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 rail trail that has been converted into a recreational trail network, and is also part of the Trans Canada Trail. The section of the trail between Penticton and Naramata is arguably the most developed of the entire KVR. The KVR Trail is a family friendly trail that is very well maintained and ideal for riders and walkers of any ability.

Easily accessible from downtown Penticton, the KVR trail works its way out of the city to the north 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 ride as you head towards the village of Naramata or the iconic Little Tunnel lookout, with just a 2.2% grade heading north, and plenty of winery and lookout stops along the way. The trail from Penticton to Little Tunnel is about 17 km one way (about 2.5 hours round-trip by bike), and is a very popular activity for both locals and visitors, and is made more accessible (and quicker) when you rent an e-bike for the ride. From Little Tunnel, the trail continues to Chute Lake and then continues all the way north to Kelowna’s Myra Canyon. The portion from Little Tunnel to Ruth Station in open to motorized traffic.

Working its way north out of the city on the opposite side of Okanagan Lake from the Naramata Bench, the KVR Trail passes through the Penticton Indian Band as it continues onto Summerland. 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 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 bikes, and to use caution when riding.

There is also a south spur section you can take from Penticton down to Okanagan Falls and beyond, starting at Wright’s Beach Camp, continuing for 20 km right alongside Skaha Lake and across the Trestle Bridge into Okanagan Falls. This trail is about 3 hours round-trip by bike, but can be extended with some winery stops in Okanagan Falls or a beach stop in Kaleden. To continue south on the KVR Trail, you will ride along the highway until you reach Tucelnuit Drive in Oliver, at which point the paved KVR Trail will take you into downtown Oliver.

Enjoy the KVR Trail year-round whether walking, cycling, hiking, horsebackriding or fatbiking, the panoramic views of the valley, lake and mountains are beautiful every season. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is non-motorized and only changes to multi-use in the sections from Little Tunnel in Naramata to Ruth Station in Kelowna, from Faulder (just past Summerland) to Princeton, and also past the Okanagan Falls Trestle Bridge as a portion of the trail heading south towards Oliver is along the roadway. Use caution when riding on these motorized sections and always be aware of weather conditions that may affect parts of the trail.