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British Columbia

Okanagan Summer: Myra Canyon KVR Hike & Bike

Okanagan Summer: Myra Canyon KVR Hike & Bike

Ashamedly, I’ve only just now visited one of Kelowna’s most popular free attractions. The Myra Canyon KVR trestle trail is wildly popular with visiting Europeans, Americans and Albertans. Simply listen to the languages being spoken on the trail and you’ll hear British, German, Louisiana, Texan and the list goes on.

View of Kelowna from Myra Canyon KVR, Kelowna, BC

I’ve lived here since 2006 and have since adopted the city as my hometown. This summer has particularly been a summer of exploration as I have been taking up hiking in and around the city. This led to the discovery of my top 3 hikes in Kelowna. Some locals asked why I wouldn’t include one of the most popular hiking/biking trails in the city and certainly on TripAdvisor. Plainly put, I hadn’t been yet. I also understood this popular trail is very busy receiving over 60,000 visitors per year making a relaxing hike less so. Additionally, it is a better biking trail than hiking where you can cover much more ground, scenery and tunnels by bike.

Myra Canyon trestles and tunnels on KVR, Kelowna, BC

However, I did hike it this past weekend making it 4 kms in seeing over 5+ Myra Canyon trestles and 2 tunnels. It was a great 2 hour (8 kms in total) hike but I wished I had brought or rented a bike. Luckily, if you’re not from the Kelowna area bikes are available for rent right in the parking lot but reservations recommended! By noon the bikes were all gone or reserved for those in the know.

Myra Canyon KVR trestles and tunnels, Kelowna, BC

History

The Myra Canyon Kettle Valley Railway was built in 1910-1915 and links Midway, BC to Penticton, BC. The railway was last used in 1972 and began to crumble making it unsafe for biking enthusiasts and hikers to use. It wasn’t until 1980 that the rails were removed by the government but the trestles remained and fell into disrepair. The area was very dangerous for the public to use and various incidents occurred. This led to the formation of the Myra Canyon Trestle Restoration Society in 1992.

Old electrical lines that used to run for the KVR. Myra Canyon trestles and tunnels, Kelowna, BC

Volunteers cleaned up the trail and even rebuilt the trestles to a safe state and visitors began to return and even flock to the KVR.

 

In 2003 there was a devastating fire here in the Okanagan wiping out many trestles and over 300 homes. You can still see the impact of the fire today in 2016 with rickety scorched trees standing amongst the recovering greenery. By 2008 the Myra Canyon KVR was rebuilt and open to visitors once again.

 

If you’re really into the history and the process that it took to create a railroad in such a tricky terrain I suggest you visit the Myra Canyon Trestle Restoration Society. They have full details of the adversity that the man behind the railroad, Andrew McCulloch faced in having it built. But there are also signs placed along the KVR explaining the significance of each look out point and portion of railway with a story.

Views of the KVR from Myra Canyon KVR Trail, Kelowna, BC

If you want a real challenge some bicycling enthusiasts actually pedal from Myra Canyon all the way to the Naramata Wine Bench. Rewarding themselves with wine and amazing scenery after the 47 km trek.

Keep your eye out for wildlife. Although all I saw was a couple of very eager chipmunks looking for food and an eagle, be sure to be bear and cougar aware in these parts.

Spot the chipmunk?
Spot the chipmunk?

The Myra Canyon has a total of 18 trestle bridges for you to explore and with bike season coming to a close in the next couple of months I highly suggest it to be added to your itinerary. It is an easy trail perfect for all ages and offers some amazing history and views. Summer is busiest so if you’re a local and want to enjoy a leisurely stroll without the crowds go early or in the Autumn.

Myra Canyon Kettle Valley Railway, Kelowna, BC. 18 trestles and 2 tunnels.

 

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About Murissa

Murissa is founder of FoodieTown.ca and you can join her on a food tour with FoodToursKelowna.com. Otherwise, you can find her roaming the Okanagan wine region of British Columbia with her 2 kiddos and hubby in tow.

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13 comments

  1. Jonaas says:
    April 19, 2019 at 10:47 pm

    What a lovely place! The fire tells me of a bit of this area because whenever we travel about here, we see homes that have been hit by wildfires.
    Jonaas recently posted..Tips to Safe Riding A Balance Bike For Your KidsMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Zachary Anderson says:
    November 29, 2018 at 6:48 pm

    What a place for long day tour. I will go there with my fiance for biking there. Really Amazed.

    Reply
  3. Robert Blackshire says:
    October 24, 2017 at 12:33 am

    Summer is the best time for me. As a moves lots of places in this time. What a place!!! I am eagerly waiting for going there at least one time.

    Reply
  4. John Hodge says:
    July 20, 2017 at 11:11 pm

    Wonderful place! It will be a good experience to have a biking trip here with my friends. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. Kristin says:
    March 10, 2017 at 2:43 pm

    I gotta say your pictures are certainly epic. And like the guy above I still could not find the chipmunk lol.
    Kristin recently posted..The 5 Best Breast Pumps For TwinsMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Aiden Carter says:
    February 4, 2017 at 11:43 pm

    WoW! these all are great! I should travel there But This time is very bad for me, I have not enough money to go there.. But One day I will must go there in my future life.. Thank you very much to sharing this!
    Aiden Carter recently posted..The Best Scooter For Kids – Guide and ReviewsMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Jason says:
    November 13, 2016 at 4:09 pm

    This place looks like something out of a movie set. I stared at that chipmunk pic for like 5 minutes still couldnt find it lol
    Jason recently posted..The 12 Best Kids Bike Reviews: Buyers GuideMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Wanderfull says:
      November 22, 2016 at 10:53 am

      Oh shoot lol! He is perched on the edge of the rock cliff part.

      Reply
      1. Mike says:
        February 21, 2017 at 11:21 pm

        Its location looks like in cowboy movies
        Mike recently posted..Best Cookware Sets – You Must Have OneMy Profile

        Reply
  8. Curtis says:
    September 26, 2016 at 1:00 pm

    The place is stunning! I’m definitely adding Myra Canyon to my biking trip bucketlist!

    Reply
  9. Jenna says:
    September 14, 2016 at 3:12 pm

    What a pretty place! The fire reminds me a bit of this area because whenever we travel around here, we see places that have been hit by fires.

    Reply
    1. Wanderfull says:
      September 15, 2016 at 8:54 am

      Our area of BC gets compared to California a lot not just in terms of wine regions but also how bad it can get for fires. This year was a banner year for no fires this summer. 2003 was the worst and last year was quite terrible too. When California has a fire and Canadians can help our water bombers actually go to California to help out (if all is well here).

      Reply
  10. The Curious Creature says:
    September 8, 2016 at 9:10 am

    This is gorgeous! Glad you finally had a chance to explore it. Found the chipmunk!!

    Reply

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MEET THE TEAM

MEET THE TEAM

Hi! Murissa & Taryn here. We are sisters, foodies and founders, formerly The Wanderfull Traveler. Join us as we explore the Canadian food scene! Check out our YouTube foodie adventures and trusted restaurant recommendations here. We created the Foodie Card - coming to a Canadian city near you!

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