Best Places to Take Photos in Kelowna
With the beautiful Okanagan Valley as a backdrop, there are so many amazing locations to take spectacular photos! Whether you are looking for beach vibes, or forest feels, there is a great option for you on this list. Here are some of my favourite outdoor locations to shoot at in Kelowna (and surrounding areas). With each location, it is never the same twice. The time of year, time of day and weather can completely change your photos, so have fun exploring these spots over and over again and see how it changes with each visit!
Remember, YOU are the focus of your photoshoot. No matter the background, your energy, smiles and emotions are the most important thing in the photo.
If you have questions about any of these locations, don’t be shy and reach out!
Kelowna
Knox
Accessibility: Easy
Dog friendly: Yes
Best Time of Year: All year round
Privacy: Low
There are a couple spots on Knox that I just love. Whether it’s the hairpin, with a view of the city, the path to Paul’s Tomb with endless lake views, or any of the endless trails, Knox has something to offer everyone!
Dilworth Mountain Park
Accessibility: Easy
Dog friendly: Yes
Best Time of Year: All year round
Privacy: Moderate
This park offers extensive views over Kelowna and is the perfect spot to sit and watch the sunset. This park is easily accessible and captures the look and feel of the Okanagan perfectly.
Magic Estates
Accessibility: Easy
Dog friendly: Yes
Best Time of Year: Spring, Summer, Fall
Privacy: Moderate
This little hidden gem on the backside of Knox allows for both forest shots as well as lake views that seem to stretch on forever! Be careful with little ones around some of the rockier areas, as there are some steep parts.
Bertram Park
Accessibility: Easy/Moderate
Dog friendly: No
Best Time of Year: Spring, Summer, Fall
Privacy: Low
This park is simply a playground. With a variety of views, this location allows for so many different backdrops in one photoshoot. It is a popular spot for many families, as well as other photographers!
Cedar Creek Park
Accessibility: Easy
Dog friendly: Yes
Best Time of Year: All year round
Privacy: Low
If you love dogs, this location is for you! This leash free area is great for views both up and down the lake. The top area is easy to access from the parking lot, and a short walk down a path to the beach adds an extra spot for photo opportunities.
Mill Creek Falls
Accessibility: Easy/Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes
Best Time of Year: Spring, Summer, Fall
Privacy: Moderate
Mill Creek is a winding path that passes many wooden bridges and culminates with a beautiful waterfall. This spot is great for that forest look at all times of year with many coniferous trees.
*Caution around the waterfall is recommended at all times!
Tugboat Bay
Accessibility: Easy
Dog friendly: No
Best Time of Year: All year round
Privacy: Low
We are so lucky to have so many great spots in Kelowna, right in our downtown! The beach at Tugboat Bay is a great example! The boardwalk is beautiful and you can capture both beach and city vibes in one spot.
Downtown
Accessibility: Easy
Dog friendly: Yes
Best Time of Year: All year round
Privacy: Low
Why not shoot some of your photos right downtown! Explore the main streets and sneak off to take a few photos in an alley, or even the parkade! The options are endless!
Mission Creek
Accessibility: Easy
Dog friendly: Yes
Best Time of Year: All year round
Privacy: Moderate
There are so many fun spots along Mission Creek, so don’t let its popularity scare you off! From creek bed, to paths and bridges, there is something for everyone. The turtle pond is always worth a stop too!
Stockley Open Space
Accessibility: Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes
Best Time of Year: All year round
Privacy: High
This spot is a short and slightly steep hike to reach from the subdivision below, but it has expansive valley views with a unique perspective. It makes a great spot to share the sunset with loved ones.
Kuipers’ Peak Mountain Park
Accessibility: Moderate/Hard
Dog friendly: Yes
Best Time of Year: Spring, Summer, Fall
Privacy: High
This location is a little more effort to reach, but does provide a whole different view of our gorgeous valley. It can be a little slippery depending on the time of year, and it’s best to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes when you visit.
West Side
Kalamoir Park
Accessibility: Easy/Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes
Best Time of Year: All year round
Privacy: Moderate
This park has great variety. Parking at the top gives you unique lake views, while the entrance at the bottom has a wonderful pebble beach. The best time of year to visit is in the spring when the Arrowleaf Balsamroot are in full bloom.
Gellatly Bay Waterfront Park
Accessibility: Easy
Dog friendly: Partially
Best Time of Year: All year round
Privacy: Low
This waterfront park is a great place to explore the beach and the boardwalk. The pier provides a great place for a stroll and watching all the action from the boats in the height of the summer.
Glen Canyon Regional Park
Accessibility: Easy/Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes
Best Time of Year: All year round
Privacy: High
This spot is a little more tucked away. While the beginning of the trail is quite easy, a long set of stairs takes you up higher along the trail. The Canyon is definitely a more unique location compared to most Kelowna photo spots.
Rose Valley
Accessibility: Easy/Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes
Best Time of Year: All year round
Privacy: Moderate
With so many different entrances and trails to explore, Rose Valley has so many options for photos. This park has wooded trails that are easy to access, as well as some trails to climb up and see the views from a much higher vantage point.
