The Okanagan Rail Trail offers a one-of-a-kind experience, blending outdoor activity with breathtaking surroundings. Stretching 50 kilometres from Kalamalka Lake to downtown Kelowna, this trail is perfect for walking, biking, or jogging. With its gentle 1.3% grade, the path is easy to navigate for all ages and fitness levels. The journey takes you through a variety of landscapes, including lakefront views, creeks, and protected habitats, offering endless opportunities to experience the region’s natural beauty. Most sections of the trail are surfaced with compact aggregate or paved, making it accessible for various types of wheels. However, a 7-km stretch near the Kelowna airport remains undeveloped, giving adventurers a mix of terrain to explore.
Nature Excursion
The Okanagan Rail Trail is more than just a path; it’s an invitation to connect with nature. Whether you are walking or cycling, the trail’s flat surface makes it accessible to everyone. Kalamalka Lake, often referred to as the crown jewel of the trail, is a highlight of the route, with its unique turquoise hues caused by limestone deposits from ancient glaciers. The lake is not only visually stunning but also an essential resource for the local community, providing drinking water and recreational opportunities. Riders and walkers can stop along the shore to take in the beauty or even dip their toes in the cool waters on a hot summer day.
As you make your way along the trail, keep an eye out for local wildlife. The area is home to a variety of species, and it’s common to spot raptors soaring overhead or hear the rustling of small mammals in the underbrush. During the spring and summer, wildflowers bloom along the trail, adding bursts of colour to your journey. The creeks and wetlands you pass through are also teeming with life, offering a glimpse into the ecosystems that thrive in the Okanagan. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of fish spawning in the shallows or see turtles sunning themselves on logs in the wetland areas.
One of the perks of the trail is its flexibility. You can ride the entire 50 km, or break it up into smaller sections depending on how much time you have. There are plenty of spots along the way to stop for a picnic, take photos, or even swim in the lake. The trail's gentle grade and accessible surface make it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels and abilities, making it a great option for families or groups with varying levels of experience.
Kekuli Bay Provincial Park
Kekuli Bay Provincial Park is a prime spot to take a break along the trail. Situated right on Kalamalka Lake, this park offers a peaceful retreat from your walk or ride. The park features camping sites, a pebble beach, and plenty of opportunities for nature viewing. It’s a great place to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty of the area before continuing on your journey. Kekuli Bay provides a perfect spot for a picnic or a refreshing swim and is also a fantastic spot for those wanting to extend their stay, offering both RV and tent camping options with easy access to the trail.
As you travel south from Kekuli Bay, the trail continues to wind along the shoreline of Kalamalka Lake. Here, the views shift from the deep blue waters of the lake to the rugged cliffs that rise on the opposite side. These cliffs, with their striking orange and rust tones, provide a dramatic contrast to the calm waters of the lake. As you ride or walk past, you can’t help but admire the unique geology of the area, shaped by thousands of years of natural forces.
Educational Stops Along the Trail
The Okanagan Rail Trail also offers educational opportunities through several interpretive stops along the route. Funded by the Edna, Stella, and Harry Weatherill Foundation, three key stops provide insights into the region’s natural and cultural history. At Km 0, near the northern end of the trail, there is an educational installation focused on the Syilx First Peoples, who have a deep and lasting connection to the land. Here, visitors can learn about the Syilx's relationship with the land and water, as well as the challenges of restoring native plant life in the area. This stop provides an important historical and cultural context, giving visitors a deeper appreciation of the trail and the region.
Further along, at Ribbleworth Falls (Km 33), visitors can learn about the kokanee salmon, a vital species in the local ecosystem. The interpretive signage explains the life cycle of the kokanee and their importance to both the environment and the community. This stop offers an excellent opportunity for nature lovers to pause and reflect on the delicate balance of life in the Okanagan. At Carney Pond (Km 40), another interpretive stop gives visitors a rare glimpse into an urban wetland. This area is perfect for bird watchers and is known for its turtle population. These educational stops add an extra layer of interest to the trail, making it not just a physical journey but a learning experience as well.
Connections to the Past
The Okanagan Rail Trail follows the historic route of the CN Rail line, originally built in 1925 to transport goods through the Okanagan Valley. The railway played a crucial role in the economic development of the region, connecting communities and helping to move agricultural products to market. After the line was decommissioned in 2013, a community-driven effort transformed the old rail corridor into the recreational trail we see today. This conversion has preserved the historical significance of the area while giving residents and visitors a new way to enjoy it.
Vernon is directly connected to the trail via a path from the city centre, through Polson Park, and along Kalamalka Lake Road. This access point makes it easy to hop on the trail and enjoy a day of exploring. The rail trail’s history is ever-present, with remnants of the old railway visible along certain sections, offering a unique glimpse into the past as you move through the landscape.
Accessing The Trail
The Okanagan Rail Trail is easily accessible from several points along its length. The main parking lot on Westkal Road, Kekuli Bay Provincial Park, and parking spots along Kalamalka Lake Road provide convenient access to the trail. For those looking to rent bikes, Kalavida Surf Shop at the north end of Kalamalka Lake offers both e-bikes and pedal bikes, making it easy to hit the trail even if you don’t have your own gear. Whether you're walking, jogging, or cycling, the rail trail offers an adventure suited to all ages and fitness levels.
The trail’s proximity to local amenities means you can plan your trip around a variety of activities. Whether you're seeking a short walk with the family, a full-day cycling adventure, or a peaceful spot to enjoy nature, the Okanagan Rail Trail delivers. With its scenic beauty, rich history, and educational stops, it’s more than just a trail—it’s a journey through the Okanagan.
