The South Okanagan is one of the best cycling destinations in Canada. The warm, dry climate means the trails are rideable from April through October. The terrain ranges from flat riverside paths to challenging mountain bluffs. And the unique bonus of this region: you can cycle between wineries, stop for a tasting, and ride to the next one without worrying about driving.
E-bikes have made the region even more accessible. The rolling terrain of the Naramata Bench and the slight grade of the Okanagan River Trail are ideal for electric assist. Rental shops have proliferated to meet the demand.
Guided E-Bike Wine Tours
Guided winery tours by e-bike through the Naramata Bench and Oliver wine country.
Best Cycling Routes in the South Okanagan
Okanagan River Trail (Oliver to Osoyoos)
Distance: 18 km one way | Difficulty: Easy | Surface: Paved
A paved, flat multi-use path running along the restored Okanagan River channel between Oliver and Osoyoos. One of the most pleasant easy rides in the region. The path passes through cottonwood riparian habitat with good birdwatching. Suitable for all fitness levels and ages, including families with young riders. Can be done as a one-way trip with a car shuttle.
Naramata Bench Road (Penticton)
Distance: 30 km round trip from Penticton | Difficulty: Moderate (E-bike: Easy) | Surface: Paved
The premier cycling-to-wineries route in BC. The bench road winds 15 km north from Penticton along the hillside above Okanagan Lake, with over 40 wineries accessible along the route. Road cyclists regularly use this as a training loop. For visitors, an e-bike is ideal: manageable grade, stops at tasting rooms, stunning lake views the whole way. Rent e-bikes in Penticton.
KVR Trail (Penticton Area)
Distance: Varies | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Surface: Packed gravel
The Kettle Valley Railway Trail is a converted historic railway line running through the Okanagan. The Penticton area section runs through orchard benchland with valley views. The most famous section, Myra Canyon near Kelowna (about 1.5 hours north), has 18 restored wooden trestles crossing canyon gullies. That section alone is worth the drive north if you have time.
Skaha Bluffs Mountain Biking (Penticton)
Distance: Various | Difficulty: Beginner to expert | Surface: Dirt, rock
Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park has an extensive mountain bike trail network covering everything from wide, fast beginner trails through ponderosa pine to technical rocky expert lines on the bluffs. The desert soil drains instantly after rain, making it rideable year-round except during the brief winter. One of the best MTB areas in the BC interior. Trails are mapped on Trailforks.
Vaseux Lake Cycle Route (Oliver)
Distance: 20 km round trip | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Surface: Paved highway with paved shoulder
Highway 97 between Oliver and Okanagan Falls has a designated cycling lane along the shoulder through some of the most dramatic scenery in the valley. The McIntyre Bluff rises sharply from Vaseux Lake on the east side of the road. Bighorn sheep are frequently spotted on the cliffs. Best done early morning before traffic builds.
E-Bike Rentals in the South Okanagan
E-bike rental shops operate in Penticton, Oliver, and Osoyoos. Rates run approximately $60 to $100 per day depending on the bike and operator. Book in advance for July and August.
What to ask about when renting:
- Battery range (minimum 50 km for a Naramata Bench loop)
- Helmet and lock included
- Lock and repair kit included
- Whether they offer guided tours vs. self-guided rental
Cycling Tips for the Okanagan
- Ride early in summer. The valley floor heats up fast. Start before 9 am on hot days, especially on the Okanagan River Trail.
- Water: Desert air is very dry. Carry more than you expect to need and refill wherever possible.
- Sun: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cycling cap are not optional in this climate.
- Winery etiquette on a bike: Lock your bike, wear shoes you can walk in, and be honest about your riding plans if you’re doing a winery route. Most tasting rooms are very welcoming to cyclists.