Biking the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR), an old, abandoned railway bed that has a new lease on life, is one of the top things to do the Okanagan Valley in spring, summer and fall. Located in southern British Columbia, it was once named by Outside Magazine as one of the “top 10 trails to cycle.”
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The Kettle Valley Railway is a fantastic bike trail
The Kettle Valley Railway is especially great since it’s possible to cycle it in sections depending on how much time you have.
The trail covers a wide variety of terrain. It will take you through remote backcountry, past lakes, forests, and over old railway trestles. In the Penticton area you’ll find yourself cycling through vineyards and orchards.
I have cycled sections of the trail from Myra Canyon through to Chute Lake, Penticton, Okanagan Falls and into the Oliver area. It was all fabulous!
Note: There aren’t a lot of resources related to the KVR but if your serious about biking a good stretch of it this bookCycling the Kettle Valley Railwayby Dan Langford and Sandra Langford will be useful.
Suggestions if you want to bike the Kettle Valley Railway
Plan on a stay of a few days in the Penticton or Naramata area. There are lots of campsites, B&B’s, and small inns to choose from.
Some options in the Okanagan include the following.
On the Kettle Valley Railway
A great choice for an overnight stay that is literally right on the Kettle Valley Railway isChute Lake Lodge. They now offer glamping tents.
Naramata
Check outThe Inn at Therapy Vineyards– rated superb. Enjoy a balcony or patio along with a shared lounge or terrace.
Modern Farmhouse Bed & Breakfastrated exceptional would be another excellent choice.
Summerland
Every suite in theSummerland Waterfront Resort & Spaoffers a fully equipped kitchen, a fireplace and a soaker tub. And you’re on the lake – a big bonus in summer time.
If it’s a B&B you are after, check out the exceptionally ratedDogwood Bed & Breakfast.
Renting bikes to cycle the Kettle Valley Railway
Either bring your own bike or rent mountain bikes or ebikes from either Penticton Bike Rentals or the Freedom Bike Shop in Penticton.
In Penticton you can also rent ebikes at Pedego Bikes Penticton. Another option is to rent from Myra Canyon Bike Rentals out of Kelowna.
Grab a map from a tourist information office and head off. It’s an easy cycle from Penticton down along the canal, along the west side of Skaha Lake and into Okanagan Falls where you can grab an ice cream cone at Tickleberries.
For more energetic people I highly recommend riding up the road to Chute Lake from Naramata and hooking up with the Kettle Valley Trail.
The road up is steep but quiet and the views are pretty darn good. The reward is the ride down. The grade is a steady 2% for 18 km if you stop in the Naramata area or 28 km if you continue onto Penticton. Views from the Little Tunnel at Mile Marker 122 are fantastic.
What to pack
Based on numerous self-supported biking trips over the years, here’s my packing list for a multi-day bike ride.
Wine tasting galore along the Kettle Valley Railway
Did I mention the other reward? There’s lots of wine tasting to be done at wineries found all along the Naramata Road. You can count on being able to pick up fresh picked fruit as well.
The Oliver section can be done as a day on its own, especially so if you’re into wine tasting. There is a nice loop starting at the tourist information center in Oliver that takes you on bike paths which are both paved and unpaved and then along the length of Black Sage Road.
Consider a lunch stop at the Burrowing Owl Winery.
Preparation for biking the KVR
It’s not all fun and games on the KVR and I believe a word of caution is in order. Once you are past the village of Naramata it will immediately feel remote so do go prepared.
Carry lots of water, food likeenergy bars, a map, rain gear and a cell phone. Cell coverage is very good to Naramata but then it’s it or miss.
Also, bring a few bike tools, abike pumpand atire repair kitfor a flat tire.
Use some common sense on the Kettle Valley Railway
Snakes: There are rattlesnakes around. Never attempt to pick one up or you might experience what’s it like after the rattlesnake bite – a first hand account from my friend Ken.
Bears: Be bear aware. We saw a big black bear but it scurried off. Carrying a can of bear spray would be a good idea – and it should be quick to access.
Poison ivy: Do not touch poison ivy. To identify it, look for a plant with three shiny leaves. In the fall the leaves turn red and yellow. If you inadvertently make contact with it wash the area immediately with soap and water.
Happy trails. Biking the Kettle Valley Railway should put a smile on your face.
Love the Okanagan? More suggestions on activities in these blogs.
- A Guide to 3 Perfect Days in the South Okanagan
- 5 Awesome Hikes With a View Near Penticton
- 27 Things to Do in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia
- A Guide to SilverStar in Summer
- The Best Things to Do in Penticton, BC in Winter
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