KVR Wilderness Journey

The excitement and anticipation builds as we meet you this morning in Rock Creek. An introduction to the trail includes fitting your bikes and a safety briefing, and then we run through the entire route with you in detail with our custom maps and route directions…and then you’re on your way! The clear, cool water of the Kettle River swirls gently past, an eagle soars overhead, a deer flicks an ear as you pedal beneath towering ponderosa pines, past the rolling ranch lands of Rock Creek. Your journey has begun…. Silence ensues as you veer west following the West Kettle River, the forest thickens, and as the sun shines brightly overhead you may scramble down the riverbank to glide into a shady pool, refreshing before continuing the slow gentle grade uphill. A grand log lodge awaits with your evening meal and tales of forests and the railway from those who are one with this nearly forgotten area before you lay your head down to rest in the lovely quiet, cool room – reflecting on your first day of this new wilderness experience.

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Shuttle from Penticton to Rock Creek included today. Cycling distance: 24 km (flat to slight uphill grade) Meals included: Dinner Accommodation: log house B&B by the river Options! Your Day 1 can also be substituted with accommodation only in Penticton and a shuttle on Day 2: then cycle Rock Creek to Beaverdell for your first day cycling (distance 48 km)

Awakening to aromas of hot waffles you rise to watch the myriad of hummingbirds buzzing past at high speed igniting your spirit to venture off on the trail again. Through Taurus canyon when in early summer the meltwaters rage through in torrents, then into summer and autumn the pools here offer up still waters for a cool dip and a perfect picnic location. Watch for deer and black bear as you near Beaverdell, a step into the past of BC’s rich silver and nickel mining history. A short day today rewards you with an afternoon relaxing by the river on a sandy shore.

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Cycling Distance: 24 km (slight to steady uphill grade – 1-1.5%) Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner hamper Accommodation: Cottage/Heritage Cabin Options! Combine cycling days 1 & 2 for a longer ride today of 48 km

Dawn beckons and with your longest uphill day ahead its time for an early start – with your cycle legs now accustomed to the trail, it’s a steady ride up, up up – the stillness nearly overwhelming as you hear only your breathe, the river, birds, the breeze in the trees. You are well rewarded at the summit today – your lakeside resort offering refreshing swimming, a stocked kitchen full of food to enjoy over the next two days as you rest from the uphill journey – relax on the dock, paddle a canoe, hike the trails, listen to the call of the loons….watch for a moose in the reeds and lily pads.

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Cycling distance: 56 km (1.5-1.9% steady uphill grade) Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner hamper Accommodation: Lakeside Resort

Layover day! your comfortable cottage or lakeside suite will have all the comforts to relax the day away – take a canoe or rowboat out on the peaceful lake, watch the loons, go fishing or a hike through the woods. This is your day to relax and just simply breath in the fresh mountain air!

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No cycling today – hiking/canoeing Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner hampers Accommodation: Lakeside Resort

Now you are eager to return to the bike and its a day of excitement as you near the giant trestles of Myra Canyon – 18 massive structures and tunnels take you around this horseshoe shaped canyon, now descending, an extraordinary but easy ride you can take your time as you cycle through this remarkable engineering feat. You are treated tonight to a stay at the spectacular European inspired lodging of Myra Canyon Ranch.

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Cycling distance: 39 km (initial short climb, then flat/downhill) Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner hamper Accommodation: B&B

After an abundant breakfast, returning to the trail it is a downhill ride into the quaint village of Naramata. All senses alert as you watch for moose tracks near the historic Chute Lake Lodge, then whizzing downhill, the Okanagan Lake a sparkling gem beneath you. Stop in along the last few kilometres at some of the Naramata Bench wineries and taste the bounty of this region. This evening enjoy the small village charm from your Inn or Resort stay.

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Cycling distance: 68 km (downhill .5 – 2.2% trail grade) Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch (dinner on own with options in Naramata) Accommodation: Heritage Inn or Beach Resort

All at once you are embarking on the last short ride of your KVR Wilderness experience….challenge yourself with a morning 5 km climb, or opt for the shuttle and go for a “hero’s” ride downhill through orchards and vineyards into Penticton.

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Cycling distance: 16-21 km (uphill 5 km optional challenge, or downhill 2% grade) Meals included: Breakfast Options! Add a layover day in Naramata gives you opportunities to enjoy the wineries of the famous “Naramata Bench”. A morning shuttle takes you back up to the Bench to visit the wineries before wandering back down – or pedal out along Naramata Bench Road and visit a winery for lunch, then head to the beach – you may want to try stand up paddleboards with or without lessons, kayak rentals or just relax in the sun. This is a fabulous way to celebrate your ride and relax. Well done! You have cycled your way, traveled under your own pedal power over 230 kilometres along river valleys, past alpine lakes, beneath towering forests and finally into orchards and vineyards. The KVR Wilderness Journey complete.