Kettle Valley Railroad (KVR)

Photo credit: bikepenticton.com

The KVR is a retired railway that gracefully winds its way through the valley. Ideal for recreational cycling it’s a great family affair, romantic outing and one of the best ways to vagabond the valley. Over six hundred kilometres in length, a good portion of this cycling nirvana weaves its way along the east side of Okanagan Lake through Naramata Bench. We begin our ride just before the King Family Vineyard, located slightly ahead of Randolph Creek trestle, which reminds us that the Trail Store offering cool bevies and ice cream is just around the next bend. This is an important stop if you didn’t fill your backpack before leaving basecamp.

Photo credit: bikepenticton.com

After briefly breaking, we continue our trek up the trails as we meander through the always-scenic Bench wineries. A good place to refresh is Hillside Winery which caters to tasters of the self-propelled type, posting tantalizing daily menus alongside the trail. Grab a bite and a sip then continue on your cycle. After about an hour or more of easy incline, you’ll enjoy the cooling effects of a dark, breezy tunnel that beckons you to linger and refresh before deciding whether to continue onwards towards Kelowna or coast downhill back to Penticton.

Valley Vagabonds Inside Tip

We always take the downhill cycle back to Penticton but know that the continued ride is a coveted experience for more experienced – notice the key word is experienced – cyclists.