Fintry Falls: A Hidden Gem Near Kelowna Worth Exploring
There’s no shortage of places to explore around Kelowna, but somehow, Fintry Provincial Park still feels like one of the Okanagan’s best-kept secrets.
Tucked along the west side of Okanagan Lake, Fintry Falls is so much more than just a quick waterfall stop. Between the historic estate, beautiful views, and one of the most unique waterfalls in the valley, it’s a place we’ve found ourselves coming back to time and time again. Whether it’s for a quick afternoon adventure or a full weekend camping trip.
As locals who have spent years exploring the Okanagan, this is one spot we keep recommending to people who want something a little different from the usual Kelowna highlights.
In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know before visiting Fintry Falls! From exactly how to get there, to what you can do once you arrive, and whether it’s actually worth adding to your Okanagan itinerary.
Where Is Fintry Falls?
Fintry Provincial Park is located along the west side of Okanagan Lake, roughly halfway between Kelowna and Vernon. While it might look close on a map, getting here isn’t quite as straightforward as you’d expect, which is exactly why it still feels a bit under the radar compared to other Okanagan spots!
From Kelowna or Vernon, the drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic and how comfortable you are on Westside Road. It is a beautiful drive, but it is windy and narrow.
If you’re coming from Kamloops, expect around 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a great option to pair into a longer Okanagan road trip!
Once you arrive at the park, Fintry Falls itself isn’t directly visible from the main area. You’ll need to park and follow signs toward the waterfall, and from there, take a short walk up to the falls via a staircase!
👉 This is where a lot of people get caught off guard: it’s not a roadside waterfall! There’s a bit more effort involved, but that’s part of what keeps it quieter than other spots around the valley.
If you’re planning your route, it’s worth loading the pin directly into your map, as cell service can be limited once you’re on the west side of the lake and within Fintry.
The Final Turn: What the Drive in Is Actually Like
This blog is all about helping you travel and arrive prepared. It is the little things that can really throw off a whole day trip or adventure you thought you had planned out!
The turnoff is easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, and once you’re on it, the road becomes gravel fairly quickly. It’s not overly rough, but it can be uneven in spots with small potholes, especially earlier in the season.
You don’t need a high-clearance vehicle to get down to Fintry. We’ve done it in a standard car without issues! You’ll want to drive slowly and be mindful of other vehicles coming up or down the road.
There is quite a large parking lot for the falls, but during peak summer days, it can fill up faster than you’d expect. If you’re visiting on a weekend or mid-day, it’s worth planning to arrive earlier or later in the day to avoid circling for a spot.
Things to Do at Fintry Provincial Park
One of the things we’ve come to appreciate about Fintry Provincial Park is that it’s not just a quick stop, but a place you can shape into whatever kind of adventure you’re looking for! Whether you’re stopping in for an hour or planning to stay longer, here are the best ways to experience Fintry Falls and the surrounding park.
Visit The Falls & Take The Stairs Up!
The main draw here is, of course, the waterfall, but getting to it is also part of the experience.
From the parking area, you’ll follow a short trail, past the historic buildings, that leads to a long wooden staircase climbing up the cliffside to the base of the falls. It’s a bit of a leg workout on the way up, but the payoff is worth it!
At the top, you’ll find multiple viewing platforms that give you a close-up perspective of the waterfall as it flows through the narrow canyon. Depending on the time of year, the flow can vary quite a bit! Spring and early summer tend to be the most impressive.
Relax Along Okanagan Lake
After exploring the falls, heading down to the shoreline of Okanagan Lake is the perfect way to round out your visit. The beach area at Fintry is much more laid-back than what you’ll find closer to Kelowna, making it a great spot to unwind, swim, fish, canoe, kayak, hike, and go wildlife viewing. On warmer days, this easily turns a quick stop into a full afternoon!
Camp Overnight in the Park
If you want to experience Fintry beyond just a day trip, staying overnight is 100% worth it!
The campground at Fintry Provincial Park is well-maintained and set up for both tenting and RVs, with easy access to the lake and surrounding areas. We’ve camped here before multiple times, and it completely changes the experience. When you’re not rushing in and out, you get to enjoy the park in those quieter early morning and evening hours.
Campsites can be booked through BC Parks, and during peak summer, they fill up quickly!
Is Fintry Falls Worth Visiting?
If you’re looking for a quick, easy access viewpoint, with amazing views, Fintry Provincial Park might not be the first place that comes to mind, and that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting!
Fintry Falls isn’t the biggest or most dramatic waterfall in the Okanagan, but what makes it stand out is the overall experience. From the scenic drive along Okanagan Lake to get here, to the staircase climb up to the falls, to the quieter, more laid-back feel compared to spots closer to Kelowna!
For me, it’s one of those spots I keep coming back to! It always delivers a more relaxed and well-rounded experience. If you’re already exploring the Okanagan or looking to get off the typical tourist path, Fintry Falls is absolutely worth adding to your list!
Planning More Okanagan Adventures?
If you’re building out your time in the Okanagan, Fintry Falls is just one of many incredible spots worth exploring.
We’ve put together a full guide to the Okanagan that covers our favourite hikes, hidden gems, places to stay, and local experiences across the region—from Kelowna to Penticton and beyond.
👉 You can check out our full Okanagan travel guide here to start planning your trip!