A Day on the KVR: Okanagan Rail Trail
Opportunities for Adventures Along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) is a historic railway that spans almost 650 km (400 mi) of connected pathways from Hope to Castlegar. One of my favourite paths is the Cold Stream to Kekuli Bay 20 km (12.5 mi) and Kekuli Bay to Lake Country 22.8 km (14 mi). These trails are flat and well graded making them easily walkable and accessible to mobility aids, or if you are interested in completing it in one day, it is perfect for a bike.
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) is a historic railway that spans almost 650 km (400 mi) of connected pathways from Hope to Castlegar. The pathways of the decommissioned rail are some of the best ways to explore the Thompson Okanagan’s hidden beaches, see wildlife, learn about the region’s history, and try out some of locals’ favourite spots.
This recreational trail has many routes to start your adventure at. One of my favourites is the Cold Stream to Kekuli Bay 20 km (12.5 mi) and Kekuli Bay to Lake Country 22.8 km (14 mi). These trails are flat and well graded making them easily walkable and accessible to mobility aids, or if you are interested in completing it in one day, it is perfect for a bike. These trails also offer great camping sites throughout, an excellent spot, halfway through the trail along Kalamalka Lake, you will find Kekuli Bay Campground.
Taken by Destination BC/@miraecampbell
Bring your furry friends too! All sections of the trail are dog-friendly (on-leash), with some off-leash dog parks found along the way.
Starting in Cold Stream
Starting this trail going north to south you can begin in Coldstream near Kal Beach and ‘Kilometre Zero’. However, ample free parking allows a flexible starting point. The Rail Trail Café & Market opens early in the morning, so grab some breakfast before you start the trek. Head towards Lake Country for activities, stunning views, and an easily achievable round day trip, by bike, along the paved, and gravel path. Perfect for a beach day, a fall or spring bike ride, or a winter nature walk. Garbage bins and water fountains along the way add convenience to your adventure. Enjoy a memorable experience with the whole family on this accessible section of the KVR.
Stop 1
Coming from Coldstream you’ll hit Pumphouse Beach, a small beach perfect to launch a kayak or canoe. This pebbled beach is just past Kal Beach so, it allows for a more quiet and relaxing spot to stop at.
Stop 2
At kilometer 4, take out your camera and see the most picturesque part of the trail. The trail shoulders Kalamalka Lake, and it’s here where you can read the information signs and learn about what makes Kalamalka so beautiful. Take some pictures so you can look back on this renowned destination.
Taken by Destination BC
Stop 3
Just past kilometer 8 you’ll arrive in Kekuli Bay Provincial Park and beach. This park has a campground, boat loach, and playground. It’s a great place to stop and go for a swim, and take in the views. This marks the end of the Cold Stream to Kekuli Bay, where the trail seamlessly transitions into the Kekuli Bay to Lake Country section of this route.
Stop 4
You’ve probably worked up an appetite by this point! Fuel this adventure by savouring some local flavours and stop by some cafes, food trucks and restaurants. Near Lake Country in Oyama, stop by OKF Grill and the Oyama General Store. Or just off the path, up the road, you'll find a gift shop, a fruit stand, a pizzeria, and, opening in 2024 a cidery.
OKF Grill (Open Spring 2024)
This casual grill is the place to get the best burger and fries in Oyama. It hits the spot after a long day swimming, biking or hiking. Try their fish & chips, or crispy chicken sandwiches, and grab a slushy and an ice cream when you’re done.
Pane Vino Pizzeria (Open April 2024)
For family owned farm to table pizzeria, enjoy some authentic Neapolitan woodfired pizza at Pane Vino Pizzeria. This restaurant allows for a seated meal or a call ahead option to order some pizza to-go. With vegan and gluten free options, be sure to try this wonderful place out.
The Oyama Red Bran (with Folktale Cider coming 2024)
This family owned and family centered place is going to be a great addition to Oyama’s community, coming 2024. With some farm youth activities and ciders for adults to enjoy, this farm is perfect for the family.
Taken by @ryanvanveenphotography
However, if you packed your own lunch, take advantage of the picnic tables on the beaches along Wood Lake, "Okanagan's warmest & calmest lake". It’s in Oyama where you can decide to go southwest along the highway side of the trail, or southeast along Wood Lake section of the trail. Whichever path you take, the trail loops back around Wood Lake to end up back in Oyama.
Southwest
Much of this side of the lake is paved or has packed gravel along the water's edge. This part of the trail will take you to Wood Lake Beach for a swim, Pelmewash Dog Off-Leash Beach with your four legged friends, and end up in Turtle Bay. Turtle Bay has lots to offer such as dining options, resort and hotel, park, and marina. Turtle Bay Marina Resort and Boat Rentals give you the opportunity to try out some water activities, go for a swim, or rent a boat.
Taken by @ryanvanveenphotography
Southeast
This direction of the trail will take you through the town of Oyama along a scenic route with history, parks, and pebble beaches. There are two dog parks in this direction, as well as, Pioneer Park, Kaloya Regional Park, Oyama boat launch and Ribbleworth Falls at kilometer 23 marker. These falls are part of the three interpretive sites on Okanagan Rail Trail completed October 2020. This section of the trail will also loopback through Turtle Bay.
Need a pedal bike or E-bike? Check out these rental places:
Sun Country Cycle is located in Vernon and offers a full fleet of Electric Bikes, Cruisers, & Kids Bikes.
Kalavida Surf Shop is located in Coldstream and offers parking and bike rentals for the rail trail.
Oyama E-Bike & Board is located in Oyama and they offer Ebikes and Paddle Board rentals.
Pedego Electric Bikes in Oyama opens March 1, 2024 and offers the best-selling brand of electric bicycles in North America.
Lake Country Cycle in Lake Country offers pedal bikes, eBikes, kids bikes, and Weehoo trailers.
Many of these bike shops offer kids bikes, kid bike trailers, electric bikes, as well as service and repair options for your personal bike!
#KnowBeforeYouGo and stay on the trail except where there are established trailside rest areas. Native trailside vegetation provides beauty and habitat, to preserve the land - respect the trail markers. Respect landowners and agricultural operations along the trail.
Written by Caroline Peterson
A local who went from the lower mainland to the Okanagan. As a student with a passion for tourism, she aims to highlight the Thompson Okanagan experience with a fresh, adventurous perspective.
Indigenous Experiences in the Thompson Okanagan
The Indigenous Peoples have long called this beautiful country, province, and region home. With many Indigenous tourism businesses within the BC, there is a unique opportunity to learn from the knowledge and stories of these communities and celebrate their cultures, traditions, and beliefs. Discover the Indigenous tourism businesses within the Thompson Okanagan.
British Columbia is home to 203 Indigenous communities and more than 30 Indigenous languages. It is important to acknowledge that the Thompson Okanagan region is situated on the traditional territory of three Interior Salish nations: the Sylix, Nlaka’pamux, and Secwépemc peoples where we are grateful to have the opportunity to create, collaborate, play, explore, and work.
The Indigenous Peoples have long called this beautiful country, province, and region home. With many Indigenous tourism businesses within BC, there is a unique opportunity to learn from the knowledge and stories of these communities and celebrate their cultures, traditions, and beliefs.
Below are Indigenous tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan that are excited to welcome visitors. While exploring this region, whether it be with one of the listed businesses or on your own, tread lightly and help preserve this land like Indigenous communities have done so for centuries.
Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre - Osoyoos
Learn about the lands, the legends, and the people of the Sylix Nation at this state-of-the-art interpretive center. Here, you can explore trails through the sagebrush, interact with indoor and outdoor exhibits, and experience a reconstructed village showcasing the rich living culture of the Osoyoos Indian Band.
Along with the interactive exhibits of the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, the sustainable building itself is something to be amazed by due to its unique architectural features. The building was delicately built into a hillside and is partially underground, a unique way to insulate the building and preserve energy, along with being an homage to the traditional winter dwelling of the Okanagan First Nations. The sides of the building are composed of rammed earth, layers of concrete mixed with local soils, an ancient building technique.
Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre - Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Walking tour at Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre - Destination BC/Hubert Kang
Nk’Mip Cellars - Osoyoos & Oliver
Nk’Mip Cellars, which is owned by the Osoyoos Indian Band, was the first Indigenous owned and operated winery in BC. This winery holds great pride in preserving the legacy and celebrating the culture of the Sylix Nation. The word Nk’Mip means ‘bottomland’ in English, representing the southernmost end of the Osoyoos reservation where the winery is located. With long hot days and cold nights in the summer, Nk’Mip Cellars offers a diverse selection of red and white wines along with a rose that all reflect the area in which their grapes are grown.
You can find Nk’Mip Cellars in the heart of Osoyoos and in the District Wine Village in Oliver.
Nk’Mip Cellars - Destination BC/Joann Pai
Walking Path at Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre - Destination BC/Hubert Kang
The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry - Osoyoos
The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry serves modern vineyard cuisine inspired by Indigenous roots. This restaurant is located inside Spirit Ridge on the traditional land of the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation. The name of this restaurant was inspired by the creation stories of the Okanagan Nation.
The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry - David McIlvride
Moccasin Trails - Kelowna and Kamloops
Moccasin Trails was created to connect visitors and residents of the Thompson Okanagan with the traditions and cultures of the Okanagan Nation. On the many Moccasin Trails tours, you will enjoy Indigenous inspired cuisine, explore the traditional lands of the Shuswap and Okanagan Nations and hear about their history of trials and successes. Group tours for organizations are also available.
Walking tour with Moccasin Trails in the Okanagan - Indigenous Tourism BC/Brendin Kelly/Moccasin Trails
Tour with Moccasin Trails - Indigenous Tourism BC/Brendin Kelly/Moccasin Trails
Indigenous World Winery - West Kelowna
Focused on creating world class wine in a respectful way to the earth, Indigenous World Winery combines unique terroir of the valley and the Indigenous people's stewardship of these lands. Their grapes are located in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. While tasting their wines, the winery wants you to remember and appreciate that you are sipping on the product of a land that supported the Syilx people for centuries.
Indigenous World Winery - Destination BC/@miraecampbell
Kekuli Bay Café - Merritt, West Kelowna, Kamloops
Kekuli Bay Café, famous for the saying “Don’t panic… We have bannock®” was opened by Sharon Bond in realizing her dreams of opening a restaurant. Here, you will find a unique and traditional Indigenous ambience with aboriginal art, jewellery, light pow wow music, and cuisine. Every meal is served with Bannock.
The name Kekuli means dwelling, built into the ground with logs, tule, dirt, and grass. These dwellings were used for winter homes. Like the Kekuli dwellings, the Kekulis Cafe offers a warm and safe place to enjoy delicious food and drinks.
Food at Kekuli Cafe - Indigenous Tourism BC/Brendin Kelly/ Kekuli Cafe
Eating at Kekuli Cafe - Indigenous Tourism BC/Brendin Kelly/ Kekuli Cafe
*Please note the Talking Rock Golf Course is open however the Quaaout Lodge, Jack Sam’s Restaurant, and Le7Ke Spa will remain closed until further notice due to a devastating fire. For more information please visit their website QuaaoutLodge.com.
Quaaout Lodge is an Indigenous resort where you can enjoy the amenities, cultural features, and attractions of the property. Here, you will find cultural tours where you can experience a smudging ceremony, a walk of the lands, and a story telling experience inside a traditional kekuli. These experiences will allow you to travel back in time and get a glimpse of what life was like for the Secwepemc people before European settlers arrived.
Along with enjoying the cultural aspects of Quaaout Lodge, you can relax at their spa and play a round of golf on their golf course. All of these amenities are located on the shores of Shuswap lake where you can relax or explore via canoe rentals. If you are looking for more on land adventures, the lodge is surrounded by endless hiking trails. Tsutswecw Provincial Park offers endless trails along the Adams River where the sockeye salmon run is found in late September to early October. 2022 is a a dominant year for the salmon run, meaning it will be bigger then it has been in four years.
Quaaout Lodge Lobby - Destination BC/@ebspaj7 Eben Pajanconi
Tour at Quaaout Lodge - Destination BC/@miraecampbell
Learn More About Indigenous Tourism
To find more Indigenous Tourism businesses near you, download the Indigenous Tourism BC Trip Planner app.
Written by Jenna Labossiere
Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. She hopes to be able to showcase the Thompson Okanagan’s local businesses and natural attractions in order to encourage others to take the opportunity to enjoy them as much as she does.
Hoodoo Adventures - Fresh Air is the Best Medicine
Mike, Lyndie, and the dedicated team at Hoodoo Adventures care deeply about building stronger connections - to the outdoors and among their community. With innovative initiatives to get people outside and active, they remain a gateway to adventure and constant for their community through times of uncertainty.
“You can throw a pandemic at the community and it still comes down to connections and communication, being out there in nature, getting exercise. It sounds simple and is so often forgotten, but to us it’s the most important thing there is.”
Mike & Lyndie - Owners of Hoodoo Adventures
Mike, Lyndie, and each member of their dedicated team care deeply about building stronger connections - to the outdoors and among their community. Highlighting the best the Okanagan has to offer, Hoodoo Adventures provides authentic outdoor adventures, indoor/outdoor activities including a climbing gym, tours, and events.
This year has been a rollercoaster with many necessary changes and COVID-19 adjustments, but Hoodoo Adventures is still here and ready to come back stronger than ever. The passion and dedication Mike and Lyndie pour into their business is reflected back by an appreciative community of adventurers - within Penticton and beyond. The outdoors is more popular than ever, but bringing big groups of people together on tours or hosting large events is off the table for now. They have had to be creative, constantly re-adjust, and focus on opportunities to do things differently.
“Everything is being questioned and up in the air, but when you get down to the core of why we do this - it’s still there and authentic as ever. One of the reasons our business even exists is because Lyndie wanted to affect change in the youth of Penticton, let them see where they live and how amazing it is. We’re still doing that, at smaller numbers and in different ways - we’re a gateway to adventure.”
Knowing that cost may be a barrier, Mike and Lyndie brainstormed ideas of how to get locals more involved in outdoor activities without having to purchase gear or worry about maintaining it. On top of their already popular rental programs, Hoodoo Adventures has introduced a new Membership Deal, offering unlimited access to equipment and time slots at the climbing gym, as well as discounts to tours and courses - all at a very low monthly rate.
“Being outdoors during the pandemic, and all throughout the year, is essential for us. It brings us both balance and peace, and helps bring a sense of normalcy to our lives, especially during challenging times. The hardworking team at Hoodoo Adventures is always looking for unique and innovative ways to showcase fun and play outside while discovering all that the region has to offer. We recently took part in their Virtual Challenge, which had us discover four new-to-us hikes!”
During another innovative pandemic initiative, participants biked or hiked along routes equipped with maps provided by Hoodoo Adventures. The “Virtual Challenge” included checkpoints to take photos of and submit for a chance to win great prizes from local businesses. Many locals took the opportunity to get outside with their closest circle, substitute for kids’ canceled P.E. classes, and stay connected to the community from a distance.
““We do have an amazing community and live in this amazing place, we’re very lucky and we have to remind ourselves of that as well. It’s important to focus on your own mental health too, it’s so easy for the anxiety of all of this to take over. Luckily what we do helps people with that and provides that fresh air and connection to nature that is more important now than ever.””
Follow @HoodooAdventures on Instagram, find them on Facebook and learn more about rentals, memberships, the climbing gym & tours on HoodooAdventures.ca.
You may not be able to travel far from home this year - but it’s a great opportunity to explore our beautiful backyard. Get out there, whether it’s on a solo adventure or with those closest to you. Pretend you’re a tourist in the region you call home and be surprised by what a little change of perspective can do to renew your sense of adventure. 😊
About the Author
Lucie has been calling the Okanagan home since 2011, after moving overseas from a tiny town with a high cow population in southern Germany. She has a serious love for travel, music and languages - seeking to continuously grow and broaden her perspective. As a writer and Yoga teacher, Lucie hopes to inspire community, compassion, and a conscious way of living
Edible Adventures
I’m all about stories and adventures. My adventures, however, always tend to be of an edible kind. Leaving my pop up dinners aside, this particular one started with a little scavenger hunt across Kelowna, sourcing local goodness for the orchestrated 3-course moveable feast to come.
I’m all about stories and adventures. My adventures, however, always tend to be of an edible kind. Leaving my pop up dinners aside, this particular one started with a little scavenger hunt across Kelowna, sourcing local goodness for the orchestrated 3-course moveable feast to come.
Ok, the initial plan was for us to check out the sacred and very cool looking Spotted Lake in Osoyoos (I even created a dish inspired by the place in preparation), but sometimes Mother Nature interrupts adventure plans, but that’s when new plans hatch on the fly, which leads to epic new memories. So off we went to chase waterfalls at Christie Falls. Oh, wait…we also didn’t quite make it there either. With no cell service, we stopped at coordinates unknown because, well, we got hungry and there was a tranquil lake to help slow things (and us) down.
Photo credit: Aman Dosanj and Sian Flanagan
First up, an ‘Onion Tea’, prepared using first of the season onions that were boiled then steeped like a tea, then finished with a green onion oil to make the broth look like the lake itself. Food is precious, even if it seems abundant, so I tapped into that mindset by using all parts of the onion (zero waste and all) to reflect the ‘sacred’ nature of the lake. Did I mention that I tell stories with food?
Photo credit: Aman Dosanj and Sian Flanagan
And off we went, this time to Bear Creek Provincial Park in West Kelowna. At the base of our hike, we had two choices – left, which winded around the mountain, or right, looking upwards at the wooden stairs. We opted for the not-as-widely-used stairs route, followed by the sound of water to zigzag our way. As we left the stairs behind and looked up, we noticed a tree standing tall at the very edge of a rock – a little reminder that you can grow anywhere. Thank you for the lesson, nature.
Photo credit: Aman Dosanj and Sian Flanagan
With a backpack loaded with our locally inspired picnic, eco-friendly water bottle and Mr. Sun making a dramatic appearance, we had to work for the rewards of lunch, but to be honest, that is the best way to feel. Food has become so accessible that eating is something we just do. My project is all about trusting my local ingredients by learning about the people and stories behind it - it’s only when you get hands-on and play with your food, do you see the value in it. That is something I try to hang onto, even with something as simple and routine as lunch.
Photo credit: Aman Dosanj and Sian Flanagan
As we got to the base, the landscape shifted to this shaded lush green, sounds of the stream for added ambiance and a gigantic fallen tree. It was time to make a reservation for the restaurant at the north end of the woods. In a few short moments, our naturally constructed feast magically appeared. From cheese, pickled carrots, snap peas, salad greens, duck rillette and a freshly made baguette – everything from here by people with names and faces and families and all crazy and sustainably delicious.
Photo credit: Aman Dosanj and Sian Flanagan
There was no wait times or delays in our food, we took our time whilst eating and enjoyed each other’s company without the usual thoughts of turnaround times and average check sizes with restaurant life. It was definitely a Slow Food-dining experience that we’d both remember for a really long time, even if our restaurant were a made-up one.
Photo credit: Aman Dosanj and Sian Flanagan
Finally, we ventured over to the Bear Creek beach across the road to end our 3-course meal with dessert and a familiar Okanagan Lake view. On the menu, a simple homemade chai spiced baked yogurt (using local milk) with first-of-the-season cherries. And so, our edible adventure was over.
Photo credit: Aman Dosanj and Sian Flanagan
The best thing about living in the Okanagan is that the Valley can make even locals feel like tourists. Each sub-region is beautifully imperfect in its own right with all its twists and turns to keep you on your toes. You definitely need to experience a place in each region to really see how magical the Okanagan is.
If you’re willing to do a little work, these adventures really are accessible to everyone. Dining in the Okanagan or supporting local doesn’t necessarily have to be really expensive to create epic food memories.
Until next time.
Today’s sustainable eats included:
Duck Rillette from Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate
Organic Carrots (pickled in-house), Salad Greens & Snap Peas from Crooked Sky Farm at the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market
Organic Cherries from Forbes Farm at the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market
Bella Stella Organic Brie and Organic Plain Yoghurt from the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market
The Paisley Notebook’s Plum Chutney, made with last season’s Claremont Ranch Organics Plums, Brainy Bee Honey and NOMAD Cider Vinegar (by-product of the cider making process) and homemade local Raspberry Vinaigrette
Baguette from Sprout Bread
Abeego beeswax wraps to keep that leftover baguette alive
Nomnomnom
About Aman Dosanj and The Paisley Notebook:
Food geek, marketing geek, former England and Arsenal footballer (soccer), people watcher, middle child, Slow Food Member, adventurer, imperfect environmentalist, storyteller, and just weird enough to be interesting. The former Western Living Magazine ‘Foodie of the Year’, organizes pop up dinners and collaborative events across the Okanagan aimed at bringing the community together. The Paisley Notebook was the winner of the ‘Culinary Tourism Experience’ category at the 2018 Canadian Tourism Awards, and a two-time finalist in the BC Tourism Industry Awards' 'Remarkable Experiences' category, and has raised over $47k for local charities since 2017.
Website: PaisleyNotebook.com
Instagram: @paisleynotebook