6 Best Bike Rides in the South Okanagan

Biking the KVR through a tunnel
Biking the KVR through a tunnel

Did you know that some of the best bike rides in Canada are in the South Okanagan area of British Columbia? May is a great time to visit as the weather is sunny and warm, the regions numerous wineries are open and the crowds have yet to materialize. There are also a couple of standout events like the Giant’s Head Grind that will appeal to both bikers and hikers. I would suggest these six standout bike rides in the South Okanagan.

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Note the hilly terrain as a backdrop for many of the south Okanagan bike rides
Note the hilly terrain as a backdrop for many of the south Okanagan bike rides
An Okanagan winery in a beautiful setting
An Okanagan winery in a beautiful setting

Bike the Kettle Valley Railway from Myra Canyon to Penticton

One of my favourite bike rides in the South Okanagan is the Myra Canyon to Penticton section of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR).

You need a shuttle unless you want to ride up and back 160 km and most people don’t.

By starting in Myra Canyon the grade is a constant 2% downhill. Highlights include cycling over the railway trestles, the views, ice cream at Chute Lake Lodge, wildlife (we’ve seen black bears) and of course the wineries once you reach the Naramata Bench. On a hot day it’s a treat to cool off in the lake post bike ride.

A shorter option is the out and back ride – on the bike trail between Penticton and Naramata. It’s a great one if you want to spend some time wine tasting.

A pretty section of the Kettle Valley Railway close to Penticton
A pretty section of the Kettle Valley Railway close to Penticton
Beautiful Okanagan Valley view from just before the last tunnel on the way to Penticton
Beautiful Okanagan Valley view from just before the last tunnel on the way to Penticton
View of Lake Okanagan across the vineyards
View of Lake Okanagan across the vineyards from the KVR

Bike from Penticton to Oliver via the KVR

Enjoy some of the best of what the South Okanagan offers when you do and out and back ride from Penticton to Oliver (or even Osoyoos if you’re up for a 100+ km ride).

This section of the KVR takes you past beaches, lakes, vineyards, and the bird sanctuary at Vaseux Lake. Plan a stop at Tickleberry’s in Okanagan Falls for ice cream.

There are loads of ducks in the Vaseux Bird Sanctuary
There are loads of ducks in the Vaseux Bird Sanctuary – lock your bikes up and take a side trip

Three Blind Mice Mountain biking trails

I haven’t done any of the trails that are part of the Three Blind Mice network even though they are considered to be one of the top bike rides in the South Okanagan. I need another visit to the region so I have the time to explore the trails properly.

Located high above Naramata, avid local cyclist Randy Brown told me that “there are over 100 kilometres of singletrack trails for every level of rider – and the views over Okanagan Lake are magnificent.”

He also recommends picking up a copy of SweetSingletrack. He calls it “the definitive guide for the close to 1,000 kilometres of trails in the south Okanagan.”

Okanagan landscape
Okanagan landscape near Naramata

Cycle the road to Apex Mountain Resort

One of the local favourite bike rides in the South Okanagan is the climb up Green Mountain Road towards Apex Mountain Resort.

With a map and a sense of adventure you can explore the side roads – particularly Shingle Creek Road – and do a loop to return to Penticton. Look out for wild horses. I obviously saw these wild horses in winter but you might see them at any time of the year.

Look out for wild horses on the way up to Apex – even on a bike
Look out for wild horses on the way up to Apex – even on a bike

Bike the Trans-Canada Trail near Summerland

Some sections of the Trans-Canada Trail around Summerland are ideal for cyclists.

Start near Conkle Mountain Park and head east towards Okanagan Lake. Continue to the Trout Creek Trestle Bridge and then pick up the KVR to continue to Penticton.

View from the Kettle Valley Railway between Summerland and Penticton – Credit: Offtrack Travel
View from the Kettle Valley Railway between Summerland and Penticton – Credit: Offtrack Travel
Cycle the KVR across the Trout Creek trestle bridge in Summerland to or from Penticton
Cycle the KVR across the Trout Creek trestle bridge in Summerland to or from Penticton

Bike rides in the South Okanagan: Kettle Valley Railway from Summerland

The Kettle Valley Railway out of Summerland has a wilder, less populous feel to it than the section heading to the First Tunnel lookout from Penticton.

The trail weaves and climbs past several viewpoints, the Kettle Valley Steam Train, and several interpretive panels. Did you know that Sam McGee from one of the best selling poems of all time –The Cremation of Sam McGee lived in Summerland at one point?

The trail follows the Trans-Canada Trail from Summerland to Osprey Lakes

Lovely biking through pine forest on the KVR near Summerland
Lovely biking through pine forest on the KVR near Summerland
A view of Summerland from the KVR
A view of Summerland from the KVR

Special biking events in the South Okanagan in May

In May check out the annual Giant’s Head Grind, spearheaded by Ellen Walker-Matthews. Ellen organized the event to honour the memory of her son Christopher Walker who died of colon cancer at 29. As she says “it’s a great way to keep her son close in a way that’s very positive.”

A view of Summerland from the lower level of Giant’s Head – Credit: Offtrack Travel
A view of Summerland from the lower level of Giant’s Head – Credit: Offtrack Travel

A few useful items for bike rides in the South Okanagan

Don’t forget a bike pump in case you get a flat.

bike lock could come in handy if you decide you want to go for a short hike or you want to go into a restaurant.

I like to carry a handlebar bag with my raincoat and bike tools rather than having something on my back.

Bike lights are one of those things you should always have – just in case.

Bike rentals

If you need help with bike rentals, shuttles or bike tours check out Penticton based Hoodoo Adventures.

Other bike rental places include Freedom Bike Shop, Penticton Bike Rentals, and E-Kruise Penticton if you’re keen on an e-bike.

Best time for bike rides in the South Okanagan

The South Okangan can get stinking hot in the summer months from mid-June through to the end of August. Bike earlier or later in the day and be sure to take lots of water – and perhaps even water purification tablets if you run low on water and need to refill from a lake.

Spring and fall are fantastic times to hit the trails because of the cooler temperatures.

Winter may not be the most appealing time for some to bike, but it’s often possible especially on fat bikes. I have biked part of the KVR in February and found it to be an exhilarating experience.

Biking the Kettle Valley Railway in February
Biking the Kettle Valley Railway in February

Where to stay in the Penticton – Summerland corridor

Penticton

In Penticton, you can’t go wrong with the Penticton Lakeside Resort. Nicely appointed rooms and a hard to beat location.

The Wesbert Winery & Guest Suites is rated superb. Above the Beach Guest Suites overlooking Skaha Lake is rated superb.

Summerland

Summerland has loads of options. The Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa, rated fabulous, is on a secluded stretch of Okanagan Lake.

If you like B&B’s check out the Dogwood Bed & Breakfast, rated exceptional.

Approximate location of the bike rides in the South Okanagan

                                                           

Further reading on biking

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The best bike rides in British Columbia's South Okanagan

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