One year I had planned to bike the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) from Brookmere to Midway, a distance of 331 km (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 on the Kettle Valley Railway 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 accommodation options
Day 1: Start in Brookmere – Bike 43 km to Coalmont – stay at the Mozey-on-Inn but you’ll need to bring dinner, breakfast and lunch for the next day. $69-$99 per night. (The inn is closing on February 28, 2021.)
Day 2: Coalmont to Jellicoe Station – Bike 59 km – stay at the Jellicoe Station Inn Resort B&B
Rooms are $140 per night for a double with breakfast and cabins are available for $40 pp. Dinner is available 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 dinner.
Day 3: Jellicoe Station to Summerland Station – Bike 58 km – stay at a B&B – try Glenoka B&B. Very nice rooms are about $135 per night and breakfast is excellent.
Day 4: Summerland Station to Chute Lake Resort – Bike 59 km (mostly up) – stay at the Chute Lake Lodge. The lodge was bought in 2019 and improvements have been made. You can now tent for $25/night, stay in a bunk bed, get a cabin or choose a lodge room for $84/night. Linens are provided and you can get meals.
Day 5: Chute Lake Lodge to Idabel Lake – Bike 53 km – 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 km – 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 km – stay at the Mile Zero Hotel Ph: 250-449-2828. Rates are about $75 per night.
It can be a challenge to do a self-guided bike trip
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 including KVR Cycle Tours and Giro Okanagan.
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.
Further reading on things to do in the Okanagan
- 5 Summer Penticton Activities for the Outdoors Lover
- 5 of the Best Bike Rides You’ll Want to do in the South Okanagan
- Bike Myra Canyon on the amazing Kettle Valley Railway