Rail Trails

Biking the KVR Trail near Rock Creek

The Trans Canada Trail

The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail and Columbia & Western Rail (CWR) Trail join in Midway to form a 240 km (149 mi) section of the Trans Canada Trail, which connects communities throughout Canada to form the world’s longest recreational trail. This immersive experience is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. From rugged mountain passes to tranquil river valleys, the KVR and CWR trails sweep across a vast and ever-changing landscape. Tranquil river shores blend with grassland habitat, ranchlands, mountains, and communities. Diverse natural beauty invigorates your senses as you hike or bike along the trails.

Follow the rail trails to the rural communities of Boundary Country, where you can explore farm flavours, folklore, and local pastimes combined with Indigenous culture, railway history, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Take a day trip or spend the night camping under the stars. There are accommodations in communities and campgrounds along the way.

Trail Overview

The KVR and CWR trails offer a myriad of experiences for explorers of all ages and abilities. As former railways, steep inclines are virtually non-existent, but the trail surface is difficult. East of Myra Canyon near Kelowna, it’s relatively flat for 15 km until you cross the FS 201 Road, then it’s all downhill into Boundary Country. The rail trail “feels” remote until you arrive in the Carmi/Beaverdell area because of its low grade engineering. Between Beaverdell and Westbridge, the trail follows the West Kettle River. Near Westbridge, the West Kettle joins the Kettle River. Follow the flow to Mile 0 of the Kettle Valley Railway in Midway, where the KVR ends and the CWR begins. The trail continues on, climbing gradually to Greenwood. Continue through Grand Forks on the Kettle River Heritage Trail, with a 5 km (3 mi) paved section followed by a well-maintained section suitable for thin tires, to Cascade near Christina Lake. The remaining section follows the Kettle River east to Christina Lake. From Fife onto Castlegar, expect more of a road-like atmosphere.

Be Prepared

Prepare yourself for a long ride in a remote region with limited cell phone service in some areas. Trail conditions vary, with washboard sections and deep sand. Sturdy bikes, mountain bike tires, and gloves are recommended. Helmets are mandatory in BC. Visit the nearest Visitor Centre for up to date trail information and pick up the Boundary Country Trail Map.

Rail Trail Cycling Routes

Here is a list of distances between communities on the Trans Canada Trail in Boundary Country:

Multi-Day Journeys – One Way

• Myra Canyon/Kelowna to Christina Lake - 202 km (126 mi)

Day Trips – One Way

• Beaverdell to Midway - 70 km (43 mi) • Midway to Christina Lake - 77 km (48 mi) • Midway to Grand Forks - 49 km (30 mi) • Greenwood to Grand Forks - 39 km (24 mi)

Half Day – One Way

• Grand Forks to Christina Lake - 17 km (10 mi) • Midway to Greenwood - 15 km (9 mi)

Half Day – Round Trips

• Christina Lake - Fife to Cascade - 9 km (6 mi) • Kettle River Recreation Area to Westbridge - 17 km (10 mi) • Kettle River Recreation Area to Rock Creek - 16 km (10 mi)