The Grey Canal Trail System offers more than just a walk or ride through nature; it's a journey into the past, combined with some of the most panoramic views in the Okanagan. Trails stretching across multiple sections follow the route of an historic irrigation channel that once supplied water to the region's orchards and farms. Whether walking, hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, this trail system provides a range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities.
A Walk Through History
The Grey Canal Trail System traces the path of what was once British Columbia's largest irrigation project, a 50-kilometre gravity-fed canal that played a critical role in the agricultural development of the Greater Vernon area. The canal was built between 1906 and 1914 and provided water to over 20,000 acres of land. Along the trails, remnants of this once-vital system are visible, including ditches, siphons, and flumes. For those interested in local history, five interpretive signs along the way offer a glimpse into the canal's construction and its impact on the region.
For history buffs and casual walkers alike, the Grey Canal Trail System is an excellent way to learn about the area's past while enjoying a day outdoors. It's a rare opportunity to engage with both nature and history in such a direct and accessible way.
Scenic and Accessible: The Easier Sections
For those looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience, the Grey Canal Trail has a few perfect options for families or anyone seeking a less challenging walk or ride.
Bella Vista Trail
Bella Vista Trail offers an easy 3.5 km trek, ideal for a scenic stroll or casual bike ride. Walking along, you'll pass orchards, vineyards, and wide-open grasslands. The trail is level, making it accessible for most fitness levels. As the name suggests, this trail's highlight is the expansive views of Okanagan Lake, Bluenose Mountain, and the surrounding valleys. This section also features remnants of the original canal and an interpretive sign to give context to its historical significance.
East Swan Lake Trail
The East Swan Lake Trail offers a scenic, easy 1.3 km walk from Rugg Road to McLennan Road, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxed outdoor experience. The path runs high along the hills above Swan Lake, offering excellent views of the surrounding area, including orchards, farms, and the Spallumcheen Valley. The trail surface is uneven in some places, transitioning to a roadway as it heads north, making it accessible for walkers, hikers, and dogs on leash.
East Vernon Trail
The Hartnell Road to DeRoo Road section of the East Vernon Trail offers an easy 1.4 km stretch perfect for walkers and horseback riders. Starting at Hartnell Road, the trail takes you through natural surfaces with short sections along Briggs Road. This trail is straightforward to navigate, and you'll enjoy views of Vernon, Okanagan Lake, and the surrounding land.
Turtle Mountain (West)
The Turtle Mountain (West) section provides a short, flat 0.8 km trail for a quick outing. This gravel path is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, offering an easy way to view Okanagan Lake, Terrace Mountain and Mission Hill. With benches along the way, this is an excellent spot for anyone who wants to enjoy the scenery without too much effort.
More Challenging Adventures: Moderate to Difficult Trails
If you're looking for something with a bit more terrain variety, the Grey Canal has several moderate to difficult sections that will test your endurance while rewarding you with exceptional views.
Turtle Mountain (East)
Turtle Mountain (East) is a moderate 3.5 km trail that starts out flat but soon dips down steeply before climbing again. This section features a boardwalk hugging an ancient lava flow wall and a steep ascent that leads to panoramic views of Swan Lake, Silver Star Mountain, Middleton Mountain and the city. This part of the trail includes remnants of the canal's infrastructure, including a portion of the original Knight Siphon, a steel pipe that played a crucial role in the irrigation system. With interpretive signs and well-placed benches, this is a rewarding trail for those who don't mind a bit of a climb.
Foothills
The Foothills section is another moderate trail that offers a loop of 2.5 km, with steep sections along both the high and low trails. This route rewards hikers, bikers, and snowshoers with sweeping views of Vernon, Swan Lake, and the Spallumcheen Valley. The wide dirt-packed surface is great for those looking for a more natural hiking experience, and it connects easily to other trails in the system, including the connection to BX Falls.
East Swan Lake
The East Swan Lake section offers a 4.3 km trail (one-way) with some difficult portions for those seeking even more challenge. The most demanding part is from McLennan Road to Glenhayes Road, where the terrain becomes rugged and uneven, with rocky surfaces and narrow paths. Hikers will encounter the longest flume on the canal, where water was carried in a suspended sheet metal channel above the rough terrain. This section is steep and challenging but provides some of the best historical insights into the canal's engineering and construction.
East Vernon
The East Vernon section of the Grey Canal Trail, specifically the 1.5 km stretch from Star Road to Maddock Road, presents a challenging yet rewarding experience. This difficult portion descends into a heavily forested ravine, offering a glimpse into a different ecosystem as you cross the BX Creek via a bridge. After crossing, the trail climbs steep stairs through a thick cedar forest before opening up to agricultural lands. More stairs lead to Malim Road, followed by a dip into another ravine as you approach Maddock Road. This trail offers not only physical challenges but also spectacular views of Vernon and the surrounding lakes, making it well worth the effort.
Boss Creek
The Boss Creek section of the Grey Canal Trail System is a difficult yet rewarding trail, offering stunning views over East Vernon, Okanagan Lake, and Kalamalka Lake. Beginning at the base of Vernon Hill on Welker Road, the trail follows a steep, rough ascent to Boss Creek Road, where it splits into two paths. The northern route continues uphill to Greenwood Road, with a challenging climb and rough terrain. It’s important to note that the trail ends at Greenwood Road, as the area beyond is private property.
A second trail, located midway at the Boss Creek Road parking lot, heads south toward Galiano Road. This trail is smoother and wider, with several beautiful forested sections and a compact aggregate surface, but hikers should be aware of private property entrances on Galiano Road. The trail eventually connects to the Grey Canal Coldstream Valley Estates Trail, offering a more moderate option for those looking for a connection to other parts of the trail system. The views and terrain make Boss Creek a satisfying challenge for experienced hikers, but it’s important to respect trail boundaries and private property.
Coldstream Valley Estates
The Coldstream Valley Estates section of the Grey Canal Trail System offers a challenging yet scenic hike with spectacular views of Coldstream Valley, Kalamalka Lake, Okanagan Lake, and Swan Lake. The north trailhead starts with a steep climb along Vernon Hill, rewarding hikers with expansive vistas of the valley below. Remnants of the historic Grey Canal are visible along the way, and the routes feature hard-packed dirt surfaces and stunning views, making this section a favourite for those looking to combine history with exercise.
Continuing along the Coldstream Centennial Project Trail, hikers are treated to a more moderate experience. This 0.9 km trail runs southeast along the former irrigation ditch and through Coldstream Estates, bordered by wild rose, Saskatoon bushes, and willow trees. At the end of this trail, a short walk leads to the Coldstream Ranch Trail. In the warmer months, you can hear meadowlarks and other birds as you hike. The trail ends at the Coldstream Ranch fence, where hikers can follow a wooden fence up the ravine to soak in even more sweeping views of the valley and the ancient volcanic formations of Bluenose Mountain and Camel's Hump.
Conclusion
The Grey Canal Trail System is a versatile and accessible network of trails that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, a seasoned hiker, or just someone looking for a scenic stroll, these trails provide an excellent way to explore the natural and historical landscape of the Greater Vernon area. From easy walks through orchards to challenging hikes with steep climbs, the Grey Canal Trail System is a must-explore destination for anyone looking to connect with both nature and the region's past.
