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Doug Campbell/Penticton Museum & Archives photos
Kettle Valley Steam Railway
First passenger train - Penticton 1915
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Doug Campbell/Penticton Museum & Archives photos
Kettle Valley Steam Railway
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Doug Campbell/Penticton Museum & Archives photos
Kettle Valley Steam Railway
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Doug Campbell/Penticton Museum & Archives photos
Kettle Valley Steam Railway
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Doug Campbell/Penticton Museum & Archives photos
By Jo Ann Reynolds - photos Doug Campbell/Penticton Museum & Archives
The Kettle Valley Steam Railway is one of the premier heritage attractions in the South Okanagan. It is not only one of BC’s few operational steam railways – the KVSR is truly unique in the entire Okanagan Valley and is an integral piece of BC Railway history. Originally 325 miles long, the Kettle Valley Railway is said to be one of the most difficult railways ever built, snaking its way over and around three mountain ranges connecting the area from Midway in the Kootenays to Hope in the Fraser Canyon. Construction began in 1910 and culminated with the first passenger train arriving in Summerland and Penticton on May 31, 1915.
A major feature of the KVR (still in use today) was the Trout Creek Bridge – at 619 feet long and 238 feet high, it was the largest steel girder bridge on the KVR and the third largest in North America at the time it was built in 1913. More KVR history can be found at the Summerland & Penticton Museums where exhibits give you a glimpse into what steam travel was like almost one hundred years ago.
Today, steam is also what makes the Kettle Valley Steam Railway so incredible for the over 28,000 people that visit. The star attraction at the railway is the century old steam locomotive – the “3716” also named Spirit of Summerland. This gleaming piece of steel pulls the train on a 90 minute journey through the beauty of Prairie Valley. A trip onto the Trout Creek Bridge offers breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake and the canyon below. Live music, historical commentary and observation games for kids make regular tours a memorable experience for the entire family.
If you want a taste of the “Old West” the Kettle Valley Steam Railway offers thrilling Great Train Robbery & BBQ Events – held about every two weeks during summer and fall. The flavour of the era comes alive as the Garnett Valley Gang dressed in period clothing ride out of the hills and ride like the wind to catch the moving train. On board you’ll be entertained with lively music, dance hall girls and “the sheriff”, there to protect you when the Gang boards the train to ask you to hand over your spare change. (He hasn’t made an arrest yet!) All money raised goes to charities throughout the South Okanagan. After the robbery you head back to Prairie Valley Station for a delicious BBQ dinner and a little more music.
Other special event trains include Easter, Mother’s Day and the Summerland Christmas Express. All special event trains are reservation only. It is also recommended that you book ahead for regular tours during the railway’s May to October season. Make today a trip into yesterday at the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. For information on schedule & rates go to www.kettlevalleyrail.org or call toll free 1-877-494-8424. For other heritage related tours check out the SS Sicamous in Penticton (celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year); Bassett House in Okanagan Falls and the Old Grist Mill & Gardens at Keremeos.