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:
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Variable
- DAY 2: ~54km or 72km
- DAY 3: ~50km
- DAY 4: ~33km + options
- DAY 5: ~68km
- DAY 6: Up to 40km + 10km hike
- DAY 7: Transfer
British Columbia: Okanagan & Kettle Valley Railway Bike Tour – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
British Columbia: Okanagan & Kettle Valley Railway Bike Tour
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, The Sparkling Hill Resort, 16:00, day one. Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Finish: Kelowna, following breakfast on day seven.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions & Bike Fitting
Meet at your resort (shuttles from Kelowna are available). Introductions and a welcome briefing will precede a short warm-up ride along bike paths. This is a 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)
The Sparkling Hill Resort, Vernon; or Manteo Resort, or Hotel Eldorado
Okanagan Rail Trail ~54km or 72km
Start your day with a short transfer to Vernon, or ride downhill to the trailhead to begin the traffic free path along the beautiful shores of Kalamalka or Wood Lake. Ride through Lake Country and past the excitement of University of BC, the airport, and to your luxurious lodging perched on the shores of the Okanagan Lake. BLD
Ride in Myra Canyon ~50km
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 renowned, award-winning vineyards between the eastern cliffs of Lake Okanagan and the Okanagan Highland. BLD
Naramata Heritage Inn, Naramata
Chute Lake to Naramata 33km; Plus optional afternoon cycling/hiking options in Naramata
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. This afternoon, ride along the lakeside to a small beach access for a dip, or spend the afternoon hiking on the rustic trails of Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park into Wild Horse Canyon. Extra optional afternoon activities can be found nearby: Horseback riding in Summerland, or kayak rentals in Penticton to paddle in the Okanagan Lake. BL
Same Lodging
Penticton, Skaha Meadows, and the vineyards of Oliver ~68km
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. Enjoy an afternoon stroll or bike with ease to wineries in the area. BD.
Uncorked B&B, or A Golden Mile B&B, Oliver
Winery Cycling loop; up to 40 km; Golden Mile hiking trail; 10km
This morning, ride the partially paved trail past 12 wineries along the winding Okanagan River, with views of vineyards and farmland as well as the outstanding vistas of Oliver and the surrounding mountain valley. This afternoon, 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. B
Same lodging
Farewell
Following breakfast, transfer back to Kelowna or Kelowna airport. B
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- Jun 5-11
- Sep 17-23
2024 Guided:
- Jun 3-9
- Sep 16-22
Please note that we do not operate this tour during the peak summer months of July/Aug due to wildfires.
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above, or during wildfire season (July/Aug). New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
NOTE: Winery accommodations are not available for the 2023 season. Book now if you wish to upgrade to rooms at Burrowing Owl, Hester Creek or Silver Sage wineries for the 2024 season!
PRICING
Guided: C 4695 (per person, double occupancy)
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 instructions. 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 4095 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, maps, route instructions, on-call emergency support, 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: 1345
Bike Rentals:
Mountain: 395
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.
| Difficulty | This route is rated easy/moderate (green circle/blue square). |
| Daily Distances | 20-70km/day |
| Optional Extras | – |
| Best Months | Spring, early Summer – Late Summer , Fall. NOTE: We do not run this tour in July/Aug due to wildfire season. |
Before & After the Tour:
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 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 cycle 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: World-class wines; extraordinary mountain scenery; cycle the fabulous Kettle Valley Railway 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!
“All the accommodation was FANTASTIC on this trip.” – Esme & Pete
“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.
“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.
