Canada, British Columbia: Okanagan & Kettle Valley Railway Bike Tour
Six nights; six days of cycling, with opportunities for hiking and extras. Most of this bike tour follows the Kettle Valley Rail Trail past dozens of excellent vineyards and wineries, and across 18 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?
- You will cycle the fabulous Kettle Valley Railway through tunnels and over canyons, and the incredible Myra Canyon.
- World-class wines; extraordinary mountain scenery.
- Wonderful culinary experiences & enchanting landscape.
- 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.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
Cycling on some paved roads and the unpaved Kettle Valley Railway trails, whose surface varies from smooth hardpack and wooden trestle bridges to loose gravel and puddles in places where you may need to dismount. Large tires are necessary.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Introductions.
- 2: Vernon to Kelowna ~54km (+325m / -380m), or ~72km (+525m / -835m).
- 3: Myra Canyon ~66km (+615m / -615m).
- 4: Chute Lake to Naramata ~33km (+70m / -910m); or Penticton ~42km (80m / -925m).
- 5: Naramata to Oliver ~61km (+660m / -710m); or Penticton to Oliver ~46km (+415m / -500m).
- 6: Oliver Winery Cycling Loop; up to ~39km (+210m / -210m); optional hiking.
- 7: Farewells.
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
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.
Start: Near Vernon, Predator Ridge Lodge, 16:00, day one. Shuttles available from the Kelowna Airport via Elite Mile Shuttle Service.
Finish: Kelowna, 12:00, following a transfer from Oliver after breakfast on day seven.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Introductions.
Meet at your resort (shuttles from Kelowna are available). After introductions and a welcome briefing, enjoy a short warm-up ride on nearby paths. This gentle ride is perfect for unwinding after your travels and getting accustomed to the pace of the days ahead.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner.
Predator Ridge Lodge, Vernon; or Manteo Resort, or Hotel Eldorado, Kelowna.DAY 2:
Vernon to Kelowna ~54km (+325m / -380m), or ~72km (+525m / -835m).
Start your day with a short transfer to Vernon, or opt for a downhill ride to the trailhead and begin the traffic-free path along the beautiful shores of Kalamalka or Wood Lake on the Okanagan Rail Trail. Pedal through Lake Country, passing the University of British Columbia, the airport, and arriving at your luxurious lodging, perched on the shores of Okanagan Lake.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Manteo Resort, or Hotel Eldorado, Kelowna.DAY 3:
Myra Canyon ~66km (+615m / -615m).
Enjoy a short transfer uphill to the famous Myra Canyon, home to 18 trestles and two tunnels. This is the most spectacular section of the Kettle Valley Railway and the highest point of the route. Though the grade is gentle, you'll ride downhill through this breathtaking landscape before returning to your starting point. Afterward, transfer to your next luxurious lodging, located above the Naramata Bench—a narrow corridor of internationally renowned, award-winning vineyards nestled between the eastern cliffs of Lake Okanagan and the Okanagan Highland.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Sandy Beach Lodge, Naramata; or Penticton Lakeside Resort, Penticton.DAY 4:
Chute Lake to Naramata ~33km (+70m / -910m); or Penticton ~42km (80m / -925m).
After a short transfer to Chute Lake, ride downhill into the heart of Naramata. Enjoy the switchbacks, tunnels, and stunning lake vistas along the rail trail. This afternoon, explore the village of Naramata or nearby Penticton, depending where your lodging is booked tonight. Take part in optional independent activities such as horseback riding in Summerland, hiking at Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park, or kayaking on Okanagan Lake in Penticton. Some activities may require prebooking and a local taxi for access.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Same lodging.DAY 5:
Naramata to Oliver ~61km (+660m / -710m); or Penticton to Oliver ~46km (+415m / -500m).
Ride along the Naramata Bench into Penticton. From Skaha Meadows Golf Course, just south of Penticton, follow a combination of the Kettle Valley Railway and Green Lake Road. Enjoy stunning views of Skaha Lake, with swimming opportunities to keep you cool along the way. Continue through the hills past glacial lakes on Green Lake Road, then descend into Oliver. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll or bike with ease to one of the many nearby wineries.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
Uncorked B&B, or A Golden Mile B&B, Oliver.DAY 6:
Oliver Winery Cycling Loop; up to ~39km (+210m / -210m); optional hiking.
This morning, ride the partially paved trail past 12 wineries along the winding Okanagan River, enjoying views of vineyards, farmland, and the stunning views of Oliver and the surrounding mountain valley. Those not tempted to linger at the wineries can explore the Golden Mile Hiking Trail, which winds along the western foothills of the valley, providing close encounters with fruit orchards and vineyards.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner.
Same lodging.DAY 7:
Farewells.
Following breakfast, transfer back to Kelowna or Kelowna airport.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2025 DATES:
2026 DATES:
Don't see what you want?
(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
Please note that we do not operate this tour during the peak summer months of July/Aug due to the high likelihood of wildfires.
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: C 6225 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 4 dinners, full-time guide, vehicle support, luggage handling, maps and route instructions, mountain bicycle rental, 12% sales tax.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 5795 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, maps, route instructions, on-call emergency support, mountain bicycle rental, 12% sales tax.
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: Add C 1595
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Mountain: Included
Flat bars, Aluminum hardtail. Giant Talon, or similar.
Change to Gravel: C 55
Drop bars, lightweight frame with endurance geometry. Giant Revolt, or similar.
Change to E-bike: C 150
Flat bars, front suspension. Batch Step-Thru E-Bike, or similar.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy the Okanagan & Kettle Valley Railway Bike is June, July or September – Not August
- Spring daytimes warm up to 10 to 15 °C (50 to 70 °F) by mid June.
- Summer, mid June to mid September, is normally 20 °C (70 °F) and Wildfires are very common at this time of year leading to poor air quality.
- Autumn, mid September to mid October, daytimes 10 °C range (50 °F ).
GET TO THE START
Shuttles available from the Kelowna Airport via Elite Mile Shuttle Service.
AFTER THE FINISH
Kelowna, following breakfast on day seven.
BEFORE AND AFTER
Consider visiting Okanagan Mountain Park for some challenging hikes. Make sure to research and be prepared!
Visit the many wineries surrounding Okanagan Lake.
MORE READING
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 Okanagan & Kettle Valley Railway Bike 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 cycle the fabulous trail through tunnels and over canyons.
This is really a collection of wonderful experiences: World-class wines; extraordinary mountain scenery; cycle the fabulous Okanagan & Kettle Valley Railway Bike route through tunnels and over canyons, and the incredible Myra Canyon. Riding the real Kettle Valley steam train; having picnics in vineyard courtyards, and cycling on trails gently downhill through tunnels, and across trestles. Your support vehicle hovers nearby in case your sampling takes precedence over bicycle touring.
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 with the Okanagan & Kettle Valley Railway Bike experience!
“All the accommodation was FANTASTIC on this trip." - Esme & Pete
“The Okanagan & Kettle Valley Railway Bike 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.
“I loved uncovering the many gems of the Okanagan & Kettle Valley Railway Bike. 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.
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