Where to Stay if you Bike the Kettle Valley Railway

Last year I had planned to bike the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) from Brookmere to Midway, a distance of 331 kms (199 miles). I spent quite a bit of time working on the logistics of the trip especially the accommodation as my husband and I were trying to avoid camping. The thought of lugging a tent, sleeping bag and cooking utensils wasn’t what I had in my mind though it’s done by plenty of people. Much of the time there’s no choice in what’s available – be it a lodge, B&B or small hotel.

Here’s where you can stay if you bike the Kettle Valley Railway

Kettle Valley Railway Self Guided Itinerary with Accommodations

• Day 1 Start in Brookmere – Bike 43 kms to Coalmont – stay at the Mozey-on-Inn but you’ll need to bring dinner, breakfast and lunch for the next day. $60-$90 per night.
• Day 2 Coalmont to Jellicoe Station – Bike 59 kms – stay at the Jellicoe Station Inn Resort B&B Rooms are $100 per night for a double and cabins are available for $30 pp; dinner is available for $25 but book ahead. Another option is to stay at the Osprey Lake Retreat which you reach before Jellicoe Station. They can also provide you with a gourmet dinner.
• Day 3 Jellicoe Station to Summerland Station – Bike 58 kms – stay at a B&B – try Glenoka B&B. Very nice rooms are about $130 per night and breakfast is excellent.
• Day 4 Summerland Station to Chute Lake Resort – Bike 59 kms (mostly up) – stay at the Chute Lake Resort. Rates are $90 but you need to bring a towel and sleeping bag. Meals are available though don’t expect much choice.
• Day 5 Chute Lake Resort to Idabel Lake – Bike 53 kms – stay at the Idabel Lake Resort OR call Louise at 250-765-0228 and see if she still accepts guests and provides meals.
• Day 6 Idabel Lake to Beaverdell – Bike 50 kms – stay at Tamarack Lodge  Ph: 250-484-5490 or 250-484-5541 or try Collins Cabins Ph: 250-484-5121. They offer two self contained cabins but meals may be a problem.
• Day 7 Beaverdell to Midway – Bike 68 kms – stay at the Mile Zero Hotel Ph: 250-449-2828. Rates are about $75 per night.

As you can see it’s a challenge to bike the Kettle Valley Railway on your own and you almost need a small tent and extra food for backup. The other option is to cycle the best sections with any number of companies now offering tours. The following companies offer versions of my trip described above:

• Great Explorations
• Monashee Adventure Tours
• Ambrosia Tours

Whether you choose one day or 14 days, you won’t be disappointed – perhaps physically exhausted, hot and sweaty, but also happy and proud for accomplishing this challenging bike ride.

Leigh McAdam

HikeBikeTravel

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