Giant's Head Mountain Trails Re-Development Plan
Giant’s Head Mountain Park is a beautiful 87-hectare park with historical, ecological, and recreational importance in the District of Summerland, BC. Operated since 1967, the park is predominantly known for its network of hiking trails that offer views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding agricultural and natural landscapes.
Adopted in 2018, the redevelopment plan sets out a long-term vision for Giant's Head Mountain Park that balances recreational opportunity with natural conservation, guided by community input.
Phases 1 &2
The first two phases of this project has been completed thanks to the support of the Summerland Rotary Club, the British Columbia Rural Dividend Fund and the District of Summerland Gas Tax Community Works Funding. The project goal is to build a trail infrastructure system which meets both recreational and environmental needs. The project included trail improvements, trail decommissioning for erosion control and to restore environmental areas, a new multi-use trail on the east side of the mountain, improved guard rails and park entrance improvements.
Visit the mountain in the heart of Summerland and enjoy the park trails and spectacular views.
Click
Giants Head Mountain Park Trail Map for trails map…
Click
Giants Head Trail and Sign Location Map for a satellite view...
Phases 3 & 4
The Government of Canada announced the results of the ICIP (Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program) funded projects on April 12, 2022. Summerland’s Giant’s Head Mountain Trails Project Phases 3&4 was one of 57 projects supported across British Columbia. The District of Summerland will receive $673,113 from the Federal Government and $560,871 from the Provincial Government through the ICIP program. The District’s share of $448,798 is funded through the Community Works Gas Tax reserve. The total approved project budget is $1,682,782.
The project scope of work for phases 3 & 4 includes:
- upper circulation road paving and connecting pedestrian trails
- upgrade existing upper parking lot washroom
- upper parking area upgrades and furnishings
- park entrance washroom and servicing (lower parking lot)
- Grind route from upper parking lot to top of mountain (design work and construction)
- some enhanced work (crib steps) on steeper sections of the Grind trail
- more split rail fencing and other recommended measures to keep people on dedicated trails – plus design work
- remedial planting and invasive weed management
- Indigenous interpretive signage`
- brush removal and fire hazard remediation work
- wayfinding improvements for bikes
- additional signage
- park road improvements
- consulting fees for design work, tender document preparation and construction management
In 2022, the District of Summerland has completed the requirements around First Nations consultation, staff and proceeded with some of the initial works which included a wildfire assessment, snake hibernaculum assessment and an invasive species management plan.
Detailed design work and tender documents have been completed in 2023 with construction to follow.
The full project was completed in 2026.
The 2018 Trails Re-Development Final Plan is available here: 18-06-07 GHM Trails Re-Development Plan FINAL
Please note some of the highlights of the Plan:
- Reconfigure the trail network, as follows:
- repair and prevent future erosion by installing crib steps and timber stairs on steepest trails
- create ‘The Grind,’ a hallmark hiking trail
- designate a multi-use trail for both hikers and mountain bikers on the east side of the mountain (note East Ridge trail is for advanced mountain bike riders and to go up the mountain only- bikers are to use the road to come down)
- Improve parking areas, main entry, and viewpoint access
- Provide kiosks at Milne Rd. and upper parking areas with trailhead and park information
- Upgrade amenities throughout the park, including benches, wayfinding and educational signage, and safety guardrails
If you have any questions or comments, please contact:
Lori Mullin
Director of Community Services
lmullin@summerland.ca
250.494.0447