Myra Canyon is the most famous section of the Kettle Valley Railway, the mountain line that once carried trains through the southern interior of British Columbia and now survives as a trail. BC Parks describes the Myra Canyon section as about 8.8 kilometres long, with 16 wood-frame trestles, two steel bridges and two tunnels, strung along a canyon wall high above Kelowna. The grade is gentle because it was built for steam trains, so the walking and cycling are easy, and the trestles give open views down into the gorge and across to the lake country beyond. Most of the trestles were rebuilt after the 2003 wildfire damaged them, and the park still shows burned slopes among the regrowth. Cyclists must walk their bikes across the trestles, which keeps the pace unhurried and makes the trail friendly for families and first-timers who do not want a hard hike.
What to do
Park at the Myra trailhead, walk or cycle out along the railbed and decide where to turn around. The first few trestles are the most photogenic and make a fine family outing of an hour or two, while a full out-and-back to the far end is a half-day for walkers and a shorter ride for cyclists.
BC Parks provides a free self-guided Myra Canyon Explorer with 21 points of interest, and there are benches at viewpoints along the way. The surface is packed gravel, so ordinary trail shoes or a hybrid bike are fine.
Practical planning
The main access is up McCulloch Road and then about eight kilometres of Myra Forest Service Road to a gravel lot with room for roughly 75 vehicles and two pit toilets. There is no food or water at the trailhead, so bring both. BC Parks says the park is open year-round, but its services run from mid-April to 15 November, so early in November you are at the end of the main season and conditions can change fast.
Check the weather and the road before you drive up, because snow arrives early at this elevation and the gravel road can be difficult in winter. Dogs must be on a leash, and bicycle helmets are required in British Columbia.
Fitting it in
Myra Canyon is about 40 minutes from downtown Kelowna, so it suits a morning, followed by lunch and a winery stop on the way back. Guided and rental options run mainly from May to October, so in November most visitors come by car and go on foot. Pair it with the Okanagan Rail Trail for another day on a railway corridor, and bring a warm layer, because the canyon is cooler and windier than the lakeshore.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk or bike ride along a gravel railbed in a provincial park, with trestles, tunnels and viewpoints.
Best time
A calm, dry day in daylight; autumn colour is lovely, but check road and weather conditions in November.
How long
Allow two hours for the first trestles and back, or a half day to go further along the canyon.
Tips
Bring water, food and a warm layer, walk bikes over the trestles, keep dogs on a leash and check the access road before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want a famous Okanagan view without a hard hike.
- Families
- The gentle grade and short out-and-back options suit children, but keep them close on the trestles.
- Couples
- Go in the morning for soft light, then stop at a winery on the drive back down.
- Pair with
- Okanagan Rail Trail, Mission Hill Family Estate and a downtown food tour fit around it.
- Time needed
- Two to four hours on site, plus about 40 minutes each way from downtown.
Good questions
How long is the Myra Canyon section?+
BC Parks describes the Myra Canyon section as about 8.8 kilometres, with 16 wooden trestles, two steel bridges and two tunnels. Tourism guides quote slightly different totals for the full route, so treat the trestle count as approximate.
Is it open in November?+
BC Parks says the park is open year-round, but services run from mid-April to 15 November. Snow can arrive early at elevation, so check conditions and the gravel access road before driving up.
Can I cycle across the trestles?+
Cyclists must walk their bikes across the trestles, and helmets are required in British Columbia. E-bikes are allowed on signed trails under BC Parks guidelines.
Is there food or water at the trailhead?+
No, there are only pit toilets and a gravel parking lot. Bring your own water and snacks.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes, the grade is gentle and the first trestles make a good short walk. Parents should keep children close near the drop-offs and on the bridges.
