The Wheels are Rolling on the KVR

The Wheels are Rolling on the KVR

By Murray Wood

Peachland Eagles Nest B&B    1eaglesnest.ca

Early one morning I looked out our front door window to see two of our guests boarding a Myra Canyon Bike Rental tour van. I was both surprised and pleased. Pleased to see that our guests were about to have an awesome day and surprised because I did not know that Myra Canyon Bike Rentals offered tours. I had to find out more.

The top three things that guests ask me about are wineries, biking, and hiking. Myra Canyon is often asked about; how to get there as well as where to rent bikes.

Twelve years ago, Ben and Annelies Vos were biking the trestles of Myra Canyon and fell in love with the area. They were also mystified why there were no bike rentals at the canyon. They were able to get permits to set up Myra Canyon Bike Rentals and have been providing pleasure and adventure to people from all over the world.

During my conversations with Ben Vos, I was struck by his enthusiasm about sharing the beauty of the canyon and the amazing engineering feat of the historic Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) bed and trestles as well as the amazing effort of the volunteers to rebuild the trestles after the fires of 2003.

Ben and his staff love to provide guided tours for their guests! They take the time to show people some of the secrets of the canyon, the physical history of building the KVR as well as showing them the plant life and wild animals signs. The guest leaves relaxed and much more fulfilled.

Myra Canyon Bike Rentals and Tours offers a number of tours. They will pick up the guests in Kelowna and West Kelowna. If guests are staying in other communities such as Peachland or Summerland, they meet the guests at the Walmart parking lot.

Tour 1

Guided and Self-Guided Magnificent Myra Canyon Trestles & Tunnel Tour

4 Hour Tour Including Transportation

This historical wonder of the Kettle Valley Railway is a 24 Kilometer tour that will take you across 18 trestles and through 2 tunnels. This scenic and relatively flat trail displays spectacular views of the canyon, the trestles, Kelowna and the surrounding area. A must to do for young and old visiting the Okanagan!

A Guided or Self-Guided tour includes the rental of a tour bicycle, helmet, bottle of water, snack and transportation from your accommodation in Kelowna or West Kelowna to the start of the tour at the Myra Canyon and transportation to your accommodation after you have finished your tour.

Please make your reservation online. Reservations will need to be confirmed at least 24 hours in advance. Due to the difficulty of organizing staff to accommodate booked tours, you will not be refunded if you cancel the reservation. Reservation of a single rider upon request and by availability only

Tour 2

Self-Guided Day Trip from Kelowna to Penticton HISTORICAL KVR TRAIL

Full Day Tour Including Transportation

This 74 Kilometer tour starts at Myra station where you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Okanagan, learn about the history of the KVR through the interactive trail and ride over 19 trestles and through 3 tunnels! The tour will continue to Chute Lake where there is a lodge with a restaurant for a rest or lunch. Beyond Chute Lake you will learn about the many rock ovens that were used to cook for the workers and encounter the 489 Meter Adria tunnel. The KVR then flows through the Naramata bench where there will be another opportunity for mesmerizing views of the wineries and the Okanagan Lake. We will finish the tour at D’Angelo Winery in Penticton. The trail has a slight decline throughout the entire 74 Kilometers, making it a great event for a wide range of people. Due to the distance and the condition of the trail, we do not recommend this tour for young children. There is an option to stay overnight at the lodge at Chute Lake and split the trip in 2 days. Please email them if you request a two-day trip.

This Self-Guided tour includes transport from your location in Kelowna or West Kelowna to the Myra Canyon and transport from D’Angelo Winery back to your accommodation. They will provide a tour bicycle, a helmet, spare parts, tools, 2 bottles of water and 2 snacks.

Tour 3

Bike and Wine Full Day Tour:

Guided and Self-Guided Magnificent Myra Canyon Trestles, Tunnel and Wine Tasting.

Full Day Tour Including Transportation

This historical wonder of the Kettle Valley Railway is a 24km tour that will take you across 18 trestles and through 2 tunnels.  This relatively flat trail displays spectacular views of Kelowna and surrounding environment, while its interactive trail keeps it exciting for the whole duration.  After the bicycle tour they will drive you to the first winery, Meadow Vista, where you will have lunch at the Bistro.  After lunch, a selection of 4 will be made of these 5 wineries: The Vibrant Vine, Spearhead Winery, House of Rose Winery, The View and Sperling Vineyards.   This is a must do for anyone visiting the Okanagan!

This Guided or Self-Guided bicycle tour includes bike rental, the use of a helmet, bottle of water and a snack and in case of a guided tour, the service of a guide.  Pick-up and drop off transportation at your accommodation in Kelowna or West Kelowna is included as well as transportation throughout the day to and from the Myra Canyon and transportation to the wineries.  The tasting fees at the wineries are included, but the lunch is not. 

Guest Review

Excellent Customer Service & Bike Tour from Kelowna to Penticton

Aug. 2020

Great customer service from the owner, Ben Voss. No issues with the bikes, they were in top working order and had comfortable, wide seats (important when you’re on the bike all day). The bikes also came with a small bag over the back wheel, containing water bottles, snacks, first aid kit and repair tools. Ben was punctual for his pickup and drop off times. He also provided historical information of the area and helpful recommendations for local campgrounds, fruit stands and local wines. Very friendly and helpful person. Good value for the self-guided tour from Myra Station to Penticton. Would have been difficult to arrange the shuttle service without Ben’s help. Thanks Ben & Team!! Great day trip (“Tour 2”) and customer service 🙂

Contact: Myra Canyon Bike Rentals https://www.myracanyonrental.com/

Bicycle Rentals: (250) 878-8763

Tours: (778) 363-7476