Trails & Viewpoints

Mid-mountain scenic view of Kalamalka Lake framed by yellow wildflowers, pine trees, and rolling hills at the Okanagan Gondola

Step out over the cliff’s edge and wander through wildflowers.

Forest, meadow, and rocky cliffs. Two trails and three viewpoints invite you to explore the diverse landscapes of Ellison Ridge and learn something new along the way. Take the Cliff Lookout Trail to a viewing platform that reaches out past the cliff face, or stroll the family-friendly Meadow Trail through wildflowers and pollinator habitat. Every season brings a fresh brushstroke of colour, from a rainbow of mountain flowers to the ever-changing hues of Kalamalka Lake. Wander, play, and feed your curiosity. Every trail and viewpoint brings you closer to nature.

White and purple silky lupines blooming in the foreground along a mountain ridge overlooking Kalamalka Lake at the Okanagan Gondola — Trail notes: white and purple silky lupines.

Mule deer buck with antlers standing on a dry grassy hillside near pine trees along the Okanagan Gondola nature trails — Trail notes: mule deer buck.

Bright yellow arrowleaf balsamroot wildflowers blooming on a sunny hillside beneath pine trees at the Okanagan Gondola — Trail notes: arrowleaf balsamroot wildflowers.

Close-up of yellow Balkan toadflax flowers blooming on a stem with purple lupines blurred in the background at the Okanagan Gondola — Trail notes: balkan toadflax flowers.

View of the turquoise waters of Kalamalka Lake across a dry grassy hillside under a clear blue sky at the Okanagan Gondola — Trail notes: the turquoise waters of Kalamalka Lake

Close-up of nodding dark purple chocolate lily blooms along a grassy nature trail at the Okanagan Gondola — Trail notes: blooming chocolate lily

Aerial view of turquoise Kalamalka Lake from cliff lookout at Okanagan Gondola

Views From the Edge

Cliff Lookout Trail

Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1.3 km loop
This trail brings new meaning to a bird’s eye view. Wander over ancient soils, winding through ponderosa pine forest and lush gully. Feel the thermal winds on your face, with birds of prey and turkey vultures soaring at eye level. The pinch-me moment is a custom-built viewing platform that invites you to step out beyond the cliff’s edge on a deck securely anchored to the ridge. Here, you can look down to the shimmering Kalamalka Lake and its aquamarine palette.

Golden hour sunlight peeks through pine trees and long grass under Okanagan Gondola towers

A Landscape in Bloom

Meadow Trail

Hiking Difficulty: Easy & Family-Friendly
Distance: 1.2 km out and back

A place to learn about the bees and butterflies. This casual stroll brings you through sweeping mountain meadows and grassland, immersing you in the tiny world of pollinators and the natural world they support. Sneak glimpses of Kalamalka Lake and watch a seasonal procession of wildflowers on rotation, with whimsical names like Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon and False Spikenard. Bring the kids and get your Bee-noculars ready.