Please be careful when tobogganing and be sure to have an adult present to assess risks. Only toboggan when and where it is safe to do so.
Holiday traditions have transformed so much over the years. Nowadays, family time means snuggling up on the couch to watch Elf together for the tenth time, kids are reprimanded for bringing tablets to the Christmas dinner table rather than for putting their elbows on it, and Santa can be tracked on Google.
Although many things have changed, some things never do. And one of those things is that tobogganing is awesome.
Those who grew up in Kelowna years ago may feel nostalgic for the days when tobogganing hills were plentiful, and remember how they used to spend hours sledding in parks that have now been turned into developments or private lots. But not to worry! Kelowna still boasts some awesome tobogganing hills for kids of all ages, from one to ninety-two.
Jack Robertson Park, Glenmore
Nestled away on Willow Crescent in the Glenmore area is Jack Robertson Park. It’s a perfect little park complete with a playground, tennis courts, a softball diamond and awesome tobogganing hills on either side, which have been enjoyed by snow lovers for years.
There are both steeper and more relaxed hills, and although they are a shorter run, it also means it takes less time to climb up! Often there will be at least one jump built somewhere for the daredevils out there.
Curlew Park, Kettle Valley
Curlew Park, just behind Chute Lake Elementary School, is a great spot for tobogganing with a steeper hill on one side for the adventurous, and an easier slope on the other for the younger ones.
Hudson Road Elementary, West Kelowna
Just a few minutes across the bridge is Hudson Road Elementary, which happens to have some tobogganing hills that are very popular with the kids these days.
This is another great place to go for those looking for one spot with several different “levels” of tobogganing hills. Some a little more challenging, some a little less scary, and lots of opportunities to make new friends!
Under Crystal Mountain, West Kelowna
Another West Kelowna gem, there is a spot on the way up to Crystal Mountain, at the corner of Glenrose Road and Jackpine Forest Service Road.
There’s even often a little bonfire lit where parents can stay warm and sip a hot cocoa while their kids have a blast on the slopes.
Where are your favourite spots to go tobogganing in Kelowna?