Camping
Camp sites include a mix of provincial, private and wilderness parks; on 3 of the 6 nights, hot showers are available (on 3 evenings we are at wilderness sites with solar showers and propane heated basins of water to wash).
Kettle Valley Trail Mountain Biking: Stage 1 – Castlegar to Beaverdell
The first stage begins in the historic village of Castlegar, located at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers. We’ll visit the turn-of-the-century towns of Grand Forks, Greenwood, Rock Creek with some wilderness backcountry in between. One of the highlights will be the cycle along Arrow and Christina Lakes with a view only the railbed enjoys. Overnight stations will be in a mix of provincial, private and backcountry sites, 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.
This tour can be combined with the Stage 2 trip & Stage 3 trip offered in conjunction.
Want to know more? Read Robbin’s full story about Kettle Valley here.
Kettle Valley Trail Stage 1 – Mountain Biking
Castlegar
Castlegar, BC, Canada
Stage 1 Starting Location
Christina Lake
Christina Lake, BC, Canada
Grand Forks
Grand Forks, BC, Canada
Greenwood
Greenwood, BC, Canada
Midway
Midway, BC, Canada
Beaverdel
Beaverdell, BC, Canada
Stage 1 End Location
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guide(s)
- Support vehicle
- 6 nights lodging
- All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
- Entrance fees to selected historical sights and museums
- GPS routes and maps
- All baggage transportation
What's Not Included
- Bike rental
- Camping gear
- Transfer to Castlegar on arrival day
- Transfer to Hope or Vancouver on departure day
Particulars
Departure Dates
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Jul 6-12 | Jul 5-11 |
Trip can start at any date. Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
8-12 participants
Total Days
7 days / 6 nights (5 riding days)
Arrive/Depart
Castlegar / Beaverdell
Activity Level
Moderate
20-30+ mi daily
Van supported
Terrain
The railgrade has a maximum grade of 2%
Cost
Land Cost
CAD $2,150
Includes all meals
Bike Rentals
Mountain Bikes: CAD $320
Transfers (bike transportation inc.)
- Arrival day:
- From Vancouver to Castlegar: CAD $85
- From Hope to Castlegar: CAD $85
- From Beaverdell to Castlegar: CAD $65
- Departure day:
- From Beaverdell to Hope: CAD $65
- From Beaverdell to Vancouver: CAD $65
Prices subject to GST (5%) for trips in British Columbia.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247
1
Day 1
Arrival Day
For those traveling from Vancouver, we offer van shuttle from Vancouver departing at 7:30 am, stopping in Kelowna for lunch en route with a stop in Beaverdell to pick-up anyone who wishes to leave their cars there. We arrive at Castlegar usually by 5:00 pm.
2
Day 2
Castlegar to Tunnel Station
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.
Distance: 40 km
3
Day 3
Tunnel Station to Christina Lake
We cycle a gradual 2% grade up 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.
Distance: 43 km
4
Day 4
Christina Lake to Grand Forks
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 those who want a break from the bike, there is lots to explore in town.
Distance: 30 km
5
Day 5
Grand Forks to Rock Creek
From Grand Forks, we’ll continue along the railbed to Greenwood, a town that boasted 26 hotels in 1899! Many of the buildings have been restored and stand testament to a rich past. We’ll have lunch at a superb bistrot in town, and then visit the local museum before continuing on to Rock Creek, located on the Kettle River.
Distance: 65 km
6
Day 6
Rock Creek to Beaverdell
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 camp at Little Dipper Campground, just east of Beaverdell.
Distance: 49 km
7
Day 7
Depart
Van transport will leave from our campsite on Sunday morning after breakfast for Vancouver, arriving around 2:00 pm. For those that are continuing with Stage 2, please refer to the Stage 2 Itinerary.
Tour Reviews
“What I enjoyed most about the trip was the guides-nothing was too much for them and the food quality and quantity was 1st class. It’s hard to improve on perfection”
“Stage 1 of the Kettle Valley is an amazing ride with some beautiful country that most people will not see but I would recommend. Once we were in camp the meals were the highlight to end an awesome day. This is my second trip with Great Explorations with more to come! Trip was well organized and campsites were very good.”
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