Hikers, bikers have fresh trails to explore at new nature park in Vernon

A spacious new nature park in Vernon featuring a network of trails for walking and cycling is now open to the public.

Located on a flat plateau between Swan Lake and Okanagan Lake, Goose Lake Range Park offers more than 3 kilometres of wheelchair accessible multi-use trails that weave through 113 km of natural wetlands and grasslands.

“It’s so beautiful and the paths are perfect for walking, biking and using a stroller,” Vernon resident Jessica Drougel said. She explored the new park yesterday, Nov. 19.

“The view is beautiful and it feels like you’re in a little slice of heaven. While I was there, I saw some eagles and various bird species.”

The new park is part of the Greater Vernon Trails and Natural Spaces services provided by the North Okanagan regional district and City of Vernon. The property was purchased in 2017, with the planning phase for the park beginning in 2023. It involved several consultations with user groups and permitting through the Agricultural Land Commission.

“There were a lot of steps to get through before putting shovels in the ground,” regional district parks manager Andy Affleck said. “It was a two-year planning phase, and then the construction occurred this year.”

The gravel paths are between two and three metres wide. Residents can enjoy walking their leashed dogs along the paths. Bicycles, including e-bikes are permitted on the trails, while other motorized vehicles and electric scooters are not.

“There are changes as technology evolves, but to keep it simple for people if the bike has pedals on it, it’s permitted,” Affleck said. “Everything with pedals on it has a basic governor a speed limit on it.”

The park area outside of the trails is designated for conservation, and there are several things users can do to protect the sensitive ecosystems.

“We’re encouraging people to stay on the trail,” Affleck said. “There are dog bags and a garbage can at the trail head, so we’re just encouraging people to put their garbage away and pick up after their pets.”  

A public washroom has been ordered and will be installed in the spring.

In order to access Goose Lake Range Park from Vernon, follow Highway 97 north toward Kamloops, turn left on Mendenhall road and follow it until it becomes Stepping Stones Road. Take a right at the Goose Lake Range Park sign and follow the access road for one kilometre to the parking lot.

“It’s a little confusing to get to if you don’t know where you’re going but once you see the sign, it’s straightforward,” Drougel said. “It’s a great addition to the area.”