Cycling & Mountain Biking

The Okanagan Rail Trail starts at Ellis Street downtown and follows the old rail line north toward Lake Country and Coldstream, about 50 km in all. Inside Kelowna, the roughly 14 km from Ellis Street to Old Vernon Road is mostly paved; beyond the city the surface is compacted crushed gravel. It is flat and wide, so it suits families and e-bikes.

The Mission Creek Greenway follows Mission Creek about 16.5 km from Okanagan Lake at Lakeshore Road up to Scenic Canyon. The first 7.5 km or so are flat and shaded. Further east the trail narrows and climbs, with bridges, switchbacks and stairs. There are access points all along the creek.

The Myra Canyon section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail crosses 18 trestles (16 wooden trestles and 2 steel bridges) and runs through 2 tunnels in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park. Most people ride from Myra Station to Ruth Station: about 12 km each way on a wide gravel rail grade with a gentle slope.

To reach Myra Station, take McCulloch Road to Myra Forest Service Road and follow the gravel road about 8 km to the main lot, which has about 75 spots. Bike rentals and tours run from the Myra Station lot.

Knox Mountain Park, minutes from downtown, is a multi-use city park with trails for all levels and views over the city and the lake. The City allows cross-country and downhill riding on designated trails only, so stay on the signed bike trails and expect to meet hikers.

The Lake Country Bike Park is a 6-hectare, community-built riding area with pump tracks, dirt jumps, drop lines, a technical skills loop, gravity trails and an adaptive trail.

Crawford, in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park at the edge of the Upper Mission, has more than 150 km of multi-use trails, from flowy singletrack to technical rock gardens. Park at the end of Stewart Road East.

Smith Creek, in the forested hills northwest of West Kelowna, is known for flowy descents, natural jumps and drops and smooth singletrack. Take Elliott Road to Smith Creek Road and drive up until the road turns to gravel; the trailhead lot is there.

Rose Valley Regional Park in West Kelowna has rugged, mostly unsigned singletrack over volcanic bluffs and grasslands, best for intermediate riders. Only the Phase 1 trails are open while the park recovers from the 2023 McDougall Creek wildfire, so check the Regional District before you go. Park on Westlake Road by the fire hall or at Rosewood Drive.

Gillard is the Okanagan's original freeride network, sanctioned by Recreation Sites and Trails BC and looked after by Mountain Bikers of the Central Okanagan. Expect fast singletrack, wood stunts, gap jumps, rock gardens and slabs. It suits intermediate and advanced riders.

Most riders shuttle up Gillard Forest Service Road and ride down. From Lakeshore Road, take Chute Lake Road to the FSR; the Recreation Sites and Trails BC lot is about 3.8 km up. A full-face helmet and a full-suspension bike are recommended.

Every trail here is shared. Slow down for walkers, ride in control and stay on designated trails.

In summer, wildfire risk can close parks and trails. Check BC Parks, the City of Kelowna and the Regional District before you head out.

For rentals, parts and repairs, the bike shops are listed below.