Guided Hikes
Registration Required: To participate in our programs, please note that registration opens on the first of each month for programs happening within that month. Be sure to sign up early to secure your spot!
Register: rdco.com/parkprograms
Activities to help you celebrate 50 years of regional parks
New and noteworthy programs
After the blaze
Embark on an exciting hike to uncover the dramatic effects of forest fires and witness the remarkable recovery of nature firsthand. Registration required.
Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park
Saturday, September 21, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Trepanier Creek Greenway Regional Park
Friday, September 27, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Discover your parks
Embrace autumn with new ways to explore nature! Join a park interpreter for a guided hike, uncovering the hidden secrets of regional parks. Enjoy the trails! Registration required.
Scenic Canyon Regional Park
Wednesdays, September 4, 11, 25, October 2, 9, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Hardy Falls Regional Park
Thursdays, September 5, 12, 26, October 3, 10, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Glen Canyon Regional Park
Saturday, September 21, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Friday, November 8, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
sntsk’il’ntən - Black Mountain Regional Park
Saturday, November 2, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Goats Peak Regional Park
Saturday, November 16, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
KLO Creek Regional Park
Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Shore spawning kokanee
Did you know large numbers of kokanee salmon spawn every fall along the shores of Okanagan Lake? Join a park interpreter to learn about the kokanee that prefer the lake over rivers and creeks. Registration required.
Bertram Creek Regional Park
Sunday, October 6, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Sunday, October 20, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Geology of the Okanagan
Explore the fascinating world of geology at Scenic Canyon Regional Park. Discover unique geological formations and learn about the extraordinary events that shaped the Okanagan Valley as it exists today. Registration required.
Scenic Canyon Regional Park
Thursday, September 12, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Friday, September 20, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Saturday, October 19, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday, October 27, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday, November 3, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 24, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, November 30, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The masked bandits
It’s spooky season! Join us for a family-friendly nature walk and learn about animals that are masters of disguise! Registration required.
Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Regional Park
Monday, October 7, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, October 30, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Scenic Canyon Regional Park Tuesday, October 29, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Wonders of the night sky
Experience the beauty of the night sky on a guided interpretive hike. Marvel at the wonders of the night sky. Registration required.
Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park Tuesday, September 17, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
sntsk’il’ntən - Black Mountain Regional Park Thursday, October 17, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Events
kikinee Festival
Celebrate the return of the spawning kokanee! From First Nation connections to a musical stage featuring family-friendly acts, this is a signature day in the park. Don’t miss out on a guided walk to view the salmon heading up the creek! Arrive early to secure parking.
Mission Creek Regional Park Saturday, September 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nut harvest celebration
Bring on the nuts! Celebrate the autumn harvest at B.C.’s oldest working nut farm. Enjoy live entertainment, demonstrations and activities for the whole family. Stroll the century-old nut orchard and gather walnuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts, and more.
Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park Saturday, October 5, 10:30a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Spooktacular pumpkin drop-off
We invite you to drop off your carved pumpkin to be showcased on our park trails during the Spooktacular event. We’ll be awarding prizes for the funniest, cutest, scariest, and most original designs.
Mission Creek Regional Park
Saturday, October 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Spooktacular
Join us for a ghoulishly good time! Dress up in your Halloween costume and take a festive walk through the trails to admire all the creatively carved pumpkins lighting the way. We look forward to celebrating Halloween with you!
Mission Creek Regional Park Saturday, October 26, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friends of Regional Parks
Friends of Regional Parks are non-profit volunteer groups working with regional parks staff on projects and activities to enhance habitat restoration and visitor experiences in regional parks.
Friends of Woodhaven
Join the Friends of Woodhaven for a fire fuel mitigation project. Branches and woody debris will be removed and chipped. By registration.
Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Regional Park Saturday, October 19, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
To learn more about CRIS and request their services to join one of these guided hikes, visit their website: www.AdaptiveAdventures.ca
Subscribe to our newsletter
Be the first to know about upcoming programs and events! Visit subscribe.rdco.com to subscribe to our monthly RDCO Parks e-newsletter. Scroll to the bottom of that page and select ‘eNewsletter - Parks’ to subscribe.
Public Programs
Registration Required: To participate in our programs, please note that registration opens on the first of each month for programs happening within that month. Be sure to sign up early to secure your spot!
Register: rdco.com/parkprograms
Bears of the Okanagan
Learn about the bears that live in the Okanagan as we explore their seasonal movements. Registration required.
Mission Creek Regional Park
Sunday, September 8 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Hardy Falls Regional Park
Tuesday, September 10 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Gellatly heritage tour
Step back in time on a tour of Gellatly Heritage Regional Park and cemetery. Discover the stories behind the names, dates, and buildings in the park, bringing to life the history of the people who once lived here. Registration required.
Gellatly Heritage Regional Park
Saturday, October 19, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Gellatly Nut Farm guided walks
Discover the history and heritage of B.C.’s oldest working nut farm, including insights into the Gellatly family. Enjoy a behind-thescenes look at the nut harvest processes. Registration required.
Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park
Thursday, October 10, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The tea apothecary
Discover the joy of growing your own herbal tea garden and explore the Okanagan plants that can enhance your tea blends! Join our interpreters to learn about local plants, sample a variety of herbal tea blends, and create your own blend to take home. $5 per person. Registration required.
Robert Hobson Environmental Education Centre - EECO Saturday, October 12, November 9, 23, December 7, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Nature’s canvas: mindful journaling
Take time to unwind and connect with nature. Park interpreters will guide you through calming, creative activities to promote mindfulness. Registration required.
Scenic Canyon Regional Park Wednesdays, September 11, 25, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Inspired by nature: watercolour edition
Waxwings and Chickadees: Explore the art of painting these charming birds while discovering fascinating facts about their unique characteristics. Join us for a creative session where you’ll learn about waxwings and chickadees and try your hand at capturing their beauty on canvas. Registration required.
Mission Creek Regional Park
Saturday, November 2, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Magpies and Ravens: Discover the art of painting magpies and ravens while learning intriguing facts about what makes these birds unique. Join us for a creative session where you’ll have the opportunity to bring these fascinating birds to life on canvas. Registration required.
Mission Creek Regional Park Saturday, November 16, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Winter Landscapes: Immerse yourself in the beauty of our seasonal landscapes, from frozen creeks to snow-dusted forests. Discover how the serene winter scenery can inspire your creativity. Join us for a session where you’ll explore these captivating vistas and express their beauty through your art. Registration required.
Mission Creek Regional Park Saturday, November 30, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Night sky club for young explorers
Did you know we have a nocturnal preserve in the Central Okanagan? Join our exciting 4-week program designed for youth ages 9 to 12 and become a night expert! You’ll explore the secrets of nighttime wildlife, from animals to birds that thrive in the dark. Each week introduces new adventures, including learning to read star charts, playing fun outdoor games, and creating arts and crafts inspired by the night sky. With a different focus each week, this program promises a fresh and engaging experience every time. Registration required
Mission Creek Regional Park Wednesdays, November 6 to 27, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tracks
Your Tracks walking leader provides support and motivation to keep you moving in nature. This beginner walking program starts with short walks and gradually increases each week. No program October 14. Registration required..
Mission Creek Regional Park
Mondays and Wednesdays, September 9 to November 6, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park
Tuesdays, September 10 to November 5, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Winter wreath workshop
Join us for a short nature walk with a park interpreter, who will share insights on local plants and trees. Afterward, we’ll come together to craft beautiful evergreen wreaths, perfect for adding a festive touch to your home. The $20 fee covers all greenery and supplies. Please bring your hand pruners and gardening gloves. Registration required.
Kaloya Regional Park
Wednesday, November 27, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Mission Creek Regional Park
Thursday, November 28, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Shannon Lake Regional Park
Sunday, December 1, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Carve & craft pumpkin workshop
Help us gear up for our Spooktacular event by joining us for a fun pumpkin carving session! We’ll provide the pumpkins and carving tools—just bring your creativity. Feel free to leave the mess and your carved pumpkin with us; we’ll take care of the cleanup. Your spooky creations will help illuminate our pumpkin trail and add to the Halloween excitement. Let’s get creative and enjoy some festive fun together! Boo! Registration required.
Mission Creek Regional Park
Thursday, October 24, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Roll & Stroll
Caregivers and their little ones are invited to join our weekly walking group. Let’s spend time together outdoors this fall, recharging within a supportive community. After the walk, we gather downstairs at the EECO for social time. Registration required.
Mission Creek Regional Park
Thursdays, October 3 to November 28, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Drop-in Programs
Let’s examine salmon
Join us to explore the remarkable lifecycle of kokanee salmon. Every year, thousands journey from Okanagan Lake to their spawning grounds upstream. Take a closer look at these extraordinary fish and uncover the unique aspects that make them so special. This drop-in program is open to all ages.
Hardy Falls Regional Park Weekends, September 1 to October 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mission Creek Regional Park Weekends, September 15 to October 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Story time
Nature Tales: Embark on weekly adventures with stories, crafts, songs and activities themed around nature for 3-5 year olds.
Robert Hobson Environmental Education Centre - EECO Tuesdays, September 3 to November 26, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Volunteer call out
Each year brings exciting new volunteer opportunities to RDCO parks! Join us for intergenerational programming, trail wayfinding, data collection, and other adventurous activities. Are you ready? Visit rdco.com/parksvip for details.
Ellison Heritage Community Centre Programs
Stretch & connect
This rejuvenating Chair Yoga session is designed to enhance flexibility, relaxation, and overall well-being, making it ideal for all fitness and mobility levels. Supported by a chair, participants will engage in gentle stretches and mindful breathing. Following the yoga practice, enjoy a delightful coffee social and connect with fellow participants. Registration required.
Ellison Heritage Community Centre
Wednesdays, September 11, 25, October 9, 23, November 6 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Dance Fitness (SHiNE)
Revitalize your autumn with dance and music in this high-energy, joyful fitness class that will leave you glowing with positivity! Join Jessica Baynton of SHiNE Fitness for one or both sessions at $45 per session. Drop-ins are welcome for $10 per class (cash only). Registration required.
Ellison Heritage Community Centre
Wednesdays, Session one: September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9
Session two: October 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Gentle Yoga
Join us for a gentle yoga class suitable for all abilities. Experience a soothing Yoga Nidra session with Paula Morrison, featuring easy stretching and mindful movement to help you unwind at the end of your day. $45 per session. Registration required.
Ellison Heritage Community Centre
Tuesdays, Session one: September 10 to October 8
Session two: October 22 to November 19, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Lunch
on the go: Crafting healthy, quick and delicious meals to go
Review the components of a healthy, balanced lunch the whole family can enjoy with registered holistic nutritionist Kirsten Olsen! Learn easy and efficient meal prep strategies to make your week easier. Each participant will leave with a delicious mason jar salad and a recipe for homemade energy bars. $35 per person. Registration required.
Ellison Heritage Community Centre Saturday, October 26, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Saucy creations: Mastering BBQ sauces and salad dressings
Learn how to make easy, delicious, and healthy sauces and dressings from scratch to enjoy at home or share with others! With help from registered holistic nutritionist, Kristen Olsen, make homemade BBQ sauces, vinaigrettes, creamy avocado dressings, and tomato basil sauces. Each participant will take home a BBQ sauce and salad dressing. $35 per person. Registration required.
Ellison Heritage Community Centre Saturday, November 9, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.