Kettle Valley Rail Trail facts for kids

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a super cool path for walking, biking, and even horseback riding! It's located in the beautiful Okanagan-Boundary area of southern British Columbia, Canada. This amazing trail follows the old tracks of the Kettle Valley Railway, which was a train line that isn't used anymore. The trail was created in the 1990s after the Canadian Pacific Railway stopped running trains on these tracks. It's now a popular spot for outdoor adventures and exploring nature.

Exploring Myra Canyon's Historic Trestles

Photograph of Myra Canyon Rail Bridge taken just days before it was destroyed by fire. August, 2003.

One of the most exciting parts of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail is the section that goes through Myra Canyon. This area is found south of Kelowna, on Okanagan Mountain. When the railway was first built, engineers had to be very clever. They needed to cross a deep canyon between Myra station and June Springs station. To do this, they built 18 wooden bridges, called trestles, and two tunnels!

A Popular Path for Hikers and Cyclists

For many years after the trains stopped running, the Myra Canyon section became a favorite spot. Its gentle slope made it perfect for hikers and cyclists. However, over time, some of the old wooden trestles started to fall apart. In some places, people even removed railway ties from the larger steel bridges. This created big gaps, making it tricky to cross safely.

Because of safety worries, many people asked for improvements. They wanted the bridges and trestles to be made safer for everyone. So, repairs were done, and handrails and planks were added. This meant people no longer had to step between each railway tie. Now, it's much safer and easier to enjoy the stunning views!

Myra Canyon Becomes a National Historic Site

This special part of the railway was recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada in 2002. This means it's an important place in Canadian history. It's protected so future generations can learn about its past and enjoy its beauty.

The 2003 Okanagan Mountain Park Fire

In 2003, a big wildfire started in Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park. This fire, called the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Park Fire, grew very quickly. It spread across Okanagan Mountain, reaching many parts of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. Firefighters worked very hard to stop it. Sadly, the fire destroyed 12 of the 18 wooden trestles in Myra Canyon. It also damaged the decks of two metal bridges.

Rebuilding and Reopening the Trail

Soon after the fire, the government of British Columbia promised to rebuild the damaged bridges and trestles. It was a huge project! Workers carefully restored the trail, making it safe and beautiful once again. The official reopening ceremony happened on June 22, 2008. Since then, even more safety improvements have been made. This includes clearing areas and making rock faces stable along the trail. Today, the Myra Canyon section is a wonderful place for people of all ages to explore and enjoy.

Images for kids

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  KVR Bridge over the West Kettle River