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Thinking about cycling part of the 600 km of the abandoned Kettle Valley Railway Trail between Kelowna and Penticton? Here’s how to bike back to 1915.
I’m leisurely biking the route of the old Kettle Valley Railway, cruising in a low gear on my mountain bike along a cliff face overlooking the endless rows of vineyards beside Lake Okanagan. When I learn about the area’s history, it’s easy to picture steam rising out of this canyon and the rumble that would have reverberated through the valley.
One hundred years ago, trains servicing a growing mining and milling industry ploughed through here on the same corridor I am riding.
Now it is an abandoned site that has become a nature trail accessible to all.
Cycling the Kettle Valley Railway Trail
In Penticton, British Columbia, you can cycle on dirt paths that were once the tracks of the abandoned Kettle Valley Railway Trail, also known as the KVR Trail.
Having spent three days taking the VIA Rail train from Toronto to Edmonton, it was symbolic to end my time here.
History of the Kettle Valley Railway
Today the Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a National Historic Site of Canada. It traces the journey of a route that was also once a part of the Canadian Pacific Railway – a secondary railroad operating both passenger and freight services in the Southern Interior region of British Columbia from 1915.
It’s a shame quaint steam engines no longer trundle at such heights. Over time, a series of events eventually led to partial closures of the KVR between the 1950s and the 1980s. These included mine closures and decreases in freight loads from the mills, as well as changes in the forestry industry as trucks became the preferred method of transportation.
How long is the Kettle Valley Trail?
The Kettle Valley Trail covers over 600km, and it would take up to four days to bike the entire route, including overnight stops.
However, you can sample a stretch of the KVR trail in one day on the Myra Canyon Trestles Trail, which is considered one of the most scenic portions. Covering around 20km along a steep canyon wall, it’s an easy-grade route that crosses multiple trestles, tunnels and bridges with sweeping views that are, at times, precarious at great heights.
KVR Trail Route and Experience
We began our journey on the Myra Canyon Trestles Trail at the Okanagan Mountain Myra Canyon Trailhead, where a densely carved tunnel marked the start of this historic journey.
We then sped through this window to another time, where gravel pathways and gentle bends marked the route, preserving this town’s important heritage. Picture stops are compulsory as you wind through woodland and pretty panoramic views of Penticton.
Despite the Kettle Valley Railroad’s eventual abandonment in 1990, the already carved, easy-grade route quickly attracted hikers and cyclists eager to explore the mountainous area.
The area became accessible to more than former train passengers, but disrepair called for restoration to keep recreational users safe. So, the government of British Columbia purchased the Kettle Valley Railway corridor, bringing its bridges and trestles back to life.
Preserving this old rail bed not only brings people to Penticton beyond its wine country fame, but also conserves a significant part of the region’s industrial heritage and contributes to the community.
This short, scenic cycle was only a glimpse into the fascinating history of the railway in Canada. The 600km route this railway once spanned awaits the more adventurous looking to travel the Kettle Valley Railway’s entire journey.
Biking the Kettle Valley Railway – Booking and Planning
Kettle Valley Rail Trail Tours
I took a tour with Monashee Adventure Tours, which no longer operates. However, other specialists have offerings in the valley.
Myra Canyon Bicycle Rental and Tours
- Offer daily bike hire for $75 CAD. You can pick up and drop off bikes at the Myra Station parking lot next to the trail.
- The half-day self-guided Myra Canyon Trestles & Tunnel Tour is $99.00 CAD.
- Self-guided day trip from Kelowna to Penticton is $175 CAD.
- Bike hire starts at $42 CAD for the first day and $30 CAD for each consecutive day or half-day.
- Multi-day tours start from $675 CAD, with options including camping, vineyard, wilderness and forest experiences.
- Offer a five-day trip cycling from Kelowna to Penticton for $1690 CAD.
Where to Stay in the Kettle Valley
The compact city of Penticton is snugly wedged between the lakes of Okanagan to the north and Skaha Lake to the south.
Kettle Valley Beach Resort is a top-rated lakeside stay on Okanagan, close to the Kettle Valley trail. The hotel offers free bikes if you wish to follow the path at your own leisure.
Looking for more seclusion on the western shores of Lake Okanagan, where the trail passes? Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa offers a luxurious stay with a hot tub and pool, and Dogwood Bed & Breakfast is run by local hosts and serves a gourmet breakfast made with homegrown products.
Visiting the Kettle Valley Heritage Railway
A small section of the Kettle Valley Railway remains. The preserved section of the heritage railway line is a 10-mile journey in Summerland, British Columbia.
Shivya Nath says
Looks like an amazing experience. Lovely pictures!
Mary says
That looks like such a great place to cycle – the route certainly provides the opportunity to take beautiful photographs as well. It’s wonderful the government of British Columbia brought the Kettle Valley Railway corridor back to life.