This sensational high quality trail system from Vernon to Kelowna follows the shores of Kalamalka Lake, Wood Lake and, one day, Ellison Lake on a well packed and smooth fine aggregate surface. At the Kelowna end it connects downtown Kelowna to the University and Airport on a paved Trail.
The full length of the trail is 50 kms to the Okanagan Lake foreshore plus another 20-25 km Loop Trail in Kelowna that includes the amazing Mission Creek Greenway.
As of May 20, 2019, the whole trail can be done in one day if one is prepared to ride about 7 kms on Highway 97.
To avoid cycling along the Highway it is strongly suggested to do this in two parts likely taking two wonderful days of cycling.
- Part 1 – Vernon to the Woodside area doing a loop around Wood Lake on the way back for a 54 to 60 km cycle.
- Part 2 – The Kelowna Experience
- the rail trail to the airport and back – 22 km see blue route on the map
- add the university loop of 5 km
- add the Mission Creek and Okanagan Lake Loop of 23 to 29.5 km (strongly suggest doing this extension in red.
- Maximum 57 km.
It is thanks to the Friends of the Okanagan Rail Trail that this project is already a growing reality!
Another group located in the South Okanagan, the Trail of the Okanagans is helping to connect with the greenways vision of connecting communities between Osoyoos and Sicamous.