The kootenay classic tour

Duration: 6 Days

Cost: $2950 CAD (Plus 5% GST)

Accompany your favourite bike tour company on another memorable adventure Into The Wild. Our six day “Kootenay Classic” will begin in Kelowna, allowing our-out-of town guests a convenient flight connection into British Columbia before we make our eastward on our six day bike tour. (There will also be a free shuttle transfer from Vancouver in the early morning for anyone who wishes to avail of the service).

This dynamic biking adventure is designed to take you off the beaten path and reconnect you with the breathtaking nature of this unique region. From the majestic mountains and pristine forests to the crystal-clear lakes and winding rivers, our carefully crafted multi-day cycling tour ensures that you get a true taste of the unparalleled beauty that the Kootenay region has to offer. Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring landscapes and immerse yourself in the rich natural wonders of “Supernatural BC”.

Day 1 - Green Lake to Vernon - (42 to 58 KM)

(There is an option to take the shorter route option if you don’t want to ride the extra KMs)

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 establishment in along the way before we get back on the bikes and complete our cycle all the way to the hotel door. The final 15km is an optional road ride for those who want more time in the saddle. The bike route incorporates some short, punchy climbs to get on top of the bench along quiet country roads with lake views and farmland.

Day 2 Vernon to Creighton Valley (46 - 60 KM)

(There is an option to take the shorter route option if you don’t want to ride the extra KMs)

Today we will embark on a road bike ride from Vernon to Creighton Valley, where breathtaking scenery and thrilling cycling await. This captivating route takes you through some stunning landscapes of the lesser-known areas of the North Okanagan. Pedal through rolling hills, verdant greenery, and meandering tree lined roads as you immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the region. Along the way, be treated to awe-inspiring views of majestic mountains and lakes that dot the landscape. Feel the exhilaration of the wind against your face as you navigate the twists and turns, experiencing the pure joy of cycling through this remarkable terrain.

At Lumby we will take a rest and enjoy lunch in the charming little town. Following lunch, we will take the turn off for Creighton Valley Road. At the 46km mark on our route, the road surface changes to a hard packed gravel road and climbs gently for 15km all the way to Echo Lake. It is a 300m elevation gain over 15km with gradients ranging between 2% and 5%. There will also be a shuttle available in our Mercedes Sprinter van for anyone who does not wish to do the climb. Today’s bike ride promises to be a great adventure for cycling enthusiasts seeking both physical challenge and the natural scenery of “Beautiful BC”. At Echo Lake guests can enjoy a swim and cool down before we check into our accommodation for the evening.

Day 3 - Fauquier to Nakusp Hot Springs (57 -72 KM)

(There is an option to take the shorter route option if you don’t want to ride the extra KMs)

Following breakfast, we have another scenic bike ride planned for the day along the tranquil country road parallel to Arrow Lake. The lake stretches approximately 230 kilometers in length, from Castlegar in the south all the way north to Revelstoke. It’s nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Columbia and the Selkirk Mountain ranges.

Crossing the lake via the cable ferry at Needles, we will begin our bike ride through the quiet farming community of Fauquier. We will cycle the road northwards, meandering along the shoreline with a backdrop of the towering mountains and dense BC forests. We will pass through Burton, located on an alluvial fan formed by Caribou Creek, and well-known for its excellent agricultural and timber values. This fertile land is the traditional territory claims of the Sinixt, Okanagan and Ktunaxa peoples and has supported people living here for thousands of years.

At McDonald Creek Provincial Park we will stop for a picnic lunch in the fresh mountain air, soaking up the beautiful views and surroundings. After a great feed and fully energized for the second half of the bike tour, we will hop back on our trusty bikes and continue our adventure into the picturesque town of Nakusp. This will be the 57 KM marker on our bike route today and already a great accomplishment. For those zealous members of the group, we have an additional 15km of road riding with a 400M climb that zigzags its’ way up the mountain to Nakusp Hot Springs. Here we will soak in the restorative waters of the natural hot spring and rejuvenate our weary legs for another day’s ride.

Day 4 - Slocan Valley Trail (50 KM)

Today we will enjoy a great gravel ride along the Slocan Valley Trail, one of our favourite trails in BC. The local community have done a top class in maintaining this trail and a lot of work has been put in over the years. Slocan lake, where we begin our ride, is a beautiful swimming lake at the start of trail for anyone who fancies a late morning dip before we set off on the bikes.

We follow the Slocan Valley Rail Trail, through Slocan, Lemon Creek and Winlaw and finish the day in South Slocan. The trail and surrounding landscape are a living and breathing post card with incredible scenery around every bend. We follow the Kootenay and Slocan River traveling through mixed forests, meadows, wetlands, and vast valleys. In Winlaw, we will stop for lunch at a local cafe, aptly named "Sleep is For Sissies" (considering the week’s cycling endeavour) for some delicious & nutritious local food. After our break we will rejoin the bike trail and follow the river through vibrant valleys and riparian vegetation.

Our accommodation for tonight will be in Nelson, a beautiful and colourful town located on the shores of Kootenay lake, inhabited by some of the friendliest locals in the province. Often, we can catch some live music at one of the lively bars in town. There are also some great local eateries to visit during our stay.

Day 5 - Christina Lake to Grand Forks (45 - 70 KM)

(There is an option to take the shorter route option if you don’t want to ride the extra KMs)

After breakfast we will leave Nelson and start making our way back west again with a van transfer to Christina Lake. Here we will cycle along the Columbia & Western Rail Trail, following the Kettle River and passing through some incredible scenery along the way; wide open plains, rushing gorges and fertile river valleys. Highlights along the route include Cascade falls and the 505-foot Smitten Trestle. This is a lesser-known section of the Trans Canada Trail but don’t let that fool you, the natural landscape and trail conditions are top class.

At Grand Forks we will stop into town at one of our favourite local eateries, The Wooden Spoon Bistro. With a full belly, we will continue our bike ride along the quiet backroads surrounding Granby River. The undulating hills and winding roads are a road bikers delight as we pedal through the countryside. At Hummingbird Bridge, take a (small) leap of faith into the crystal-clear waters of Granby river for a refreshing afternoon swim. There is also access to the river via a small sandy beach that allows guests to wade into the waters. We will conclude our day’s riding by cycling back on the other side of the river back into town for a well-deserved meal and comfortable bed!

Day 6 - Rock Creek to Beaverdell (40 KM)

Well, they say all good things must come to an end…but not without one last epic bike ride along the historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail. We will take another short van transfer from Grand Forks in the morning and begin our bike ride just past “Mile Zero” of the KVR trail outside of the small town of Midway, BC.

Today’s ride will be almost entirely flat as we follow the Kettle River on its path north into the Okanagan. This section of The Trans Canada Trail is a great way to explore Boundary Country and get off the beaten track. We will more than likely have the entire tail section to ourselves as this part of the KVR sees a lot less traffic than the busier routes in the Okanagan. The trail meanders beside rivers, through rolling meadows, over bridges and past historic landmarks. We will enjoy one final meal together for lunch before heading back to our starting point of Kelowna. Here guests can be dropped off at their accommodation, Kelowna airport or join the team at Into The Wild for a free shuttle transfer back to Vancouver if that works best with your travel plans.