Resources

KVR Outfitters Ltd is a business that is being operated as a social enterprise >.

KVR Maps

KVR Maps

https://www.bcrailtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KVR_trail_map.pdf

This map is also available in hard copy at Visitor Information Centres

Cycling the KVR

Cycling the KVR

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail – A Great Adventure
Where to Stay

Where to Stay

Transportation

Transportation

Getting here by Air
Getting here by Bus
Once you’re in the area: Shuttles & taxis
If you have your own vehicle

Weather

Environment Canada has a great website with current and historical data for weather.

Be prepared! check the forecast before you set out on your trip! Following are links to The Weather Network for each town along the trail that this website encompasses from east to west. There are no links for the higher elevations from Beaverdell to Chute Lake but you can count on that area being somewhat cooler as you will be at the highest elevation of the trail.

The weather from Midway to Penticton can vary considerably as you will be traveling from one valley over a mountain highland area and descending into another valley from the Kettle River Valley in the east, over the Okanagan Highlands and down into the Okanagan Valley.

Spring will arrive in the valleys in April/May, but this may be earlier than over the higher alpine areas such as Idabel or Chute Lake. If you are considering a multi day trip it is wise to wait until danger of late snows and wet spring weather have passed. Generally from mid-May on you should be fine but you will likely encounter wet areas in the higher elevations from the snowmelt.

Summer arrives in full force during the month of June to all areas and July and August are typically very hot and dry with average daily temperatures in the high 20’s. It is not uncommon to reach the high 30’s and up to 40 degrees Celsius especially south in the Okanagan (Penticton). If you extend your trip south on the spur route through Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos you will find even hotter and drier country. It is therefore very important to always have plenty of water/fluids with you and sun screen.

Autumn can be a delightful time to ride with typically dry conditions and sunny days. From end of August through September and even early October, the trail can be ridden comfortably by day. Keep in mind the days will draw to a close earlier and the nights get very chilly so be prepared if you are camping.

It is important to realize that if your trip reaches the alpine lakes (Idabel, McCulloch, Chute Lake), you are in much different country than the valleys. It can be very deceiving to set off from one of the valleys into the highlands. It can be warm/hot in valleys and quite cooler in the mountain elevations, especially at night.

Be prepared at all times of year by bringing rain and wind gear and a dry change of clothing.

Useful Tips

Useful Tips

Trail Etiquette
Respect private property:
Protect our farmland and our wildlife:
What you can do:
What to pack
Bike Sales & Service

Bike Sales & Service

If you’re bringing your own bike to ride, it’s always handy to know where the local service shops are. You may even be in the market to purchase a new bike for the occasion.

  • Sessions (Osoyoos)
  • Double O Bikes (Osoyoos, Oliver)
  • Hoodoo (Penticton)

Safety & Emergency Services

Don’t ride beyond your fitness ability

We recommend that while you’re in the Boundary you sign up for Voyent Alert: This sets you up to receive emergency/evacuation notifications from the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary while you’re travelling through the area.

Note that cell service is intermittent along the rail trail. Some people use satellite GPS trackers with text capability for emergencies.

Be aware of basic wilderness safety:

  • Don’t go near water or shelter under trees in a lightning storm
  • Don’t approach wildlife and don’t feed wildlife
  • Be Bear Aware (Wildsafe BC)
  • Rattlesnakes (AdventureSmart)

Emergency Contacts

Call 911 for ambulance or police emergency services; they’ll call out search & rescue if needed

Call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone to report a wildfire

Non-emergency contacts

Hospitals

  • Grand Forks: 7649 22 St, Grand Forks
  • Oliver: 911 McKinney Rd, Oliver, BC
  • Penticton: 550 Carmi Ave, Penticton, BC
  • Kelowna: 2268 Pandosy St, Kelowna, BC

Rural Clinics

  • Rock Creek: 100 Cutoff Road, Rock Creek, BC
  • Midway: 500 Haynes Street, Midway, BC