“The KVR is nothing less than enchanting; the spectacular trestles took me back in time to when I was a child conducting trains on my model railroad.”  – Matt W.

Cycling on some paved roads and the unpaved Kettle Valley Railway trails, whose surface varies from smooth hardpack to loose gravel. Hiking, swimming, kayaking, and horseback riding activities are all optional.

“I loved uncovering the many gems of the Okanagan Valley.  The scenery and roads reminded me quite a bit of my travels through France.”  – Stephen M.

“…it was one of the best vacations we have all had in some time. In particular, I would like to compliment the three guides we had… They were well-organized, extremely thoughtful and considerate, and very knowledgeable. They made the trip a highly enjoyable experience for all of us.”    – Robert F. NY

 

 

British Columbia:
Kettle Valley Railway & Okanagan Valley Bike & Hike

6 nights. Cycling with opportunities for hiking and inner tubing. Most of the cycling follows the Kettle Valley Railway Trail past dozens of excellent vineyards and wineries and across 18 trestles.

There is a new “gold rush” in the Okanagan Valley. World-class wines now complement its fame for fruit production, and it has become a wonderful place for an active holiday. Extraordinary mountain scenery is the backdrop for rides on the most spectacular stretches of the Kettle Valley Railway biking trail, the most compelling of these being perhaps the section through the incredible Myra Canyon. A forest fire burned most of its 18 wooden trestles several years ago, but a groundswell of support energized their reconstruction, and we now want you to join us to ride the fabulous trail through tunnels and over canyons, as part of a full week indulgence in a valley full of evocatively named towns like Peachland and Summerland.  

This is really a collection of wonderful experiences: Riding the real Kettle Valley steam train; having picnics in vineyard courtyards, and cycling on trails gently downhill through tunnels, across trestles, and past wineries each eager to show you their wares. Your support vehicle hovers nearby in case your sampling takes precedence over riding. The landscape changes dramatically even during a short bike ride. Orchards and vineyards often give way to dry, sagebrush-covered hills; dense forest can lead to the edge of deep, sun-bleached canyons, and wildlife sightings are common. Best of all, the culinary focus on this trip makes it a particularly luxurious and enchanting escape. Bring your sense of exploration, and discover what’s been happening in the Wild West!

Day 1:  Introductions and warm-up ride
Meet in Kelowna at 15:00. Airport pickups available. Introductions and bicycle warm-up on the Mission Creek Greenway, east of Kelowna toward Gallagher’s Canyon. This is a 1 to 2 hour gentle ride, perfect for unwinding after your travel and getting accustomed to the pace of the days ahead.  Dinner tonight is particularly fabulous. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Manteo Resort, Kelowna

Day 2: Ride in Myra Canyon 47km/29 miles
Short transfer uphill to the famous Myra Canyon, with its 18 trestles and two tunnels. This is the most spectacular part of the Kettle Valley Railway, and the highest point. Though the grade is gentle, you will ride downhill to our meeting point at Chute Lake, where swims and wholesome food await you. The riding surface is unpaved, the setting is remote, vehicle support is limited and there will be ample time to enjoy the experience – and a picnic lunch – before whizzing downhill to finish your ride at Chute Lake above the Naramata Bench – a narrow corridor of distinctive, internationally renown, award-winning vineyards between the eastern cliffs of Lake Okanagan and the Okanagan Highland. BLD
Naramata Heritage Inn; or
Appledor Inn, Naramata

Day 3: Chute Lake to Naramata 45km/27 miles. Optional activities include more hiking in Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, kayaking on Lake Okanagan, and horseback riding.
15-minute transfer to Chute Lake. Ride downhill from Chute Lake to Naramata, to enjoy the switchbacks, tunnels, and remarkable lake vistas from the rail trail. If you choose to, the spectacular hiking on the rustic trails of Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park will take you into Wild Horse Canyon. This is rattlesnake country; we recommend you bring good hiking boots. BL
Same lodging

Day 4: 66km/41 miles.  Penticton, Skaha Meadows, and the vineyards of Oliver.
Ride along the Naramata Bench into Penticton. From Skaha Meadows golf course, just south of Penticton, ride on a combination of the Kettle Valley Railway and Green Lake Road. The views of Skaha Lake are gorgeous, and the swimming opportunities help keep you cool. Ride through the hills past glacial lakes on Green Lake Road, and descend to Oliver where your fabulous hotel awaits you. Enjoy an afternoon stroll through the vineyards or bike with ease to other wineries in the area. BD
Burrowing Owl Winery; or
Hester Creek Winery, Oliver

Day 5: International Bike-Hike Trail 18km/11 miles and/or Golden Mile hiking trail 10km/6miles and many wineries.
Ride the partially paved trail past 12 wineries along the winding Okanagan River, with picturesque views of vineyards and farmland as well as the only desert ecological reserve in Canada. The Golden Mile Hiking Trail provides extra distance for those not tempted to linger at the wineries. It winds along the western foothills of the valley, providing close encounters with fruit orchards and vineyards and outstanding vistas of Oliver and the surrounding mountain valley. You can also visit the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, a fascinating look at the regional diversity, including native history and current artistic wealth. B
Same lodging

Day 6: Oliver to Osoyoos 26km/16miles, then Kettle Valley Steam Train or inner-tube float.
Optional morning ride to Osoyoos, followed by transfer to Penticton for an inner tube float, or Prairie Valley Station for a 90 minute journey back through time aboard the Kettle Valley Steam Train. Continue the transfer back to your start point in Kelowna in time for dinner. BLD
Manteo Resort, Kelowna

Day 7: Farewell!
Following breakfast, transfers to Kelowna airport can be arranged for you. B.

Start:	Kelowna Airport at 11:00 or your hotel in Kelowna at 12:00 on day one
Finish:	Kelowna following breakfast on day eight
Guided Cost:	$3395 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 4 dinners, KVR train ride or inner tube rental, full-time guide, vehicle support, luggage handling, maps and route notes)
Self-Guided Cost:	$3195 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, essential transfers, luggage transfers, emergency support,  maps and route notes)
Single Occupancy:	$965
Bicycle Rental:	Mountain bike: $225
2012 Self-Guided Dates:	You choose! We confirm within 48 hours. The following dates are already confirmed: Aug 12-18

All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.  12% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadians.