Looking for the best waterfalls in Kelowna to photograph? Are you seeking an adventure to some of the hidden gems around Kelowna? The Okanagan is a well-known vacation destination, known for its scenic beauty of vineyards and stunning landscapes, panoramic views, and lake life. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure in Kelowna, keep on reading. The Okanagan is also home to several incredible waterfalls that are worth your time to visit.
#1: Naramata Falls: Capturing A Hidden Gem Through Photography
Located just outside of Kelowna, this waterfall is a stunning tiered waterfall nestled among the forest valley, making it worth the tranquil hour-long drive around Okanagan Lake. To visit this waterfall, a good set of shoes is recommended as the trail is quite steep and not maintained. There is something magical about these falls when you visit first thing in the morning, just as the sunlight is peaking through the treetops.
Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult
Duration: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Distance: 1.8kms Elevation: 70m
#2: Christie Falls: Photographing the Perfect Landscape
These falls are a must-see for adventurous photographers and adventure enthusiasts! I would recommend taking a few hours to visit these falls, as the drive out takes about an hour due to the washboardy, pothole-filled road. After driving 28kms up the forestry road, you will arrive at a parking area. There is an established trail to the falls, however the downclimb is quite steep, as you must use ropes to descend to the base of the falls. The effort required is worth it, as Christie Falls features a unique cave carved out behind the falls and rope swing. If you visit during the summer months, you may even catch some ambitious climbers attempting some challenging climbing routes beside this spectacular feature. When hiking on steep terrain such as this, I find it best to have a quality camera bag to carry my camera. I use the Wandrd Prvke camera bag to ensure all of my camera gear is protected.
Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Distance: 1.9kms
Elevation: 109m
#3: Mill Creek Falls: A Charming Location to Photograph
If you are looking for an easy afternoon walk, Mill Creek offers a tranquil walk through a forested path that leads to a charming falls. This hike is family friendly and perfect for a relaxing walk with your dog. If you are looking to capture a long exposure photo of the falls, make sure to bring your tripod!
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 0.5 - 1 hour
Distance: 2.6kms
Elevation: 88m
#4: Crawford Falls: Photographing a Peaceful Waterfall Oasis
Crawford Falls offers not one, but two waterfalls in the same hike. These enchanting waterfalls are located in Canyon Falls Park, close to the city in a residential area of Lower Mission. The path down is well maintained– after crossing the secured ladder, the trail will bring you to a small falls. For more adventure, you can easily climb over a boulder to continue along a more difficult path alongside the creek. Be careful of your foot placement along this trail. The second falls offers a secret oasis, perfect for a very peaceful afternoon. As landscape photographer Ansel Adams so eloquently said “A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed.”
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 3.83kms
Elevation: 83m
#5: Fintry Falls: Photographing The Stairway to Waterfall Heaven
Hidden within this historical provincial park, Fintry Falls offers an impressive series of cascading falls. This hike leads you up a set of about 400 stairs to several viewpoints of a beautiful series of waterfalls. The trail up to the falls combines natural scenery with a bit of history, as many of the historical buildings are still standing today. If you are visiting mid-day, this landscape is very exposed to sunlight. A useful tip is to pack a polarizer (CPL) and ND filters for success in capturing the best shots.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 25 minutes
Distance: 1.0km
Elevation: 65m
Be sure to check out these stunning waterfalls for an unforgettable adventure and incredible photo opportunities in Kelowna. For more information on these breathtaking areas in the Okanagan, check out my blog.
Make memories one waterfall at a time.
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