(This is part of an ongoing series about the best trails to explore, city by city, regional district by regional district, in the Southern Interior.)

The North Okanagan boasts 11 provincial parks according to Wikipedia but the key parks for the best trails are Kalamalka Lake, Ellison, Kekuli and Sovereign Lake.

Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, or Kal Park as the locals call it, has the largest concentration of bike trails in the Greater Vernon area. Don't believe the B.C. Parks' website which says there are "more than 14 kilometres" of trails. AllTrails says there are 29 great trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, birding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

From the classic Big Ed loop to spectacular views from the Lookout trail, the park has trails to suit all riders, says Tourism Vernon.

"Try out the fun blue flow trail Flovid but first, you’ll have to climb up Stonefree (named with tongue-in-cheek as there are many stones). If you are really looking to test your mettle, try the Killer King route with 50 kilometres of single-track and 1,800 metres of climbing."

The Bike Sheriff's favourite loop involves parking at the Red Gate on Kidston Road, then taking Corral Trail down to Cosens Bay for a snack break or lunch. Heading down is the ideal........

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