Paul’s Tomb, Kelowna
Location: Knox Mountain Park, Kelowna
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 4.7 km (2.93 mi)
Elevation Gain: 263 m
Hike Time: 1.5 hours
About Paul’s Tomb, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Paul’s Tomb hiking trail is situated in the famous Knox Mountain Park, located in Kelowna, British Columbia. It is a popular recreation area and one of the Okanagan Valley’s best hiking and biking trails. It is a fairly easy trail with gentle slopes and a nice wide path free of rocks and tree roots. This makes it quite family-friendly, even for those with mobility issues who use electric scooters. Though there are spectacular views of Okanagan Lake the whole way, the final destination is definitely the cherry on top as hikers will be treated to a beautiful pebble beach with crystal clear water and dramatic rocky outcroppings. That being said, the most interesting part of the hike is Paul’s Tomb, which is exactly what it sounds like. A tomb that was built into the side of a hill and contains the bodies of a prominent local family called the Pauls. They once owned a section of the property where Knox Mountain Park is today and decided to be buried on the lands that they loved so dearly.
At the end of the trail when hikers reach the beach they will have the option to continue on to Lochview Trail which is moderately challenging and stretches another 12.6 km round trip along Okanagan Lake.
Paul’s Tomb YouTube Video
Where is Paul’s Tomb
History of Paul’s Tomb
It all started with a man named Rembler Paul who owned these precious lands overlooking Okanagan Lake and once had a cabin that he and his family enjoyed during the summer months. Rembler was originally from Montreal and was an entrepreneur who had several successful businesses including the St. Paul Gold Mine in the Monashee Mountains.
After living in many different locations Rembler and his wife settled in the Okanagan Valley and built the second-ever cabin on Okanagan Lake. They enjoyed the land so much that eventually in 1910 Rembler would construct a tomb with the ability to house up to 8 coffins where he and his family were to be buried.
Only 4 years after the tomb was finished in 1914, Rembler’s wife Elizabeth died of cancer at the ripe old age of 83. Rembler then died only two years later at 85 and was buried in the tomb beside his wife.
The tomb is situated 100 feet from the shoreline of Okanagan Lake and is constructed of thick concrete. Unfortunately, around 50 years ago the tomb was broken into and it was decided to cover the tomb up with dirt only revealing the top where you’ll see the inscription 1910.
More Kelowna Hiking Trails
