Even if you’re not much of a cyclist, you’re going to love cycling the Okanagan Rail Trail. It’s an almost-flat ride along an old CN Rail line, with the full route stretching approximately 50-52 km from Coldstream near Vernon to Kelowna via Oyama and Lake Country. The prettiest section runs between Coldstream and Oyama, where much of the trail hugs Kalamalka Lake – known for its striking turquoise colours.
I biked from Coldstream to a few kilometres past Lake Country, with a lakeside stop in Oyama. I stopped constantly to take pictures and simply marvel at the beauty of Kalamalka Lake – taking far longer than normal to cover the distance I did, even though I was on an e-bike. If it had been a hot summer’s day, I would absolutely go for a swim – so don’t forget a bathing suit and a quick-dry towel.
There are options to rent cruiser and e-bikes close to the trail in Coldstream, Oyama and Lake Country. E-bikes are popular because you can sit back and take in the views without breaking a sweat. If you’re after serious exercise, choose a gravel bike and pedal further.
I’ve biked a lot of rail trails in Canada and the US – and the Okanagan Rail Trail may be shorter than many I’ve done, but I think it’s one of the most beautiful. If you’re visiting the region, make a point of going for what will be one of the most memorable bike rides of your life.
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Okanagan Rail Trail Location Map
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Okanagan Rail Trail at a Glance
- Distance: Approximately 27 km one way from Coldstream to the south end of Wood Lake
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: Allow 2.5 – 3 hours with LOTS of breaks
- Surface: Mostly compacted crushed gravel
- Elevation gain: Nearly flat; maximum grade of 1.3%
- Best for: Recreational cyclists, families, e-bikes, walkers
- Detailed trail map: The whole route is online
Cycling the Okanagan Rail Trail from Vernon to Wood Lake
Starting at Km 0 near Vernon
Our shuttle offered by the Predator Ridge Bike Hub dropped us off in the parking lot by Sun Country Cycle on Kalamalka Road. From there we simply biked up College Way to get onto the Okanagan Rail Trail. At the start of the trail you’ll see a big trail map along with interpretive signage as pictured below.
Not long after you start biking you’ll reach a drinking fountain, a bike stand with bike repair tools, and washrooms.
Cycling Along Kalamalka Lake
Biking the Okanagan Rail Trail beside Kalamalka Lake is a sublime experience. Kalamalka Lake, known as the Lake of Many Colours, is a marl lake. In summer, as the water warms, calcium carbonate crystals precipitate more quickly, changing the way light scatters through the water and producing shades of cyan, turquoise, deep blue, and indigo.
Look for interpretive signage around km 4 related to the Syilx Okanagan people, who have used the land for hunting, fishing, gathering, and ceremonies for generations. You’ll also find trail maps so you can check your progress.
From Kalamalka Lake to Oyama, Wood Lake, and Lake Country
It’s about 19 km to reach Oyama overlooking Wood Lake. Look for OKF – a well-positioned food stop that is popular with cyclists.
Cross the road, picking up the trail beside Wood Lake. One of the highlights on this section is the scenic trestle you cycle under. Continue south along the east side of Wood Lake to reach Ribbleworth Falls at KM 23. They aren’t very big come the fall, but there is a nice place to pull over and enjoy the view of Wood Lake. There is also some interesting interpretive signage about stream and waterfall habitat.
What to Know Before Cycling the Okanagan Rail Trail
Is the Okanagan Rail Trail Easy?
As with most rail trails, the Okanagan Rail Trail is very easy to cycle. There is a minor grade that never exceeds 1.3%, so it feels flat.
On busy days, I would recommend paying attention to who is around you, especially if there are young kids or people on e-bikes for the first time. Although the trail is wide, it would still be easy to swerve into someone given the right circumstances.
What Kind of Bike Do You Need?
A gravel bike with 40-50 mm tires would be ideal. Hybrid bikes that allow you to sit upright are another comfortable option. Class 1 e-bikes with pedal assist are also a popular choice. Note that Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted.
Mountain bikes are overkill for this trail, but if that’s all you’ve got, they will work.
Bike Rentals for the Okanagan Rail Trail
There are numerous places to rent bikes in Vernon, Oyama, Lake Country, and Kelowna. Take into account where you want to cycle. The prettiest part of the trail is near Coldstream so don’t miss that section.
Predator Ridge Bike Hub – I used the services of Predator Ridge for both an ebike rental and a shuttle to KM 0 in Coldstream and a pick up three hours later in Lake Country at a designated pub. If you only want to bike one way on the rail trail, this is a great option.
Kalavida Surf Shop in Vernon rents ebikes and cruisers. They are very close to the rail trail near Kal Beach.
Oyama E-Bike & Board is located right on the trail in Oyama. Parking is easy too and after the bike ride you can pick up water, snacks, and ice cream. They require 24 hours notice.
Pedego Electric Bikes Oyama – Book online for a rental. The shop is very close to the rail trail in Oyama.
Lake Country Cycle – They rent class 1 ebikes only – and are located 850 m off the Okanagan Rail Trail.
Where Can You Park for the Okanagan Rail Trail?
There are numerous places to park, depending on your starting point.
Coldstream – Vernon Area
- Coldstream Station: The main parking area located on Westkal Road featuring public washrooms, and public parking.
- Kekuli Bay Provincial Park: Features trail access, parking, and washroom facilities but if busy park at the East Baily Road parking lot
- College Way / Kalamalka Lake Road: Access is available via College Way with parking options along Kalamalka Lake Road.
Oyama – Lake Country
- Oyama General Store
- Woodsdale Road Tennis Courts in Lake Country
- Beasley Park
- Reiswig Regional Park
Kelowna
- Waterfront Park and Downtown Kelowna
- Parkinson Recreation Park
- Old Vernon Road Area
What to Bring
- A properly-fitted bike helmet (with a sun visor is best)
- Bike gloves
- Sunscreen, sunglasses
- Phone
- Repair kit, extra inner tube, bike pump
- 1-2L of water especially on hot days – refill along the way if need be.
- High energy snacks and protein bars.
- Bathing suit and quick-dry towel in the summer
There are places to purchase food and drinks along or close to the Okanagan Rail Trail in Coldstream, Oyama, Lake Country, and Kelowna
When Is the Best Time to Ride the Okanagan Rail Trail?
The ideal time to bike the Okanagan Rail Trail is between March and early November.
If a swim in Kalamalka Lake is high on your wish list, then opt for a summer bike ride. If you prefer fewer people and fall colours, bike the trail in September and October.
How Far Does the Okanagan Rail Trail Go?
The Okanagan Rail Trail continues south from Lake Country toward Kelowna, with the full route stretching approximately 50–52 km from Coldstream to downtown Kelowna. However, a 2.6-km section on the east side of Ellison Lake remains unfinished, so you’ll need to check current access and routing before setting out to cycle the entire distance.
I cycled a few kilometres past the south end of Wood Lake, so it’s the northern section of trail that I can heartily recommend from firsthand experience. By all accounts, it’s the main reason you want to bike the Okanagan Rail Trail. But if you’re like me, there’s unfinished business when you haven’t cycled the entire route – even if it isn’t as pretty or interesting.
Tips for Cycling the Okanagan Rail Trail
Taking a Shuttle for a One-Way Ride
The Okanagan Rail Trail is usually done as an out-and-back bike ride. If you want to ride one way, either organize your own shuttle or book with the Bike Hub at Predator Ridge.
Where to Start and Time Needed
Start in Coldstream if you don’t plan to bike all the way to Oyama so that you enjoy the prettiest section of the Okanagan Rail Trail. Another option, especially if you have your own bike, is to start in Kekuli Bay Provincial Park and cycle the 9 km to Coldstream on what is the absolute best section of the trail. Parking can be an issue in summer, so as a back-up park off Highway 97 here.
If you plan to ride to Oyama or Wood Lake as an out and back, then it doesn’t matter where you start.
- Coldstream to Oyama: Approximately 18 km one way. Allow 4.5 – 6 hours on a regular bike to complete it. Cut the time by a third if you’re on an e-bike.
- Coldstream to Lake Country/Wood Lake (south end): Approximately 27 km one way, based on your ride. Allow 2.5-3 hours with stops or 5-6 hours round-trip on a regular bike. An e-bike will take less time.
- Coldstream to Kelowna: Approximately 50–52 km for the full route, subject to current trail access.
Beat the Heat
If it’s a hot summer’s day, I’d recommend biking early in the morning to beat the heat. And pack a lightweight towel so you can enjoy a quick cooling swim. There are multiple rocky beaches along the route and many smaller places where you can simply pull off for a quick dip. Note that not every rocky beach is suitable for swimming – so use some common sense. I also like wearing water shoes when getting into the water if the shoreline is rocky.
Wildlife
There are occasional rattlesnakes along the Okanagan Rail Trail (less likely on rainy or cold days) so keep to the designated trail. Off the bike, avoid putting your hands in rocky crevasses or under ledges.
Share the Trail
Keep to the right and pass on the left. Use a bell if you’re planning to pass someone.
Food Stops
There are many food stops on or close to the Okanagan Rail Trail.
In Coldstream at Kal Beach, the Rail Trail Café & Market is a popular spot for coffees, drinks, and baked goods. Next door is the Rail Trail Café Ice Cream Parlor. Alexanders Beach Pub & Liquor Store serving casual pub fare is at the east end of Kal Beach.
In Oyama, you’ll find the OKF Grill, the Oyama General Store, and Lu Lou’s Lakeside Grill. Near the Pedego bike shop is a pizza place.
If you don’t mind cycling for an extra six minutes in Lake Country, you’ll find the Turtle Bay Pub at the southwest corner of Wood Lake. This is where the shuttle from Predator Ridge picks you up too.
What’s Happening with the Rail Trail Toward Sicamous?
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail is a work in progress. The goal is to link communities between Armstrong and Sicamous – and provide an opportunity to tell the true story within the Secwépemcúĺecw (Secwépemc Nation territory).
The current completed and open section stretches from km 0.5 in Sicamous to km 40.5 just south of Enderby.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Okanagan Rail Trail
It is 50-52 km long from Coldstream near Vernon, to downtown Kelowna. The Coldstream – Oyama section is a more popular outing – and it’s 18 km one-way or 36 km round-trip.
Yes. The Okanagan Rail Trail is very easy to cycle. The grade is no more than 1.3% at any time.
The northern end of the Okanagan Rail Trail starts off College Way in Coldstream – and is usually referred to as KM 0. The southern end of the trail is in downtown Kelowna near the intersection of Ellis Street and Manhattan Drive.
Yes there are. Book ahead in the summer to avoid disappointment. In the Vernon area, check out the Predator Ridge Bike Hub (rentals come with a shuttle) or Kalavida Surf Shop near Kal Beach. In Oyama, you can rent bikes at Pedego Electric Bikes Oyama or the Oyama General Store. Lake Country Cycle is another option, just a few blocks off the trail. And in Kelowna, rent from Lakeside Eco-sports – some distance off the trail.
There are several parking areas along the Okanagan Rail Trail, including Coldstream Station, Kekuli Bay Provincial Park, and parking areas in Oyama like the Oyama General Store and the Woodsdale Road Tennis Courts in Lake Country. The best place to park depends on how far you plan to cycle and whether you want to ride an out-and-back route or arrange a shuttle.
You can ride the Okanagan Rail Trail on a Class 1 pedal assist ebike. Class 2 and 3 ebikes are not permitted on the trail.
More Okanagan Adventures
- A Guide to 3 Perfect Days in the South Okanagan – A relaxed summer itinerary highlighting wineries, lakes, small towns, and outdoor adventures across the South Okanagan.
- 27 Things to Do in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia – Plan your trip with this guide to the best things to do in the Okanagan Valley, from wineries and beaches to hiking trails, bike rides, and charming small towns.
- Myra Canyon by Bike on the KVR – Cycle across historic trestle bridges and through rock tunnels on the most spectacular section of the Kettle Valley Railway.
- Unique Things to Do in Kelowna in Spring, Summer & Fall – Discover unique things to do in Kelowna including scenic hikes, bike rides, wineries, lake activities, and seasonal adventures in the heart of the Okanagan.
- Best Hikes in Vernon, BC: 14 Trails and Scenic Walks Discover 14 of the best hikes and scenic walks around Vernon, BC, from easy lakeside trails to longer and more rewarding outings.
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