Test Your Skills in the Okanagan Valley

Your riding journey begins in Canada’s warmest desert, at Osoyoos in the southern Okanagan valley. Prepare to witness an oasis like no other, where rocky arid hills dive into a deep blue lake surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see. Osoyoos will provide you with the perfect ecosystem to get heated on the trails and recover with a dip. 

• Must-Ride Trails: Go up through Upside Down (Blue) for a solid warm-up. For the more adventurous, a descent through Don’t, Skip It (DBD), and Gun Show (Black). For those preferring a gentler descent, Moving Target via Saj Mahal (Blues) will bring you home.
• Evening: Stay at the Nk’Mip campground and enjoy a sunset swim at Osoyoos Lake. The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Center boasts extensive walkable trails through sage grasslands and pine forests, as well as exhibitions. Alternatively, book a winery restaurant or tour if time allows.

Vibe: Canada’s warmest lake, deep cultural heritage, and unique terrain you won’t see elsewhere in the country.

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After an hour's drive, you will land in Penticton, also boasting a gorgeous lake at the foot of its trails, Okanagan Lake. The city is home to the famed Three Blind Mice network, which we recommend exploring with a local guide to avoid being turned around. 

• Trails to Hit: With many trails intertwined, there are plenty of options. Get warm with Sidewinder (Blue), link up to Jose (Black) for a ridge traverse with a lookout on both Skaha & Okanagan lakes, then descend via Mule Deer (Blue), High Roller (Black), Drops a Lot (Black), to conclude with Jack & Jill (DBD). Alternatively, cut to Fred (Blue) after Mule Deer to reach the most famous track of the area, Flow Coaster (Blue).
• Extras: Visit Freedom Bike Shop for gear tweaks, stop in Naramata for a breathtaking experience, camp at Wrights Beach campgrounds, and taste one or some of the many local brews or wines.

Highlight: Ridge vistas over both lakes, flowy forest singletracks, slab drops, varied network.

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It’s no secret that the area holds extensive trails for all to enjoy. With 30+ years of development under its belt, Gillard network holds diverse trails from singletracks and wooden features, to slab gaps and gardens. Get yourself a slice of this riding paradise in the Okanagan. 

• Ride Plan: Gillard benefits of a shuttle service dropping you at the top, from there it’s all downhill. Start your ride with Nip & Tuck, to La Petite, before breezing down the Upper / Middle / Lower Snake’s Back. Local challenges include Boss Hog with plenty of flowy drops, gaps, and rolls, as well as Wobbly Pops boasting a more tech descent through rocks and forests.
• After Ride: Camp at Bear Creek Provincial Park, swim at Sarsons Lake Park, refuel at local cafés (like Kekuli Café). Pay a visit to Cyclepath Kelowna for local stories and gear.

Why Ride Here: It’s balanced terrain with features for both intermediates and more advanced riders, with standout rock features.

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It’s the last leg of the trip, let’s send it with a beautiful finish in the alpine rocky trails of the Northern Okanagan Valley. Vernon’s newest network, King Edward Plateau, offers nearly 70 narrow trails through thick forests, a good way to get the heart pounding. 

• Morning at Sovereign Lake: The Silver Star Provincial Park has much to offer. Shifting away from the bike park, we suggest paying a visit to Sovereign Lake and hitting the following: Rock Is the New Berm, Spanky’s Descent, and link via BX Creek Trail.

• Afternoon Break: Head to King Edward Plateau to check out the new trails, including  Super Connected, a new rocky singletrack testing your bike control. Blazin n’ Grazin, a loamy blue, will provide a much needed break before going back at it with Pali Gap for the last leg.

Final Night: One last dip for the road in the Kalamlka lake at Kekuli Bay will lift all the fatigue from the trip. You can camp at the Cedar Falls campground or choose a local option in Vernon for a little post-road trip treat.

Local Services:  Food & Beverage | Accommodation| Bike Services | Visitor Centre