Kettle Valley
Steam Railway
Step aboard a restored 1912 steam locomotive and travel through the Okanagan Valley on BC's most beloved heritage railway — 16 kilometres of orchards, vineyards, and a trestle bridge 238 feet above the canyon floor.
BC's Living Heritage Railway
The Kettle Valley Steam Railway is the only preserved operating section of the historic Kettle Valley Railway — one of the most remarkable engineering achievements in Canadian history. Located in Summerland in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, the railway operates a 16-kilometre round trip through some of BC's most beautiful scenery, pulled by a lovingly restored 1912 steam locomotive.
The journey takes passengers through lush orchards and vineyards, past the Dirty Laundry Winery sign, and up to the spectacular Trout Creek Trestle Bridge — 238 feet above the canyon floor with sweeping views of Okanagan Lake and the valley below. Passengers ride in restored vintage coaches or open-air cars, accompanied by live historical commentary and music that brings the era alive.
Beyond the scenic run, the railway offers a range of special experiences throughout the season — from the theatrical Great Train Robbery & BBQ to the magical Christmas Express in winter. It's a genuine living history experience, operated by a dedicated non-profit society committed to preserving this piece of BC's heritage.
What's On the Rails
From the classic scenic run to theatrical events and holiday magic.
Scenic Run
The Classic 90-Minute Journey
The signature Kettle Valley Steam Railway experience. Board the restored 1912 steam locomotive and travel 16 kilometres through the Okanagan Valley — past lush orchards, rolling vineyards, and up to the breathtaking Trout Creek Trestle Bridge, 238 feet above the canyon floor. Choose between vintage enclosed coaches or open-air cars for a more immersive experience.
- ▸16 km round trip through the Okanagan Valley
- ▸Trout Creek Trestle Bridge — 238 ft above the canyon
- ▸Views of orchards, vineyards, and Okanagan Lake
- ▸Live historical commentary and music on board
- ▸Choice of enclosed coaches or open-air cars
- ▸Accessible — wheelchair lift available
Tip: Book the open-air car in summer — the views and the steam experience are unbeatable. Bring a light jacket as it can get breezy.
Great Train Robbery & BBQ
The Wild West Comes to the Okanagan
Experience the 'Old West' with the notorious Garnett Valley Gang. You'll enjoy their antics on and off the train as they rob passengers for local charities — a theatrical, family-friendly event that has become one of the most popular experiences on the railway. The event includes a full BBQ meal at the station. Reserve early — this one sells out.
- ▸Live theatrical train robbery performance
- ▸The Garnett Valley Gang rob passengers for charity
- ▸Full BBQ meal included at the station
- ▸Great for families, groups, and corporate events
- ▸One of the most popular events — book well in advance
Tip: This event sells out weeks in advance in peak summer. Check the schedule and book as soon as dates are released.
Christmas Express
A Magical Winter Train Ride
The locomotive is decked in Christmas lights that twinkle in the winter darkness — a genuinely magical sight. The Christmas Express runs on select dates in November and December, complete with holiday music, festive atmosphere, and a visit from Santa Claus. A beloved Okanagan tradition for families.
- ▸Locomotive illuminated with Christmas lights
- ▸Holiday music and festive atmosphere on board
- ▸Santa Claus makes an appearance
- ▸A beloved Okanagan family tradition
- ▸Select dates November – December
Tip: The Christmas Express is extremely popular with local families — tickets sell out fast. Check the website in September for date releases.
History of the Kettle Valley Railway
Built to preserve Canadian sovereignty in BC's Southern Interior, the KVR was one of the most ambitious and expensive railway projects in North American history.
The Kettle Valley Railway was built out of necessity. When the CPR completed the transcontinental railway in 1885, the route cut far to the north of BC's mining-rich Southern Interior. When silver was discovered in 1887, thousands of Americans flooded in and the region became, in effect, a commercial annex of the United States — supplied by American railways from Spokane.
Provincial and federal officials agreed that a second railway through BC's south was essential to preserve Canadian sovereignty and retain mining revenues within Canada. The result was the Kettle Valley Railway — a project that took nearly 20 years to complete, cost almost $20 million, and required some of the most extraordinary engineering feats in Canadian railway history.
Chief Engineer Andrew McCulloch was the genius behind the line's most remarkable features — the Adra Tunnel (a 1,600-foot semicircular switchback), the Quintette Tunnels through the Coquihalla Canyon, and the Myra Canyon trestles. McCulloch was also an avid Shakespeare reader, which is why Coquihalla Subdivision stations bear names like Iago, Romeo, Juliet, Lear, Jessica, and Portia.
Silver discovered in BC's Southern Interior
Thousands of Americans flood into the region, taking control of mining operations. BC and federal officials recognize the need for a Canadian railway through the south.
Construction begins
The Kettle Valley Railway begins construction — one of the most expensive railway projects in North American history at nearly $20 million. The terrain through the mountains is extraordinarily challenging.
Adra Tunnel completed
Chief Engineer Andrew McCulloch completes the remarkable 1,600-foot Adra Tunnel — a semicircular switchback tunnel that took 16 months to build at five feet per day.
Railway opens
The Kettle Valley Railway opens on May 31, 1915, connecting Hope to Midway through some of the most rugged terrain in BC. The first two passenger trains commence service.
Shakespeare stations named
Chief Engineer McCulloch, an avid Shakespeare reader, names Coquihalla Subdivision stations after characters: Iago, Romeo, Juliet, Lear, Jessica, and Portia.
CPR takes over
The Canadian Pacific Railway formally absorbs the KVR, folding it into the CPR's BC District as the Kettle Valley Division.
Through freight discontinued
Through freight service ends across the line. The last passenger train runs in January 1964. The railway gradually winds down over the following decades.
Final train runs
The last freight haul on the KVR runs in 1989. CP Rail obtains permission to abandon the final section of rails. A heritage society forms to save a portion of the line.
Myra Canyon designated National Historic Site
The Myra Canyon section of the KVR is designated a National Historic Site of Canada — recognition of its extraordinary engineering and historical significance.
Kettle Valley Steam Railway operates
The preserved 16-km section near Summerland operates as a heritage railway, pulling passengers in restored vintage coaches behind the 1912 steam locomotive No. 3716.
Three Must-See Sites
The KVR's most spectacular engineering achievements — each accessible in a different way.
Trout Creek Trestle Bridge
Summerland, BC
The centrepiece of the Kettle Valley Steam Railway experience — a spectacular trestle bridge 238 feet above the Trout Creek canyon floor. The views of the Okanagan Valley from the bridge are extraordinary. The train pauses here to let passengers take in the scenery.
Myra Canyon Trestles
Near Kelowna, BC
One of BC's most spectacular rail trail experiences — 18 wooden trestles and two tunnels through a dramatic canyon south of Kelowna. Designated a National Historic Site in 2002. The trestles were rebuilt after 14 were destroyed in the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Park Fire. Now fully open for hiking and cycling.
Othello (Quintette) Tunnels
Near Hope, BC
Five closely aligned tunnels cut through the Coquihalla Canyon near Hope — an engineering marvel designed by Andrew McCulloch. The tunnels are connected by bridges over the rushing Coquihalla River gorge. Now a popular summer walking attraction in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park.
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail
Much of the original KVR route has been converted to the Kettle Valley Rail Trail — a multi-use recreational trail that carries the Trans-Canada Trail through southern BC. The trail runs from Hope to Midway and is popular with cyclists and hikers. The Myra Canyon section near Kelowna and the Naramata Bench section near Penticton are the most celebrated stretches. Note: the rail trail and the steam railway are separate experiences — the KVSR train operates only on the preserved section near Summerland.
Real Reviews
"This is a must see and do. Enjoyed every second of it. Like stepping back in time. Great for all ages and abilities. Cool gift shop with great items."
Myk Morris
Google"A stunning view. Those who have difficulty walking up the stairs to the train can join this adventure. It is the only steam train I have ever encountered that has a lift to get EVERYONE on the train!!!"
Kim Vlchek Egger
Facebook"I rode this train as a little girl and I got to take my own children on it! Beautiful views of the valley accompanied with music and fun facts about the railway history. I definitely recommend the open air cabin in the summer."
faberfam2018
TripAdvisor"If you like antique trains… you just have to get on one of these. It will bring you back 100 years. The staff there are all very knowledgeable and we loved the story behind the railway. We even saw a few bears!"
Arnica Lau
GooglePractical Information
Location
18404 Bathville Road, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z8
Phone
250-494-8422
Website
kettlevalleyrail.orgSeason
May – September (train rides). Special events November – December (Christmas Express).
Ride Duration
90 minutes for the Scenic Run. Special events vary.
Tickets
Book online in advance — strongly recommended for peak summer weekends and all special events.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible — the railway has a lift to get everyone on board. One of very few steam railways with full accessibility.
From Penticton
~20 minutes north on Hwy 97. From Kelowna: ~45 minutes south.
Train Ride vs. Rail Trail — Important Distinction
The Kettle Valley Steam Railway station and parking lot are exclusively for train passengers. The railway does NOT provide access to the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, nor parking for hikers or cyclists. If you're planning to hike or bike the KVR Trail, use designated municipal and provincial trailheads — not the KVSR station.
Make the Most of Your Visit
Book online — don't just show up
The Kettle Valley Steam Railway is popular, especially on summer weekends and for special events like the Great Train Robbery and Christmas Express. Book tickets online at kettlevalleyrail.org before you arrive. Walk-up availability is not guaranteed.
Open-air car in summer
If you're visiting in July or August, choose the open-air car. The views are better, the steam and smoke experience is more immersive, and the Okanagan summer air is warm enough to enjoy it. Bring a light layer for the return trip.
Best photos from the left side
For the best views of Okanagan Lake and the valley on the outbound journey, sit on the left side of the train (facing the direction of travel). The Trout Creek Trestle views are spectacular from both sides.
Combine with Summerland wineries
Summerland is in the heart of the Okanagan wine country. Combine your train ride with a visit to one of the excellent local wineries — Dirty Laundry Vineyard (which the train actually passes), Sumac Ridge, or Thornhaven Estates are all nearby.
Myra Canyon is a separate experience
The Myra Canyon trestles near Kelowna are NOT accessible by the steam train — they're a hiking and cycling trail on the old rail grade. If you want to see Myra Canyon, plan a separate day trip from Kelowna. Both experiences are worth doing.
Great for all ages
The railway is genuinely accessible for all ages and abilities — there's a wheelchair lift, and the gentle 90-minute ride is manageable for young children and seniors alike. The historical commentary and music keep everyone engaged.
Kettle Valley Steam Railway
Support the Railway
Non-profit society
Visiting the Okanagan?
The Kettle Valley Steam Railway is in Summerland — find accommodation in Penticton, Kelowna, or the Okanagan Valley.