An Oliver to Osoyoos Lake Bike Run
Here is a wonderful leisurely bike ride getting you out of the city and giving you a glimpse of the southern Okanagan Valley's wine country. This geographical area is the northern extent of the Somona Desert. It is hot and dry so bring lots of water and sunscreen when riding it during the summer months. If you do not want to cycle local roads back to your car remember this ride terminates at Osoyoos Lake so you must ride back up the trail. It is close to 4 hours of cycling - return trip (35 km) - at a leisurely pace.
This trail is part of the Osoyoos Subdivision of the historic Kettle Valley Railway (KVR). It originates north of Oliver. There is a parking lot about one hundred metres before the intersection of highway 97 and the Okanagan River where you can unload your bikes and prepare for the ride. From the parking lot cycle towards McAlpine Bridge to pick up the trail to Osoyoos Lake. The trail itself is rough paved then turns to gravel south of Oliver.
If you choose to start at McAlpine Bridge keep in mind that it is a gentle grade downhill toward Osoyoos Lake. The prominent winds are at your back. So - remember the ride back will be a bit more strenuous.
Along this run are a number of wineries you can drop in on for a tour or sampling of the products. The link at the bottom of this page offers more particulars on the winery names and locations.
The Southern Okanagan is peppered with fruit orchards where you can sample or pick up fresh fruit. The town of Oliver offers some nice restaurants and stores of interest to drop in on.
Just before Osoyoos Lake at Road 22 there is a small self interpretive centre describing this region, its wildlife and terrain. You might be surprised to find out that not only rattlesnakes inhabit the area but there are scorpions too. There is a parking lot here if you choose to start from this end.
This trail is maintained by the International Bicycling and Hiking Society. The Society's webpage has been lost recently because of a town's website rehost. However here's a good map containing great information compliments of the Society.
Map of this Trail & Points of Interest (780 KB pdf file)
