The Trans Canada Trail from Kelowna to Penticton follows the old Kettle Valley Railway. The trestles are now rebuilt after a big fire in 2003. The first 15 km are mostly in Myra Canyon, famous for the trestle bridges that span the canyon. After 35 km, you reach Chute Lake Lodge. There is road access here if you need it. Chute Lake is very picturesque. From here to Penticton is a gentle downhill grade, so your sore butt and legs should be ok for the final 45 km. The trail switches back twice just before Naramata. From Naramata to Penticton it is not as isolated as around Myra and Chute Lake, and the trail finishes on the waterfront in Penticton. Do the trail from Kelowna to Penticton to take advantage of the gentle downhill.
Take Pandosy south off Highway 96 (Harvey) in Kelowna and turn left on to KLO. Turn right on McCulloch Road past June Springs Road, down a sketchy narrow canyon and look for a sign pointing right yp a gravel road. Turn right and follow the gravel road as it switches back a few times and crosses a few cattle guards. At the top, turn right and you will see the old Myra Station location. There are washrooms here. Park here (or get dropped off for Penticton pick-up) and let er rip.
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ByPosted By: Telebelt Driver
- Wed Sep 12 12:42:51 EDT 2012
UpsideA very good day on the trail
DownsideSand on a lot of the trail. Vehicles using the trail from Chute Lake to Naramata. This time of year the area is used by hunters. Wear bright colours.
CommentI did this ride on Sept. 11,2011. I did not know where I could park in Pemticton. A freind had come with me and we ended up parking at Lakeveiw Resort for a fee, I had security patrolled parking. it was a good thing that I went up to the Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park the day before. The taxi driver I had booked at 6:00am, did not know where to go and the Myra Station parking lot was not on his GPS. The route was KLO Road to McCulloch Road. The turn-off to Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park is well marked. The last eight kilometers is narrow and bumpy. the psrking lot is off to the right and that is where the trip begins. The early morning had seen some snow on the tops of the trees. The tressels had ice and snow on the decks. they were still passable. the ride around the canyon was nice and pleasant. There were lots of plaques and things to read about the history and restoration of the tressels, from the 2003 fire. once leaving the park the trail shares logging road. After crossing a forest service road, the ride goes through the fire area. The veiw of the valley is spectacular. Then the trail goes in behind Okanagan Mountain toward Chute Lake. It was on this strech where I passed a hunter on a quad. The ride to Chute Lake was sunny and pleasant. After ariving I had discovered the Lodge was open,so I had lunch there. The hamburger had a homemade flavour and the ruhbarb pie was delicious. After a browse through the museum. I was on my way. The ride to the rock ovens is all downhill. The trail was sandy, bumpy and large rocks in the road. This is also the stretch where I encountered vehicle. The rail bed is narrow with only enough room for single lane traffic. Fortunately I was in a positin to be clear of vehicles when they were passing. By now I was sore in the knees and saddle sore. My handle bars were two low thus putting to much pressure on my arms and wrists. The ride downhill was steady and rewarded by a view of Summerland BC. The last leg of the trip from Naramata to Penticton is through the vineyards and agriculture area. The timeline is all day. I was going at old man tourist pace. Left Myra Station parking lot at 7:00am. Arrived at Chute Lake Lodge shortly after noon. Left the lodge at 1:00pm and arrived at Lakeside Resort shortly after 5:00pm. For someone who doesn't ride a lot, this was a good ride and a day out. Had I gone the other way I would have found the uphill from Penticton too long. Taking this ride from Myra Canyon is a ride for people of novice ability. You must be able to rife a rough trail.
ByPosted By: wji
- Tue Jun 22 11:31:32 EDT 2010
UpsideGood report
DownsideHarvey Road is Hwy-97
CommentCycling the KVR is not a race. The longer it takes, the more one will enjoy it.
ByPosted By: rexvirtue
- Mon Jun 21 12:30:39 EDT 2010
Not Rated
Commentshould take around 6ish hours. its just over 80 km. once you pass okanagan mountain, its pretty much downhill through naramata and into penticton. the slowest part is the sand near chute lake.
ByPosted By: Lynn Nelson
- Sat Jun 19 13:13:44 EDT 2010
Not Rated
QuestionHow long does it take (usually) to bike from Kelowna to Penticton on the Kettle Valley railway? The riders are fit and experienced and won't be stopping long at Chute Lake.ANSWERS are in this forum: Kelowna to Penticton on Kettle Valley
Posted By: Telebelt Driver
Posted By: wji
Posted By: Lynn Nelson
