Experience the Okanagan by Bike Tour

Guests will be picked up from downtown Vancouver and we will make our way to one of North Vancouver's hidden gems, Lynn Canyon Park. Here we begin our adventure with a breathtaking hike through the temperate rainforest, crossing a 150-foot-high suspension bridge that allows spectacular panoramic views over Lynn Creek and the park. In the rainforest we will learn interesting facts about the flora and fauna of this unique environment and all about the First Nations people who lived here for thousands of years.

Following the hike, we take the short drive out to Pitt Meadows in the Fraser Valley and begin the biking portion of the day. Here we will follow the Great Trail (Formerly called the Trans Canada Trail) through colorful farmland and meandering rivers against the backdrop of the magnificent mountains of Golden Ears and Garibaldi Provincial Park. When we reach Pitt Lake, the largest fresh water tidal lake in North America, we break for an "al fresco" lunch. Pitt Lake is also home to Widgeon Valley Natural Wildlife Reserve, a nesting area for marsh birds. From Pitt Meadows, we'll make our way to Harrison Hot Springs Resort for our first nights’ accommodation. At the resort guests can enjoy a soak in the warm restorative waters of the natural hot springs to help soothe their bodies after the days’ activities. 

What to expect:

• 38km/23mi cycle
• 5km/3mi hike

On our third morning we’ll enjoy breakfast at the hotel again and make our journey onward towards the Okanagan Valley, the fruit basket of British Columbia. This fertile region is renowned worldwide for its spectacular vineyards and huge varieties of locally grown produce.

The first portion of today’s bike ride will be along the breathtaking International Hike and Bike Trail just north of Osoyoos. The trail follows the Okanagan River through some truly spectacular scenery. It passes through carefully cultured vineyards, fertile farmland, and many oxbows and ponds where you can observe ducks, herons, eagles, and painted turtles in their home environment. After we pass through the town of Oliver, we will jump in the van for a short 5-minute drive up the steep hill to Covert Farm Family Estate, a 4th generation 650-acre organic farm, vineyard, and winery.

The grounds are a hidden gem in the Okanagan, here guests can choose from several activities; one can sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, wander around the property and pick the local organic produce or partake in a group wine tasting. We will also enjoy a fresh and healthy lunch on the farm and rest for a while in the warm summer’s sun, before hitting the road again on our trusty bikes.

Following lunch, we will cycle along the scenic Willowbrook Road, passing through White Lakes Grasslands Protected area on route to Penticton. The rolling hills offer a great opportunity to view wildlife so keep your eyes on the road for rattlesnake, bear, deer or one of the fifteen species of bird found in this area. Along the way we will stop off for a refreshing ice cream cone at the famous Tickleberry’s in Okanagan Falls, before we rejoin the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. We will bike along the water’s edge of Skaha Lake, all the way into Penticton to our accommodation that evening. At the hotel guests can appreciate some free time and relax on their own schedule or take a trip into town to visit one of the great local eateries.

What to exepct:

• 60km/37mi cycle

Well they say all good things must come to an end….but not without one last magical bike ride! On our final morning, we will have a nice relaxed start to the day without a tight schedule to keep us on track. Today’s cycle will be a treat for weary legs, as we will ride along the quiet country roads of White Lake and Willowbrook Roads. The bike tour will be a pleasant ride, with a gradual decline of nearly 1500 feet over the course of the day for some smooth sailing! 

These roads are some of the finest cycling routes in the Okanagan and the subtle beauty of the landscape is completely unique in this part of the world. Less than 20km down the road is an area know as Nk’Mip Canyon, coined locally as Canada’s “pocket desert.” The bike route passes through an area that is rich in First Nation’s history, including eight archaeological sites, rock shelters and pictographs, as well as remnants of early European exploration including remnants of the Fur Brigade Trail.

As we pass through the dry, arid landscape around White Lake Grasslands, we will make our way into the heart of wine country, to an area known locally as the “Golden Mile”. Our cycling route meanders through lush vineyards and colorful orchards where you might feel as though you have been transported to the South of France. It is a stark contrast to where we began our cycle earlier that day. We will finish our bike ride at the lavish Tinhorn Creek winery and enjoy our final meal together on the spectacular grounds, toasting to an incredible five days in BC. Following our meal, we will begin our journey back to Vancouver and conclude our trip where our cycling adventure began.

What to expect:

• 34km/21mi cycle