We will be adding information about Grand Forks shortly – please come back soon!
Accommodation
Grand Forks has a good variety of accommodation providers from B&B’s to motels and some lovely character places.
Welcome to Greenwood and the Columbia & Western Rail Trail!
Greenwood is proud be Canada’s smallest incorporated city! once a thriving center, the population of Greenwood has dwindled to about 600. It has some beautiful heritage buildings and great cafes – it is definitely worth a visit while you are in this region for its colourful history and just a walk about town. It was the location for the film Snow Falling on Cedars.
East of Midway and Mile 0 of the KVR, lies another whole trail of experiences! The Columbia & Western ends in Midway and stretches 160 km east to Castlegar.
The first stop along this section is Greenwood and although the trail runs along just outside the main street, by turning off and exploring this city you step into what could only be described as a colourful experience! From the outburst of colour of the innumerable hanging baskets, Greenwood pronounces its colourful past with a burst of blues, greens, yellows and reds. Take the time to stroll the streets, visit the museum and soak up some of the stories of Canada’s smallest incorporated city.
Once home to thousands of miners and their families, Greenwood began to boom in the late 1800’s. It housed one of the world’s largest producers of copper and a short walk down the nature trail off the bike path will lead you into a whole other world of slag heaps, crumbling tunnels and foundations and a massive brick stack.
One of the mines was called the Motherlode and just outside a town named Deadwood was formed – although it only ever reached a population of 100, there is now Deadwood Junction, just on the west side of town and well worth a visit for their fabulous local arts, food and coffees.
Accommodation
Greenwood has motel and B&B accommodation. Check out the Greenwood City website for more information on local businesses.
Welcome to Midway, Mile 0 of the Kettle Valley Railtrail. If you want to start at the beginning, Midway is your place. This is where, in 1910, Andrew McCulloch began engineering the Kettle Valley Rail line to link up Midway with the West Coast of BC. The first passengers departed in 1915 and the last in 1964. This once thriving town boasted 5 hotels, a bakery, sawmill, stagecoach company and shops.
Midway was also the western terminus for the Columbia & Western company and you can still cycle along that trail if you want to venture east or start your Railtrail adventure further afield in Greenwood or Grand Forks. (see options in Cycling the KVR).
Today, this sleepy little town basks in sunshine and the shelter of two ranges – the Kootenays and the Okanagan Mountains. Be sure to visit the Kettle River Museum while in Midway – built in 1900 it houses exhibits about the steam railway era and you can even climb aboard a Canadian Pacific Railway caboose!
Distances & Elevation
18.2 km >> Midway to Rock Creek
Midway 581 metres >> Rock Creek 603 metres
Accommodation:
Accommodation ranges here from campgrounds, provincial parks to motels.
Please note – prices given are the most recent available and may be subject to change – please contact the provider directly for confirmation of current rates and availability.
Stay where it all began! Mile 0 of the KVR in the newly restored Kettle River Museum Bunkhouse – private rental or hostel based pricing.
Motels:
Mile 0 Motel
Contact: Vicki (250) 449-2828
Location: 622 Palmerston Ave Midway, BC
www.milezeromotel.com
Campgrounds:
Frank Carpenter Riverfront Park
Hosts: Steve Stewart (250) 449-2467
Contact: (250) 449-2467
Email: stewartstemon@yahoo.com
Website: www.midwaycampsite.bc.ca
Sites/Rates: 11-19 sites $15-$18
So you are on your way! heading west from Midway lies Rock Creek. Once a thriving gold rush town of 5000 people, it is now a small settlement at the confluence of Rock Creek and the Kettle River. There are a number of ranches in the area and it is also home to some great festivals and fairs during the summer and early autumn months including the Sky High Blues Festival in late July and the Rock Creek Fall Fair.
It is a community of friendly folk, where people go out of their way to welcome you and help you out. For more information about the people, festivals, markets, events and must do’s – visit the Discover Rock Creek page.
Rock Creek is located at the junction of Hwy 3 which continues west to Osoyoos and Hwy 33 which heads north/northwest to Kelowna.
If you’ve come from Midway, Rock Creek may not be too far down the track, but you may like to take it easy on the first day finding your “bike legs” and enjoy an afternoon swim or “float” down the Kettle River. There is a good general store here – see the Food and Refreshment page.
Elevation & Distances
18 km >> Midway to Rock Creek 14.8 km >> to Westbridge
Elevation: Midway 581 metres Rock Creek 603 metres Westbridge 633 metres Beaverdell elevation 790 metres
Rock Creek to Midway -18.2 km
Rock Creek to Westbridge – 14.8 km
Accommodation
Accommodation in Rock Creek varies from campgrounds to a historic bunkhouse, B&B’s and a little further afield a working ranch.
Please note – prices given are the most recent available and may be subject to change – please contact the provider directly for confirmation of current rates and availability.
Campgrounds
Kettle River Recreation Area
Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/kettle_rv/
Sites/Rates: 87 sites available $21
Special Notes: please visit website for reservation information and up to date special notes
Old Country Ranch Historic Bunkhouse
Contact: 1-888-299-0592
Host: Johni De Groot
Email: johni@vip.net
Website: www.oldcowboyranch.com
Location: Hwy 33 Rock Creek
Westbridge lies near the fork of the West Kettle and Kettle Rivers, just south of the road bridge crossing the West Kettle River. This small community is mostly home to ranchers and although there was once a store here, it is no longer operating.
However, you can get supplies from nearby Rock Creek to the south, or just up the trail at The Old Cowboy Ranch. Westbridge trail access is on the south side of the bridge off a gravel road.
This area has become very popular for “tubing” and “floating” on those hot summer days! Most local services in Rock Creek carry float tubes you can purchase, or just watch for a good swimming hole and jump in!
Watch for Paul Lautard’s War Memorial heading north just 7 km from Westbridge. You will see the caboose on Blythe-Rhone road on your left – ring the bell and Paul will come say hello and regal you with stories of the trail.
Elevation & Distances
Elevation: Rock Creek 603 metres
Westbridge 633 metres
Beaverdell 790 metres
Westbridge to Rock Creek: 14.8 km
Westbridge to Beaverdell: 35 km
Accommodation
There is camping and guesthouse accommodation in the Westbridge area.
Old Cowboy Ranch & Guesthouse
Contact: 1-888-299-0592
Hosts: Johni De Groot
Email: johni@vip.net
Website: www.oldcowboyranch.com
Location: 3 km north of Westbridge
Special Notes: Watch for the sign on your right heading north/north west on the trail – easy creek crossing to the Ranch during summer or late summer months only – check when booking about access from the trail.
Little Dipper Hideaway Campground
Website: www.littledipperhideaway.com
Location: 10 km north of Westbridge
Sites/Rates: camping
Heading north on the trail from Westbridge lies the small community of Beaverdell. It is 35 kilometres from Westbridge and you can stock up on supplies here at the Beaverdell General Store (see Food & Refreshment page).
Beaverdell has a strong foothold in the history of this area with silver ore which was discovered on Wallace Mountain in 1897. The Highland Mine produced silver ore for over 90 years. Once home to Canada’s longest continuously operating hotel, The Beaverdell Hotel tragically burnt to the ground in the spring of 2011.
Today Beaverdell is home to just 350 people. It basks in hot and sunny temperatures during the summer months which average about 25 degrees Celsius.
Elevation & Distances
Elevation: Midway 581 metres Rock Creek 603 metres Westbridge 633 metres Beaverdell 790 metres
Beaverdell to Westbridge 35 km
Beaverdell to Idabel Lake: 53 km
Accommodation
Highland Cabins
Hosts: Ellis O’Brien
Contact: (250) 484-5505
Email: mrellisobrien@gmail.com
Website: Highland Cabins
Location: Hwy #33 Beaverdell
Red Rock Cabin
5842 Highway 33, Beaverdell, BC, Canada
A cozy, comfortable cabin with full amenities available for short term rental in Beaverdell, BC. Pet-friendly and non-smoking, the clean cabin has 1 bedroom and a sofa bed. There is a full kitchen and bathroom as well as bbq and fire-pit. Coffee and tea provided, meals can be arranged at an additional cost.
Just outside of Beaverdell you will need to head south on Hwy 33 for a bit to access – visit the Riverdell website for more info!
This highland lakes area is home to an abundance of wildlife including moose, black bear, deer, coyotes, otters, beavers and loons. Idabel and McCulloch (also known as Hyrdaulic) Lakes are just two of about 9 main lakes, many of which are popular for fishing.
There are cottage rentals and camping in this area, however some places do require a minimum 2 night stay, especially during the peak summer months of July & August.
Be sure you have all your own supplies before arriving at Idabel or McCulloch Lake.
Elevation & Distances
- Elevation: Midway 581 metres
- Rock Creek 603 metres
- Westbridge 633 metres
- Beaverdell 790 metres
- Idabel Lake 1225 metres
- Idabel Lake to Beaverdell: 53 km
- Idabel Lake to Myra Canyon/Kelowna turnoff: 18 km
Accommodation
McCulloch Hydraulic Forest Recreation Site
Website:
http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/search/search-result.aspx?site=REC1672&districtCode=RDOS&type=Site
Sites/Rates: 48 unserviced sites $12/site
Kelowna is the largest centre near the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. It has a small international airport (flights to Seattle, USA) with direct flights in Canada to Vancouver and Calgary and connecting flights across the country.
Hot and sunny, Kelowna averages 300.5 hours of bright sunshine in July with temperatures often exceeding 35 degrees Celsius – make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen!
High above Kelowna is the area of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail that is probably the most famous section of the entire trail and indeed ranks at the top of the TransCanada/Great Trail in British Columbia. This is Myra Canyon and a most amazing section of trestle bridges spanning the narrow, steep canyon that overlooks the magnificent Okanagan Lake. In 2003, many of these famous trestles burnt in a massive forest fire but have all since been rebuilt.
Elevation & Distances
- Elevation: Midway 581 metres
- Rock Creek 603 metres
- Westbridge 633 metres
- Beaverdell 790 metres
- Idabel Lake 1225 metres
- Myra Station 1258 metres
- Ruth Station 1244 metres
- Kelowna (at airport) 344 metres
- Idabel Lake to Myra Station: 18 km
- Myra Station to Chute Lake: 36.1 km
Accommodation
There are all different styles and ranges of accommodation within Kelowna from campgrounds to motels, B&B’s and hotels, and a few well located providers near the trail. It is however a very long, steep gravel/forestry road downhill to the city. If you choose to stop here, be prepared for a long upward climb to return to the trail. Or better still, request a shuttle or shuttle information from your accommodation provider.
Chute Lake is a small alpine lake high above Penticton on Okanagan mountain at about 4000 feet. It is accessible by road from Penticton and by 4 wheel drive road from Kelowna. From here the trail descends steadily and quickly into the vineyards and orchards of the Okanagan Valley.
Elevation & Distances
Elevation: Midway 581 metres Rock Creek 603 metres Westbridge 633 metres Beaverdell 790 metres Idabel Lake 1225 metres Myra Station 1258 metres Ruth Station 1244 metres Chute Lake 1236 metres
- Idabel Lake to Chute Lake: 58 km
- Myra Station to Chute Lake: 36.1 km
- Chute Lake to Penticton: 43.6 km
Accommodation
There is just one place available at Chute Lake, but the Resort has a number of different accommodation options. They have a few supplies on hand and a restaurant at the Lodge.
Chute Lake Resort
Contact: (250) 496-5262
Email
Location: on the KVR, 38 km from Penticton via Naramata/Chute Lake Rd.
Rustic Cabins & Camping available
Naramata is a lovely spot to visit either during your cycle tour or for a special treat at the end of your trip. It has a lovely beach with great swimming, a good cafe, lovely heritage hotel and plenty of charm. It’s origins go back to the early 1900’s when it was renowned as an area of arts and culture – paddleboat steamers would stop in with passengers wanting to attend events at Naramata.
The KVR arrived in 1914 to the hillside above the village, linking the community with the outside world by land. The Naramata Heritage Inn was built in the early 1900’s and there is also a museum open from 2-4 PM on weekends or by appointment. The area is abundant with boutique wineries and Naramata hosts a wonderful and predominantly organic market each Wednesday. Highly recommended!
Accommodation
There are plenty of B&B’s in and around Naramata, but don’t leave it too late as many places book up early in the season. Some require a 2 night minimum or longer stay in July and August, however with an abundance of incredible boutique wineries, sunshine and beaches you will wish you stayed longer!
For more information click here: Naramata
Elevation & Distances
- Elevation: Midway 581 metres
- Rock Creek 603 metres
- Westbridge 633 metres
- Beaverdell 790 metres
- Idabel Lake 1225 metres
- Myra Station 1258 metres
- Ruth Station 1244 metres
- Kelowna (at airport) 344 metres
- Naramata 1014 metres (on the KVR) – town is below the trail and accommodation distances vary
- Myra Station to Naramata: 63 km
- Chute Lake to Naramata: 23 km
- Naramata to Penticton: 16 km
The first European settlers came to Penticton in the mid-1800’s and by 1907, Penticton had grown to 600 residents. With the development of the Kettle Valley Railroad the population soon climbed to about 1500 by 1915 and by 1921 was up to 4000.
Today Penticton is acclaimed for its beautiful summers and many wineries. Settled between the Okanagan Lake to the north and Skaha Lake to the south, it is bordered by sandy beaches and great swimming areas. The Bench as it is known, is the west facing slope alongside the Okanagan Lake from Penticton to Naramata and home to many boutique wineries. It is here that the Kettle Valley Rail Trail descends from it’s heights in the highlands and passes through tunnels and down switchbacks to arrive literally at the back doors of a winery.
From here you can cycle through more vineyards and orchards right down into town which is bustling with sun seekers throughout the summer months.
It is here that the Kettle Valley Rail Trail descends from it’s heights in the highlands and passes through tunnels and down switchbacks to arrive literally at the back doors of a winery.
From here you can cycle through more vineyards and orchards right down into town which is bustling with sun seekers throughout the summer months.
Elevation & Distances
Elevation: Midway 581 metres Rock Creek 603 metres Westbridge 633 metres Beaverdell 790 metres Idabel Lake 1225 metres Myra Station 1258 metres Ruth Station 1244 metres Chute Lake 1236 metres Penticton 375 metres
Chute Lake to Penticton: 43.6 km
Accommodation
There is a wide variety of accommodation available in Penticton with something for everyone – from boutique vineyard stays to camping to hotels and B&B’s and motels.
Enjoy a the wonderful ambience of this B&B right by the trail and along the shores of the beautiful Okanagan Lake. One of our favorites!
Summerland….be sure to visit! an integral part of the KVR Trail, Summerland is located just north of Penticton on Hwy 97. The main line of the KVR leaves Penticton and heads west, while the spur route south goes towards Okanagan Falls, Oliver & Osoyoos.
If you are heading south, you may just want to add an extra day trip before you do to see some of the wonderful sights and experiences of Summerland. They include the Trout Creek trestle bridge, the Kettle Valley Steam Railway where the only remaining tracks are to be found and you can take a trip on the train! Andoff the rails…where you will find some fabulous boutique wineries, Summerland Sweets, the Vinegar Works and more.
Elevation & Distances
- Elevation: Midway 581 metres
- Rock Creek 603 metres
- Westbridge 633 metres
- Beaverdell 790 metres
- Idabel Lake 1225 metres
- Myra Station 1258 metres
- Ruth Station 1244 metres
- Kelowna (at airport) 344 metres
- Naramata 1014 metres (on the KVR) – town is below the trail and accommodation distances vary
- Penticton 351 metres
- Summerland 454 metres
- Penticton to Summerland: 15 km
Accommodation
There is a variety of accommodation available in Summerland from B&B’s to guest suites and hotels, motels and resort facilities. For more information please visit the Summerland Visitors Centre.
Oliver has a wonderful claim to fame as the “Wine Capital of Canada”. It is located south of Penticton and just north of Osoyoos, about 25 kilometres north of the USA/Canada border. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail comes in just behind the very helpful visitor’s centre – drop by and say hi to the staff – they are very informative and friendly!
Located in Canada’s only desert, Oliver has plenty of sunshine and hot summer days – it also provides some of the best rated wines in Canada and the world! Oliver hosts a wonderful Fall Festival of the Grape as well as a Fall Art Show.
Accommodation
Oliver, a popular destination with it’s award winning wineries and warm climate has a wide variety of accommodation from delightful campgrounds and motels to luxurious resort stays. If you are visiting in the peak months of July and August it may pay to reserve ahead of time.
Osoyoos – Canada’s warmest welcome is the motto – and with good reason. The Sonoran Desert reaches all the way from Mexico in the south to Osoyoos and the southern edge of Skaha Lake in the north. Average summer temperatures hover around 38 degrees Celsius and typical for a desert, cool down to about 16 degrees at night. Osoyoos is also home to Canada’s warmest freshwater lake and receives over 2000 hours of sunshine annually – combine that with less than 12 inches of rain and it is no wonder the area teems with swimmers and boats.
Vegetation is that of a desert where it hasn’t been irrigated – the sagebrush is home to scorpions and rattlesnakes as well, so if you are walking, watch your step or stay to designated pathways. It is also part of the Okanagan Valley wine industry with approximately 20 wineries between Okanagan Falls and Osoyoos.
Elevation & Distances
Elevation: Midway 581 metres Rock Creek 603 metres Westbridge 633 metres Beaverdell 790 metres Idabel Lake 1225 metres Myra Station 1258 metres Ruth Station 1244 metres Chute Lake 1236 metres Penticton 375 metres Osoyoos 278 metres
Penticton to Osoyoos: 58 km
Osoyoos to Rock Creek: 48 km
Osoyoos to Midway: 68 km
Accommodation
There is a good variety of accommodation in Osoyoos including camping, motels, B&B’s and a winery resort. Visit the Osoyoos Information Site to find your selection for budget and type and more information about the area. There are one or two good grocery stores in Osoyoos – visit the Food & Refreshment page for location.