Kettle Valley Rail Trail

Hiking, Cycling, and Adventure Travel on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in British Columbia Canada

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) in British Columbia is one of Canada’s most scenic and historic long-distance rail trails. Stretching approximately 600 km from Hope to Midway, BC this former railway corridor takes hikers, cyclists, equestrians, and adventure travellers through the heart of southern BC’s Coast Mountains, Okanagan Valley, and Boundary Country.

Built in the early 1900s, the Kettle Valley Railway was a feat of engineering designed to connect coastal ports with interior mining and agricultural regions. Today, its gentle grades, tunnels, and trestle bridges create a unique adventure corridor that blends natural beauty with historic charm, making it one of the Best Rail Trails in BC. Along the route, travellers pass through vineyard valleys, sagebrush grasslands, alpine forests, and dramatic river canyons, while small towns like Princeton, Summerland, Penticton, Osoyoos, and Greenwood provide convenient access to services, local cuisine, and accommodations.

Whether you’re hiking the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in summer, cycling its long-distance sections, or exploring the Trans Canada Trail BC network, the KVR offers a versatile and immersive experience that has earned it a place among Canada’s top multi-use rail trails.

Trail Amenities on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail

The KVR follows the former railway grade, keeping slopes gentle and manageable for cyclists and hikers alike. Trail surfaces range from crushed gravel and packed dirt to rougher stretches requiring mountain or gravel bikes.

Signage is present along most of the route, especially where the trail intersects with popular Trans Canada Trail BC segments, regional parks, and major communities. However, some remote sections may have minimal markings, so GPS tracks or offline maps are recommended for multi-day trips.

The trail features 18 tunnels and dozens of historic trestle bridges, many spanning scenic river valleys and canyons. In fact, one of the most popular sections is the Myra Canyon Trestles near Kelowna, BC. Rest areas, picnic spots, and washrooms are available near towns and popular trailheads, while wilderness sections require self-sufficiency. Camping options range from provincial parks to backcountry sites near the trail.

Wildlife and Nature Along the KVR

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail passes through diverse BC landscapes, from dry grasslands and ponderosa pine forests to riparian corridors and alpine meadows. This variety supports wildlife including mule deer, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and black bears, and a rich diversity of bird species such as western meadowlarks, osprey, and red-tailed hawks.

Spring brings colourful wildflowers like balsamroot, lupine, and desert parsley, while lakes and wetlands along the Okanagan section attract migratory waterfowl, making the trail a highlight for bird watching and wildlife photography.

Whether hiking or cycling, this trail offers a true opportunity to connect with nature in southern BC.

Route Description

As a converted railway corridor, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail BC maintains gentle grades across its length. Western sections near Hope and Princeton climb gradually through forested river valleys, while the Okanagan sections from Summerland to Osoyoos provide expansive views over vineyards, orchards, and lakes.

Trail surfaces vary from smooth, bike-friendly gravel to rougher, remote stretches with loose dirt or washboard gravel. Communities are generally spaced roughly every 20–35 km, allowing hikers and cyclists to plan stops for water, food, and accommodations. Weather can be hot in summer and cooler in shoulder seasons, and long exposed sections in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys require sun protection and sufficient hydration.

Part of the Trans Canada Trail Network

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a key segment of the Trans Canada Trail, linking BC’s southern interior with a national network stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Connections to other BC trails, including the Okanagan Rail Trail and Columbia & Western Rail Trail, allow for extended multi-day itineraries.

Adventurers can experience the KVR as part of a cross-Canada hiking or cycling journey, or explore it as a standalone BC rail trail adventure.

When to Go

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is most accessible from late spring to fall.

• Late spring (May–June): Wildflowers bloom, cooler temperatures, ideal for hiking or cycling.
• Summer (July–August): Long daylight hours, dry trail surfaces, heat can be intense in exposed sections.
• Fall (September–October): Cooler days, fewer visitors, and stunning autumn colours in vineyards, forests, and river valleys.
• Winter access is limited in higher-elevation sections due to snow, but lower Okanagan areas may remain passable for day trips.  Extreme caution is advised in areas with risk of avalanches.