B.C.: Okanagan Valley & Kettle Valley Railway
Eight days. Cycling, with opportunities for hiking and inner tubing. Most of the cycling follows Kettle Valley Rail Trail past dozens of excellent vineyards and wineries, and across 18 trestles.
There is a new “gold rush” in the Okanagan Valley. World-class wines now complement its fame for fruit production, and it has become a wonderful place for an active holiday. Extraordinary mountain scenery is the backdrop for rides on the most spectacular stretches of the Kettle Valley Railway biking trail, the most compelling of these being perhaps the section through the incredible Myra Canyon. A forest fire burned most of its 18 wooden trestles several years ago, but a groundswell of support energized their reconstruction, and we now want you to join us to ride the fabulous trail through tunnels and over canyons, as part of a full week indulgence in a valley full of evocatively named towns like Peachland and Summerland. This is really a collection of wonderful experiences: Riding the real Kettle Valley steam train; having picnics in vineyard courtyards, and cycling on trails gently downhill through tunnels, across trestles, and past wineries each eager to show you their wares. Your support vehicle hovers nearby in case your sampling takes precedence over riding. The landscape changes dramatically even during a short bike ride. Orchards and vineyards often give way to dry, sagebrush-covered hills; dense forest can lead to the edge of deep, sun-bleached canyons, and wildlife sightings are common. Best of all, the culinary focus on this trip makes it a particularly luxurious and enchanting escape. Bring your sense of exploration, and discover what’s been happening in the Wild West!
The Plan:
Day 1: Introductions and warm-up ride
Meet at Kelowna airport at 11:00. Introductions and bicycle warm-up on the Mission Creek Greenway, east of Kelowna toward Gallagher’s Canyon. This is a 1 to 2 hour gentle ride, perfect for unwinding after your travel and getting accustomed to the pace of the days ahead. Afterward, transfer to your spectacular lakeshore inn. Dinner tonight is particularly fabulous. LD (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
La Punta Norte, Summerland, www.lapuntanorte.com; or
Manteo Resort, Kelowna, www.manteo.com
Day 2: 22 or 44km (14 or 28 mi) Kettle Valley Steam Train and inner-tube float
Morning transfer or bike ride to Prairie Valley Station, to take a 90 minute journey back through time aboard the Kettle Valley Steam Train. Afterward, cycle downhill on the railway bed into Penticton for an afternoon inner tube float on the Skaha River. BLD
Same lodging
Day 3: 46 or 68km (29 or 43 mi) Skaha Meadows to the vineyards of Oliver.
Begin at Skaha Meadows golf course, just south of Penticton, to ride a combination of the Kettle Valley Railway and Green Lake Road. The lake views are gorgeous, and the swimming opportunities help keep you cool. Ride through the hills past glacial lakes on Green Lake Road, and descend to Oliver where your fabulous hotel awaits you amid the wine region south of Oliver. Enjoy an afternoon stroll through the vineyards or bike with ease to other wineries in the area. BD
Burrowing Owl Winery, Oliver, www.bovwine.ca; or
Hester Creek Winery, Oliver, www.hestercreek.com
Day 4: International Bike-Hike Trail 18km (11 mi) and/or Golden Mile hiking trail 10km (6 mi) and many wineries.
Ride the partially paved trail past 12 wineries along the winding Okanagan River, with picturesque views of vineyards and farmland as well as the only desert ecological reserve in Canada. The Golden Mile Hiking Trail provides extra distance for those not tempted to linger at the wineries. It winds along the western foothills of the valley, providing close encounters with fruit orchards and vineyards and outstanding vistas of Oliver and the surrounding mountain valley. You can also visit the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, a fascinating look at the regional diversity, including native history and current artistic wealth. B
Same lodging
Day 5: 31km (20 mi) and optional independent hike.
Ride along the east coast of Skaha Lake as far as Penticton, then on the KVR to your inn in Naramata (20km). This portion of the KVR crosses the Naramata Bench, a narrow corridor of award-winning vineyards between the eastern cliffs of Lake Okanagan and the Okanagan Highland. Optional afternoon hike in the Okanagan Provincial Park. BLD
Naramata Heritage Inn, Naramata, www.naramatainn.com; or
Appledor Inn, Naramata, www.appledor.ca
Day 6: Chute Lake to Naramata 45km (27 mi) Optional activities include more hiking in Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, kayaking on Lake Okanagan, and horseback riding.
Ride downhill from Chute Lake to Naramata, to enjoy the switchbacks, tunnels, and remarkable lake vistas from the rail trail. If you choose to, the spectacular hiking on the rustic trails of Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park will take you into Wild Horse Canyon. This is rattlesnake country; we recommend you bring good hiking boots. BL
Same lodging
Day 7: Ride in Myra Canyon 47 or 74km (29 or 46 mi)
Ride from Chute Lake through the famous Myra Canyon, with its 18 trestles and two tunnels. The surface is unpaved, the setting is remote, vehicle support is limited and there will be ample time to enjoy the experience – and a picnic lunch – before whizzing downhill to finish your ride along the Mission Creek Greenway to your hotel on the water in Kelowna. BLD
Manteo Resort, Kelowna, www.manteo.com
Day 8: Farewell!
Following breakfast, transfers to Kelowna airport can be arranged for you. B.
The Details:
| Start: | Kelowna Airport, 11:00 or your hotel in Kelowna, 12:00 on day one. |
| Finish: | Kelowna following breakfast on day eight. |
| Guided Cost: | $3595 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 5 dinners, KVR train ride, full-time guide, vehicle support, luggage handling, maps and route notes) |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $3395 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, essential transfers, luggage transfers, emergency support, maps and route notes) |
| Single Occupancy: | $965 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Mountain bike with smooth tires: $195 |
| 2010 & 2011 Guided Dates: | Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departure, updates or to add a new departure. |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are mid-June to mid-September. |
| Similar Trips: | Quebec: Bas Saint Laurent or PEI: Confederation Trail |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice. 12% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadians.
