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Move over golfing, lake lounging and wine sampling. You’ve dominated the Okanagan narrative for years. Cycling has arrived, courtesy of the rail trails, and it brought a new kind of adventure tourism with it. One that makes riding through Ponderosa Pine forests, over wooden trestles, through blasted rock tunnels, and along the turquoise waters of Kalamalka Lake possible for almost all. The easy flat terrain, and e-bike pedal assist – the epidural of cycling, also help.
Cycling rail trails in the Okanagan is one of the best ways to experience the regions surrounding Vernon, Kelowna, Naramata and Penticton – and it’s fast becoming a major attraction. No tee time required.
What is a rail trail?
Since rail trails were originally designed for trains, they are flat and gently graded, making them accessible to both young and old, propelled by human power on wheels, or by foot. Rail trails in the Okanagan all originally served a commercial purpose: transportation through the rugged mountains, valleys and lakes of southern British Columbia. But as highways helped eliminate passenger service and the need to transport minerals from the region, railways began decommissioning many of the lines. Once use was discontinued all together, tracks were removed, and the pathway was reinvented as a trail for hikers and easy riding cycling.
What to expect cycling rail trails in the Okanagan
You likely won’t break a sweat while cycling rail trails in the Okanagan, unless of course you take the uphill route, or ride in midday sun, when temperatures frequently surpass 30C (86F) in the summer.
Together with some travel media friends, I had an opportunity to experience riding the Myra Canyon Trestles, the Okanagan Rail Trail, and the KVR/Trans Canada Trail from Chute Lake to Penticton recently.
During our three different rides, our group rented e-bikes twice, and regular mountain bikes the other time. While e-bikes were appreciated, I wouldn’t deem them necessary for the physically fit.
Prepare to get dusty! We rode the trails in early May and ended each day with bodies and bikes covered in a fine dirt powder. With the exception of the wood trestles in Myra Canyon, all of the Okanagan rail trails are a combination of dry dirt, fine gravel or sand. The lose sand can be treacherous in places, since it’s a bit like riding on a beach. And although the sweet scent of Ponderosa Pine is ever present along many of the trails, you may need to dodge the odd massive pine cone dropped in your path.
Cycling rail trails in the Okanagan is a lot of fun. Here’s the run down on three trail rides I’d recommend: the Okanagan Rail Trail along Kalamalka Lake from Vernon to Kelowna, and the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR/Trans Canada Trail), from Chute Lake to Penticton, plus the Myra Canyon Trestles portion of the KVR trail.
Ride #1 — Okanagan Rail Trail: Kalamalka Lake Section
Greater Vernon has a trail system that has earned it the title of “Trails capital of BC”, and the Okanagan Rail Trail, is one of the primary attractions. The Okanagan Rail Trail takes you along the old CN rail bed, built in 1925. The railway ceased service on the line in 2013, and it has since been converted into a well-kept multi-use pathway, perfect for walking and biking year round.
While the trail is flat, it follows the shoreline by Kalamalka Lake, with cliffs rising steeply above it. We rode from the Gateway Kiosk at Km0 (Mile Zero for my American friends), on the west side of the lake, across from Coldstream, down to, which was about 18km one way.
There are numerous viewpoints along the way, but ever present is the view of Kalamalka Lake, and its intense turquoise blue colour, particularly stunning along the shoreline during the summer. It looks pulled from the salt water tropics, but it’s fresh water in Canada!
Why does Kalamalka Lake look so impossibly blue?
Kalamalka Lake is a rare “marl lake”, meaning it has a large amount of calcium carbonate deposits present, a gift left behind by receding glaciers in the region. The calcium carbonate deposits change the colour of the water as its temperature increases during the summer. In winter, when the water temperature drops, the calcium carbonate is dissolved, and the stunning turquoise colour goes away.
Since we were there in late spring, the shoreline was beginning to change colour with warming temperatures. But you could expect a full on turquoise blue throughout the entire lake by summer. National Geographic named Kalamalka Lake as one of the Top 10 most beautiful lakes in the world, so it’s truly a stunning sight to cycle beside during the summer.
Riding the Kalamalka Lake Section of the Okanagan Rail Trail
We found the trail surface compact crushed stone and dirt with a few sandy patches. We spotted a tall lanky heron wading in the shoreline waters fishing, and later discovered what he was likely dining on. Looking more closely at the translucent water, we saw clusters of large lake trout feeding by the shore.
Beyond birds, natural wildlife and a few locals using the route as a commuter option, you’ll also likely spot paddleboarders by the shore in the warmer seasons. There is a buoy system lining the lake on the trail side, to protect human powered vessels like SUPs, kayaks and canoes from motorized lake traffic. It’s like an on the water version of the Kalamalka Lake Okanagan Rail Trail.
2026 Trail Updates/closures
Currently there is a 3km section of the Okanagan Rail Trail that extends into Kelowna closed for maintenance issues. We weren’t impacted by this, since our ride ended Oyama. But it is a top priority for all jurisdictions that the right of way is secured for the trail all the way to Kelowna. A final draft of the land transfer to Okanagan Indian Band is in the works. Get the latest notices on updates here: https://okanaganrailtrail.ca/news/updates-regarding-the-closed-section/
Ride #2 — Myra Canyon Trestle Tour, Kelowna (KVR Trail)
Our group rented regular mountain bikes from Myra Canyon Bike Rentals and Tours for this 24km ride. The company offers both bike rentals, and guided or self-guided tours. Operating since 2009, the company was the first and only operation to offer on-site bicycle rentals at the entrance of Myra Canyon Trail in Kelowna.
Myra Canyon Bike Rentals and Tours
Ben Vos, the owner of Myra Canyon Bike Rentals and Tours, was an ex-military fitness trainer back in the Netherlands as a young man. He later became a real estate investment project manager before immigrating to Canada, and the Okanagan. An avid cyclist for years, Ben and his wife Annelies saw a business opportunity in renting bikes and offering tours from the Myra Canyon Trestle parking lot. Today with their adult children, the family business helps 75,000 riders tour the canyon on two wheels each year.
Greeting our group, it was evident that Ben runs a tight ship, with echoes of military precision, gathering our signed liability forms, marshalling guests, and offering to take group photos. He quickly shrugged off the need for e-bikes.
“You booked e-bikes yah? You don’t need them,” he stated with confidence at our yet to be displayed athletic abilities. Then rode off on a mountain bike wearing jeans to lead our group.
Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) history
When the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) opened in 1915, it was an engineering feat. Thousands of German and Italian immigrant labourers helped carve out 2 rock tunnels, build 18 wood trestles, and convince the track bed to cling to cliffs with some handy stone masonry skills.
Though 16 of the 18 trestles were reconstructed after a devastating fire wiped out the original structures in 2003, the new versions were made true to the original design, minus some of the engineered reinforcements. As Ben was quick to point out, “Cyclists don’t weigh as much as trains.”
What to expect on the trail
Myra Canyon KVR cycling is a flat trail 12km one way from Myra Canyon parking lot to Ruth Station. The full trail loop, ending where you started, will take you 2-2.5hrs to cover 24km. At a moderate pace, allowing for stops to take in the view and photos, allow 3-3.5hrs.
The “thucka-thucka-thucka” of bike tires rhythmically rolling along the trestle boards became mesmerizing. Kind of like riding across the boards of a dock, equally spaced, predictably measured. The passing canyon valley views and vistas out towards Okanagan Lake made it a challenge to always have our eyes on the trail. But fortunately, barrier side rails have now been added to the trestles during the upgrade for human traffic. The original design, for trains only, had no side barriers, except outcrop boxes mid trestle that house water tanks, used to extinguish small sparks from a passing train.
With senses alert to birds chirping and the wind blowing, was it just my imagination that I could smell creosote from the rail ties on the two original trestles? It wasn’t hard to imagine a “chugga-chugga-chugga” and a whistle blowing in the distance too.
Self-guided trestle tour
Although we had the live guided tour version courtesy of Ben, there is a free Myra Canyon Explorer guide, which can be accessed by a QR at the beginning of the trail. You’ll then find trailside signs at points of interest which are referenced in the PDF guide.
Link here to access the guide in advance. It’s also a handy guide to a more detailed history prior to the ride.
Getting there & parking
Myra Station is the main entrance for Myra Canyon Trestles, and that is the entrance where bike rentals are available. Ruth Station is at the other end, and has fewer crowds, but you would need to bring your own bikes to use this access, since rental facilities are only available on the Myra Station side. Ruth Station is closer to the historic camps where labourers lived during the railway and trestle construction.
If you drive up to Myra Canyon from Kelowna in your own car with bikes, be aware that the road has some serious washboard. Like check your dental fillings at the top, and get an added massage before the ride, type washboard! We arranged our tour and rentals with Myra Canyon Bike Tours directly. If you have a group of four or more, they will pick you up at your Kelowna hotel as part of the tour.
The KVR is also part of the Trans Canada Trail through the Myra Canyon Trestles.
What to bring
When cycling rail trails in the Okanagan, be sure to check the weather. On hot days be sure to bring water, since there is limited shade on the trail. That said, due to elevation, canyon weather is cooler than Kelowna, and can often be completely different. Be sure to pack layers just in case! There are no services on the trail itself or in the parking lot, so be sure to pack a snack. There is a pit toilet in the parking lot, but there is no running water.
Ben was great at suggesting elevated view-points to capture photos along the trail. There are several places where you can stand on elevated rock at the end of a trestle, and photograph or video riders crossing.
Ride #3 — KVR Chute Lake to Penticton
The Chute Lake to Penticton portion of the KVR takes you through dense pine forests, and along beautiful lakes. It’s possible to stay at Chute Lake Lodge, but because our group had other sites to see in the evenings, we elected to stay in Naramata the evening before, and meet up with our Penticton based bike rental company, Freedom Bike Shop, who dropped us off at Chute Lake with the e-bikes. Freedom Bike Shop has a van and bike racks to accommodate groups, allowing you to arrange pick up and drop off to ride the KVR in one direction – which is a real bonus, when coordinating a ride.
Adra Tunnel
The highlight for most people riding this section of the KVR is passing through the 480 meter Adra Tunnel. It’s an impressive tunnel when you consider the length of drilled and blasted rock plus the engineering involved to complete it. The tunnel used to leave riders in complete darkness once light from the entrance and exit disappeared, but a recent upgraded with motion sensor lights has been added for safety. Of course local will tell you to test the sensors, and stand still for a time period until the lights go out. We did, and it was pretty wild. Total darkness, until someone freaked out! Having a light on your bike or helmet is recommended though, since it also illuminates your immediate track – a good safety feature, since the trail is uneven in places.
Adding a dash of style to the experience, there is a chandelier mid span in the Adra Tunnel – an unexpected quirky art installation, courtesy of the Woodwackers 2.0, a local rider group who helped get lights installed in the tunnel.
They added both the chandelier and motion activated sound effects of a locomotive train approaching. Echoing from speakers up in the rocks, it left some of us with a slight flutter of panic, processing the audio out of context.
Little tunnel
Historic Little Tunnel is tiny in length compared to Adra Tunnel. But it’s still no less impressive, having been carved directly through solid rock in 1915. At 80 meters long, it is famous for sweeping 180 degree views of Okanagan Lake, the surrounding mountains and vineyards.
What to expect on the KVR Chute Lake Penticton
From Chute Lake the ride was an easy gentle downhill roll. Chute Lake to Adra Tunnel was 16km, and took about an hour of ride time. Parts of the trail just out of Chute Lake, before the Adra Tunnel, were quite sandy. The depth of the sand in parts is worthy of caution, since it can toss you off balance – especially on a heavier e-bike. The Adra Tunnel to Glen Fir portion is 8km of “unimproved trail” described as somewhat rough, but we didn’t find it too challenging.
The Little Tunnel to Penticton portion was 17km. It’s the most popular section of the trail since many cyclists ride up to it for a lookout. The condition of the trail was excellent, with only a 2% grade.
The only time we really needed the e-bikes was when we ventured off to The Patio at Lake Breeze Vineyards on the Naramata Bench, for lunch and a beverage. Pedal assist was definitely welcome for the uphill climb to rejoin the KVR/Trans Canada Trail.
The “Love locks bridge” on the KVR
Towards the end of the ride there is a mini-trestle bridge on the KVR/Trans Canada Trail with “love locks” as the trail weaves through vineyards on the way into Penticton. I became fixated on the locks, after imagining the stories behind the names.
I’m imagining stories of people who met on the trail, perhaps proposed on the bridge, high school friends bonded in friendship before they went off to university across Canada, people who placed commemorative locks for loved ones – who had a special tie to the TCT and KVR. Perhaps out of town visitors who left their lock, after having walked the trail, with a vow to return someday? A wayward Aussie (because there’s always a wayward Aussie) who placed a lock there following the ski season, headed home inspired to help build trails in his home state.
Just as the trail is a thread to the entire region, I couldn’t help but imagine the personal stories linked to the trail. Perhaps you will leave your own love lock?
Practical Guide: Parking, Shuttle & Logistics
To ride the Chute Lake to Penticton portion of the KVR on your own, you would need to drop two cars – one in Penticton, and the other at Chute Lake, depending on which direction your rode to collect your other vehicle. An easy alternative is to rent from a company in Penticton, and have them drop you at Chute Lake as the start point. That is what we did with Freedom Bike Shop rental company.
Trail apps and maps
Alltrails and Trailforks are two excellent apps to help plan and track your ride when cycling rail trails in the Okanagan. Link here for a KVR trail map PDF which you can download as well.
Difficulty & Who the KVR is For
If you are riding from Chute Lake to Penticton the entire ride is either flat or a gentle downhill grade. An e-bike is great if you plan to go off to wineries along the Naramata Bench towards the end, and need to climb back to the KVR. But if that isn’t in your plans, and you are reasonably fit, a regular mountain bike would be just fine.
If however, you plan to ride from Penticton up the Chute Lake, an e-bike would be welcome by many. The ride from Penticton to Little Tunnel is a 2% grade, but there are portions past that where it is a little steeper before you get the Adra Tunnel. Still not necessary if your plan is to actually get a workout. It would be a good slow, steady burn.
Surface conditions can be a little unnerving in some sections with lose sand as earlier noted, especially if conditions have been drying for some time. The Adra Tunnel is damp and quite cool passing through, which is welcome on a hot day. But if the weather is less warm, you might find the Adra Tunnel section quite cold to ride, so bring along a layer to toss on.
Planning Your Okanagan Rail Trail Cycling Trip
Use these resources to help plan your Okanagan Rail Trail cycling trip.
When to Go
The best months for riding the trails are late spring – early fall. In early spring expect cooler temperatures, especially at elevation, and the possibility of moisture or wet ground. Summers in the Okanagan are generally very dry and hot. Wild fire season hasn’t been kind to the Okanagan some summers, so be sure to check for current conditions. If wildfires are in the area, there is also apt to be smoke in the air, so just be cognizant of potential impacts. Early fall is generally cooler, and offers autumn colours as an added bonus.
Bike Rentals & Getting Around Without a Car
As noted earlier, it’s possible to rent bikes right at the Myra Canyon Station parking lot. For all other rides, it’s best to rent from a company in Kelowna or Penticton and have them drop your trail of choice. For groups of four or more, most rental companies are also happy to pick you up at your accommodation to get you to the trails.
Kelowna
Myra Canyon bike rentals (who we used)
Kelowna Bike rentals (operated by Adaptive Adventures and Elevation Outdoors)
Penticton
Freedom Bike Shop (who we used)
Vernon
Bike Rentals Predator Ridge (who we used)
Where to Stay Near the Trails
Predator Ridge, Kelowna, Naramata and Penticton are the major accommodation areas in the vicinity of these trails. Check out direct accommodation links for these properties below, which is where we stayed, or search for alternatives on the map.
Predator Ridge (Vernon) One of Canada’s leading four-season communities. Enjoy golfing, cycling nearby.
Hotel Eldorado (Kelowna) The iconic Hotel Eldorado has been “lakeside since 1926”. The most coveted spot on Okanagan Lake.
Naramata Inn (Naramata) Naramata Inn has been at the heart of the village for over a century. Operated seasonally from spring to fall, it was lovingly restored and reimagined in 2020 as a 12 room boutique hotel, and award winning restaurant and wine bar.
The Balcomo (Penticton) With a new wellness centre that debuted in 2025, the Balcomo has a family friendly pool and courtyard.
Accommodation
Great dining options in the area
Here’s a sampling of where we dined while cycling the rail trails in the Okanagan, and our quick take on these local favourites.
Vernon
The Edge Restaurant (at the Rise Resort) Named Vernon’s restaurant of the year in 2025, offers fine dining perched 1000 feet above Okanagan Lake.
The Range Restaurant (at Predator Ridge) Restaurant, bar and patio at Predator Ridge. Great for sunset dinners overlooking the valley.
Kelowna
Britannia Brewing Established in 2014, Britannia Brewing has expanded from Steveston and Ladner, to include Lake Country at this Kelowna location. Fresh pints, tasty fare.
Sandhill Wines tasting Located in the heart of downtown Kelowna on what was once the Calona Wines estate, established in 1932. BC’s original and oldest continuing winery.
Okanagan Table Let Chef Rod Butters create a memorable chefs table event for curated gatherings. The space is designed for connection, creativity and unforgettable moments.
Lakeside dining at Hotel Eldorado A Kelowna classic right on Okanagan Lake and the boardwalk
Kin & Fork Named for the fondest memories of food being created with family and friends, Kin & Fork is a refined neighbourhood restaurant focused on bringing community together. Asian flavours at the core. Inspired by global cuisine, using local ingredients.
Naramata
Bistro Lapin Perdu Located in the Naramata Inn. Local restauranteurs Christopher Royal and Michael Ziff welcome guests to their take on the traditional French bistro – fun, accessible, locally sourced French dishes with a Quebecois flair.
The Patio at Lake Breeze Vineyards An authentic farm-to-table experience utilizing the Farmstead at Lake Breeze Vineyards. Located on the Naramata Bench, overlooking Lake Okanagan
Penticton
The Cannery Brewing Making beer since 2001. Family friendly, the taproom is packed with great beer, locally sourced and house made snacks, local wine and cider.
Elma Turkish inspired dining experience in Penticton, by Lake Okanagan. Dine family style. Traditional Turkish food infused with local ingredients.
Wayne & Freda (breakfast) Wayne & Freda is named after the owners grandparents who met later in life. Great food, great coffee, always busy. Retro cool decor in a converted garage bay, complete with fold up door to patio.
Neighbourhood Brewing World class beer, local craftmanship of classic styles. Kitchen is Mexican inspired cuisine.
Poplar Grove Winery Founded in 1993, Poplar Grove is one of the original five wineries on the Naramata Bench. Restaurant has beautiful views of Okanagan Lake. Thoughtful food by Executive Chef Stacey Johnston. Exquisite local wine varieties.
Additional resources
For planning reference, you may find these site links useful: BCRailTrails.com and Okanaganrailtrail.ca/trip-planning/full-trail
Other fun adventures in the Okanagan
Additional Tour options for Kelowna: biking, wine tours, canyoning, jet skiing, boat tours, brewery tours, parasailing and more!
Additional Tour options for Penticton: a private two day wine country and bike tour, hop-on-off trolley of Naramata Bench (perfect for wine tasting), Okanagan Lake boat and water activities, and more!
Final Thoughts
This is a beautiful area of British Columbia. Cycling the rail trails in the Okanagan is a great way to explore!
More Cycling Adventures
Cycling in Corsica – a self-guided tour with UTracks. Join us for an 8 day cycling adventure around the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean
Cycling Day Trip to Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Rottnest Island is a pedestrian only island, so bike touring the beaches, snorkeling, and spotting quokkas – quite possibly the world’s happiest animals, makes for a fun day trip adventure.
Mary Charleson
Mary Charleson is an award winning travel writer and marketing/media strategist for 50+ adventure travellers. She publishes Carryonqueen.com and FiveMinuteMarketing.com. In 2025, Carryonqueen.com was awarded 2nd place for Best Self-Published Travel Website by Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC). Mary also speaks to tourism leaders about marketing strategy and inspires audiences to explore.