Park Program Guide: September - November 2023

Regional Parks

September - November 2023

Featured Event

Nut harvest celebration

Bring on the nuts and 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 7 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

All ages welcome and admission is free

and harvest nuts at Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park

Falling autumn leaves at Kaloya Regional Park

Guided Hikes

Registration required. Outdoor programs run rain or shine. Please wear sturdy shoes, arrive on time and be prepared for the weather.

Register: rdco.com/parkprograms

After the blaze

In 2012, much of the trail along Trepanier Creek was consumed by flames. In ‘22 and ‘23, nearby fires again changed the watershed. Join a park interpreter to examine the impacts of fire on the landscape and see how a forest ecosystem can recover from fire. By registration.

Trepanier Creek Greenway Regional Park

Wednesday, September 13, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, September 16, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Hawk highways

Early fall is the perfect time to watch hawks on their migration. Most hawks are soaring birds that depend on thermals and updrafts to accomplish their epic journeys. Join us to witness this inspiring phenomenon! By registration.

Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park

Tuesday, September 12 and 26, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m

Black Mountain-sntsk’il’nten Regional Park

Friday, September 22, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Monday, September 25, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Howl at the full moon

Come enjoy nature in a fun, safe and exciting new way! Appreciate the beauty and significance of the night sky on a guided interpretive hike at Canada’s newest (and only third) Nocturnal Preserve. We bet you’ll feel inspired to howl along with us! By registration.

Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park

Friday, September 29, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Gellatly Nut Farm tours

Discover the history and heritage of B.C.’s oldest working nut farm with a behind-the-scenes look at the nut harvest process. Afterward, you may pick your own nuts with proceeds going to the Gellatly Nut Farm Society. By registration.

Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park

Tuesday, September 26, 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Wednesday, October 4, 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Discover your parks - fall series

The Central Okanagan is home to a diversity of wildlife and ecosystems. Join a park interpreter on this series of guided hikes that will take you through various trails, revealing the rich history, unique species, and special features that make each park truly remarkable. By registration.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Wednesday, September 13, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Glen Canyon Regional Park

Saturday, September 23, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Scenic Canyon Regional Park

Wednesday, September 27, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Goats Peak Regional Park

Wednesday, October 11, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Black Mountain-sntsk’il’nten Regional Park

Saturday, October 14, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Bertram Creek Regional Park

Wednesday, October 25, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Mill Creek Regional Park

Wednesday, November 8, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

K.L.O. Creek Regional Park

Friday, November 10, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Goats Peak Regional Park

Saturday, November 18, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Let’s talk trees

Discover various tree species and their interconnections to one another. These easy to moderate hikes focus on concepts from Peter Wohlleben, author of the bestselling book The Hidden Life of Trees. By registration.

Glen Canyon Regional Park

Wednesday, October 18, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Sutherland Hills birding

This section of Mission Creek Regional Park is jam-packed with pockets of unique ecosystems. Hundreds of birds find their niche here through the year, especially during migration! Join us for a birding opportunity like no other. By registration.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Wednesday, September 20, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Friday, October 6, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

A beautiful tree, providing shade at Kopje Regional Park

Guided Hikes Art Inspired Programs

Registration required. Outdoor programs run rain or shine. Please wear sturdy shoes, arrive on time and be prepared for the weather.

Register: rdco.com/parkprograms

Urban wildlife

In little more than a century, more than half of the world’s population has moved into cities near water and fertile land. Resulting habitat loss has negatively impacted some species, while others have adapted and even thrive in these urban natural landscapes. By registration.

Glen Canyon Regional Park

Sunday, November 5, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Sunday, November 19, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Water bird migration

Autumn is a great time to watch waterfowl get ready for winter and long migrations. Spend the morning on the waterfront from some great vantage points, looking for loons, ducks, grebes, and geese with our park interpreter and birding expert, Kalin. By registration.

Bertram Creek Regional Park

Sunday, October 8, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Sunday, October 29, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Registration required. Outdoor programs run rain or shine. Please wear sturdy shoes, arrive on time and be prepared for the weather.

Register: rdco.com/parkprograms

Art workshop: mark making with nature

Learn new artistic techniques inspired by natural elements. Use mark making tools such as leaves, branches, and rocks to create your masterpiece while connecting creatively with nature. Materials provided. By registration.

Mission Creek Regional Park (EECO)

Friday, October 6, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Autumn mandalas

With fall equinox come shorter days and an autumn, earth-toned colour palette. In this workshop, create a symbolic representation of autumn with some of the principles used in creating mandalas (geometric and organic forms). Open to all adults. By registration.

Mission Creek Regional Park (EECO)

Tuesday, September 19, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday, October 20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Nature-inspired cards

Enjoy time in the park and practice your hand at watercolour, pastel or pencil crayon techniques. Create a card for yourself or a loved one. Art supplies provided. By registration.

Kaloya Regional Park

Wednesday, September 20, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Shannon Lake Regional Park

Wednesday, October 4, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Mission Creek Regional Park (EECO)

Tuesday, November 7, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday, November 21, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Pumpkin carving

Help us carve pumpkins to display during Spooktacular! Let’s have some creative carving fun. Boo! By registration.

Mission Creek Regional Park (EECO)

Thursday, October 26, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Wreath-making stroll

Join us for a short walk led by a park interpreter who will help you identify local plants and trees. After, we’ll make evergreen wreaths together. Greenery and supplies included in $20 fee. Please bring hand pruners and gardening gloves. By registration.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Sunday, November 26 and December 3, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Kaloya Regional Park

Tuesday, November 28, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Mule deer amongst the Big Sagebrush.

Public Programs

Registration required. Outdoor programs run rain or shine. Please wear sturdy shoes, arrive on time and be prepared for the weather..

Register: rdco.com/parkprograms

Birding in the salt marsh

Join park interpreter and local birding expert Kalin (@birdz.okanagan) to learn more about this birding hotspot. A perfect place to wind down and connect with nature throughout the seasons. By registration.

Robert Lake Regional Park

Tuesday, October 3 , 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Friday, October 13 and 27, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Monday, October 16, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Climate change and Western Screech-Owls

Join us for an evening with researcher Megan Buers and learn about the small and elusive Western Screech-Owl and the impacts of climate change on its habitat. Learn about her work monitoring this important species in south-central B.C. in the context of a changing climate. By registration.

Mission Creek Regional Park (EECO)

Sunday, September 17, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Roll and stroll

Link up with other caregivers and their little ones for weekly walks. Each week we’ll stroll a section of trail. After the walk, we’ll gather inside for social time and refreshments. By registration.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Thursdays, October 5 to November 30, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Fall forest yoga

Enjoy a one-hour gentle yoga class led by a professional yoga instructor. After the class, participants are invited to tour the unique trails of this park on a guided walk with a park interpreter. By registration. In partnership with the Friends of Woodhaven. Fee: $10.

Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Regional Park

Saturday, September 16, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

G ellatly heritage tour

Step back in time on a tour of Gellatly Heritage Regional Park and cemetery. As you learn the history behind the names, dates and buildings in the park, the stories of the pioneers who settled here come to life. By registration.

Gellatly Heritage Regional Park

Saturday, October 21, 10 a.m. to 11:30 am and 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Mysteries of the moon

Do you ever look at the moon and wonder if it’s waxing or waning? In this workshop we will explore the cyclical phases of the moon so you can learn to easily identify them on your own. Open to ages 16+. By registration.

Mission Creek Regional Park (EECO)

Saturday, October 7, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday, October 19, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Restorative yoga

End your day with registered yoga instructor Paula Morrison and a yoga nidra class. Fee: $45 for five sessions. By registration.

Ellison Heritage Community Centre

Wednesdays, September 20 to October 18 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

S almon and the shores

Did you know that 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. By registration.

Bertram Creek Regional Park

Sunday, October 15 and 22 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Tracks walking club

This beginner walking program meets once a week and starts with short walks, slowly increasing distance each week. Your walking leader offers support and motivation to keep you moving in nature. By registration.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Mondays and Wednesdays, October 2 to November 22 (excluding October 9), 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park

Tuesdays, October 3 to November 21, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Welcome the spawning kokanee salmon!

Drop-in Programs

Bear facts

Discover some bear-y cool insights and artifacts about bears! Our park interpreter will explain why they forage by the creek as they prepare for their winter sleep. Learn all about these amazing creatures and their habits!

Mission Creek Regional Park (EECO)

Saturday October 7, 14, and 21, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Coffee social

Join your neighbours to meet new friends and old acquaintances during our coffee social. Piping hot coffee, tea and light snacks provided.

Ellison Heritage Community Centre

Mondays, November 6 and December 4, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Going batty for Bat Week

Celebrate Bat Week at Mission Creek Regional Park! Drop-in to the EECO to learn about this tiny creature of the night, its fascinating adaptations, and its critical role in ecosystems. Pick up an activity to take home.

Mission Creek Regional Park (EECO)

October 24 to October 31 (closed Monday October 30) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Let’s examine salmon!

Drop by to learn about the lifecycle of kokanee salmon. Thousands leave Okanagan Lake and swim upstream to spawn in their natal waters annually. Get an up-close look at these incredible fish and deepen your understanding of what makes this species so special. All ages welcome.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Weekends, September 9 to October 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hardy Falls Regional Park

Weekends, August 26 to October 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Story time in the park

Meet outside of the EECO for stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor exploration with your three to five year-olds. Each week has a different nature theme. We will move indoors when the weather turns cold.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Tuesdays, October 10 to December 12 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Yoga for seniors

Participate in gentle yoga that is practiced sitting in a chair or standing using a chair for support. Perfect for those with mobility or balance issues or anyone new to yoga. Drop-in.

Ellison Heritage Community Centre

Mondays September 18, 25, and October 16, 23, 30 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

View spawning kokanee salmon at Mission Creek and Hardy Falls Regional Parks.

Events

Outdoor concert: The Slide Rule

Join us for an outdoor concert with an exciting new brass chamber group: The Slide Rule Trombone Quartet. Based in the Okanagan, they bring the rich sound of the trombone to familiar tunes. Enjoy classics and pop favourites by Duke Ellington, The Beatles, and more! We will move indoors if the weather is inclement.

Ellison Heritage Community Centre

Saturday, September 2, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

kikinee Festival

Celebrate the return of the spawning kokanee! From First Nation connections to a musical stage with family-friendly acts, this is a quintessential 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 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Riparian ReAnimation

Take in a new and unique experience that connects people to each other and to the land through puppets. Enjoy a familyfriendly ‘Riparian ReAnimation’ display of giant puppets representing animals commonly found in Kelowna’s creekside habitats. Fee: by donation.

Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Regional Park

Saturday, September 23, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Spooktacular

Celebrate Hallowe’en! Don your costume, enjoy live entertainment, and walk the pumpkin-lined trails. Vote for your favourite jack ‘o-lanterns! If you would like to have a pumpkin included in the event, please drop it off (with an LED tealight) at the Leckie Road entrance earlier. Prizes for scariest, funniest, cutest, and most original. An event not to be missed! All ages welcome; please leave your pets at home.

Mission Creek Regional Park

Saturday, October 28 Pumpkin Drop-off: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Main Event: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Dancing at the kikinee Festival

The Spooktacular pumpkin parade!