Earlier this month I went on a whirlwind trip to Kelowna. In addition to the multitude of wineries on my itinerary, I also had the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of British Columbia through various nature treks. One of the stand out experiences for me was walking the Myra Canon Trestles. In this photo guide, you can find my recommendations on where to take the best photos. I’ll also show how to best fit in Myra Canyon Trestles into your Kelowna travel itinerary!
Myra Canyon Trestles Trail and How To Get There
Address: 1N0, Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Naramata, BC
Myra Canyon is a very beautiful part of the Kettle Valley Railway that runs along a very steep canyon. It is located 24 km from downtown Kelowna. You will need a sturdy car as there is a very bumpy gravel road up to the entrance.
There are two tunnels and 18 trestle bridges to explore totaling 12 km one way. There are several methods to experience Myra Canyon:
- Biking – If you want to explore the entire trail, biking is the best method. You can rent or bring your own bike and there’s lots of opportunities to stop at view points.
- Hiking – If you plan on hiking, definitely plan for a full day if you want to cover the entire trail.
Please note motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail with some exceptions.
Myra Canyon – The Trestle Bridges
There are 18 wooden trestle bridges to explore. They offer a spectacular viewpoint and look out spots. When I went it was towards the end of day so there wasn’t a lot of cyclists, but when I did see one I just stepped to the side to let them pass.
Don’t be like me and wear heeled boots when walking because there are a lot of gaps in the bridges, but overall I did not feel unsafe.
Myra Canyon – The Tunnels
There are two tunnels to explore, with the first one being about 3 km out. Walking through and coming out on the other side is definitely an unbelievable experience!
It is pitch dark walking through but you are greeted with a wide vast expanse of forest when you walk out.
Myra Canyon – The Views
Words truly cannot capture the magnificent views and beauty of Myra Canyon. I highly recommend going in the Fall because the trees have started to change colours and it isn’t too hot.
There is a lot of wildlife to see and word is you can even encounter a bear!
Key Takeaways for One Day in Myra Canyon Trestles
- If you go in the Fall like I did, dress warmly as it will get chilly.
- Bring plenty of water and don’t forget to wear sunscreen.
- If you are comfortable with biking, this is the best way to experience the entire trail.
- If you don’t have time to explore the whole trail, the viewpoint after the first tunnel is the best! It has a wide sweeping view of Myra Canyon as well as a view of the trestles across the way.
Worth a Visit?
Absolutely! Myra Canyon Trestles is an absolute must visit for any one heading into Kelowna. It is such an amazingly beautiful spot which really reminds me of how lucky I am to live in British Columbia. I spent about 3.5 hours and made it out to the first tunnel. Of course, I kept stopping along the way because I just wanted to soak in all the natural beauty.