A Day on the KVR: Myra Canyon to Naramata Bench
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) is the longest rail trail network in British Columbia. This historic, decommissioned railway spans from Hope to Castlegar. Now, much of the railway has been replaced with paved walking paths and well maintained trails. The rail trail is diverse, with some sections parallel with the water, and others high atop the mountains. Whether you’re looking for a casual walk or a challenging trek be sure to check out the KVR in the Thompson Okanagan.
Between Kelowna and Penticton, you can travel along the east side of Okanagan Lake entirely by rail trail. The trail is divided into five sections, each offering diverse topography and unique views. These sections range from easy, flat walks, to uphill winding paths that pass through tunnels and across trestles. This is a year-round destination for all visitors to enjoy - whichever season you visit in you’ll see something new!
Image by Destination BC/Kari Medig
Starting in Kelowna traveling south you’ll visit the Myra Canyon (24.9 km, 15.4 mi)
Views on views is what you can aspect as you embark on this long but relatively easy section of the trail. Just up a graded forest service road, East of Kelowna, you’ll arrive at a large parking lot high up in the hills. This section of the trail offers 18 man-made trestles, 2 steel bridges and 2 tunnels built into the mountain. So, you do not want to forget your camera!
Each section of the trail is:
accessible for everyone
pet friendly
accessible by mountain bike, E-bike, or fat bike
(due to the nature of trails, and the impacts of unexpected weather events, always be prepared with bike pump or patch kit)
a great for walking, biking, and hiking
Section 1: Myra Canyon — Chute Lake (36 km, 22.3 mi)
As the longest section of the trail along this route, it will lead you along 19 wooden trestles and through two tunnels on a flat trail packed down with gravel. This section of the trail was completely restored after the 2003 Kelowna fire, and is in great condition for all-season adventures. Explore the interesting change in scenery as you walk deep into the forest, emerge on cliff edges, look over Okanagan Lake, and end up in the hidden valley where Chute Lake lays.
Chute Lake Lodge, at the end of this section of the rail trail, is the perfect mid trail stop, overnight stay, campsite or weekend getaway. Open all-year round the serene, rustic, with modern amenities, Lodge is perfect for people looking for an authentic experience. Stay in one of their many Cabins, Yurts, or Glamping Tents, with wood-fires, lake front sites, and Canadiana Lodge Food.
Image by Destination BC/Hubert Kang
Section 2: Chute Lake — Naramata (23.6 km, 14.6 mi)
After your visit to Chute Lake, begin your trek into Naramata with guaranteed vineyard views, hidden wine shops, and historical train tunnels. Both Little Tunnel and Adra Tunnel can be found on this stretch of the trail. Adra Tunnel, is a significant and historical must-see tunnel along this route. All 1,600 ft (487 m) of tunnel is an engineering feat from 109 years ago, now restored, and preserved for future generations of visitors to marvel at. The restoration of the tunnel has been an on-going project since 2021, thanks to generous donations, local business support, many community volunteer hours, and collaboration with Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen. The Adra Tunnel will now further connect and expand the KVR trail network. The tunnel is planned to reopen to the public after pending province approval this summer 2024.
Image by adratunnel.com
Image by adratunnel.com
If you’re interested in any of the history around the Adra Tunnel, or you want to learn about the key characters who built the trestles and tunnels with pick axes, 100 year old civil engineering, and accidents along the way, then listen to the free cycling tour. The Steam and Stone: Bike the KVR to the Adra Tunnel Voice Map is a 7.8 km cycling tour that takes you on an audio adventure while you ride, directing you through every turn.
Section 3: Naramata Bench (20.6 km, 12.8 mi)
The next part of the KVR will bring you down into the vineyards and rolling hills of the Naramata bench. This part of the trail is truly unique, offering bike or walking access to some award-winning wineries, generational old vineyards, and quaint wine shops. This is the perfect place to pull over for a wine tasting or take yourself on a tour of the bench.
If you’re not sure what to do, take a Discover Naramata With Gps-Guided Audio Tours. Try a walking, or biking tour offered in up to 6 different languages taking you through the history, nature, and hidden gems of the Naramata Bench.
By now you’ll probably be hungry, stop in Naramata for a snack, lunch or a picnic:
The KVR takes you right past Poplar Grove where you can stop in for a wine tasting, or enjoy a meal in their The Restaurant at Poplar Grove. With a food philosophy focusing on “thoughtful food” Poplar Grove’s menu is created with what’s in season, while being mindful of farmers and local ingredients. Poplar Grove is also a Biosphere Commitment Program member and is committed to promoting responsible travel and upholding best practices in sustainability.
Lunch Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:30am – 3:00pm
Dinner Hours: Monday to Sunday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
425 Middle Bench Rd N, Penticton, BC V2A 8S5
Image by Destination BC/Kari Medig
If you’re looking for options, The Bistro At Hillside Winery offers a Dinner Service, TakeOut Menu, or Grab & Go Picnic Packs, to meet your needs and fuel your adventure. Their terroir-to-table cuisine offers true Naramata flavours and that pair beautifully with their award-winning Hillside wines.
Open Wednesday - Sunday
Lunch: 11:30am - 2:30pm
Dinner: 5:00pm - 8:30pm
1350B Naramata Rd, Penticton, BC V2A 8T6
If you need a quaint, one stop shop for a grab and go snack visit The Bench Market. Enjoy sandwiches, baked goods, coffees, and local artisan grocery items. They are “keeping it local and making it fresh!”
Open 7am-4pm daily
368 Vancouver Ave, Penticton, BC V2A 1A5
Section 4: Naramata — Penticton (15.3 km, 9.5 mi)
After you’ve fueled up you can set off on the final section of the trail towards Penticton, the only city located between two lakes in the country. This part of the trail is flat with packed down gravel making it accessible to all. Taking advantage of the bike paths and walking trails, like the KVR is exactly what Penticton was made for! As a Fuel Free City…almost, by visiting Penticton without fuel you can promote responsible and sustainable travel. If you choose just one part of the trail this is the section to choose. With the trail running right through Naramata and into Penticton, stay at the local accommodations and enjoy the amenities along the trail, allowing you to try some restaurants and make a weekend out of it.
Weather you decide to start in Kelowna and travel south or visit Penticton and go north, you’ll experience a new view at every turn. The trail is open all year around and offers fun for the whole family. Be sure to take some pictures for your memories and if you post it, tag @Thompson_Okanagan or #ThompsonOkanagan.
Image by Destination BC/Kari Medig
Written by Caroline Peterson
A local who went from the lower mainland to the Okanagan. As a student with a passion for tourism, she aims to highlight the Thompson Okanagan experience with a fresh, adventurous perspective.