🚵‍♀️ Western Canada’s Most Scenic Rail Trails

🚴 Rail Trail Series: Part 3 — Western Canada

About 10 years ago, I rode the Myra Canyon section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail near Kelowna, BC. My (now) wife and I were visiting wine country—hiking, biking, and soaking in the views.

That ride stuck with me.

You wind along a cliffside above Lake Okanagan, cross century-old wooden trestle bridges, and pass through stretches scarred by wildfire. It’s humbling, beautiful, and surprisingly easygoing for a route once built for freight trains.

For Part 3 of our Rail Trail Series, we’re heading west—and Myra Canyon is where my mind drifted first.

I’ve been using the GTMTB Assistant to uncover the best rail trails across North America. These posts are your jumping-off point: a few standout options to inspire your own ride, walk, or weekend trip.

🌄 Wait—What’s a Rail Trail Again?

These are former railway lines turned into wide, gently-graded paths, usually surfaced with crushed gravel or pavement. That means:

• No cars

• No steep climbs

• Just smooth, scenic routes through nature

This week, we’re heading west to explore three rewarding rail trails in Western Canada. Whether you ride a little or a lot, these are the kinds of places that make outdoor time feel effortless. (Don’t want to ride, just walk instead!)

About this series:
I’m highlighting relaxed, scenic rides from coast to coast—trails anyone can enjoy, anytime.
This is Part 3 of 4: Western Canada. Coming soon: Western U.S.

— Adam
GTMTB Newsletter Creator
(Got a favorite trail or tip? I’d love to hear from you.)

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The Why-Factor

✨ Why These Trails Shine

Each of these Western Canada rail trails offers more than just scenery—they deliver a full experience, from towering trestles to quiet stretches of prairie.

🌉 Kettle Valley Rail Trail (British Columbia)

• Trestles, tunnels, and big views: The Myra Canyon section features 18 wooden trestles and 2 tunnels perched along cliff edges—an unforgettable ride.

• Wine country meets wilderness: This trail winds through Okanagan vineyards and high mountain passes, blending rustic terrain with refined stops.

🚵 Cowichan Valley Trail (Vancouver Island, BC)

• Kinsol Trestle: One of Canada’s tallest wooden trestles—perfect for views, photos, and a mid-ride pause.

• Ride year-round: Vancouver Island’s mild climate makes this trail ideal even in the shoulder seasons.

🛤️ Iron Horse Trail (Alberta)

• Prairie to forest adventure: A quiet, wide-open ride through Alberta’s lesser-seen northeast, where wetlands, boreal forest, and farmland stretch for miles.

• Every stretch feels different: Expect changing terrain, small town stops, and a unique rail trail feel unlike anywhere else.

🗺️ Make It a Full-Day Adventure

These trails aren’t just rides—they’re springboards for great food, local charm, and relaxing post-trail time. Here’s how to make a full day of it:

🚲 Kettle Valley Rail Trail – Myra Canyon (near Kelowna, BC)

🍽️ Lunch Stop: Head to Gallagher’s Canyon Bar & Grill for a casual patio meal and local brews with lake views.
🍻 Post-Ride Bonus: Drop by Tree Brewing Beer Institute in Kelowna for a refreshing radler, then wander over to the Kelowna Art Gallery next door.

🚵 Cowichan Valley Trail – Kinsol Trestle (Vancouver Island, BC)

☕ Mid-Ride Treat: Grab a locally roasted “Shawnigan Fog” and handmade chocolate at Shawnigan House Coffee + Chocolate.
🚂 Explore Nearby: Visit Downtown Duncan or Cobble Hill—ride a heritage steam train at the BC Forest Discovery Centre or enjoy a forest walk.

🌾 Iron Horse Trail – St. Paul & Mallaig (Northeast Alberta)

🍴 Refuel: Enjoy a hearty, chef-made meal at Twisted Fork in St. Paul, known for locally inspired dishes and artisanal preserves.
🧭 Small-Town Stroll: Pop into antique shops, grab a local donut or coffee, relax in Lagasse Park, or wander historic downtown streets.
🌌 After Dark: If you're staying overnight, head to Lakeland Provincial Park—part of Alberta’s Dark Sky Preserve Network. On clear nights, you may even catch the northern lights dancing over the prairie horizon.

🌎Why These Rail Trail Regions Work

Kettle Valley Rail Trail – Myra Canyon (Kelowna, BC)

🍷 Adventure meets leisure: Ride along dramatic canyon trestles, then wind down with craft beer, orchard views, or a lakeside picnic.
🍑 Local flavor: Easy access to fruit stands, wineries, and Okanagan lakefront spots makes this trail as relaxing as it is scenic.

Cowichan Valley Trail – Kinsol Trestle (Vancouver Island, BC)

🏞️ Nature + heritage: Towering trestles meet lush island forest, with railway history woven into the ride.
🍫 Island charm: Pair it with local cafés, hand-crafted chocolate, and a walk through lakeside villages or nearby heritage sites.

Iron Horse Trail (St. Paul & Mallaig, Northeast Alberta)

🚂 Wide-open adventure: A prairie rail route that trades crowds for quiet terrain, local charm, and a true sense of space.
🌌 Big sky vibes: With hearty local meals, antique shops, and access to Alberta’s Dark Sky Preserve, this ride lingers long after sunset.

Want to explore more trails like these—or find something closer to home?

Use the GTMTB Custom Assistant to discover scenic rail trails, plan a weekend in wine country, or find flat, family-friendly routes wherever you’re headed.

Whether you’re after trestle bridges, shaded paths, or lakeside lunch stops, the Assistant helps you build a custom outing in seconds.

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