The Best of the okanagan

5 Day All-Inclusive Cycling Holiday in British Columbia

Duration: 5 Days

Cost: $2850 (Based on double occupancy)

Join the team at Into The Wild for an incredible cycling adventure along the Great Trail and Kettle Valley Rail Trail this summer!  On our five-day Okanagan bike tour, you will ride through some of the most spectacular landscapes British Columbia has to offer. This fun filled, action packed bike tour takes you off the beaten path and allows you to reconnect with nature. From the rolling hills & fertile vineyards to the inviting lakes of the Okanagan Valley, this multi-day cycling tour has been carefully crafted to ensure guests get a true taste of what this unique region has to offer.

Itinerary 

Day One – Kelowna to Vernon (50 km)

There will be two optional meeting locations for the tour on our first day. We can meet guests at Kelowna International Airport if they decide to fly into our starting location or they can take the early morning van transfer from Vancouver to Kelowna.

The day begins with a quick meet & greet and bike fitting, before we begin our first cycle along the beautiful Okanagan Rail Trail. This spectacular trail, which was officially opened in September 2018 has been a huge success connecting the local communities of Vernon and Kelowna along a separated multi-use path. We begin our bike ride at Wood Lake, one of the Okanagan’s warmest and calmest lake. It’s well-known for kokanee and trout fishing, water sports and beaches. There are plenty of places to slow down and connect with nature, along or close to the trail as we pedal along and admire the scenery.

As we bike North, we will reach another lake called Kalamalka Lake. It is a marl lake known for its spectacular range of colours, from teal to cyan to indigo. Limestone deposits left by the receding glaciers reflect sunlight, creating this vibrant display of colours. Kalamalka Lake is precious to local communities – not only for its beauty and water sports, but also as the source of drinking water in the area. Much of the area surrounding Kalamalka Lake is within provincial protected areas conserving the unique drylands ecosystems for future generations. For those guests who wish to cool off, a quick dip at Kal Beach or one of the many jetties along the trail, comes highly recommended from our enthusiastic tour guides (who may already be in the water before you have a moment to make up your mind). Lunch will be served al fresco from a local cafe in Vernon before we get back on the bikes and complete our cycle all the way to the hotel door. Tonight and tommorro’s accommodation will be in the elegant 4* Hotel aptly named Castle at Swan Lake Hotel. That evening we will dine together in town and plan out our next day’s biking adventure.

Day 2 - Vernon (45 -55km)

Today, we kick off our bike ride directly from the hotel’s front doors, beginning another exciting adventure on two wheels. This route showcases the best of Vernon’s varied landscapes—from sparkling lakes and vineyards to scenic countryside and gradual rewarding climbs.

Departing the hotel we’ll soon find ourselves cycling through the historic BX Ranch lands, where expansive grasslands, gentle hills, and breathtaking views of the Okanagan Valley surround us. Once a key cattle ranching center in the late 1800s, this area is steeped in rich history. Intricate irrigation systems transformed the dry grasslands into productive pasture for cattle grazing. Its success contributed to the development of infrastructure and settlement in the surrounding area.

At Coldstream we’ll venture into Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and leave the pavement behind. The route follows a smooth gravel trail with panoramic views over the turquoise waters below. From open grasslands to shaded forested areas, the park is home to an array of wildlife, so you may catch a glimpse of deer, birds of prey, or smaller creatures as you ride. At Kal Beach, we’ll take a break on the sandy shores, or if you're feeling up for it, dive into the refreshing waters of one of the Okanagan’s best swimming spots. Lunch will be served at the Rail Trail Café and Market, a hidden gem, offering a cozy spot to refuel with fresh, locally sourced food, coffee, and baked goods. After lunch, we’ll cycle to the northern end of Okanagan Lake along Bench Row Road, enjoying incredible views of the valley, lake, and vineyards below.

At Lakeshore Drive, we will join the Grey Canal Trail, which follows the route of a vital irrigation system built in the early 1900s to support agriculture in the North Okanagan. Managed by Coldstream Ranch, one of BC’s largest agricultural operations, the canal supplied water to the dry hillsides, transforming them into fertile farmland for orchards, cattle grazing, and crops. It played a key role in showcasing how to farm in the Okanagan's dry climate, paving the way for further agricultural development and the spread of irrigation techniques throughout the valley. We will finish today’s bike tour back at the hotel, allowing guests some downtime in their rooms or lounge by the pool and hot tub. Tonight’s we will make our way into town and enjoy a meal at one Vernon’s top restaurants.

Day Three – Myra Canyon to Penticton (69km)

Following a light and healthy breakfast we will take a short van transfer to the top of the mountain at Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park. Prepare yourself for a day of spectacular scenery in this historic region of British Columbia. Myra Canyon is home to one of the most famous bike rides in North America. Here, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail runs along a steep-walled canyon in the shape of a horseshoe as it weaves its’ way down the mountain. Along the way we cycle over eighteen magnificent trestle bridges & two tunnels on our journey towards Penticton. This section of the KVR is often referred to as “McCulloch’s Wonder” in homage to the great engineer Andrew McCulloch who designed and constructed the Kettle Valley Railway in the early 1900’s. This corridor is one of the most dynamic routes in Canada, with impressive scenery and striking views over the Okanagan Valley. At Ruth Station we will leave the day trippers behind (most people only cycle the 12km section to here) and cycle along the Kettle Valley Trail deep into the wilderness.

Along the way we will stop for lunch at Chute Lake Resort on the grounds of the old station house, where one might feel as though they have stepped back in time. The restaurant and bar are a living museum with interesting antiques and artifacts displayed throughout. After lunch we will jump back on the bikes and descend over 3000 feet into the picturesque town of Naramata. As we pedal along, we are treated to some magnificent vistas over Lake Okanagan as the KVR trail runs parallel to the valley for our bike ride downhill. At Little Tunnel we will take a short rest and savor the spectacular sight for a while. As we descend into the Naramata Bench we will ride through beautiful wineries and colourful fruit farms. The Naramata bench has some of the best wineries in the Okanagan, so inevitably we must stop and sample some of the local treasures on offer. This short section of the KVR is one of our favorite bike rides in British Columbia, it is biking heaven all the way into Penticton and our accommodation for the next two nights at The Best Western Inn. At the hotel guests can unwind and enjoy the evening on their own schedule. With no group dinner planned tonight, it's the perfect opportunity to discover local dining and explore on your own terms. If you are feeling lazy, why not dine at the hotel bar and restaurant or order take out to your room from one of the many great restaurants in town.

Day 4 - Penticton to Oliver (38 to 47 km)

After breakfast we will hop onto our trusty bikes and begin our day straight from the hotel’s front door. Today’s ride will be a little more relaxed with the focus being on good food, wine and an optional lazy river float.

Leaving the hotel we bike over the Penticton River Channel, a canal built in the 1950's to control the water flow between Penticton's two lakes. At Skaha Lake we will rejoin the KVR trail and make our way South towards Okanagan Falls. This compact and flat trail snakes along the shores of Skaha Lake the entire time providing endless views of the lake, bluffs and natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley. This fertile region is renowned for its huge varieties of locally grown produce. One cannot pass through Okanagan Falls without indulging in a delicious ice cream (72 amazing flavours) at the locally owned Tickleberries, a must stop off on a hot summer’s day for tourists and locals alike!

Following our sweet treats, we will cycle back along McClean Road on the east side of Skaha Lake. This section of the bike tour follows the Okanagan Grand Fondo route, it is a road bikers paradise as you cycle along the undulating hills and winding roads. Descending back down towards Okanagan Lake, we will rejoin another quiet country road, passing by the beautiful grounds of Blasted Church Winery. The final leg of our journey will bring us along Valley View Road, a peaceful backroad with panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and lakes below.

That afternoon, guests can choose from several activities:

·       An optional lazy river float on the Penticton River Channel is available for those looking to unwind and enjoy a scenic, relaxing adventure. Sit back and relax in your trusty river tube as the gentle current carries you through the picturesque Okanagan landscape. With the sun shining overhead and stunning views all around, it's the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a peaceful day on the water.

·       Experience the Okanagan Valley’s renowned vineyards. You’ll visit a handful of local wineries, each with its own unique charm, where you can sample a variety of wines, from crisp whites to bold reds. As you tour, you’ll learn about the winemaking process, the region’s history, and what makes the Okanagan Valley so special for growing grapes.

·       Alternatively, for guests who prefer some downtime, they can unwind at the hotel—whether it's relaxing in their rooms, lounging by the pool, or swapping stories at the bar. It's the perfect time to recharge for tomorrow.

After we return to the hotel, individuals will have free time to enjoy as they wish before we head out for our final dinner together. Tonight we will dine in town, at Theos Restaurant, a local’s favourite offering a big menu of high end Greek cuisine!

Day Five – Penticton to Oliver (33 km)

Well they say all good things must come to an end….but not without one last magical bike ride! On our final morning, we'll start the day with breakfast at the hotel before a short 15-minute van transfer to the start of today’s ride at the scenic St. Andrew’s by the Lake golf course. From there, we’ll pedal along the peaceful roads of White Lake and Willowbrook Road, passing through the White Lakes Grasslands Protected Area on route to Oliver. The rolling hills provide a perfect opportunity to spot wildlife, so keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, bears, deer, or one of the fifteen bird species native to the region.

These roads offer some of the finest cycling in the Okanagan, with landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world. Less than 20 kilometers into the ride, we’ll pass Nk’Mip Canyon, often referred to as Canada’s “pocket desert.” Along the way, you'll encounter rich First Nations history, including archaeological sites, pictographs, and remnants of early European exploration, such as traces of the historic Fur Brigade Trail.

As we traverse the dry, arid terrain around White Lake, the scenery gradually transforms as we enter the renowned “Golden Mile,” a picturesque region of wine country. Cycling through lush vineyards and colorful orchards, you might feel as though you've been transported to the South of France.

In Oliver, we’ll join the International Hike and Bike Trail, heading north towards Kelowna. This trail takes us along the Okanagan River, surrounded by stunning views of vineyards, farmland, oxbows, and ponds. Keep an eye out for ducks, herons, eagles, and painted turtles along the way. After the bike ride we will hit the road for the 1.5 hour drive back to Kelowna. Our final meal together will be a delicious lunch served at 19 Okanagan Grill + Bar in West Kelowna overlooking the lake.

For 2025 tour dates and availability please email us at info@intothewild.ca for more information.