Rail Trails

The Thompson Okanagan enjoys an extensive Rail Trail network as a result of decommissioned Railway lines throughout the region. These “Rail Trails” as they are developed will provide an opportunity to attract cycling and hiking enthusiasts of many ages and abilities to the region.

Key to the attraction of these trail networks is the less than 3% grade or incline at any point along the trails, making them easily accessible for to a wide range of cycling or hiking abilities.

There are three primary rail trails within our region with a fourth currently in the process of being developed.

• The Kettle Valley Rail Trail (Midway to Hope)

• The Columbia & Western Rail Trail (Castlegar to Midway)

• The Okanagan Rail Trail (Coldstream to Kelowna)

• And the yet to be named Rail Trail from Armstrong to Sicamous

The rail trail corridors are managed either by a local municipality, a first nation community, provincial parks or the BC government, through the Ministry of Forest, Lands, Natural Resources Operations and Rural Development.