Last Updated on June 29, 2021
The Myra Canyon Trestles are an incredibly scenic portion of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR). It is an Icon of Canadian Railroad History.
If you’re visiting the Okanagan Valley, we recommend taking a ride over the historic Myra Canyon trestles.
Here is why, and what to expect on your day out exploring the Myra Canyon Trestles.
Myra Canyon Trestles Guide
Hike, Run, Or Cycle
You will want to allow at least a half-day to explore Myra Canyon. You can either hike it or rent bikes, like we did, from Myra Canyon Bike Rental & Tours to explore the 12km path (24km round-trip). The bike rentals are available for the day, or a four-hour time frame. Both options give you plenty of time to stop to admire your surroundings and snap some photos along the way. If you are planning to bike it, allow for at least four hours so you have plenty of time to soak the scenery in.
It is possible to do this trail on foot but know your limits; it would take much longer on foot.
Motorized vehicles, including electric bicycles, are not permitted on the Myra Canyon trail.
The Trestles Were Originally Built By Hand
The journey through the Myra Canyon Trestles takes you over 18 trestles and through two tunnels and through one of the most scenic parts of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR). Originally built at the turn of the last century, 12 of the trestles were demolished by the Okanagan Mountain fire and were rebuilt as close to the original as possible. It took five years to complete the rebuild, which reopened in 2008. Looking at the trestles, it is mind-blowing when you consider that the original trestles would have been built by hand.
Related Story – Hiking To Ladner Creek Trestle
Rich In History
The Kettle Valley Railway was an important part of the development of BC’s southern interior, so it was interesting to learn more about the history of British Columbia. It was a relaxing journey, rich in history. We loved reading all the boards along the way, learning about what the area used to be like.
We enjoyed the stunning views of the beautiful scenery from the restored train trestles all the way along the path. Everywhere we turned we were greeted by gorgeous scenery and the beauty of mother nature. It was an enjoyable, peaceful ride.
The ride was a great way to get outside, get some exercise and fresh air, and enjoy a unique Okanagan experience.
What Is The Kettle Valley Railway?
The Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) is an abandoned railroad track that operated across southern British Columbia, across the Okanagan and Similkameen region. It was built to service the growing mining demands in the Southern Interior region of British Columbia.
Accessibility
Since the abandonment, the area has become a notable attraction and is a popular spot for hiking, running, and cycling. With its maximum 2.2% grade, the trail is accessible by most with just a little preparation. It became so popular that many upgrades were made to make the attraction safer, after sitting in many years of disrepair.
The ground is gravel, compacted soil and the trestles have wooden planks along them.
Kettle Valley Railway Today
Today, it offers 650 km of cycling trails. The most popular section is the 80 km between Myra Canyon in Kelowna to Penticton. However, the Myra Canyon section is a short 12km and draws the biggest crowds. Annually, the KVR sees over 100,000 visitors.
National Historic Site Of Canada
This Myra Canyon section of the railway is an important part of history and so incredibly beautiful that in 2002, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
What To Bring
The Myra Canyon portion of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) is high in elevation and really gives some beautiful valley views, but this also means your walk or bike ride can be a little cooler than if you were in town. It was a hot day during a heatwave when we went, and it was a nice little escape from the extra heat.
Also, bring more water than you think you will need. All the water you will have access to is that which you bring with you.
Getting There + Parking
From downtown Kelowna, it is a 24km drive to the Myra Canyon Trestles. There are two parking entrances – the Myra Station Entrance and the June Road Entrance.
Myra Station Parking Lot (Main parking lot)
To get to the trestles, you must drive up the mountain through several kilometers of unpaved gravel road to get to the parking lot. There was not really any signage along the service road, so you are left wondering where the heck you are, but keep driving and you’ll eventually see the Myra Canyon Trestles sign at the entrance.
Follow McCulloch Road past the golf course to the Myra Forest Service Road. This road has some blind corners and is narrow, so use caution. Follow the gravel road for 8 km to the large parking area. Most vehicles should be able to make the climb during the summer and fall months.
The parking area has two parking lots, and pit toilets.
There is no parking beyond this point. Any form of motorized vehicle is not permitted on the trestles.
June Springs (Alternate parking lot)
Take McCulloch Road to June Springs Road. Follow June Springs for 6 km to the Little White Forest Service Road. The parking area is 4.5 km up the service road. There is a parking area with a pit toilet, as well as additional parking further along the rail bed.
There is no parking beyond this point. Any form of motorized vehicle is not permitted on the trestles.
Tip: If you have littles with you that you know will not last the whole 24km distance, park at the Myra Station Entrance, as there are six trestle bridges within the first 2km, packing a lot of sights into your adventure.
Other Pieces Of The Historic Kettle Valley Railway
Trust us, exploring the Myra Canyon Trestles will make you want to explore more pieces of the famed historic Kettle Valley Railway. You can hike to the Ladner Creek Trestle near Hope where you will find a small section of British Columbia’s historic Kettle Valley Railway. The Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park is another popular section of the abandoned railway line.
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Disclaimer: We were provided with bike rentals from Myra Canyon Bike Rentals for this experience, but as always, our opinions are our own.