If you’re visiting British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and you love biking I’d recommend a full day on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) or at the very least an easy 24-kilometres out and back bike ride over the Myra Canyon trestles.
The Kettle Valley Railway is an abandoned railroad track that winds across the Okanagan and Similkameen region in southern BC. All told it offers over 650 km of cycling.
The 80 km section from Myra Canyon near Kelowna through to Penticton is one of the most popular, though it’s the short 12 km (one way) Myra Canyon to Ruth Station section that draws the biggest crowds of all.
The section through Myra Canyon has been termed the jewel of the Kettle Valley Railway Trail.
The Myra Canyon section was out of commission for five years after the 2003 forest fire destroyed 13 of its 18 famous wooden trestles. It didn’t reopen until June 2008 and since then it’s become tremendously popular, drawing 100,000 plus hikers and cyclists annually.
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History of the Kettle Valley Railway
The Kettle Valley Railway’s history date back to the early 1900’s when silver was discovered near Nelson, British Columbia. Years of surveying and building culminated in an official rail opening in 1915.
In later years the economic importance of the railway line decreased and some sections or subdivisions as they are called were phased out and by 1990 the last of the railway lines were abandoned.
Fortunately the railway line was converted to trail and now 600 km (360 miles) is open for backcountry use.
Where does the Kettle Valley Railway go?
The Kettle Valley Railway trail travels through true wilderness. It winds through the backcountry of southern British Columbia passing through a range of eco-systems including vineyards, orchards, forests, lakes, deserts, and mountains.
Much of it is very remote, so be sure to pack aGarmin InReach Mini 2if you head off to bike the remote sections.
Small centers are connected via the Kettle Valley Railway – places like Beaverdell, McCulloch, Chute Lake, Coalmont, and Brookmere which are mere dots on the map and at most have a few places to stay.
Tunnels, bridges, wild animals, rattlesnakes, extreme heat, and thunderstorms are some of the hazards one might encounter.
Where to rent a bike to cycle Myra Canyon
Myra Canyon Bike Rentals and Tours is located at the end of the Myra Forest Road in the Myra Station parking lot conveniently at the beginning of the Myra Canyon section of the KVR trail. There are washrooms here and drinks and snacks are available for purchase.
The company rents all types of bikes except e-bikes because as they say “the biking through Myra Canyon is easy.” Look for comfortable bikes in a range of sizes for adults and children as well as tag-alongs, trailers and tandems. You can also pre-arrange rentals of tricycles and adaptive equipment.
Standard bikes can be rented for the morning (9 AM – 1 PM) or the afternoon (1:30 PM – 5:30 PM) at a cost of $48. Check their website for other pricing.
It’s a good idea to book your rental online. Reservations are open until 8 PM the day before. Otherwise it’s first come- first served when you arrive at the parking lot – and in summer there can be quite a crowd.
Myra Canyon by bike
The 12 km bike ride through Myra Canyon is glorious. Its gentle grade is easy so you can concentrate on the views including the airiness of some of the 18 trestles. You also pass through two tunnels.
When you reach Trestle #6, the longest and highest trestle on the line, you’re at the midpoint, 55 m (180 feet) above Pooley Creek below.
Absorb the history of the railway too. About a kilometre before Trestle #1 keep an eye out for a rock oven, used to bake bread for the crews building the railway. Loaves were reportedly 2.5 feet long and each worker would eat one a day.
The Myra Canyon section of the KVR is suitable for people with a range of cycling abilities – from families to experts. Cycle over 18 trestles and through two tunnels for a return bike ride of 24 km. Allow three to four hours at a relaxed pace.
Note that there will be times you have to wait for cyclists already on a trestle to get off before you can get on. The trestles are getting upgraded and will be fully “planked” so by the end of summer 2024 it will be easier to ride two abreast. (See the photo of the upgraded trestle two photos below.)
Biking from Myra Station to Penticton
If you have more than half a day then I highly recommend cycling from Myra Station to Penticton – a distance of about 80 km. Myra Canyon Bike Rentals organizes self-guided and guided tours.
At about the half way mark Chute Lake Lodge appears. Stock up on cold drinks, burgers and homemade apple or rhubarb pie before continuing. Buy extra cold drinks if it’s a hot day. It took the better part of 6 hours to cycle the 80 km and the last two hours were 34°C and dehydration was definitely a problem.
Check prices and availability atChute Lake Lodge. It now boasts glamping tents. You can also rent SUP’s, canoes, kayaks, and ebikes from them.
Although it’s downhill all the way from Chute Lake to Penticton, on a railway grade of 2.2%, it’s by no means an easy ride. You have to deal with a great deal of sand which takes a light touch on the handlebars.
Look out for snakes
Watch for rattlesnakes through the Rock Ovens area – especially if you’re moving quickly on the downhill.
Shortly after you pass Hillside Winery look for Abandoned Rail Brewing – a perfect place for a summertime cold beer, cider, slushie, or choose some food off their menu. They have a lovely seating area outside under the shade of fruit trees.
Getting to Myra Station
It’s a 40-minute drive from downtown Kelowna to get to Myra Station. Although the road up is gravel, the drive shouldn’t present any problems during the summer and fall months. You’ll find a large parking lot at the entrance to Myra Canyon on the Kettle Valley Railway.
Myra Canyon Bike Rentals are set up in the parking lot.
Cycling the entire Kettle Valley Rail Trail?
If you want to cycle the entire Kettle Valley Railway then it’s a good idea to purchase the book (even though it’s old) –Cycling the Kettle Valley Trail by Dan & Sandra Langford.
They provide route notes and lots of helpful information though their layout is confusing.
A few things to take on Myra Canyon bike ride
If you plan to bike all the way to Penticton, you do not want to get stuck with a flat tire.
Don’t forgeta patch kit, abike pumpandtire levers.
Wear apair of padded shorts– especially for a trip of this length. Your butt will thank you the next day.
I’d also recommend acycling jerseywith back pockets for storing power bars and sunscreen.
Guided Myra Canyon bike tours
Kettle Valley Railway Cycling Company
If you’d prefer a guided Myra Canyon bike tour check out Kettle Valley Railway Cycling Company.
Myra Canyon Bike Rentals and Tours
Myra Canyon Bike Rentals also offers both guided and self-guided tours. Choose from a guided tour through Myra Canyon, a self-guided tour all the way to Penticton, a half day guided eco-tour on a bamboo bicycle or a guided bike and wine tour. Tour reservations are open until 48 hours in advance and include pick up and drop off in Kelowna or West Kelowna. Check their tour page for all the details.
Some sections of the Kettle Valley Railway are truly first class and well worth cycling. In particular, you won’t go wrong with the Myra Canyon section.
Further reading on the Okanagan
- A Guide to 3 Perfect Days in the South Okanagan
- Where to Stay if You Bike the Kettle Valley Railway
- 5 of the Best Bike Rides in the South Okanagan
- 27 Things to Do in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia
- 5 Awesome Hikes with a View near Penticton
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