Canada, British Columbia: Okanagan & Kettle Valley Railway Bike Tour

Six nights; six days of cycling through British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, featuring the iconic Kettle Valley Rail Trail, past vineyards, wineries, and across 18 scenic trestles.

“The views of mountains and coastline are unbeatable. Routes were generally the right length. You know we love it, as this is our second year doing the trip!” - Jill J.

WHY THIS TRIP?

• Ride Myra Canyon, a National Historic Site and one of the finest rail trail experiences in North America, crossing 18 restored trestles high above the valley floor.
• Follow the legendary Kettle Valley Rail Trail from the turquoise shores of Kalamalka Lake in the north to the sun-baked desert vineyards of Oliver in the south - one of Canada's most rewarding routes by bike.
• Spend two nights on the Naramata Bench, BC's most densely planted wine region, where over 50 small, award-winning estates line a 25km stretch of Okanagan Lake shoreline.
• Watch the landscape transform beneath your wheels - from glacial lakes and fruit orchards, through forested canyon country, and down into the arid vineyard valleys of Canada's Wine Capital.
• Ride at a pace that lets the region sink in, with gentle rail-trail grades, a support vehicle nearby, and evenings at some of the Okanagan's finest lodges and lakeside resorts.

ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:

Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.

Riding takes place on a mix of paved roads and unpaved Kettle Valley Rail Trail, where surfaces range from smooth hardpack to loose gravel. Wide or gravel-specific tires are recommended, and there are sections where dismounting may be required.

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Daily Distance:

• 1: Introductions.
• 2: Vernon to Kelowna ~54km (+350m / -400m), or ~72km (+550m / -850m).
• 3: Myra Canyon ~66km (+600m / -600m).
• 4: Chute Lake to Naramata ~33km; or Penticton ~42km (+100m / -900m).
• 5: Naramata to Oliver ~61km (+650m / -700m); or Penticton to Oliver ~48km (+450m / -500m).
• 6: Oliver Winery Cycling Loop; up to ~39km (+200m / -200m); optional hiking.
• 7: Farewells.

(Click image to enlarge)

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Activity Levels

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To help you choose an appropriate level of daily challenge, we use elevation profiles to represent the route, and a challenge-rating system using symbols from the skiing world. Many of you will already be familiar with it; If not, here is a brief explanation. Note that these classifications may vary with weather and/or road conditions, and you should always arrive with a sense of fun and adventure. If you are unsure, choose a guided trip. The vehicle support can help you get over any hill, and can turn even the most difficult trip into an easy one.

 

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The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.

 

This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.

 

Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.

 

This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.

 

The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.

 

There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.

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