beach and nice open field area. Last years trip was cancelled due to the fire. I just took a quick look at the hiking trails in my recent trip to Kelowna. Unfortunately, that side of the park was closed and presumably burned out. The photos are from the road. It was such a nice hike."
a b
"Good. Bathrooms and showers and sites were clean and taken care of. They drove around in golf carts. Bad There is no trail as noted on the map. The bushes are all overgrown. Barely any beach. No dog beach. Bird poop on the beach. There were people hogging the beach by leaving all their chairs, etc. there the whole week ."
Diane Kitto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bear Creek Provincial Park is conveniently located just a short drive from Kelowna, approximately 30 minutes away. You can reach it by car via Westside Road. The park is situated near West Kelowna, making it an accessible destination for a day trip or camping adventure.
Information on public transport directly to Bear Creek Provincial Park is limited. It is generally recommended to travel by car for the easiest access to the park and its various amenities.
The park is very close to Kelowna, typically around a 30-minute drive. This makes it an ideal destination for those looking for a quick escape into nature without a long journey.
Yes, Bear Creek Provincial Park is situated in the beautiful Okanagan region, close to Kelowna and West Kelowna. Nearby attractions include other provincial parks like Fintry Provincial Park with its falls, and various beaches and recreational areas around Okanagan Lake.
Road conditions are generally good, with Westside Road providing access to the park. However, it's always wise to check local road advisories, especially during winter months or if there have been recent weather events.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't typically an entrance fee to access the park for day use, camping requires booking and payment through the BCParks.ca website. It's always best to check the official BCParks website for the most current fee information.
All campsite bookings for Bear Creek Provincial Park are managed online through the official BCParks.ca website. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, as sites can fill up quickly.
Provincial parks are generally open year-round for day use, though specific facilities like campgrounds and washrooms may have seasonal operating hours. It's advisable to check the BCParks website for current operational status and hours.
Day use access to Bear Creek Provincial Park is usually free. However, if you plan to camp, you will need to make a reservation and pay the camping fees through BCParks.ca.
During periods of high fire risk, certain areas or the entire park may be subject to closures or fire bans. It's crucial to check for any advisories or restrictions before your visit, especially during the summer months.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers several hiking trails, with the most popular leading to Bear Creek Falls and offering scenic views of Okanagan Lake. While some trails can be steep and challenging, especially on hot days, there are also shaded forest sections. The winter hike to the waterfall base is also a unique experience, though caution is advised on icy paths.
Yes, the park features a beautiful beach on Okanagan Lake, which is perfect for swimming. It's a popular spot for families to cool off during the summer months.
Campgrounds at Bear Creek Provincial Park are generally well-maintained, with reports of clean bathrooms and showers available for campers.
Visitors have reported seeing wildlife such as eagles, with one review mentioning a huge eagle's nest. The park's natural setting also supports various other local fauna.
Absolutely! The park offers a combination of a beach and a playground, making it a great destination for families. The hiking trails are also considered family-friendly, though younger children might need assistance on steeper sections.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers numerous stunning photo opportunities. Capture the panoramic views of Okanagan Lake from the hiking trails, the majestic Bear Creek Falls, and the serene beach areas. The lush forest and canyon also provide beautiful natural backdrops.
Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can create magical shots of the lake and landscape.
The peaks of the hiking trails offer excellent vantage points for capturing sweeping views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding valley. The area around the waterfall also provides dramatic photographic potential.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views and canyon. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards, and consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures of the waterfall.
Drone usage in provincial parks is subject to regulations. It's essential to check the BC Parks website or contact the park directly for current drone policies and any required permits before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some hiking trails are steep, many are manageable for families, offering beautiful views. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and consider the winter hike to the waterfall for a unique, albeit icy, adventure. The overall family-friendly vibe makes it a stress-free outing.
🏕️ Campers
Be aware that campsites are highly popular and booking well in advance is essential, especially for weekends and during peak summer season. The park's popularity means it can get busy, but the amenities and natural beauty make it a worthwhile experience for any camper.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the canyon scenery and the chance to spot wildlife like eagles. The park is also a beautiful place to explore in winter, with a unique opportunity to hike to the waterfall's base, though safety precautions are paramount on icy terrain. The diverse trails cater to various fitness levels, offering a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Okanagan.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Bear Creek Provincial Park
Popularity means that booking well in advance is crucial, especially for weekend stays during the summer months. The proximity to the lake makes it ideal for those who enjoy swimming, picnicking, and simply relaxing by the water. The park's natural beauty, combined with its amenities, makes it a top choice for many visitors looking to experience the Okanagan lifestyle.
It's worth noting that the park has experienced closures due to wildfires in the past. Always check for current park status and advisories before planning your camping trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Hiking the Trails and Experiencing the Falls
Visitors are advised to carry ample water, wear appropriate footwear, and consider visiting during cooler parts of the day to manage the heat. For those seeking a different perspective, the park offers a unique winter experience where one can walk on the creek bed to the base of the waterfall, though extreme caution is advised due to icy conditions. The trails are generally well-maintained and are often enjoyed by families and dog walkers alike.
Beyond the main falls, the park's trails wind through forested areas, offering shaded respite and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. Some trails may have overgrown sections, so staying on marked paths is recommended. The combination of challenging hikes and accessible natural beauty makes the trails a highlight for many visitors.
Family Fun and Beach Activities
Complementing the beach is a playground, ensuring that younger visitors have plenty of entertainment options. The accessibility of the beach and the presence of amenities like washrooms make it convenient for families with children of all ages. The relatively short drive from Kelowna also adds to its appeal for families looking for an easy outing.
While the hiking trails can be challenging, many are still considered family-friendly, with opportunities for shorter walks or exploring the more accessible sections. The overall atmosphere of the park is welcoming to families, encouraging outdoor recreation and shared experiences by the lake.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit