What makes Predator Ridge Resort a standout cycling area in the Okanagan, and how can riders pair a day on the bike with stops along the Scenic Sip Wine Trail? From premium bike rentals to panoramic routes and access to local wineries, this is about putting together a cycling experience that mixes movement, location, and reward.
Cycling Routes from Predator Ridge
Predator Ridge sits at a junction where rural roads, rolling climbs, and lake views meet. Riders leaving the resort can head in several directions—north toward Vernon, south toward Lake Country, or take a series of interior loops across Commonage Road. Each route offers elevation, long stretches of uninterrupted riding, and low vehicle traffic. The area supports intermediate cycling with a balance of challenge and steady climbs.
Commonage Road is a well-used starting point. Its rolling profile attracts cyclists training for long-distance rides and those looking to take in the landscape without rushing. Predator Ridge is a regular host location for organized cycling events, including the Intrepid Stage Races. The feedback from these events highlights the area’s strength: multiple loop options, safe shoulders, consistent terrain variation, and access to rest and food stops when needed.
Access to Wineries by Bike
The route south from Predator Ridge to Lake Country runs approximately 20 kilometres one way. It follows Commonage Road, which brings riders through open land with lake views, steady elevation changes, and turns that link them directly to the Scenic Sip Wine Trail. The full round trip adds up to about 40 kilometres, with optional stops at eight wineries that sit within riding distance of each other once in Lake Country.
This area is known for its wine-producing conditions—sunlight, slope, and cooling lake breezes. These natural elements also make for steady, scenic riding. The wineries have adapted to support cycling visitors, offering bike racks, shaded rest spots, and flexible tasting schedules. For cyclists who are less comfortable with steeper climbs, pedal-assist e-bikes available at Predator Ridge make this route more accessible.
Wineries Along the Scenic Sip Route
Each winery along the Scenic Sip Trail brings something distinct. Riders starting at 50th Parallel Estate are met with open views and wine produced on rare granite-rich soils. Try the Pinot Noir Rosé and flagship Pinot Noir, which are very popular. This stop sets the tone for quality and scale across the rest of the trail.
Gray Monk Winery follows. It’s one of the most recognized names in BC wine, and it was originally planted as the first Pinot Gris vine in the country. The Odyssey Meritage and sparkling wine options reflect the winery’s approach to blending old techniques with consistent production. Visitors can pause for a meal at the Lookout Restaurant, with food service available throughout the day.
Ex Nihilo Vineyards is next. It sits on a steep site with a gallery featuring local art. This stop blends wine with visual culture, making it a quieter moment in the ride. Riders here can sample Pinot Gris and spend time in a more contained space before moving on.
Arrowleaf Cellars offers wines produced by a Swiss-trained winemaker who returned to BC to refine terroir-driven blends. The Zweigelt and Bacchus are often the focus here. The tasting area opens onto lawn space, making this a common picnic stop.
Blind Tiger Vineyards adds a change in pace. It’s the only fully organic winery along the route, and its prohibition-themed concept ties into the name. Their Speakeasy Red and Gewürztraminer offer contrast to the more traditional selections seen earlier in the route.
Ancient Hill Estate Winery is further down toward the Kelowna Airport. The winery is compact and European in approach. The Baco Noir is recommended by staff, and tastings often run in smaller, quieter groups.
Intrigue Wines is a small producer started by a former Gray Monk winemaker. Their focus on Rieslings gives visitors a different look at how one grape can be shaped across multiple bottles. A picnic area and gift shop help support longer stops.
Peak Cellars closes out the loop. It stands out visually with estate-grown grapes and a tasting room built in a circular design. Their Pinot Noir and Grüner Veltliner are regular features. The winery also operates a full bistro, offering meals that stretch out the stop into a rest point before returning to Predator Ridge.
Bike Rentals and On-Site Amenities
Predator Ridge supports riders through a dedicated Bike Shop located outside the Commons Racquet Clubhouse. Their rental fleet includes premium e-bikes and traditional models from Specialized® and Trek. Riders can choose from mountain bikes, cruisers, and bikes for kids. There is also a tow-behind trailer available for families.
Rentals are day-use only, but special requests for longer use can be made. Most bikes are suited for use on nearby trails, including the Okanagan Rail Trail and routes inside local parks. Depending on skill level and interest, staff can provide directions, gear, and advice.
Facilities support both casual and experienced cyclists. Trails around Predator Ridge can range from light gravel routes to more technical climbs. These connect with public access paths, giving riders direct entry into larger Okanagan trail systems without having to drive to a staging point.
Why Lake Country Wines Stand Out
Lake Country’s wine region is shaped by geography. It is the northernmost sub-GI in the Okanagan and includes over 6,100 acres of west-facing slopes. About 250 of those acres are planted with vines. The land catches long hours of sunlight during the growing season, while cool nights slow grape development. This leads to wines with high acidity and structure—traits that define much of what BC wine has become known for.
The microclimates allow for wide grape variety use, and most wineries keep production focused on estate-grown fruit. This means what’s in the glass comes from the land around the tasting room. That connection between place and product makes the wine experience more than a stop along the ride—it turns each tasting into a snapshot of the region’s growing conditions and winemaking style.
Supporting Lake Country wineries means supporting small-scale producers and agricultural communities. Most of the wineries here operate with local staff, and several host seasonal events, music nights, and food pairings. Riders who explore this route during BC Wine Month in April will often find bonus experiences tied into the celebration of local wine culture.
Final Thoughts
Predator Ridge offers a unique mix for cyclists: access to terrain, access to support, and access to destinations. With direct routes to Lake Country’s wineries and connections to regional trails, the area sets up riders for full days of movement and reward. From the first kilometre to the final tasting, this is a place where bikes and wine can work together—one pedal stroke, one pour, and one place at a time.
