Looking for a quieter hike around Vernon away from busy lakeside parks? Bluenose Mountain Trail offers a peaceful 5 km forest loop with panoramic views and minimal crowds. We just explored in a quiet Sunday morning in late June and were surprised by how serene and rewarding it was.
Trail Overview
- Location: 20 – 25 min drive east of Vernon, BC
- Trail Name: Bluenose Mountain Trail
- Distance: ~4.8 km loop
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (short steep climb at the beginning)
- Best Direction: Clockwise – steeper up, gentler descent
- Parking: Free trailhead parking
- Navigation: Search “Bluenose Mountain Trail” on Google Maps or AllTrails
On the drive to trailhead you’ll spot three rounded hills appear before you arrive, one of which resembles a “lying nose” from the side.
Highlights Along the Loop
We did the trail clockwise. There are three scenic viewpoints (mini-summits) along the route:
- First Lookout (15–20 mins in)
A short detour to the left leads to a wide view of Lavington Valley and distant SilverStar Mountain Resort. - Midpoint Ridge Section
Forest opens up briefly for glimpses of surrounding valleys and ridges. - Final Summit
From here, you’ll spot Camel’s Hump—another hike we plan to do soon—and the Monashee Mountains in the distance, with snow-covered peaks. Tom and Kevin did Spectrum Lake Trail there and Pinnacle Lake hike is a go!
Our Trail Experience
We were a little surprised how shaded and tranquil the trail felt, even in summer. The forest reminded us of parts of Ontario’s Bruce Trail, but with more elevation.
Throughout the loop, we didn’t encounter a single hiker. Only three cars were parked when we returned – most Vernon locals are likely out biking or hiking near Kalamalka Lake or Ellison Provincial Park, which are closer to town and have lake views.
Bugs & Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes were present but didn’t bite much. We used a small amount of Deep Woods spray and were fine. Compared to Ontario’s summer bugs, BC’s forest bugs are much more manageable.
Tips for Hikers
- Start early or go in the evening to avoid heat—there’s almost no shade at the lookouts.
- Clockwise loop gives you a short steep climb up and easier descent back.
- Bring water and bug spray.
- Ideal for hikers looking for solitude, forest cover, and wide views.
Related Reads
- Camel’s Hump Trail (coming soon)
- SilverStar Mountain Resort
Our Video Highlights
Check out short videos from this hike on our:
- Instagram: @skihiketravel
- YouTube: @SkiHikeTravel
- Facebook Page: Ski Hike Travel
Want to explore more hikes near Vernon? Browse all my trail posts here ➜ Vernon Trails
