If you’re looking for a road trip that mixes mountain views, desert landscapes, lakeside towns, and a dash of railway nostalgia, the Kettle Valley Railway route is basically British Columbia saying, “Here, let me show off a little.” The old KVR line clings to cliffs, crosses deep valleys, and winds through some of the most varied scenery in the province — and even though the trains stopped running long ago, the route still pulls in visitors who love a good view with a side of history.
Much of the original rail bed has been transformed into trails, which means hikers and cyclists get to enjoy those sweeping views at a slower pace — and honestly, the scenery is so good you might want to slow down too. You can hop onto these trails from a whole collection of small towns, each with its own charm: Princeton, Tulameen, Coalmont, Summerland, Penticton, Naramata, Rock Creek, Midway, Greenwood, Grand Forks… basically, if you toss a pebble in the South Okanagan, it might hit a KVR access point.
Now, technically you can drive the full 360 km route in a single day — but that’s like speed‑reading a love letter. This is a two‑to‑three‑day kind of adventure, the kind where you stop for fruit stands, wander through old mining towns, and pull over for photos every time the landscape changes (which is often).
Kettle Valley Railway Tour Map
Starting in Princeton, you’re surrounded by lakes, parks, and a whole lot of fresh air. A quick detour to Tulameen is worth it — the road winds along the river, past old mining buildings, and ends at Otter Lake, which is basically begging you to stop for a picnic or a swim. Back on Highway 3, the drive toward Hedley and Keremeos is full of river views, mountain goats, and fruit stands that make it nearly impossible not to pull over “just for a minute”.
Then comes Osoyoos — Canada’s only true desert, complete with warm lakes, rare wildlife, and a cultural centre that explains why this landscape is so unique. It’s a dramatic shift from the forests you just drove through, and it’s one of the reasons this route feels like several trips in one.
Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca
NK’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
The NK’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is an outstanding interpretive facility that lets visitors understand the culture of the Osoyoos Indian Band and the Okanagan region.
From there, the road climbs into Rock Creek and follows the Kettle River north toward Kelowna. This stretch is full of history — old mining sites, provincial parks, and even a surviving railway bridge you can still walk across. The scenery swings from rugged cliffs to peaceful riverbanks, and it’s the kind of drive that makes you roll the windows down just to breathe it in.
Kelowna itself is a whole experience: lakes, beaches, wineries, orchards, and enough restaurants to make you rethink your waistband. If you have time, Myra Canyon is a must‑see — the trestles and tunnels are some of the most iconic pieces of the KVR, and the views are the kind that make you say “wow” out loud even if you’re usually not a “wow” person.
Heading south again, the road hugs Okanagan Lake all the way to Summerland and Penticton. Summerland is home to the Kettle Valley Steam Railway — yes, an actual working steam train — and riding it feels like stepping back a century, minus the soot and questionable 1900s fashion choices. The Trout Creek Bridge nearby is one of the most impressive engineering feats on the entire line, soaring 73 metres above the canyon floor — a reminder of just how ambitious this railway once was.
Finally, Penticton and the Naramata Bench wrap up the tour with vineyards, lake views, and more opportunities to taste award‑winning wines than you can reasonably fit into one afternoon (pace yourself).
The Kettle Valley Railway Tour isn’t just a drive — it’s a slow, scenic wander through history, nature, and some of BC’s most beautiful landscapes. Take your time, bring your camera, and let the old railway show you why it’s still one of the province’s most beloved routes.