Pin Cushion Mountain Peachland BC

To celebrate turning 65 in May 2024, I decided a hike was in order—because what better way to mark the occasion than by climbing a mountain? Pin Cushion Mountain, just behind Peachland, BC, seemed like the perfect choice.

We set out early in the morning to beat the heat, knowing it was going to be a hot one. The trail is a little over two miles (3.2 km) long, but with an elevation gain of 856 feet (261 m), it’s no walk in the park. The route winds up with plenty of twists, turns, and a few tricky spots that kept things interesting. But the effort was worth it—the view from the top was absolutely breathtaking.

Perched at a bend in Okanagan Lake, the summit offers sweeping panoramas in every direction. The lake itself stretches 135 km (84 miles) in length, between 4 and 5 km (2.5 and 3.1 miles) wide, and plunges to a depth of 761 feet (232 m). From the peak, you can look north past Kelowna and almost all the way to Vernon, south toward Penticton, and east across Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park.

It was the perfect spot for a well-earned picnic, complete with Prosecco and orange juice to celebrate—because what’s a milestone birthday without a little bubbly? And, of course, I couldn’t have asked for better company than my best friend, travel companion, and partner in life. A perfect way to toast another year of adventures!