The Okanagan Rail Trail follows a former railway line through the heart of the valley, linking Kelowna, Lake Country and the North Okanagan. The trail's own site describes it as 52 kilometres when completed, though it is not yet continuous, with a gap of nearly seven kilometres between Old Vernon Road north of the airport and the Kelowna and Lake Country boundary. The developed Kelowna section is paved, while the North Okanagan and Lake Country sections use compact crushed aggregate, and the northern stretches run along the shores of Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake. The trail is flat, wide and easy, and the lake views are the draw. It is free to use, works in any season when the surface is clear, and is a good way to see the valley at your own pace.
What to do
Pick a section rather than trying to do all of it. Walkers and cyclists can start in Kelowna on the paved stretch, while the Lake Country section is best for lake views, with Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake appearing along the route. Because the trail follows a railbed, the grade is gentle, which makes it suitable for children on bikes, e-bikes and casual riders.
The trail's site says 43 cultural and recreational points of interest lie within 500 metres of the route, so it is easy to plan a stop at a winery, a cafe or a beach.
Practical planning
Because the trail is not yet continuous, check the trail's map and trip-planning page before you set out, and do not assume you can ride straight from Kelowna to Vernon. Surfaces differ by section, so a hybrid or e-bike is more comfortable than a thin road tyre on the aggregate stretches. In November the weather is cooler and daylight is short, so start early, dress in layers and check for ice or leaf cover. Dogs, helmets and local rules vary by municipality, and you should follow the posted signs on each section.
Fitting it in
The trail is a good alternative to the Myra Canyon trestles on days when the mountain road is snowy, because it sits at valley level. Combine it with an e-bike rental from downtown or a guided ride, then finish with a winery stop in Lake Country. It works as a half-day or a full day, depending on how many sections you link, and it is one of the best free things to do in the valley.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk or ride on a flat former railway corridor, paved in Kelowna and crushed aggregate in Lake Country.
Best time
Mid-morning on a dry day; check for ice and leaf cover in cool months.
How long
One to four hours depending on which sections you link.
Tips
Check the trail map because the route is not continuous, use a hybrid or e-bike on aggregate, and dress in layers.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Cyclists and walkers who want easy, flat lakeside miles at valley level.
- Families
- The gentle grade and wide surface suit children on bikes, with traffic crossings to watch.
- Couples
- Ride a section with lake views and stop at a winery or cafe on the way.
- Pair with
- An e-bike rental, a Lake Country winery or a downtown food tour.
- Time needed
- One to four hours, depending on the section.
Good questions
How long is the Okanagan Rail Trail?+
The trail's site says 52 kilometres when completed. It is not yet continuous, with a gap of nearly seven kilometres north of the airport.
What is the surface like?+
The developed Kelowna section is paved, and the North Okanagan and Lake Country sections are compact crushed aggregate. A hybrid or e-bike is more comfortable than a road bike on the aggregate.
Where are the lake views?+
The northern sections run along the shores of Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake. Check the trail's map for the best places to join.
Is it free?+
Yes, the trail is free to use. Parking and rules vary by municipality, so follow the posted signs.
Can I ride the whole trail in one go?+
Not yet, because the route is not continuous and a gap remains near the airport. Plan separate sections and check the trail's trip-planning page.
