Steam and Stone: Bike the KVR to the Adra Tunnel

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Steam and Stone: Bike the KVR to the Adra Tunnel

(3 reviews)
Naramata audio tour: Steam and Stone: Bike the KVR to the Adra Tunnel
This is a 4.8mi cycling tour
It takes an average of 40 mins to complete.
Naramata
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About the Tour

Choo choo! This easy linear biking tour follows the Kettle Valley Railway from the Chute Lake Road parking lot to the Adra Tunnel. As we ride where the rails once flowed, we'll dive into the fascinating history of locomotives and local stations. You'll learn why this railway played a key role in keeping Canada together. We'll meet the athletic, sensible chief engineer who was responsible for this fantastically beautiful railway, and the remarkable men who built the trestles and tunnels with pick axes, dynamite and horses. The tour concludes at the 1600 foot, horse-show shaped Adra Tunnel, loving restored by a devoted group of volunteers. This audio tour is suitable for E-bikes and bicycles, traveling a maximum of 25 km/hr.

This tour begins at the KVR parking lot on Chute Lake Road, known locally as Glenfir. The tour ends near the Adra Tunnel on the KVR trail. Along the way, you‘ll have a chance to:

  • Bike along the world-famous Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail
  • Learn about the KVR's engineering, accidents, maintenance and characters
  • Understand more about Canada's essential railway history
  • Explore the astounding Adra Tunnel, if open
  • Get some exercise and your daily dose of vitamin N (Nature)

This biking tour takes place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the syilx (Okanagan) people, who have resided here since time immemorial. We recognize, honour, and respect the syilx lands, and appreciate the opportunity to learn about, and be in this special place.

This tour was narrated by Craig Henderson, written by Arnica Rowan, and produced by Terroir Consulting for Discover Naramata. Thanks to Destination BC, Wine Growers BC, the Naramata Bench Wineries Association, the Naramata Heritage Museum, the Okanagan Archive Trust Society, the Woodwackers 2.0, and photographers Jon Adrian and Caillum Smith for the beautiful photographs. Thanks to Peach City Community Radio for providing a recording studio.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

Categories
Scenic Routes Industrial Revolution Modern History Transportation Heritage

Tour Producer

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Discover Naramata

27 tours

Naramata... a stunning agricultural landscape, world-class food and wine of the Naramata Bench, a charming village at the end of winding country road. This CittaSlow-certified community is Western Canada's most beloved, slow-paced, vacation destination. Featured in the New York Times, Monte Cristo, National Geographic, Dwell, and more, this breath-taking slice of the Okanagan Valley is yours to explore.

Discover Naramata is a non-profit, member-run Destination Marketing Organization for the community of Naramata, BC, Canada. We support the marketing and building of a destination recognized by those looking for an authentic, quality, slow travel experience and supports the community and people who make this unique destination special. Our society is governed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and represents more than 80 businesses that comprise the local tourism economy.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport for this audio tour project.

The views, opinions, conclusions and/or recommendations expressed in these materials are those of the author(s). These materials do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Government of British Columbia. The Government of British Columbia does not endorse, nor has it confirmed the validity of the information contained in, these materials.

Preview Location

Location 4

The Navvies

The CPR's transcontinental railroad was built by over 15,000 Chinese temporary workers, who worked in terribly dangerous conditions. Many lost their lives building the coast-to-coast railway. By the time the KVR was being built in 1910, the discriminatory Chinese head tax been... Read More
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Major Landmarks

  • Naramata

  • Adra Tunnel

  • Okanagan Lake

  • Kettle Valley Railway Cycling Company Ltd

Getting There

Route Overview

VoiceMap tours follow a route from a set starting point. It’s how we give turn-by-turn directions and tell a story greater than the sum of its parts.
  1. Start location
    Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Naramata, BC V0H 1N1, Canada
  2. Total distance
    8km
  3. Final location
    Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Naramata, BC V0H 1N1, Canada
  4. Distance back to start location
    7km

Directions to Starting Point

The tour begins in the KVR rail trail parking lot on Chute Lake Road, north of the village of Naramata. Locally the Chute Lake Road parking lot area is called Glenfir.

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Tips

Places to stop along the way

There is a picnic table and pit toilet halfway along the tour. At the end of the tour, if it is open, definitely explore the Adra Tunnel by foot or by bike.

Best time of day

This route is well graded, and accessible any time of year. In winter, ensure you are warmly dressed and have a fatbike for snow. In the summer months, head out in the morning before it gets too hot.

Precautions

The KVR trail is well graded, but does have steep drop offs and cliffs beside the trail. Mind your children, and ensure dogs are kept on a leash. Always yield to horses - they have the right-of-way. When passing another biker or pedestrian, use your bell. Keep your speed in check - this tour is paced at a maximum of 25 km/hr. Always wear a helmet - it's the law. Take water with you, as there isn't any available on the trail.

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