Giant’s Head Mountain Park

Giant’s Head Mountain Park offers panoramic views of Summerland and has a range of trail options suitable for families with kids of all ages. The trails are well-maintained and include benches and lookout points along the way.

Access the park via Giant’s Head Road at Milne Road. There is parking both at the base of the mountain and near the summit, with the upper road open to vehicles from noon to 9:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, between April 15 and October 30.

At the base, you’ll find around 25 parking spots along with washrooms, picnic tables, a water refill station, and a bike repair area.

The paved Roadway Trail is rated “Moderate” and stretches 5.2 km, climbing 230 meters. It’s a gradual ascent that’s manageable with kids but can be very tiring—we used Skittles as motivation, giving one at every bend of the road! Be aware that this road is shared with cars, so keep little ones close.

If you’re looking for something a bit shorter and more fun for kids, the Friendly Giant Trail is a great choice. It’s also rated “Moderate,” at 1.6 km long with a 135-meter elevation gain. The trail winds through more natural surroundings and is generally more enjoyable than walking the paved road.

For more adventurous families, The Grind Trail is a 1.9 km climb with a 275-meter elevation gain and is rated “Difficult.” Another challenging option is the East Ridge Trail, rated “Difficult” as well, with 3 km in length and a 335-meter gain.

On our family hike, we combined the Roadway Trail with parts of the Friendly Giant and East Ridge Trails. It took us about an hour and a half to reach the summit as we took many breaks with our 6, 7, and 9-year-olds. The older one managed the whole climb, but the younger two needed to be carried at times—it’s a big effort for little legs!

To keep them engaged along the way, we created a simple scavenger hunt sheet with items to spot during the hike—like pinecones, squirrels, wildflowers, and rocks.

If you’re looking for a shorter adventure, you can drive up and park near the summit. There are washrooms and a small parking area available. Drive carefully, as the road is shared with hikers. From this upper lot, it’s an easy 0.9 km walk with just a 15-meter elevation gain to the top.

At the summit, you’re rewarded with a 360-degree views of Okanagan Lake, Summerland, and the surrounding vineyards and mountains. It’s a great photo spot and well worth the climb. Lookout viewing tubes point out local landmarks, adding a fun and educational element.

A Canadian flag marks the peak, along with a time capsule buried in 1967 that will be opened in 2067. There are a few picnic tables at the top, perfect for enjoying a snack and resting up before heading back down.

Dogs are welcome at the park but must remain on a leash. Mountain biking is allowed only on certain trails.