Overlooking Kalamalka Lake this weekend.
Image Credit: beardofbeez via Instagram
October 14, 2020 - 12:00 PM
We're having some great fall weather, the leaves are turning, Thanksgiving is coming up fast — what better time of year for a bike ride?
Check out these easy bike trails around the Okanagan and Kamloops to take in the fall scenery before the snow falls.
Okanagan
Mission Creek Greenway, Kelowna
These wide-open packed gravel trails are great for biking, and have pit stops along the way. You'll find the entrance to Mission Creek Park on Springfield Road. You can follow the Greenway all the way down to Lakeshore Road.
Myra Canyon Tressles, East Kelowna
No bike? No problem. You and your family can rent bikes at Myra Canyon and hit the trails. The Myra Canyon Trail follows a section of the historical Kettle Valley Railway over 18 trestles and through two tunnels.
The well-established 24 km circuit can be cycled in 4 hours at a moderate pace with plenty of opportunity for photos and short breaks.
Abbott Street, Kelowna
If you want to stay closer to town, check out Abbott Street in Lower Mission. There's an established bike path and it's flat the whole way. At the end of the road you'll reach downtown, right around the time you'll want a cold drink or a bite to eat. You can also bike the boardwalk along the waterfront.
Okanagan Rail Trail
Whether you're in Kelowna, Vernon or Penticton, you can hop onto the Okanagan rail trail for a smooth, scenic ride.
In Kelowna, you can find an entrance here, near Lougheed Road, or at the intersection of Richter Street and Recreation Avenue if you're closer to downtown.
In Lake Country, you can hop on here, just off Oyama Road.
In Vernon, start heading south on the trail here.
To see the full map, click here.
Middleton Bike Loop, Vernon
This family friendly loop begins at Polson Park, at the corner of 32 Street and 25 Street. Bike along the boardwalk towards the south of the Park and onto 14 Avenue. You'll end up in the Middleton Mountain area in Coldstream. After 5 km, you'll come across a picnic site at Stenquist Park. You can continue on from this point via Kalamalka Road to reach Kalamalka Beach.
Full map here.
Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Penticton
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail enters Penticton from the north along the east bluffs of Okanagan Lake and it's a popular route for cyclists. Along your way, you'll see local vineyards, orchards, creeks and the shores of Okanagan Lake.
Kamloops
River's Trail
Take a nice easy ride alongside the Thompson River. You can hop on the trail in Brock at this entrance here and head through MacArthur Island Park.
You can also pick up the trail here, near Schubert Drive at the South End Trail Head. On the other side of Overlander Bridge, start biking here at the bridge. This trail takes you through Riverside Park to Pioneer Park.
Batch Bike Trails
Take a ride on the Batch Bike Trails near Lac du Bois and see the grasslands in all their fall glory. Mountain bikes are recommended for these trails, as they are steep at times and not paved.
Xget'tem Trail in Peterson Creek
Although it's not completely flat, it is fully paved and a smooth ride. The Xget'tem trail in Peterson Creek is 1.7km one way, so you'll have the downhill coast to look forward to once you're done. The path connects Sahali to the downtown area.
Did we miss a favourite cycling trail of yours? Let us know and we’ll include them.
— This story was originally published at 6 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, 2020.
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