Frontier Challenge

If you’re starting in Penticton, a shuttle will pick you up in Penticton (or along the way) and bring you to the Village of Midway. Your starting point is KVR Mile 0 at the Kettle River Museum. Take the time to tour the museum, which gives an excellent portrait of the history of the area. Another must do is to visit the “Entwined Trees” with the Gateway Stekthal Learning Circle featuring a carving of Mother Raven by local Indigenous artist David Seven Deers. If you have the energy, you can hike up to the flag in the hills above town, or ride along the river on the local Kettle River Trail.

When you’re ready, head west on the KVR for the first, and shortest leg of your journey. It’s an 18 km ride to Rock Creek where you’ll overnight in the rustic, comfortable Riverview Cabins. You’ll be across the road from the 1895 Prospector Pub (aka Rock Creek Hotel), one of the oldest hotels in BC.

Cycling Distance: 18 kms
Accommodation: Riverview Cabins
Meals: you’re on your own today

Today’s ride follows the Kettle and West Kettle Rivers through Rhone and on to the spectacular Taurus Canyon – recommended lunch stop and swimming hole.
Once a booming mining town, Beaverdell is a very tight knit community. We recommend the Red Rock Garage for superb coffee, Sweet Adeline’s for a well deserved ice cream the General Store for cold beer when you arrive after a long day of cycling!

Cycling Distance: 48 kms
Accommodation: cabins in Beaverdell
Meals: breakfast is on us at Rock Creek Trading Post; pick up your own lunch at one of 4 (yes we said 4!) sandwich shops in town; we cater supper tonight
Wildlife alert: watch for black bear, osprey, bald eagles, woodpeckers, deer

There is just no way around it – you’re headed uphill today! just as the steam engines slowly wound their way through the forest and crept high above the valley floor, you will be following in their tracks. From Beaverdell it is a slight, but steady incline up to Idabel Lake. One of our favourite routes, this is the most remote section of trail. Expect to see wildflowers in Spring and early Summer. Relax the evening away – you are treated to a comfortable lakeside cottage or lakeside suite with dinner delivered to you in this remote setting – the alpine village is home to just over 50 people.

Cycling distance: 55 km (steady uphill grade 1.5-1.9%)
Accommodation: lakeside cabin/suite at Idabel Lake
Meals: We cater breakfast, packed lunch, dinner hamper
Wildlife alert: Watch for signs of black bear, deer, moose, elk, coyotes, eagles, and forest birds such as the rare Western Tanager, Lewis Woodpecker.

Layover day! After two big days of riding, you’re at the top of the trail and this is a spectacular spot to enjoy your efforts. Your comfortable cottage or lakeside suite will have all the comforts to relax the day away and affords you the time to catch your breath and enjoy your surroundings. Take a canoe or rowboat out on the peaceful lake, watch the loons, go swimming, fishing or for a hike through the woods.

This is your day to relax and just simply breath in the fresh mountain air! Many of our guests have had quite remarkable experiences here – from just appreciating the day of rest, to having a family of loons paddle alongside the canoe and even a young moose swimming alongside a solo rower. This is your day to take it all in.

Cycling distance: layover day
Accommodation: 2nd night at at Idabel Lake
Meals: We cater breakfast, packed lunch, dinner hamper

Morning dawns and you are away again! An exciting day and easier grade today – flat then slightly downhill.

The newly renovated historic Chute Lake Lodge awaits you this evening with a rustic, but comfortable cabin (or opt for a glamping tent or yurt if you like and we’ll get you right alongside the lake if we can!) Then enjoy dinner in the eclectic Lodge full of KVR memorabilia. Your layover day here invites you to relax again. There are canoes and paddle boards available to explore the lake. We can also highly recommend a chartered trip to visit Naramata and wineries by day and return to Chute Lake for the evening.

Cycling distance: 58 km
Accommodation: Chute Lake Lodge
Meals: We cater breakfast & packed lunch. Supper is on your own at the restaurant at the lodge

Options for today:

• Cycle to Myra Canyon, famous for its trestle bridges hugging the canyon wall high above the city of Kelowna, it is worth taking your time. Forest fires took out many of the bridges in 2003, but all have been rebuilt and there are many interesting placards depicting the history and the rebuild.
• Laze around the lake, or try canoeing or paddle boarding.
• Charter a private tour into Naramata with our favourite local guide who will pick you up and return you to Chute Lake (price not included with tour). Naramata is famous for its quaint village, great views and many wineries.

Cycling distance: layover day
Accommodation: layover night at Chute Lake Lodge
Meals: you’re on your own for all meals today at the restaurant at Chute Lake Lodge

It’s a downhill (some surface challenging) ride until you reach the “Little Tunnel”. On a fine sunny day, this offers up simply breathtaking views from the trail worth a picture or two! Once you descend through giant ponderosa pines, you will begin to enter orchards and wineries in the lower elevations along the “mineral rich” bench along the lake. Stop in at a winery for a visit or early lunch, or the Trail Store for fresh fruit and ice cream before your final descent to the lakeshore of Penticton.

Cycling distance: 44 km
Meals: you’re on your own today

Congratulations! Your KVR Classic Ride is complete, and what an amazing ride!