Kettle Valley Rail Trail near Kelowna | Ken Hagen Kettle Valley Rail Trail near Kelowna | Ken Hagen Cycle Through Valleys & Vineyards
Written by: Charlene Rooke | May 5, 2026
A cyclist’s dream, the southern interior of British Columbia has gleaming lakes, vineyard-lined valleys, dramatic trestle bridges—even a pocket desert. A two-wheeled experience of this scenic area, centred around Okanagan Lake and other stunning waterfronts, creates a special understanding of how rich volcanic soils have fed thriving farms and vineyards, connection with local communities, and exceptional foodie experiences. Slow down and take it all in at your own pace, or join a guided group or tour, with someone else finessing the details.
The valleys in BC are compact and packed with worthy stops. A growing network of connected trails and greenways the length of the Okanagan Valley creates safe, scenic routes for all riders. It’s easy to visit vineyard patios, roadside fruit stands, lakeside cafés, and small-town markets in a day, on a route at your chosen level of intensity. Rail Trails British Columbia, the Okanagan Rail Trail, and Kettle Valley Rail Trail are invaluable for trip-planning information, as is the Kettle Valley Express adventure guide.
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Okanagan Rail Trail | Paddle BC/Dave Heath -
Kelowna | Danika Lee -
Naramata | Kari Medig
Short Rides, Rich Experiences
In just a few hours, you can visit bike-friendly communities joined by rural lakeside vineyards and farms. With gentle grades and wide paths (many trails follow historic rail corridors, for smooth and accessible riding), these short cycles offer spectacular scenery and tastes of local communities.
Vernon to Oyama, Okanagan Rail Trail (17 km/10.5 mi)
A flat, scenic ride along a former rail corridor hugs jade-coloured Kalamalka and Wood lakes, with stunning beaches, birdwatching, and views. Quiet rural stretches allow easy access to market produce stands in season, while urban stretches offer cafés and parks with bathroom and picnic stops. Join a Sip Happens e-bike tour that includes shuttle pick-up and two winery visits.
Kelowna Waterfront & Mission Creek Greenway (10–17 km/6–10 mi)
Cycle a safe, car-free route that captures the urban energy of Kelowna (the wine-country capital, and Canada’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy), tracing Mission Creek. Visit amenity-rich local parks along the way, and add the Scenic Canyon climb for more of a challenge.
Naramata to Penticton, Kettle Valley Rail Trail (15 km/9 mi)
This route rewards cyclists with sparkling lake views and a string of wineries, cideries, and patios between Naramata and Penticton. Epic Cycling, based in Penticton, offers five-hour guided rides or self-guided routes plus bike and e-bike rentals. Plug into a GPS-guided audio tour for an immersive experience of historic Naramata.
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Okanagan Rail Trail | @miraecampbell -
Myra Canyon | @ebspaj7 Eben Pajanconi -
Kettle Valley Rail Trail near Chute Lake | Hubert Kang
Longer Adventures, So Much to See
Self-guided or with a tour guide and group, these half-day and full-day adventures offer some more challenging and technical terrain, along with hidden gems including culinary and wine experiences.
Vernon to Kelowna, Okanagan Rail Trail (52 km/32 mi)
The full length of this trail, set to complete in summer 2026, will link two wine-country hubs via lakeshores and rural landscapes. This route showcases the region’s stunning scenery, rich agricultural lands, and the Scenic Sip wine trail in Lake Country. Luxe Predator Ridge resort offers a bicycle shuttle between the Coldstream and Lake Country points of the Okanagan Rail Trail, along with guided e-bike excursions, complete with rentals.
Myra Canyon Trestles (22 km/14 mi as a loop)
One of the most iconic rides in Canada, this former railway trail of historic wooden trestle bridges and tunnels blends history, stunning structures, and panoramic views. For the full experience, plan a longer day here. Take a Hoodoo Adventures shuttle from Penticton up to the canyon, or shuttle from Kelowna on Top Cat Tours.
Chute Lake to Penticton, Kettle Valley Rail Trail (24 km/15 m)
Start a longer KVR adventure high in the mountains at Chute Lake Lodge for an overnight stay or a fuelling meal, then enjoy a gentle descent through forests, vineyards, and orchards, finishing along the Naramata Bench with its family-owned wineries and charming eateries.
When to Go and What to Know
Okanagan Lake creates a temperate climate with a long cycling season, from April to October. In summer the lakeside region bustles with boaters, beachgoers, and wine tourism. The colourful autumn season spotlights heaving farm stands and harvest festivals. Springtime visits (including during BC Wine Month in April) and early autumn offer quieter, more immersive opportunities.
Cycling through these areas, you will encounter many touchpoints with the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation, who have stewarded the land since time immemorial. Normal trail etiquette for gentle use of natural places applies, of course, with a special emphasis here on the Indigenous cultural legacy of preservation, known as the Seven Generations Principle.
Local outfitters offer multi-day trips that include meals, accommodations, and either self-guided routes or guided tours, plus rentals. These include Into the Wild, Great Explorations, and Freewheeling Adventures.
Getting Here & Around
Visitors to British Columbia can arrive by air, road, rail, or ferry.
Pacific Rim National Park | Abby Cooper