Spring 2023

Yes, we have some new tours and dates now available for 2023 – please contact us to get your preferred tour and dates.  email directly:  kettlevalleyrailtrail@gmail.com

June 11-17 – still available!

July 2-8 – sold out

Just launched – New dates available for September 2023:

Sept 5-11 Classic Ride

Sept 7-13 Classic Ride

Sept 9-15 * Classic & Vines only

Sept 13-19 Classic Ride

If 2024 is on your radar, just let us know and we’ll add you to the list already started for next year!

We are still rolling over some bookings from 2020, 2021 and had a backlog from 2022 when we restarted.  We are still limiting our departures so that we can offer the same attention to detail we have become known and respected for!  If your preferred dates are not available for 2023, please contact us for 2024 as we are filling up fast for next season already.

If you would like to be put on a wait list for 2024, please email us directly at kettlevalleyrailtrail@gmail.com.

Our revised Classic Ride for 2023:

Now you can enjoy a little extra time on the Classic ride with more even daily distances – and with a couple of great options on getting started to suit your travel/arrival plans to the area.

A pre-ride arrival day has now been included so you are all ready for your first day on the trail plus extra time has been added along the way – the KVR can throw up a few challenges but amazing scenery so there’s nothing better than a little time to relax and enjoy the area and other activities with your friends:

A.  Classic Ride 6 Days/6 Nights*

    • $2285/person based on double occupancy
    • $760 single supplement (guaranteed own room or cabin/suite for single traveler – note:  when traveling with others in a group this may be alleviated by sharing a cabin (separate rooms) or suite – we try to minimise any extra costs)
    • *prices shown are for 2023.

B.  Classic & Vines 6 Days/6 Nights*

    • $2425/person based on double occupancy
    • $760 single supplement (guaranteed own room for single traveler)
    • *prices shown are for 2023.

Overview: Start from the iconic villages of either Midway at the Kettle River Museum which includes the original Midway Station, or Rock Creek a relic of the gold mining days that the railway was built for – traverse the entire distance of the “Carmi” subdivision of the KVR – from the valleys of the Kettle and West Kettle Rivers – slowly, steadily climb your way upward to the Okanagan Highlands before descending via Andrew McCulloch’s engineering feat of Myra Canyon and it’s remarkable trestle bridges down into the Okanagan Valley.

Note:  For a more moderate first day, you can also opt to overnight in Penticton then start in Rock Creek (See Day 1 options in the Itinerary).

Trip Rating: Moderate-Challenging.  Average 54 kms/day (with optional 68 km ride first day)  The KVR Trail is a wilderness trail and offers variable trail surface conditions.  We have upgraded this popular tour to better suit the challenges of the terrain with a layover day at the summit of the trail.  While the grade is only ever 2.2% maximum grade, it is very steady to get to the top and a day to recoup is ideal.  Here you can enjoy swimming, canoeing, rowing, fishing and hiking or just relaxing and listening to the loons on the lake.

The Classic & Vines is a slightly more moderate option with a couple of extra shuttles to boost you along the way, but covers the same terrain.  Stay in Naramata village at a lovely lakeside resort and enjoy the ambience of the peaceful place.  (September only).

KVR Cycle Tour Payment & Cancellation Policy:

Once all your accommodation has been secured and your tour confirmed, an invoice of 25% of the total tour cost will be issued online (via Paypal).

We will also send you a direct link to this invoice in a confirmation document along with other important information, details and tips for your tour.  

Please note:  any requested changes to your itinerary after this stage may incur additional fees. Please be sure your dates are correct and all details in your itinerary have been reviewed carefully and understood by all members of your group.  

Your final payment is due 28 days prior to your departure.  Once received, you will be sent details for each day of your tour.  Online route notes and any further updates on conditions and weather etc.  will be sent within 10 days of your departure.

Your deposit is refundable (less a $230/person administration charge) within 28 days of your tour departure. 

KVR Cycle Tours may cancel or re-route tours in extreme weather conditions.  Please be aware, the KVR is a relatively unmaintained cycle trail.  Tours may be cancelled if the Ministry closes the trail due to safety reasons or extreme events.  Cyclists should always arrive fit, healthy and well prepared.  We will give you all the resources you need to navigate the trail, but you must also be ready to ride!  

Final payment is non-refundable so we always recommend you ensure you have trip/trip cancellation insurance either through your credit card provider or regular insurance provider.  Please be sure to check with your insurance provider regarding covid, weather events etc. We do highly recommend you have trip interruption insurance.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION Midway or Rock Creek to Penticton
DEPARTURE TIME Variable departure times available
1

Choose your starting point – this applies to both the Classic Ride and the Classic & Vines:

  1. Overnight prior to your tour departure in Penticton – enjoy the beach and a comfortable relaxing evening if you have traveled some distance to get here.  Your shuttle (approximately 2 hours) will pick you up in the morning to take you to the eclectic town of Rock Creek for a 48 km ride on Day 1 of your tour or…
  2. Arrive Penticton and shuttle directly to Midway – cycle 18 kms to Rock Creek and overnight in the rustic, comfortable Riverview Cabins. Midway is KVR Mile 0 – this is where it all began for the KVR – if you arrive early, take the time to cycle around the village – visit the “entwined trees” before following the river trail to Rock Creek.

Cycling Distance:  0 or 18 kms
Accommodation:  Penticton Motel or Rock Creek Cabin
Meals:  on own today

2

Day 2: Rock Creek - Beaverdell

Shuttle today to Rock Creek if staying in Penticton, cycle to Beaverdell.  The ride today takes 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 place unto itself!  we recommend the Red Rock Garage for superb coffee or the General Store for a well deserved ice cream or cold beer when you arrive after this big first day!  

Accommodation this evening is a cabin/cottage.

Wildlife alert:  watch for black bear, osprey, bald eagles, woodpeckers, deer.

Cycling Distance:  48 km km

Meals included:  Continental breakfast,  Dinner (bring your own lunch, or pick up a great packed lunch at the Rock Creek Trading Post).

3

Day 3: Forests & Alpine Lakes

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. 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.

Wildlife alert: Watch for signs of black bear, deer, moose, elk, coyotes, eagles, and forest birds such as the rare western tanager. Spring and early summer reward with wildflowers.

  • Cycling distance:  58 km (steady uphill grade 1.5-1.9%)
  • Meals Included:  Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner hamper
  • Accommodation: Lakeside cabin/suite
4

Day 4: Idabel Lake - canoes, rowboats, hiking trails and loons

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 surrounds – 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.

5

Day 5: Idabel Lake to Myra Canyon Trestles & Chute Lake (Option A. Classic Ride) Idabel Lake to Myra Canyon Trestles, Chute Lake to Naramata (cycle or shuttle option available) (Option B. Classic & Vines)

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

A.  The shorter ride to Chute Lake with a (required minimum) 2 night stay at the historic Lodge – its about 58 km on flat then slightly downhill trail. 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.  

B.  Go for the long haul all the way from Idabel lake on to Naramata (with an option to get a shuttle from Chute Lake Lodge down the final 28 km).  Its flat or downhill all the way – but at about 85 km it’s still a long ride.  The trail descends even more from Chute Lake down to Naramata and your final km’s are on paved back country roads past wineries in to the village – head to the beaches for a swim or stop at a winery.  Your well deserved Lakeside Resort awaits.  Dine at the famous Naramata Heritage Inn and their amazing new restaurant, led by Chef Ned Bell, one of Canada’s top chefs.  Or if casual is more your thing, Real Things Pizza and a bottle of fine BC wine overlooking the lake at the Resort. 

(Tomorrow we include an optional shuttle back up to the trail to Glenfir station – partway back to Chute Lake) to have a super relaxing and enjoyable downhill ride or simply relax the day away or go exploring wine touring, swimming or visiting the lovely village of Naramata).

  • Cycling distance:  58 – 85 km (flat – downhill)
  • Meals Included:  Breakfast, packed lunch
  • Accommodation:  A.  Classic  Chute Lake Lodge (included – rustic/renovated cabins, yurts or glamping tents may also be available for an option) or B.  Classic & Vines – Lakeside resort Lodge B&B room
5

Day 6: Chute Lake or Naramata Village Layover Day

Classic Ride Option A. Includes layover day at Chute Lake – laze around the lake day! Or try canoeing or paddle boarding.  Or cycle return to Bellevue Trestle and back to Chute Lake if you want to see the trail from a different perspective.  Highly recommended is a chartered private tour into Naramata with our favourite local guide who will pick you up and return you to Chute Lake.  

Classic & Vines Option B. Naramata Layover day – Shuttle back up the trail and cycle return to Naramata – or take the day to do a self-guided walking wine tour (maps and advice included) or hired private charter with our favourite local guide to visit wineries, learn of the history and stories of this beautiful area. 

  • Cycling distance:  optional distances
  • Meals Included:  Breakfast
  • Accommodation:  A.  Classic  Chute Lake Lodge (included – rustic/renovated cabins, yurts or glamping tents may also be available for an option) or B.  Classic & Vines – Lakeside resort Lodge B&B room
6

Day 7: Penticton - Ponderosa pines and orchards

Classic Ride Option A – Chute Lake to Penticton or Classic & Vines Option B – Naramata to Penticton

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 and 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:  A.  44 km. B.  20 km.
  • Meals included:  Breakfast

Congratulations! your KVR Classic Ride complete and what an amazing ride!

  • 6 days cycling along the KVR from Midway Mile 0 of the KVR to Penticton
  • 6 nights accommodation ranging from motel, cabins/Cottages to Lodge
  • 11 meals including 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
  • bicycle rental – 24 speed Giant Trail Bikes – equipped with rear rack and panniers – our bikes are chosen specifically for travel on the KVR and are superb for the terrain
  • route notes and maps plus tips on cycling the trail
  • Emergency support – note: this tour is self-guided and you should be confident in changing a flat tire and with basic maintenance. We can provide you with instruction should you need. Call outs to the trail may incur an additional charge.
  • 3 cycle bag transfers (note: we include pannier shuttle on the first three uphill days, then you carry what you need in panniers – supplied – on Days 4 & 6 )
  • shuttle to or from the trail to your start/finish point (usually Penticton to Midway) via a certified passenger transport operator
  • we do not have e-bikes in our fleet, but work closely with a rental operator and we can facilitate rentals for you
  • bringing your own bike – yes! and receive a $120 reduction on the tour price – your bike must be suitable for off road conditions and you will be responsible for all maintenance/repairs as we do not stock parts for other makes/models – just ask if you’re not sure!

Please fill in our booking form from this website with your preferred dates, or feel free to email us directly as well at kettlevalleyrailtrail@gmail.com  to be placed on our 2024  bookings wait list.  This coming season will be our 11th year operating self-guided tours on the KVR and we hope you will choose to come and celebrate a new decade of adventure with us. 

Note:  All our tours are “self-guided” – you may or may not be starting out with other cyclists – (please let us know if you have a preference when booking).

  • Please contact us with any questions for the Classic Ride Tour.   Book now or send through any inquiries to kettlevalleyrailtrail@gmail.com
  •  We hope to see you in summer 2023 on the KVR!

Tour Reviews

5.00 based on 3 reviews
May 8, 2019

Our June trip was the highlight of the summer for me – it is so hard to explain to people what it was like and how beautiful an experience meeting you and the care you gave to us all. For me it was a trip of a life time.

May 8, 2019

I cannot thank you enough for your encouragement, support, and brand of customer service. I shall measure other businesses in the cycling world by the standard you set not just for me, but evidently by many many other customers you’ve had and friends you’ve made. The bike and accessories were perfect. Paula, I want you to know that I absolutely treasure my experience on the KVR.

May 8, 2019

June 2016 – My husband and I are international biking adventurers from New Zealand and thanks to Paula Sheridan of KVR Cycle Tours we were able to spend six days on the KVR to maximum enjoyment with minimal organisation on our part.
Paula planned the six day trip for us, supplied the coolest bikes, furnished us with tailor made maps, fed us with seasonal Okanagan cherries, and singled out the best available accommodation en route.
Paula is a pro, running bike trips in NZ and Canada, and has the sunny optimism and drive that is a perfect match for clients who want personalised service with adventure that thrills without any undue frills.
Paula was on our wavelength and her passion for the KVR well beyond her commercial interests made her such an authentic ambassador for accessible biking in memorable Canadian terrain.

Leave a Review

Rating