Leisure Cycling in Penticton
With many bike friendly trails just a stones throw from the city, Penticton is a great place for two-wheeling adventures. Cruise pathways hugging lakeshores and river channels or ride the rolling roads that crest grassy bench lands bordered by lush orchards and vineyards.
Probably the most renowned location for leisure cycling in Penticton is along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail. This once comprehensive railroad system is now home to an extensive recreational trail network providing almost 650 km (400 miles) of connected pathways throughout the region.
We acknowledge that we ride, live, and work on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the syilx Okanagan people.
Here’s a couple of suggestions for lovely leisurely rides you can take from Penticton.
Ride to Little Tunnel – 17 km (one way)
Enter the trail at Vancouver Avenue and follow the bench lands overlooking Okanagan Lake towards the quaint village of Naramata. There are plenty of rest stops along the way including several local wineries, where you can experience a tasting or grab a bite of lunch. Make sure to bring your camera to capture some of the incredible views along the way and the breathtaking vista once you reach the tunnel.
VIEW MAP | KVR Trail to Little Tunnel Itinerary
Ride to Trout Creek Trestle Bridge in Summerland – 12 km (one way)
Starting at Riverside Park head up into West Bench and join the Kettle Valley Rail trail on West Bench Hill Road. Ride through wild sage a pine trees to the spectacular Trout Creek Bridge more than 70 metres above the canyon floor. Just on the other side of the bridge, you’ll find Summerland Sweets & Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery where you can buy delicious jams, syrups and fruit wine made from local orchard fruits.
VIEW MAP
Ride to Okanagan Falls – 13 km (one way)
Join the Kettle Valley Rail Trail at Wright’s Beach Campground and head south along the shore of Skaha Lake. You’ll pass through the village of Kaleden where there is a lovely quiet beach (a great spot to cool off on the hotter summer days). In Okanagan Falls, you have another good option to ride down to Vaseux Lake along the historic KVR Trail. Lots of good parking nearby with refreshments at locally renowned Tickleberry’s.
VIEW MAP | KVR Trail to Okanagan Falls Itinerary
View more routes in Penticton and along the KVR here.
Other Leisure Cycling Options
Biking is an activity that everyone can enjoy no matter your age or experience.
Other leisure cycling options include the BMX and Youth Park at Riverside Park, easy to enjoy whether you’re a biker, skater, scooter, or blader.
The KVR Pump Track is located right beside the KVR Trail, so you can stop by with the family as a fun stop while riding the KVR. The pump track is a cycling track with small, rolling hills and banked turns for riders to pump and maintain speed without pedalling, and is available to riders of all skill levels.
Another fun activity for the whole family or with a group of friends is renting a bicycle made for 2, 4, or 6 at Penticton Bike Rentals.