Cycling & Mountain Biking in Kelowna
THINGS TO DO · KELOWNA & WEST KELOWNA

Kelowna is a cyclist's paradise, from the iconic Myra Canyon trestles to the flowing lines of the Smith Creek trails. This is your 2026 guide to the best rides.

10 rides & bike shops · Updated September 2026Things To Do guide · Go Kelowna
Photo: Sandy Donald · Myra Canyon Bicycle Rental and Tours Inc. via Google

01AT A GLANCE

The details that matter.

Explore Kelowna's diverse cycling scene in 2026. This guide covers everything from the family-friendly Okanagan Rail Trail and historic Myra Canyon trestles to the challenging mountain bike networks at Smith Creek and Gillard. Discover top e-bike rentals and tours, local bike shops, and essential trail etiquette for road and mountain biking in the Central Okanagan.

Best Season
May-June, Sept-Oct
E-Bikes
Widely available
Top Trail
Myra Canyon Trestles
Good to know
Check fire season closures

01THINGS TO DO GUIDE

•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Kelowna Cycling & Biking Guide (2026)

Your definitive local's guide to the best road cycling and mountain biking in and around Kelowna.

The short answer

The best rides in Kelowna include the historic Myra Canyon trestles for stunning views and the Okanagan Rail Trail for a leisurely cruise. For mountain biking, Smith Creek in West Kelowna offers incredible flow trails. Top shops for rentals and service include Cyclepath Kelowna and Smith Creek Cycle.

01For Everyone

Easy Cruising: Rail Trails & Greenways

Myra Canyon Bicycle Rental and Tours Inc., Kelowna
Myra Canyon Bicycle Rental and Tours Inc., Kelowna

The Okanagan Rail Trail is the region's premier multi-use pathway, eventually set to span over 50 kilometres from downtown Kelowna to Coldstream. Its flat, crushed gravel surface is perfect for families, casual riders, and e-bikes. The most scenic sections trace the shores of Wood Lake and the stunning, turquoise Kalamalka Lake in Lake Country. Access the trail from downtown Kelowna near Prospera Place or find parking at spots like Parkinson Recreation Park.

For a ride right in the city, the Mission Creek Greenway offers over 16 km of trails following the creek from Okanagan Lake into the hills. The lower sections are flat, shady, and ideal for a hot day. As you travel east, the trail enters Scenic Canyon, where it becomes more moderate with some climbs. Multiple access points with parking, washrooms, and picnic areas make it a convenient choice. Be aware of the 15 km/h speed limit for cyclists.

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) is a historic gem, and the Myra Canyon section is its most famous part. Just a 40-minute drive from Kelowna, this trail takes you across 18 towering wooden trestles and through two dark tunnels, offering breathtaking views of the canyon below. The 24 km round-trip ride is on a wide, packed gravel path with a gentle grade, making it accessible for all ages and abilities. Expect the ride to take 2-4 hours at a relaxed pace.

Local tips

  • E-bikes are permitted on the Okanagan Rail Trail and Myra Canyon trestles.
  • Myra Canyon Bicycle Rental and Tours Inc. offers rentals right at the trailhead.
  • The Greenway connects to other routes via the Leckie Road active transportation corridor.
  • Check trail conditions online before you go, especially for the Greenway's upper sections.
02Flow & Features

Mountain Biking: West Kelowna

Smith Creek Cycle, West Kelowna
Smith Creek Cycle, West Kelowna

West Kelowna is home to the legendary Smith Creek trail network. Known for its fast, flowy descents and fun, natural features, it's a favourite among local riders. The network has been sanctioned by Recreation Sites and Trails BC, resulting in excellent signage, a large parking lot, and washroom facilities at the trailhead off Smith Creek Road. The climb trail, Holy Pail, is a winding singletrack that's engaging in its own right, with technical sections and great views.

From the climb, you can access several downhill options. The most popular is 'Feel the Love,' a blue-rated trail packed with berms, jumps, and drops perfect for progression. While it has a black rating due to some larger features, all have easy ride-around options, making it accessible for confident intermediate riders. The lower-elevation trails at Smith Creek tend to dry out faster in the spring, making it a great early-season destination.

The West Kelowna trail crew and MTBco work hard to maintain these trails, but it's a busy network. Expect to encounter other riders on both the climb and descent. Always ride in control, be aware of your surroundings, and yield to climbers. Trail maps are readily available on apps like Trailforks and at local bike shops. For expert service and local knowledge right in the neighbourhood, Smith Creek Cycle is the go-to shop.

Local tips

  • Access the main parking lot via Elliott Road, then turn onto Smith Creek Road.
  • The Holy Pail climb trail offers multiple points to start your descent.
  • Check Trailforks for current conditions, especially in the early or late season.
  • Smith Creek Cycle often hosts group rides; check their social media for details.
03Classics & Gnar

Mountain Biking: Kelowna

Lakeside Eco-Sports, Kelowna
Lakeside Eco-Sports, Kelowna

Knox Mountain Park is Kelowna's most accessible mountain biking area, located right at the north end of downtown. You can climb the paved Knox Mountain Drive or tackle the singletrack Apex Trail for a more challenging ascent with rewarding views. The park offers a variety of trails, from the flowy, beginner-friendly Simpson Trail to the more advanced Shale Trail, which features gap jumps and rock rolls. Most features have roll-around options.

For those seeking a challenge, the Gillard trail network is the Okanagan's original freeride destination. Located in the hills above the Kettle Valley neighbourhood, Gillard is known for its steep, technical terrain, man-made wooden features, and jumps. It's best suited for intermediate to advanced riders and is often shuttled via the Gillard Forest Service Road. MTBco has been developing a climb trail to improve access.

The Crawford trails, located in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park, offer a huge network with something for everyone. With over 100 trails, you'll find everything from beginner-friendly loops to long, rocky descents and technical singletrack. The area is known for its mix of forest and open, exposed sections with great views. Access the main network from the parking lot at the end of Stewart Road East in the Upper Mission.

Local tips

  • The gate on Knox Mountain Drive is only open during summer months for vehicle access to the lookouts.
  • Gillard is best ridden as a shuttle-access network unless you're prepared for a long logging road climb.
  • The Friends of the South Slopes (FOSS) produces a detailed map of the Crawford trails, available at local bike shops.
  • Always check trail status on Trailforks before heading to Crawford or Gillard as conditions can vary.
04Powered Adventure

E-Bikes & Tours

Kelowna E-Kruise, Kelowna
Kelowna E-Kruise, Kelowna

E-bikes have transformed how visitors and locals explore the Okanagan. They make the gentle grade of the Okanagan Rail Trail feel effortless and take the sting out of the region's rolling hills. Several local companies offer rentals, from basic cruisers to full-suspension electric mountain bikes. Most rentals include a helmet, lock, and often a small bag for your essentials.

Lakeside Eco-Sports, located downtown on Bernard Avenue, offers premium Rize step-through e-bikes and provides a navigation app with curated local routes. They specialize in eco-friendly experiences, including guided city tours and self-guided e-bike wine tours that have received national recognition. Their tours often include farm-to-table lunches and visits to wineries in scenic Southeast Kelowna.

Kelowna E-Kruise boasts one of the largest e-bike fleets in the Okanagan, with options for cruising the KVR or tackling trails at Knox Mountain. They offer delivery service from Lake Country to downtown Kelowna, adding a layer of convenience to your rental. For a unique experience, Myra Canyon Bicycle Rental and Tours Inc. provides e-bike rentals right at the historic trestles, allowing you to explore the iconic route with a pedal assist.

Local tips

  • Book e-bike rentals in advance, especially on summer weekends.
  • Always check what class of e-bike is permitted on your chosen trail.
  • Many companies, like Lakeside Eco-Sports, offer both guided and self-guided tour options.
  • Remember that e-bikes are heavier than standard bikes; ensure you have a suitable vehicle rack if transporting them.
05Gear & Service

Bike Shops & Rentals

Cyclepath Kelowna, Kelowna
Cyclepath Kelowna, Kelowna

A great ride starts with the right gear and a well-tuned bike. Kelowna's bike shops are staffed by passionate riders with deep local knowledge. Cyclepath Kelowna, serving the community since 1995, is a full-service shop carrying major brands like Giant and Santa Cruz. They offer expert service and can help with everything from a flat tire to a custom build, and they also organize group rides.

In West Kelowna, Smith Creek Cycle is a rider-owned shop specializing in mountain bikes, eMTBs, and suspension servicing. They are known for their technical expertise and commitment to the local riding scene. For those in Lake Country, Lake Country Cycle is a convenient stop for service and gear before hitting the Okanagan Rail Trail. Mountain Lifestyle Outlet offers a range of new and used gear, focusing on affordable options to get more people outside, including a selection of e-bikes.

For rentals, Kelowna Bike Rentals offers a diverse fleet including city bikes, e-bikes, and adaptive bikes right near the Mission Creek Greenway. A unique aspect of their operation is that all proceeds support local charities, Elevation Outdoors and Adaptive Adventures. Outbound Cycle in Westbank and the Kettle Valley Railway Cycling Company also provide specialized services and rentals for exploring the region on two wheels.

Local tips

  • Talk to shop staff for the latest trail conditions and recommendations.
  • Book bike services in advance during the busy spring and summer seasons.
  • Many shops sell trail maps for networks like Crawford.
  • Follow local shops on social media for group ride announcements and events.
06Ride Right

Safety & Etiquette

Kelowna Bike Rentals, Kelowna
Kelowna Bike Rentals, Kelowna

Riding in the Okanagan comes with responsibilities, especially during the hot, dry summers. Wildfire risk is a serious concern. During periods of high danger, parks and trail networks may be closed. Always check official sources like the City of Kelowna or BC Parks websites for the latest alerts and closures before you ride. Prescribed burns also occur, which can lead to temporary trail closures, particularly at Knox Mountain.

On the trail, proper etiquette ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. On multi-use paths like the Greenway and Rail Trail, keep right and pass on the left, announcing your approach with a friendly voice or bell. Cyclists should yield to pedestrians. On mountain bike trails, the uphill rider has the right-of-way. E-bikes should yield to all other users, including traditional mountain bikes.

Be an ambassador for the sport. Ride within your limits, and don't cut switchbacks or ride on muddy trails, as this causes erosion. Pack out everything you pack in. Be aware of wildlife, make noise as you ride, and consider carrying bear spray, especially on more remote trails. Following these simple rules helps keep trails open and accessible for everyone.

Local tips

  • Never smoke or have campfires in parks during a fire ban.
  • Control your speed, especially around blind corners and on busy trails.
  • When stopping, move yourself and your bike completely off the trail.
  • Join a local trail maintenance day with MTBco to give back to the network.

•ON THE MAP

Every one of them, pinned.

All 10 rides & bike shops in this guide on one live map. Filter, zoom in, tap a pin for photos and directions, then open the full profile.

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•STORIES

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•FAQ

Good to know

The best months for cycling and mountain biking in Kelowna are typically late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October). These seasons offer warm, pleasant weather and better trail conditions, avoiding the peak heat and potential wildfire smoke of July and August.