There is something about sunsets that hypnotizes and inspires us. No matter where in the world you are, most of us take the time to look out the window, pull the car past, or even hike up a mountain just to watch the sun set on the horizon. So why does something that happens every day remain one of life’s greatest joys?
Perhaps it is the metaphorical turning of the pages that attracts us, or the golden light that throws our everyday scenery in a new light and a new perspective. Similar to the glow of a campfire, the sunset serves as an almost meditative experience as one of the few moments in which we experience the passage of time and its effects on nature up close.
Or maybe we just like them because they’re pretty.
Regardless of your reasoning, this is an important part of our daily experience as people, and we want to encourage you to come out and make the most of every moment. Here are just a few of the places in our amazing Okanagan Valley where you can stop and watch a spectacular sunset.
Knox Mountain Park
Knox Mountain is the perfect place to end a busy day. It offers stunning views of the sunset over the lake from almost anywhere in the park, and you can walk, run, bike, or even drive to the panoramic lookout point during the summer months. Enjoy the sunset with friends and fellow Kelowners, or make your way to some of the more hidden corners of the mountain for some solitude.
Gyro beach
Gyro Beach is a great, family-friendly spot just minutes from downtown and is perfectly located to the west for catching some lovely fading rays of sunshine. With picnic tables, a playground, and a lovely sandy beach, you can sit back and enjoy the beautiful lake view.
Dilworth Mountain
Easy to get to, Dilworth Mountain Park has great views of the city and is a local sunset spot. Stroller friendly, this is a great place to put the kids in the golden rays.
Assemble butcher
If you fancy a little climb, Mount Boucherie in West Kelowna is a short but steep hike that’s well worth it. You can watch the sun set over the lake from the west facing lookouts, and as you drive to the top you can see how beautiful Kelowna is in golden light.
Rosental reservoir
For hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts, the McDougall Rim trail to the Rose Valley Reservoir lookout is a great adventure. If you go out to see the sunset, leave enough daylight to get back to your car in time!
Moon rises over Kelowna.
Okanagan Mountain Park
Okanagan Mountain Park is a 10,000-acre rugged landscape of mountain lakes, forests, and open grasslands. More suitable for a full day adventure (unless you have a helicopter), this park has endless hiking trails for the avid hiker or mountain biker.
From the air
Watching the sun set over the ground and clouds is a truly spectacular experience. A cruise over the golden city, along the coast and up the lake is a sunset experience that you will not soon forget. Plus, it’s much easier to get to the top of Okanagan Mountain Park or the Rose Valley!
Life can get very hectic and sometimes it is hard to find the time to pause and smell the flowers, but taking a few moments each day to connect with nature and watch a sunset is one great way to let go of some stress. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, Ikon Adventures gives you the thrill of seeing the valley from a bird’s eye view for an unforgettable experience. With their helipad just two minutes from downtown, they’re easy to get to and have a wide variety of tours to get you in the air for sunset.
What are some of your favorite Kelowna spots to watch the sunset? Tell us in the comments below!
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