KVR EXPLORING

The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail is one of the most iconic attractions in Penticton. Stretching 660 km across BC from Hope to Castlegar, the KVR is a decommissioned railway which has been converted into a recreational trail network, and is part of the Trans Canada Trail. The section of the trail between Penticton and Naramata is arguably the most scenic of the entire KVR.

Easily accessible from Downtown Penticton, the KVR Trail works its way out of the city to the northeast, through some residential neighbourhoods before opening up and following along the eastern ridge line of the Naramata Bench. From there you are surrounded by vineyards and orchards for the rest of the way as you head towards the village of Naramata or the iconic Little Tunnel lookout (17 km from Downtown Penticton, approximately 2.5 hour return trip on a bike), with just a 2.2% grade heading north, and plenty of wineries and lookout stops along the way. The KVR trail is a family friendly trail that’s very well maintained and ideal for riders and walkers of any ability. The portion from Little Tunnel to Ruth Station in Kelowna is open to motorized traffic, so use caution on this section.

On the northwest side of the city, on the opposite side of Okanagan Lake from the Naramata Bench, the KVR Trail continues. The best access point for this section of the KVR Trail is by driving to the Trout Creek area of Summerland and parking at Fenwick Road, where you can make your way onto the trail heading north towards the Prairie Valley KVR Station and continuing on towards Princeton. This section of the KVR starting at Faulder is open to motorized vehicles, so we recommend gravel or mountain bike specific tires and to use caution when riding.

South of Penticton is the south spur section of the KVR that takes you from Penticton to Okanagan Falls along Skaha Lake. Starting at Wright’s Beach Camp, the trail continues for 20 km following the shoreline of Skaha Lake, through the village of Kaleden then across the Trestle Bridge into Okanagan Falls (approximately a 3 hour return trip by bike).

Enjoy the KVR Trail all year long whether walking, cycling, hiking, horseback riding or fatbiking. The panoramic views of the valley, lake and mountains are beautiful every season.

Explore more Penticton and area hiking and walking trails here

BE PREPARED!! Make sure you bring lots of water, sunscreen and let others know where you are going ahead of time before setting out.

Penticton Channel

LENGTH: 7 KM LAKE-TO-LAKE ONE WAY

DIFFICULTY: EASY, PACKED GRAVEL

Walk from the Penticton Rose Garden on Riverside Drive over the bridge and follow the path next to the Penticton Channel from Okanagan Lake all the way down to Skaha Lake. Note: this path is not shaded and can be very hot during the summer months.

Mcculloch Trestle Along

THE KETTLE VALLEY RAIL TRAIL

LENGTH: 5 KM ROUND TRIP

DIFFICULTY: EASY TO MODERATE, PAVED PATH AND PACKED GRAVEL

Access the KVR Trail via Vancouver Place. Walk, run, bike or horseback ride along this historic trail enjoying spectacular vistas of Okanagan Lake, past working vineyards to reach the McCulloch Trestle.

Hiking

Penticton Creek Walk

LENGTH: 4.5 KM ONE WAY

DIFFICULTY: EASY, PAVED PATH AND SIDEWALK

Walk from Ikeda Gardens at the Penticton Art Gallery, next to Okanagan Lake, along the creek, up to the Penticton Water Treatment Plant, next to the Penticton reservoir. Great for joggers, dog walkers, strollers/children and all ages.

CARMI/ELLIS CREEK, CANYON VIEW TRAIL

LENGTH: 2 KM LOOP

DIFFICULTY: EASY, UNPAVED

Start at the Garnet Fire Interpretive Site parking lot, just off Beaverdell Road from Carmi Road, and just before the cattle guard. Enjoy scenic viewpoints overlooking Penticton and the Ellis Creek canyon. Hikers should avoid the steep downhill mountain biking trails that crisscross the established hiking trails.

SOUTH SPUR KVR TRAIL, PENTICTON TO OKANAGAN FALLS

LENGTH: 14 KM ONE WAY

DIFFICULTY: EASY, GROOMED GRAVEL / DOUBLE TRACK / PAVED ROADWAY

Northern trailhead is at the south end of Wright’s Beach Camp. This section of the KVR Trail is quite flat, well maintained, offering scenic views of Skaha Lake; passing through campgrounds and the community of Kaleden before crossing a restored railway trestle bridge into Okanagan Falls.