Rail Trails

The Great 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 Great Trail (formerly 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, folklores, and local pastimes combined with Indigenous culture, railway history, and breath-taking 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 so the level of difficulty varies by the length of your journey. The Great Trail in Boundary Country is on the KVR Trail east of Myra Canyon near Kelowna. Follow the KVR to Hydraulic Lake and McCulloch Reservoir, cross the FS 201 Road, then downhill into Boundary Country. Following the West Kettle River through Carmi and Beaverdell. 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 wellmaintained section suitable for thin tires, to Cascade near Christina Lake. The remaining section follows the Kettle River east to Christina Lake, and on to Castlegar.

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.

Mile 0 of the Kettle Valley Railway

Biking the KVR Trail near Rock Creek

Rail Trail Cycling Routes

Here is a list of distances between communities on The Great 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)