 Cycling near Midway
There are also more civilized trails through level countryside that branch off at multiple points to some of the region's famous wineries. Though you can cycle most of its trails year round, the region's best weather conditions occur between April and October.
A word or two on safety:
- Bicycle helmets are mandatory in BC
- Lights required at night
- Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers
- Obey posted signs and keep to designated trails
Kettle Valley Rail Trail (Spirit of 2010 Trail)
The 455-km (283-mi) Kettle Valley Rail Trail is the longest of five routes that make up an extensive corridor of multi-use, recreational trails called the Spirit of 2010 Trail.
The Kettle Valley section follows an abandoned railway line beginning near the city of Midway and ending close by the town of Brodie. Old rail trestles are the defining feature of the trail, which passes through provincial parks, recreation spots and protected areas. The variable terrain ranges from near-desert and ponderosa to pine, fir and spruce forest to sub-alpine meadow. Thrilling wildlife sightings are always a possibility as grizzlies, black bears, moose, mountain sheep, elk, deer and cougars are all indigenous to the area.
The jewel of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail is the historic Myra Canyon which contains 18 trestles and 2 tunnels. Although extensively damaged by forest fires in 2003, the damaged trestles in the Myra Canyon section have been completely rebuilt and the trail restored to its former glory.
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail begins at Midway, a 40-minute drive west from Grand Forks via Highway 3. There are access points along the trail in the towns of Tulameen, Coalmont, Princeton, Summerland, Penticton, Naramata, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls and Osoyoos.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Rated: easy to moderate
- Approximate time required: varies by route
> Spirit of 2010 website
International Bicycling & Hiking Trail
The 18.4-km (11.4-mi) International Bicycling & Hiking Trail gently and levelly meanders through the heart of the South Okanagan. It starts at McAlpine Bridge and extends south to Osoyoos Lake, hugging the Okanagan River all the way. In addition to the charm of the winding river, this route offers picturesque views of farmland as well as the only desert ecological reserve in Canada. Mountain ranges rise majestically in the distance.
There are many amenities along the trail, such as washrooms, picnic facilities and a visitor centre, as well as access points to several nearby wineries. Visit the Oliver Visitor Info Centre for in-depth information about the trail plus the plants and wildlife that surround it.
The International Bicycling & Hiking Trail starts at McAlpine Bridge, a 30-minute drive south from Penticton via Highway 97.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Rated: easy
- Approximate time required: varies by route
Mission Creek Greenway
Mission Creek Greenway is a gravel-surfaced, multi-use trail that can be accessed from various points along Lakeshore Road in downtown Kelowna. Following Mission Creek eastward to Gallagher’s Canyon, it offers a wonderful variety of scenery.
City neighbourhoods give way to farmers’ fields, which disappear as you enter a forest that eventually opens up onto the spectacular geological sights of Gallagher’s Canyon: hoodoos, Layer Cake Mountain and Pinnacle Rock. Another thing watch for is the historic, 1860s Pandosy Mission buildings. This route is very popular with locals and open to everyone, so expect to encounter many hikers, dog walkers, joggers and horseback riders.
Kelowna is a four-hour drive east from Vancouver via Highways 1, 5 and 97C. Mission Creek Greenway is open year round but the best weather for cycling occurs from May through October. Shiny, red Kokanee spawn in Mission Creek in autumn.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Rated: easy
- Approximate time required: 1-2 hours
>Show all Cycling listings
|