Best Walks and Viewpoints In and Around East Hill
Quick answer: For walks close to home, East Hill's heritage streets, Polson Park and the Becker Park Community Trail are the easy picks. For bigger views within a short drive, try the Grey Canal Trail, McKergow Meadows on Middleton Mountain, and Rattlesnake Point in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.
One of the best things about living on a hillside is that a view is never far away. Here's our guide to walks and viewpoints in and around East Hill, from gentle neighbourhood loops to steeper trails with big payoffs.
Walks right in the neighbourhood
A heritage-house loop
East Hill has some of Vernon's oldest homes, and many are on the City of Vernon's heritage register. A self-guided loop could include:
- Campbell House (2203 30th Avenue), the 1898 Queen Anne Revival house with a corner tower and conical turret. The register calls it a landmark overlooking downtown from the top of 30th Avenue.
- The Mohr House (2301 32nd Avenue), on a curve of Pleasant Valley Road. Built in 1893, it's described as Vernon's only high-style Second Empire house, with a mansard roof and dormer windows.
- The Caetani Cultural Centre (3401 Pleasant Valley Road), set around the 1895 Sommerville house on a 1.3-acre, park-like property.
- The second Crowell House (1800 32nd Avenue), a 1910 brick house near the top of East Hill, built by T. E. Crowell, the builder behind many of Vernon's early brick buildings.
These are private homes (the Caetani Centre excepted), so enjoy them from the sidewalk. It's a hilly loop, so wear good shoes.
Lakeview Park
Lakeview Park, at 3001 18th Street, is the neighbourhood's own green space, with a playground, ball diamonds and the Peanut Pool wading pool. It's a good anchor for a shorter family walk.
Close to East Hill: Polson Park and Community Hill
Polson Park sits on Highway 6 near downtown. The land was donated to the city by Samuel Polson in 1908. Today it has walking paths, the 1958 Floral Clock and a Japanese Garden built in 1967 as a Centennial project. It's flat, which makes it a good choice for strollers or a gentle recovery walk.
The Becker Park Community Trail, behind the Recreation Complex, is a short but steep climb up Community Hill. The City notes panoramic views of the city and valleys from the top. Dogs are welcome, and waste bags are provided.
Short drives with big views
Grey Canal Trail
The Grey Canal was a roughly 50 km irrigation channel built between 1906 and 1914 to carry water from Lavington through Coldstream and Vernon. Today, sections of its route form a trail network, and the Ribbons of Green Trails Society publishes maps of it. Sections near East Hill include:
- East Vernon: about 3.9 km, rated difficult.
- Coldstream Valley Estates: several routes, from easy to difficult, with views over the Coldstream Valley.
- Coldstream Ranch: about 4.5 km, rated easy, with mostly flat walking toward Lavington.
Check Ribbons of Green's maps for access points and current conditions before you go.
McKergow Meadows on Middleton Mountain
The City of Vernon describes McKergow Meadows as a "shorter and steeper hiking option" with views from Middleton Mountain into the valleys and down to Kalamalka Lake. It also passes Mud Lake, a small pond used by waterfowl and amphibians.
Rattlesnake Point, Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park covers more than 3,200 hectares of grassland and forest on Kalamalka Lake. BC Parks lists over 14 km of trails and a viewing platform at Rattlesnake Point with benches. The view over the lake's changing colours is one of the best in the North Okanagan. As the name suggests, rattlesnakes live in the park. Stay on the trails, wear proper footwear, and keep dogs leashed outside the designated pet beaches.
Tips for walking a hillside neighbourhood
- Plan your loop downhill first if you're heading to downtown errands, and save the climb for when you're empty-handed.
- Carry water in summer. Okanagan afternoons get hot, and trails with little shade feel it most.
- Watch for ice in winter. Sloped sidewalks can be slick. Traction cleats help.
- Respect private property. Heritage homes are best admired from the street.
Our East Hill neighbourhood guide has more on parks and local amenities. If a view is high on your wish list for a home, we feature Tim Jones, a fellow agent who lives in East Hill, as our local East Hill expert and a good person to ask which streets have the best outlooks.
FAQ
What's the easiest walk near East Hill?
Polson Park is flat, central and has paved paths, the Floral Clock and the Japanese Garden. It's the easiest option nearby.
Where's the best view of Kalamalka Lake?
Rattlesnake Point in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park has a viewing platform with benches. McKergow Meadows on Middleton Mountain also has views down to the lake.
Are there rattlesnakes on these trails?
BC Parks warns that rattlesnakes are present in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. Stay on trails, avoid tall grass and keep dogs leashed where required.
Thinking about a home with a view on East Hill? Call or text Sean at 778-363-0542, or call the Sarah AI info hotline any time at 604-227-4810.
Featured photo: stock image from Unsplash, for illustration.
