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Myra Canyon to Kelowna
Cycle This 12-kilometre stretch-"the jewel of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail"-was hidden from public view for five years after the fires of 2003 destroyed 13 of its 18 trestles. Reopened in June 2008, the trail now draws 100,000 cyclists and hikers a year, with its great vistas overlooking Kelowna and Lake Okanagan.
Sip Summerhill Pyramid Winery (summerhill.bc.ca) is only 20km away. Try their Platinum Gewurztraminer-dry but with great floral notes.
Chute Lake to the Naramata Bench
Cycle From Chute Lake ride along a corridor encased by trees and rock. The nearby rock ovens, for which this section is known, offer a peek into the lives of the crews who lived, worked and baked on the line.
As you descend below the Adra tunnel (now closed for safety reasons), the view changes from earthy to heavenly as you survey Lake Okanagan and the glorious Naramata Bench from on high.
Sip Hillside Estates Old Vines Gamay Noir (hillsideestate.com) goes nicely with the Naramata Bench Blue from artisanal
cheesemaking neighbour, Poplar Grove (poplargrovecheese.ca).
Penticton to Oliver
Cycle If you like feeling as if the world was made just for you, don’t miss this ride, sandwiched between imposing volcanic cliffs and the rippled, blue water of Skaha Lake. Head out early in the morning for maximum impact as you slip quietly through several lakeside communities.
Sip The end of the ride-six very pleasant kilometres on the paved International Cycle Trail-leads you into the heart of Oliver wine country where, on opposite sides of the valley, two vineyards merit particular attention. Stoneboat’s 2007 Solo Pinotage (stoneboatvineyards.com) stands out as a complex red, made more intriguing by hints of eucalyptus on the nose. We also tip our hat to Hester Creek (hestercreek
.com), whose swank new winery puts out a Cabernet/Merlot that is always one of the top values in the valley.
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Where to Stay
Kelowna Manteo Resort (3762 Lakeshore Rd., 250-860-1031, manteo
.com) is waterfront bliss and Ned Bell’s Cabana Grille is right across the street (3799 Lakeshore Rd., 250-763-1955, cabanagrille.com).
Chute Lake Chute Lake Resort (RR1, Site 16, Comp. 16, Naramata, 250-493-3535, chutelakeresort.com) has rustic cabins with tons of character and famous baked pies.
Naramata Bench Therapy Vineyards & Guesthouse (940 Debeck Rd., 250-496-5217 ext. 6, therapy
vineyards.com) is small-just two rooms-and luxe.
Oliver and Osoyoos Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa (1200 Rancher Creek Rd., Osoyoos, 877-313-9463, spiritridge.ca) features fully condo-style suites adjacent to the celebrated Nk’Mip winery.
For more information, visit totabc.com or monasheeadventuretours.com.
N, Kelowna, 888-762-9253, monasheeadventuretours.com) can provide you with bikes, advice, history and a shuttle from hotel to trailhead. He even has a private chef who can accompany you to make lunches and dinners. Cycle the trail end to end, or just hit our favourite (wine-rich) sections.
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