Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Various dignitaries and volunteers were on hand for the ribbon-cutting of the new section of the rail trail including Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas (centre), flanked by Lake Country Mayor Blair Ireland (left) and Kelowna MP Stephen Fuhr (right). (Image Credit: City of Kelowna)
By Vernon Matters staff
safer, better cycle route

Penultimate section of Okanagan Rail Trail celebrated

Aug 5, 2026 | 6:00 PM

Another important step has been taken towards a fully completed world class cycle trail connecting over 50 kilometres between Kelowna and Vernon.

The new 3.2km section of the Okanagan Rail Trail through City-owned land between Old Vernon Road near Kelowna International Airport , and the Lake Country boundary was celebrated Wednesday.

That leaves just one unfinished section, the plus-2km length on the east side of Ellison Lake which is slowly moving through a federal government process with CN Rail and Okanagan Indian Band.

The incomplete section has clear signage and users are advised to use caution should they continue in these areas. In the District of Lake Country, a 500m section north of Beaver Lake Road has been improved, including a new crossing light.

The section marked by red dots is the last remaining unfinished section of the plus-50km Okanagan Rail Trail between Kelowna and Vernon. However, officials are confident that will be resolved soon.
The section marked by red dots is the last remaining unfinished section of the plus-50km Okanagan Rail Trail between Kelowna and Vernon. However, officials are confident that will be resolved soon. (Image Credit: Okanaganrailtrail.ca)
$6.97M for Sewer Hook-Ups
Federal funds for sewer connections at Coldstream residences
Aug 04, 2026
6:30 a.m. starts
Vernon work crews to start earlier to avoid heat
Aug 03, 2026
Underground Utility Work
Ricardo Road in Coldstream temporarily closing for infrastructure work
Aug 01, 2026

The improved section from near the airport northwards offers a safer alternative to travelling alongside Highway 97 while improving regional connectivity between Kelowna and Lake Country.

Work has also been completed on the paved Rail Trail section adjacent to Airport Way. This section next to Airport Way provides a consistent style of cycling trail for users. The existing pathways for pedestrians and cyclists along Airport Way will be maintained.

Also, the plan is for the City of Kelowna and District of Lake Country to pave the new 3.2 km section in the future.

The Okanagan Rail Trail is supported by all levels of government, as well as the many community donors and volunteers – Friends of the Rail Trail (FORT) whose collective contributions were instrumental in making the Okanagan Rail Trail a reality.

by Vernon Matters staff
View Comments

Other Matters

Wildfire fight
More wildfire help coming
More firefighters are arriving in British Columbia to help battle wildfires across the province.Premier David Eby says crews from Mexico, Australia and New Zealand are joining firefighters from Alberta, Quebec and Yukon as part of the province's wildfire response.It's not known if any of those crews will be assigned to...
3h ago
Read More
Vipers Announce Hockey Operations Promot
Vipers Announce Hockey Operations Promotions
Vernon, BC: The Vernon Vipers have announced expanded roles for two members of the club's hockey operations staff ahead of the 2026-27 BCHL season. Mike Sommer has been promoted to Associate Coach and Assistant General Manager, while Ryan Hollweg has been promoted to Associate Coach. Sommer joined the Vipers prior to...
4h ago
Read More
Drought concerns
Okanagan water supplies under pressure
Water levels in the Okanagan are continuing to drop as severe drought conditions remain across the region.The B.C. government says Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake are at record low levels, raising concerns about water supplies, agriculture and fish populations.Officials say the southern Interior is experiencing some o...
5h ago
Read More
Order Issued
More evacuation orders issued as wildfire on west side grows
An evacuation order has been issued for properties in the Shelter Cove, Secret Point and Cinnabar Creek areas as the Quilpituk Creek wildfire continues to threaten parts of the Central Okanagan.The order, issued Thursday morning by Central Okanagan Emergency Management, affects 23 properties along Westside Road. Reside...
6h ago
Read More
reflecting the times
Vernon Public Art Gallery postpones reception, changes a space due to wildfires
In light of the ongoing wildfire situation affecting communities throughout the North Okanagan, and in support of those impacted, the Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG) has postponed this week's public opening reception. The gallery will instead, reimagine an exhibition space to allow the public to visit, free of charge,...
10h ago
Read More
Wildfire relief
Wildfire response fund launched
The Community Foundation North Okanagan has launched a Wildfire Response 2026 Fund to support people impacted by wildfires across the region.The foundation says thousands of residents have been displaced, with some homes destroyed by fires this season.Donations will help with immediate needs such as food, shelter, and ...
22h ago
Read More
safer, better cycle route
Penultimate section of Okanagan Rail Trail celebrated
Another important step has been taken towards a fully completed world class cycle trail connecting over 50 kilometres between Kelowna and Vernon.The new 3.2km section of the Okanagan Rail Trail through City-owned land between Old Vernon Road near Kelowna International Airport , and the Lake Country boundary was celebra...
22h ago
Read More
No risk to public
Heavy police presence in downtown Vernon
A heavy police presence in the Vernon downtown Wednesday morning although Mounties said there was no known risk to public safety.A number of RCMP vehicles were deployed to the 4100 block of 30th Avenue.The Southeast District Emergency Response Team was also on scene and police called that a precautionary measure.It was...
Aug 05, 2026
Read More
Municipal politics
Kelowna ready to help next wave of council candidates
Thinking about running for Kelowna City Council?The city is hosting free information sessions next Wednesday and the Wednesday thereafter at 6 p.m. at City Hall and online.City staff will explain the role of council, election timelines, time commitments and the nomination process, followed by a question-and-answer sess...
Aug 05, 2026
Read More

What Matters

$6.97M for Sewer Hook-Ups
Federal funds for sewer connections at Coldstream residences
Aug 04, 2026
6:30 a.m. starts
Vernon work crews to start earlier to avoid heat
Aug 03, 2026
Underground Utility Work
Ricardo Road in Coldstream temporarily closing for infrastructure work
Aug 01, 2026
Smoke Stress
People urged to look after their mental health in smoky conditions
Jul 31, 2026
Wildfire Smoke
Air quality warnings issued due to smoke in the Okanagan
Jul 31, 2026