Hiking Wildhorse Canyon Trail will be an unforgettable backpacking adventure through Okanagan Mountain Park.
This is easily one of the best overnight backpacking trips I’ve gone on.
Here’s the deal, it’s easy to get to the trailhead, there’s tons of diversity in the landscapes and there were so many wildflowers! Plus, it’s only a 25 minute drive from downtown Kelowna! That’s the closest backpacking trip near Kelowna ever!
If you only do one overnight backpacking trip in the Okanagan (or a day hike if you’re feeling up for the challenge!), please, let it be this one!
In this post I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Wildhorse Canyon Trail and Buchan Bay Marine Campsite including camping information, special spots on the trail, what to pack and what to look out for.
What You Need to Know About Backpacking and Hiking Wildhorse Canyon in Okanagan Mountain Park
Quick Stats:
- No hiking permits required
- Camping permits required
- Moderate
- Can opt for a moderate route or a hard route
- One way: 12 – 15km (7.4 – 9.3 miles)
- There-and-back total: 24 – 30km (14.9 – 18.6 miles)
- 340m (1,115ft) of elevation gain
- 2 days to complete (can be done as a day hike)
- Mostly well-maintained natural trail, some areas steep with loose rocks
- Dog-friendly! 🐶
Buchan Bay Campground Amenities:
- Pit toilet
- Lake access
- Fire ring
- Picnic table
- No bear caches – must bring bear proof food storage
Trailhead Location:
Trail Map and Elevation Profile:
I wanted to see gorgeous views of Okanagan Lake, so we started our overnight backpacking trip from the Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park Trailhead Parking Lot (pictured above via Google Maps). We started along the Boulder Trail which eventually meets Wildhorse Canyon Trail.
If you’re looking for a more direct route, park further down the road and start the hike on the “Golden Mile Trail”.
Being Safe and Responsible when Backcountry Hiking
Bear Safety
Seeing bears is both exhilarating and slightly terrifying depending on where you see them. From your car: exhilarating, amazing, 10/10! But from the trail, it can be a little scary.
While bear encounters are relatively rare, it’s crucial to prepare yourself by learning to identify grizzly vs. black bears, minimize your chances of encounters, and react safely if do have an encounter and always carry (and know how to use) bear deterrents.
Check out my post 5 Essential Bear Safety Tips You Need to Know to learn more!
Leave No Trace
Just like that old saying goes, “Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!”. Practice responsible hiking by carrying out all of your trash (including stranger’s garbage and/or your dog’s waste!), staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife and plants!
As wandering nature nerds, we want to leave the land better than we found it.
Want to know more about what it means to leave no trace? Check out my post 7 Ways to Leave No Trace When Exploring the Great Outdoors.
Backpacking and Hiking Wildhorse Canyon Trail Experience
Day 1 : Starting on the Boulder Trail
We were on a mission to catch some epic views of Lake Okanagan and the surrounding valley, so we kicked off our adventure on Boulder Trail. We parked at the Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park Trailhead Parking Lot, which tacked an extra 5 km to our journey. The first 2 km of the trail are pretty steep—hiking up with a backpack really got the heart pumping! If you’re looking for a smoother route to Buchan Bay Marine Campsite, park at the Golden Mile Trailhead (located further South down the road) and start your hike from there.
Day 1: Connecting from Boulder Trail to Wildhorse Canyon Trail
Boulder Trail and Golden Mile Trail meet up at the 2.3 km (1.4 miles) marker, and that’s where the adventure really takes off! From there, you’ll start hiking Wildhorse Canyon Trail, following it until you hit the 11 km (6.8 miles) marker. Once there, you’ll have a choice: you can either head towards Buchan Bay Trail or Commando Bay Trail. My advice? Stick to Buchan Bay Trail—you won’t want to miss out on what’s waiting for you there!
Day 1: Arriving at Buchan Bay Marine Campsite!
Once you’ve hiked through Wildhorse Canyon on the Wildhorse Canyon Trail, the route descends to Buchan Bay Marine Campsites. It’s a little overgrown but still easy to follow. After a full day of hiking through Okanagan Mountain Park, my feet were definitely aching on that downhill stretch to the water. But honestly, I was too excited to care—I couldn’t wait to drop my pack, set up camp, dive into the lake, and start whipping up dinner!
We found the cutest campsite at the southern end of the bay, right by the water. Just follow the trail south from the pit toilet, stick close to the shoreline, and you’ll hit a small, scenic beach with an epic cliff and the lake’s waves gently lapping at the shore. If you’re planning to backpack through Okanagan Mountain Park, trust me, you’ll want to snag this spot—it’s a total gem!
Some Quick Snaps of Buchan Bay
Buchan Bay in Okanagan Mountain Park offers some basic amenities to make your stay more comfortable, like a pit toilet (but don’t forget to bring your own toilet paper!). There’s also easy access to the lake, so you can filter your water right from the shore. It’s pretty rustic, but that’s part of the charm—you get to enjoy the beauty of nature with just the right amount of conveniences. If you’re looking for a dreamy, low-key spot to set up camp, Buchan Bay is where it’s at!
Day 2: Headed Home!
Waking up to the sound of birds chirping and waves lapping while sipping on some delicious camp coffee (instant with a splash of vanilla-flavoured milk, very fancy) was the perfect start to our day. After packing up camp, we were gearing up for a more direct route home: up the Buchan Bay Trail, hiking Wildhorse Canyon again, and then sticking to the Golden Mile Trail to lead us back to Lakeshore Road. Sure, we’ll need to stroll a few kilometers along Lakeshore Road since we started from the Okanagan Mountain Park Trailhead Parking, but that’s totally okay! The views are still absolutely gorgeous!
Preparing for an Overnight Backpacking Trip and Hiking Wildhorse Canyon Trail
When packing, the main thing to remember is that the weather can change in an instant when you’re adventuring in the mountains. You’ve probably heard the saying “if you don’t like the weather, just wait 10 minutes”. This is the code to live by when you’re packing for mountain adventures!
Packing the 10 Essentials for any hike or backpacking trip is like getting your adventure BFFs together—they’ve always got your back! These essentials aren’t just for emergencies; they’re your go-to crew for staying safe, comfy, and ready for whatever wild surprises the trail throws at you.
Alright, let’s get into your packing list for an overnight backpacking trip in Okanagan Mountain Park:
The 10 Essentials
- Navigation (paper map or on your phone, compass, GPS)
- Headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat)
- First aid kit
- Knife (or multitool)
- Fire (matches, lighter, and firestarter)
- Shelter (emergency bivy or space blanket)
- Extra food
- Extra water
- Extra clothes (for insulation and weather protection)
Backpacking Gear:
- Backpack (with a comfortable fit and enough capacity for your gear)
- Tent (or a lightweight shelter)
- Sleeping bag (appropriate for the season)
- Sleeping pad (for insulation and comfort)
- Trekking poles (optional but helpful for stability)
Clothing:
- Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom)
- Insulating layers (fleece or down jacket)
- Rain jacket and pants (waterproof and breathable)
- Hiking boots or shoes (well broken-in)
- Sandals (to wear in the water or at camp)
- Wool socks (plus an extra pair or two)
- Sun hat (for protection)
- Buff or bandana (versatile for sun, wind, and sweat)
Cooking & Food:
- Lightweight stove (with fuel)
- Cooking pot and utensils
- Biodegradable soap (and a small sponge)
- Food (freeze-dried meals, snacks, trail mix)
- Bear-proof food storage (bear canister or Ursack)
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Water bottles or hydration reservoir
Personal Items:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (travel-sized)
- Toilet paper (and a small trowel for digging a cat hole)
- Quick-dry towel
- Sunscreen and lip balm (with SPF)
- Bug spray
- Camp sandals or lightweight shoes (for around camp)
- Reusable bags (for packing out trash)
- Camera or smartphone (for capturing the adventure)
- Portable charger (for electronics)
- Book, e-reader, journal, or deck of cards (for downtime)
What You Need to Know About an Overnight Backpacking Trip and Hiking Wildhorse Canyon Trail: Continued!
Whose Land Are You On?
Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park falls within the traditional territories of several Indigenous nations, including the Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis (Ktunaxa – pronounced ‘k-too-nah-ha’) and Syilx (Okanagan) First Nations.
Check out Native Land to learn more!
Native Land Digital is a not-for-profit that has created an awesome interactive map highlighting Indigenous territories, treaties and languages all around the world.
Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park’s location is highlighted below.
Required Permits:
No permits are required for day hiking but there is a Backcountry Marine Camping fee of $13/night per party. However, no camping registration system exists online or at the trailhead and campsites. Campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking:
Parking is available at either trailhead. The parking lot at the Okanagan Mountain Park Trailhead Parking Lot is larger and is a gravel parking lot located just off of the main road. The parking available at the Golden Mile Trail trailhead is along the shoulder of the road.
Get to Know Okanagan Mountain Park:
I think it’s incredibly important to learn the history of places you travel to. Sometimes on our travels, we can over-plan and rush through our itineraries. We may tend to snap pictures of pretty views and then move on to the next pretty thing. I’m more than guilty of this!
However, I find that when I take the time to learn the history of the place I’m about to explore it really helps me slow down. Then when I’m there, I can fully bask in the awe and wonder of our world.
Check out my post on the history of Okanagan Mountain Park.
The Best Time to Visit Okanagan Mountain Park:
If you’re hitting the trails, the best time for hiking in the Okanagan is early spring to early summer or in the fall—cooler temps, fewer crowds, and way less dust! But if you’re all about those lake vibes, peak summer is perfect for paddling along the shoreline and snagging a spot at one of the park’s gorgeous marine campsites.
- May – June – Spring brings mild temperatures, rushing creeks, and blooming wildflowers. Some trails may still be muddy from snowmelt, and ticks are active.
- July – The park is in full summer mode with hot, dry weather. Wildflowers are thriving, and wildlife is active. Be prepared for intense sun exposure and limited water sources on longer hikes.
- August – The driest month, but also peak wildfire season. Watch for fire bans, smoke, and air quality warnings. Expect hot days and cooler nights.
- September – October – Ideal for hiking with cooler temps and fewer crowds. Fall colours start appearing, and wildlife is more active. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, including early snow.