Cycle Kelowna on the Okanagan Rail Trail
The Okanagan has developed a reputation for rowdy downhill mountain biking and renowned rail-trail rides. This fall, the region adds another item to your bicycling bucket list.
The 50km Okanagan Rail Trail runs from the center of Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan, north to Kalamalka Lake near Vernon. The trail repurposes the old Kelowna branch of the Canadian Northern Railway, which once connected that community and its produce to the transit hub of Kamloops to the north. Quiet for over fifty years, today the old CN Line connects communities up and down the Okanagan Valley as it passes along city parks and hidden shoreline beaches on a scenic non-motorized trail.
(Read more about the Okanagan’s newest rail-trail here!)
From the bustling Waterfront Park in downtown Kelowna, the route heads along leaf-lined avenues before leaving the urban and commercial districts behind for wineries and waterfront pedaling through Okanagan’s Lake Country and its half dozen sun-drenched lakes.
Although the route proceeds at a steam-engine-friendly maximum grade of 1.3%, cyclists should take advantage of the plentiful opportunities to stop on this nearly level lakeside ride, from winery tasting rooms to roadside fruit markets. After all, the railroads allowed this region to flourish; the rail trail allows visitors to take advantage of Kelowna’s claims to fame.
Interested in checking out the Okanagan Rail Trail? Get the full story over at Zenseekers!
If You Go
Check out the Tourism Kelowna website to start exploring the area.
Need help with your itinerary? Learn more here.
Uncover more about the Okanagan’s offers for adventure. Check out ZenSeekers #OkanaganExploring Expedition page to see how you can have an adventure like this.
