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Particulars

Event Dates:

2008
June 15-21*
July 7-13
August 11-17
September 1-7

Custom trips also available and can start any date. Call or email for details.

2009
July 6-12
August 10-16
August 30- Sept 6

This tour can be combined with the Stage 2 trip offered in conjunction.

Trip Size:

8-12 participants in July, August, Sept.

June departure will have a maximum of 24.

 

Total Days:

7 days/ 6 nights

(5 riding days)

Arrive/Depart:

Castlegar / Beaverdell

Accommodations:

Camping

Activity Level:

Moderate
20-30+ miles daily
van supported

Terrain:

The railgrade has a maximum grade of 2%

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
CAD$995/US$995 (June departure)

CAD$1250/ US$1250 (July, Aug, Sep departures)

Includes all meals

 

Bike Rental:
CAD$140 / US $140
Mountain bike

 

Transfers:
Vancouver to Castlegar: CAD$65/ US$65

Beaverdell to Castlegar: CAD$50/ US$50

Beaverdell to Vancouver: CAD$50/ US$50

 

Kettle Valley Trail, Biking

Stage 1: Castlegar to Beaverdell

*The June 15-21 tour is a special departure as it will be the first of a 3-stage tour to celebrate the re-opening of Myra Canyon trestles. Dan Langford, author of 'Cycling the Kettle Valley', is expected to be on this trip, and we have planned festivities along the way to make it special.

The first stage begins in the historic village of Castlegar, located at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers. We’ll visit turn-of-the-century towns of Grand Forks, Greenwood, Rock Creek and some wilderness backcountry in between. One of the highlights will be the ‘unending’ cycle along Arrow & Christina Lakes with a view only the railbed enjoys. Overnight stations will be ‘far off the beaten path’, where you’ll enjoy the serenity of this timeless landscape. Cyclists who enjoy single-track riding will be thrilled with the additional trails located at or near our overnight locations.

Itinerary

DAY 1:
For those traveling from Vancouver, we transfer by van to Castlegar, stopping in Beaverdell for lunch en-route (and to pick up those who prefer to leave their cars there). We arrive to Castlegar late afternoon which may allow time for those who want to explore local bike trails.

 

DAY 2:

Castlegar to Tunnel Station 40 km /25 miles
Today, we start on the railbed with incredible views of Lower Arrow Lake. The railbed ‘hugs the cliffside’ as it climbs to Bulldog Tunnel (almost 1 km long). We’ll camp at Tunnel Station, overlooking Dog Creek Valley. We’ll have a ‘backcountry cookout’ and relax under the stars.

DAY 3:
Tunnel Station to Christina Lake 42 km / 26 miles + options
We cycle up a 2% grade to the summit at Farron and then enjoy a long descent to Christina Lake, where boating and swimming are possible. There are also wonderful trails to ride (or hike) in the area, so for those who wish, we’ll explore Texas Creek Provincial Park.

DAY 4:
Christina Lake to Grand Forks 31 km /19 miles + options
Leaving Christina Lake, we climb back up to the rail grade before continuing on to Grand Forks where we’ll have lunch at the museum. For keen cyclists who wish to ride the superb trails around Thimble Mountain, we’ll lead a ride on what we consider to be one of the best single-track routes in British Columbia. For those who want a break from the bike, there is lots to explore in town.

DAY 5:
Grand Forks to Rock Creek 66 km / 40 miles
From Grand Forks, we’ll continue along the railbed to Greenwood, a town that in 1899 boasted 26 hotels! Many of the buildings have been restored and stand testament to a rich past. You can choose from the many restaurants & cafes in town, and then visit the local museum before continuing on to Rock Creek, located on the Kettle River.

DAY 6:
Rock Creek to Beaverdell 52 km / 32 miles
Today’s ride follows the Kettle River as it winds its way towards Beaverdell. You’ll want to spend some time at the Kettle River Park where there is an excellent swimming spot and beach. We’ll finish the Stage 1 Ride in Beaverdell with dinner and entertainment in the oldest hotel in B.C.

DAY 7:
Van transport will leave from Beaverdell on Sunday morning for Vancouver, arriving around 2:00 pm. For those that are continuing with Stage 2, please refer to the Stage 2 Itinerary.