Rail Trails - Boundary Country - BC Canada

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Trails > Rail Trails

Adventure Awaits

The rail-trails in Boundary Country were made for adventure. Check out places to hike and where to cycle. Take a guided tour with WildWays or KVR Cycle Tours along the Trans Canada Trail. The Boundary Rides bike shuttle runs from Osoyoos to Grand Forks. For bike service and trail information, head over to Seasons Outdoors in Grand Forks.

When the day comes to a close, you may find yourself resting your head in a campground, your RV, a B&B, a rustic cabin, a teepee or even an old railway bunkhouse.

Being out on the huge rail-trail system in Boundary Country is an experience that can be planned for by itself or as a secondary part of your journey in our region. The luxury of having such an expansive trail system is that the trails never get crowded. There is room for everyone. Our trails have long been an attraction for both experienced and beginner cyclists. Our rail trails’ duality makes them appealing to a wide range of visitors and locals alike.

Visitors can plan to conquer all of the trail systems in one fell swoop over a couple of nights or add shorter, easier jaunts to their trip that are more suited for the whole family. There’s plenty of access points to the rail trail system.

Start your journey in the mountains surrounded by an emerald pine ocean and cruise a gentle decline just outside of Christina Lake and end up back in town for lunch or a cup of coffee at Pony Espresso. Maybe you would prefer the ease of biking a section of trail from your campsite? Campsites in Rock Creek are near the perfect starting point, and the trail will guide you along the famed Kettle River, over trestles, and across a couple of swimming holes, to cool off if you need. Our region’s scenery is diverse, and the rail trails are the best way to explore it!

Stay at Mile Zero

Explore the rail trail and stay at the new Bunkhouse at the Kettle River Museum at Mile Zero of the KVR.

  • Locked compound for bikes and equipment.
  • Six bedrooms, each with a bunk-bed, locker and desk
  • Shared bathrooms with showers (one wheelchair accessible).
  • Full kitchen
  • Large common area for mingling and relaxing
  • Linens and towels supplied

Reservations are recommended. Book through the office via email or by calling 250-449-2614, between 10 am to 3 pm. Rules and regulations will apply as this is a historic site.

Trestle 230, KVR Trail, Kettle River Rec Area, near Westbridge, Boundary Country, summer, activities, Darren Robinson

Rail Trails

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) is an immersive experience weaving a historical path from Hope to Castlegar as it runs through the Boundary Country. Through the combination of Indigenous culture, railway history, and natural beauty, the KVR connects rural communities and presents various farm flavours, folklores, and local pastimes. The KVR sweeps you across a vast, and ever-changing landscape from rugged mountain passes to tranquil river valleys.

Follow the Rail Trail

The KVR and the Columbia and Western Railway (C&W) meet at Midway and now form a 240 km (149 mi) section of the Trans Canada Trail.

The Trans Canada Trail follows the KVR from McCulloch downhill to Carmi and Beaverdell along the West Kettle River. As it nears Westbridge, it meets the Kettle River, following the Kettle River to Midway. From Midway, it climbs gradually to Greenwood on an easy gradient. Diverse landscapes merge as you hike or bike along the trail. Tranquil river shores meet up with ancient grasslands, ranchlands, mountains and communities. At Midway, the KVR portion of the trail ends, and the C&W begins.

Biking 421, KVR Trail, Kettle River Rec Area, near Westbridge, Boundary Country, summer, activities, Darren Robinson

Camping

There are several communities and campgrounds along the way. It is 15 km (9 mi) from Midway (km 0) to Greenwood. Eholt is at km 28 (17 mi), Grand Forks at km 49 (30 mi) and Christina Lake at the end of the trail. You’ll find campgrounds at MidwayGrand ForksChristina Lake, and at the Kettle River Recreation Area, Boundary Creek, Arlington and McCulloch Recreation Areas. There are also private campgrounds at Greenwood, Rock Creek, Westbridge, Blythe Rhone Road, and Beaverdell.

Take a day trip or spend the night camping under the stars. The Trans Canada Trail, KVR, and C&W offer a myriad of experiences for explorers of all ages and agility. These trails are best experienced on 2.4-inch tires.

Connect with the Trails

The Trails to the Boundary Society has several ways for you to connect with them on FacebookInstagram, or Twitter.

Trails BC has a great website that will give you information on the historic trails in the Boundary area. There’s also Trail Forks with great maps and information on area trails and the Grand Forks Community Trail page on Facebook.

Trails to the Boundary Society is a non-profit stewardship society that focuses on community development in West Boundary Country. Trails to the Boundary Society is the trail steward and promotes the KVR Rail Trail which makes up a 155 km section of the Trans Canada Trai. The Society looks for opportunities to strengthen economic, community and regional partnerships from the Trail for its surrounding communities.

When sharing photos of your adventures on Instagram, be sure to use #BoundaryCountry and #TrailsToTheBoundary to engage with our accounts and our community!