Biking the Similkameen
The outdoors is best experienced on our trails. There is plenty with varying difficulty, there’s no excuse not to take advantage and explore our region. Go solo, grab a partner, bring the family, or even a furry companion!
View Biking locations map
THE SIMILKAMEEN TRAIL
Check out the riverside Similkameen Trail that runs from the historic Red Bridge in Keremeos and leads you to Kobau Park in Cawston. Walk or pedal your way along the river, and take time to visit one of the many parks and playgrounds along the route.
Want someone to guide you through the wineries and cideries on your ride? From Cawston, reserve a bike or book a tour and let the locals show you the very best the valley has to offer.
CHINA RIDGE
One of the most manageable cycling areas in the Similkameen is China Ridge. All levels of riders will find this area rewarding in the perfect natural setting. Just outside of Princeton, China Ridge is the perfect family cycling outing, and some trails welcome pets!
Princeton – Ride East on the KVR
Start in the Town of Princeton. Parking is available near Burton Ave (beside the Old Trail Station near Subway you will see the caboose). Eastbound will take you through town and the Bridge of Dreams onward to Swan Lake Bird Sanctuary and points east.
Note: Sections of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail westbound are closed near the Princeton area due to flooding damage in 2021. Contact the Princeton Visitor Centre for the latest information and, when you are there experience the Virtual Reality Room where you can kayak the Similkameen River and view the Red Ochre Bluffs.
Princeton east to Osprey Lake
At 4 km (2 mi) east of Princeton, you will pass by Princeton Castle Resort and the historic stone ruins of the Portland Cement Plant finished in 1908. The first 20 minutes of this trip are all uphill. Be sure to plan and bring plenty of water. The Jura Loops part of the trail offers scenic views of the Hayes Creek Valley below. From there, it’s another 25 km to the Chain Lake Campground. Stop here or ride the trail a few more minutes to Osprey Lake, where you’ll spend the night in a rustic campground.
Get more trail information at the Princeton Visitor Centre in the heart of downtown Princeton. Check out the BC Rail Trails website for more BC Rail Trail information.
