KVR Little Tunnel Naramata
Cycle the historic KVR Trail to the Little Tunnel for breathtaking Okanagan Lake views and Naramata Bench winery delights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
KVR Little Tunnel Naramata
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cycle the historic KVR Trail to the Little Tunnel for breathtaking Okanagan Lake views and Naramata Bench winery delights.
"A beautiful 28 km trip by e-bike from Penticton, BC to the Little Tunnel and back. Everything soaked with sun and fresh air!"
🎯 E-Bike Rental is Key
Rent an e-bike for an easier ride, especially the uphill sections. Many local shops offer rentals.
🐍 Watch for Rattlesnakes
Be cautious in warmer months; rattlesnakes have been spotted on the trail.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Little Tunnel
KVR Trail, Naramata
A historic, short tunnel offering magnificent views of the surrounding landscape and Okanagan Lake.
KVR Trail Ride
Penticton to Naramata
An enchanting gravel ride with vineyards, orchards, and breathtaking Okanagan Lake vistas.
Winery & Cidery Stops
Along the KVR Trail
Numerous opportunities to sample local wines, ciders, and spirits with stunning vineyard backdrops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
E-Bike Adventure Essential
Best Time & What to Watch For
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 E-Bike Rental is Key
Rent an e-bike for an easier ride, especially the uphill sections. Many local shops offer rentals. 
🐍 Watch for Rattlesnakes
Be cautious in warmer months; rattlesnakes have been spotted on the trail.
🍎 Taste Local Apricots
August is the prime time for delicious, sun-ripened apricots in this region.
🍕 Refreshment Stops
Plenty of spots to stop for pizza, beers, or apple slushies on your way back.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 E-Bike Rental is Key
Rent an e-bike for an easier ride, especially the uphill sections. Many local shops offer rentals.
🐍 Watch for Rattlesnakes
Be cautious in warmer months; rattlesnakes have been spotted on the trail.
🍎 Taste Local Apricots
August is the prime time for delicious, sun-ripened apricots in this region.
🍕 Refreshment Stops
Plenty of spots to stop for pizza, beers, or apple slushies on your way back.
📸 Stunning Views
The elevation provides incredible, seemingly endless views of Okanagan Lake.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the KVR Little Tunnel as a beautiful and accessible cycling destination, offering stunning lake views and a pleasant ride through vineyards. The convenience of e-bike rentals and the option for winery stops enhance the experience, though some note the presence of rattlesnakes in warmer months.
"It is a beautiful 28 km trip by e-bike from Penticton, BC to the Little Tunnel and back to our airbnb location. Surrounded by beautiful Canadian nature, friendly people, and local producers. I think it is the only region in Canada (sorry Niagara falls region) where you can eat REAL delicious apricots. Just come here in August. Everything soaked with sun and fresh air!"
Nat DB
"Great ride from Penticton to Little Tunnel and back. Steady uphill climb makes it a breeze heading back. Beautiful scenery along the trail. Watch for rattlesnakes in warmer months, we saw 2. Lots of good spots to stop on the way back for refreshment. We stopped at Abandoned Railway for pizza, beers and apple slushies. Will definitely come back!"
Kirk Niblock
"This is the first tunnel you’ll come to if you ride out of Penticton and we found it to be a good turnaround point. It’s a pretty short tunnel. Keep in mind it is pretty much all downhill back to Penticton."
Matt Collinge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is to rent an e-bike in Penticton and cycle the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail. The Little Tunnel is a common turnaround point, approximately 14 km from Penticton.
The KVR Trail is primarily a gravel surface, making it ideal for gravel bikes or e-bikes.
Access by car is limited. The trail is designed for cycling and walking. E-bike rentals are highly recommended for the full experience.
It's about a 28 km round trip from Penticton to the Little Tunnel and back.
Parking is available in Penticton, where you can start your bike ride. Consider parking near your e-bike rental location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the KVR Trail and the Little Tunnel is free. You only need to pay for e-bike rentals or any food/drinks purchased at stops.
The KVR Trail is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, e-bike rentals will have specific operating times.
There is no entrance fee for the Little Tunnel itself. It's a natural feature along the KVR Trail.
Yes, walking is a great option, though it's a longer journey from Penticton. Many visitors opt for cycling for efficiency.
Some local adventure companies offer guided e-bike tours that include stops at wineries and the Little Tunnel.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the tunnel entrance, the expansive views of Okanagan Lake from the trail, and the surrounding vineyards and orchards.
It's best to stop at designated viewpoints or pull-offs to safely take photos. Some sections are narrow.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for landscape shots of the lake and vineyards.
Drone regulations vary. Always check local bylaws and Transport Canada guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto can capture details of the vineyards. A phone camera is sufficient for casual shots.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
Yes, there are several wineries and cafes along the trail where you can stop for food and refreshments.
You can find options like pizza, burgers, and local produce. Some visitors enjoyed pizza and beers at Abandoned Railway.
Absolutely! Packing a picnic is a great idea to enjoy amidst the scenic views.
Many wineries on the Naramata Bench offer food pairings or full dining experiences.
Don't miss the delicious apricots in August and the local wines from the Naramata Bench.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider stopping at a winery that offers a relaxed atmosphere or a picnic area. The chance to see local wildlife (like the occasional rattlesnake, from a safe distance!) can also be exciting for children. The relatively short distance to the tunnel makes it a manageable day trip for families looking for outdoor adventure.
🚴♀️ Cycling Enthusiasts
+1The steady climb from Penticton is a good workout, and the downhill return is a thrilling reward. The scenic beauty of the Okanagan Lake and the surrounding vineyards provides a stunning backdrop for your ride. Many cyclists combine this ride with visits to multiple wineries, turning it into a full-day cycling tour.
🍷 Wine Lovers
Many wineries offer tasting flights and food pairings, allowing you to savor the local flavors. Remember to pace yourself and consider a designated driver or shuttle service if you plan on extensive tasting. The combination of cycling and wine tasting offers a unique and enjoyable way to experience the region.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail Experience
+2This trail is more than just a path; it's a journey through a landscape shaped by both nature and human history. The KVR was once a vital transportation route, and remnants of its past can still be seen. The Little Tunnel is a key landmark on this route, a short but memorable passage that adds a touch of adventure to the ride. Many travelers find the return trip from the tunnel back to Penticton to be a breeze, thanks to the downhill gradient.
When planning your KVR adventure, consider the time of year. Warmer months are best for enjoying the scenery and the local produce, like the famous Naramata apricots in August. However, be mindful of wildlife, as rattlesnakes have been spotted. Weekdays generally offer a more serene experience with fewer crowds, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of the Okanagan Valley.
Exploring the Naramata Bench Wineries
+1Visitors often highlight the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to meet winemakers and learn about the local viticulture. Popular stops include Moraine Winery, known for its Gewürztraminer, and others offering unique tasting experiences. It's advisable to check the operating hours and reservation policies of individual wineries, especially during peak season. Some wineries also offer food pairings or light snacks, perfect for refueling after a bike ride.
Beyond wine, the Naramata Bench is also home to excellent cideries and distilleries, providing a broader taste of the region's agricultural bounty. The combination of stunning scenery, delicious beverages, and the charm of local producers makes the Naramata Bench a truly special destination. Remember to arrange for safe transportation, especially if you plan on indulging in multiple tastings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit