The Okanagan Rail Trail, from the middle
Oyama sits on the isthmus between Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake: the flattest, most scenic stretch of the trail, with parking, rentals and a store at the trailhead.
About 50 km
Coldstream to Kelowna
Rail grade
Gentle the whole way
Oyama
Near the midpoint, between two lakes
E-bike friendly
Crushed gravel, wide tires
Start at Oyama
The trail runs past the front door of Oyama General Store. Park once on Pelmewash Parkway, pick up an e-bike across the lot, and you are on the rail bed within a minute.
The section beside the store follows the shore of Wood Lake with orchards climbing away on the other side. Because the route is an old rail line, the grade never gets steep, which makes it comfortable for families and anyone who has not been on a bike in a while.
- Parking and washrooms at the store, no trailhead shuttle needed
- Water, snacks, ice cream and a licensed liquor store for after the ride
- E-bikes, paddleboards and kayaks rented on site, waiver signed from your phone
Which way to ride
North, along Kalamalka Lake
The turquoise water everyone comes for. The trail hugs the shoreline toward Coldstream and Vernon with the best lake views on the whole route. Ride as far as you like and turn around.
South, along Wood Lake
Flat, sheltered and family-friendly. A short out-and-back along Wood Lake is about an hour; keep going through Lake Country and the trail carries on to Kelowna.
What to bring
Water is the big one. The exposed sections get hot in July and August and there is not much shade. Add sunscreen, a hat and a snack and you are set. The surface is crushed gravel, so any bike with a reasonably wide tire is fine.
Not sure which direction or how far? Ask at the counter. We ride it too. There is a longer write-up in Riding the Okanagan Rail Trail from Oyama.
Rent at the trail, not in town
Pedal-assist e-bikes make the whole trail easy. Pick up steps from the rail bed, ride, and hand it back where you started. E-bikes from $65 for a half day (3 hours).
- Open daily 9 AM to 5 PM, April through October, including stat holidays
- Book a day ahead when you can. Summer weekends fill up.
- Paddleboards and kayaks for both lakes, same counter