Vernon Outdoors Club Cycle Routes
As a community service, we are proud to offer a selection of our favourite cycle routes. We’ve tried to select our favourite routes centred on Vernon for easy access.
If you find this information useful please join our club and participate. It’s a lot of fun!
The cycle route information is provided as a resource for VOC members and for members of the public for personal recreational use only. All material is © Vernon Outdoors Club and any use by any organization or corporation requires prior written permission.
Use of any information on this website is entirely at your own risk. The VOC accepts no responsibility for the suitability or accuracy of the information and accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or injury, direct or indirect, no matter how caused.
In this section you will find a selection of our cycle routes which VOC members enjoy as a group activity. Check our cycle calendar if you want to join these fun group events.
Our cycle routes are mostly road routes using quiet roads where possible, but certain routes include sections on busier routes. These routes are best suited to riders who are comfortable riding in and around traffic on public roads.
Most routes have both a short and a long version. These distances get longer as our season progresses so there is quite a variation in them. Most “short” routes are 30-40km in length and most “long” routes are in the 45-65km range.
The maps provide turn by turn instructions but you are entirely responsible for your own navigation. Bring along a suitable map, phone or GPS device as you prefer.
In the table below we have included short descriptions of each cycle ride and a link to a PDF that details the ride. You can download each PDF and print it as needed. Use of these maps and directions is entirely at your own risk.
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Norval Arena |
Armstrong |
37 km |
370 m |
Explore the charming Armstrong area, touring north and south on mostly quiet country roads. Good pavement. Stop off in Armstrong mid way and enjoy a coffee in town, perhaps picnic at Memorial Park (around the corner from Norval on PV Road), or find some tasty treats at the Village Cheese Company on Smith Road. |
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Norval Arena |
Armstrong |
52 km |
560 m |
Explore the charming Armstrong area, touring north and south on mostly quiet country roads. Good pavement. Stop off in Armstrong mid way and enjoy a coffee in town, perhaps picnic at Memorial Park (around the corner from Norval on PV Road), or find some tasty treats at the Village Cheese Company on Smith Road. |
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Norval Arena |
Armstrong |
42 km |
399 m |
The short ride takes one up through the farmlands above Armstrong, descends steeply into Enderby, then jogs through more farmland along the Back Enderby Road. The descent is a fun one, but watch for possible potholes on shady corners. Washrooms and water available at Chamber of Commerce park, and numerous fun eateries in Enderby. Good pavement. |
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Norval Arena |
Armstrong |
65 km |
550 m |
The long ride as above, except that you will descend into Grindrod rather than Enderby. Water and washrooms available at Grindrod Park or the riverside Pub on opposite side of the road (Km. 32) Good pavement |
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Norval Arena |
Armstrong |
47 km |
480 m |
Both rides feature peaceful scenic farmland on an out and back to Gardom Lake, with loops at each end. Good pavement on quiet rural roads, except for 1km. hard pack on School Road near the lake (road bike suitable) Picnic tables and washrooms available at lake, nice spot for a picnic. |
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Norval Arena |
Armstrong |
59 km |
635 m |
Both rides feature peaceful scenic farmland on an out and back to Gardom Lake, with loops at each end. Good pavement on quiet rural roads, except for 1km. hard pack on School Road near the lake (road bike suitable) Picnic tables and washrooms available at lake, nice spot for a picnic. |
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Dedecker Road BX |
BX |
40 km |
377 m |
This (only 5km shorter) loop also takes in all the scenic views of Vernon climbing into and out of the valley multiple times. Park on Dedecker Road just near the fire station. Cider tasting and lunch at Cambium Cidery (previously BX Cidery) is a possibility, but check with them ahead as their options keep changing. Washrooms and water available at Okanagan Landing and again at Polson Park. |
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Cambium Cidery Long |
Dedecker Road BX |
BX |
45 km |
470 m |
This loop takes in all the scenic views of Vernon climbing into and out of the valley multiple times. Park on Dedecker Road just near the fire station. Cider tasting and lunch at Cambium Cidery (previously BX Cidery) is a possibility, but check with them ahead as their options keep changing. Washrooms and water available at Okanagan Landing and again at Polson Park. |
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Polson Park Vernon |
Coldstream |
24 km |
171 m |
This loop ride begins and ends at Polson Park. The ride starts out on a paved pathway and takes a tour of the North end of Kalamalka Lake before heading out through the back roads of Coldstream. Possible coffee/pie stop at Friesens on Kalamalka Lake Road on the return journey. Water and washrooms available at Kal Lake Park and of course at Friesens. Both the long and short rides in this route are traditionally used by the VOC as its group cycling season opener. |
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Polson Park Vernon |
Coldstream |
36 km |
371 m |
This loop ride begins and ends at Polson Park. The ride starts out West toward Lavington keeping mainly to quiet back roads with a few crossings and brief stretches on Highway 6. Some hilly sections with a higlight of valley views from Buchanan road. Returns on a paved pathway from the North end of Kalamalka Lake. Possible coffee/pie stop at Friesens on Kalamalka Lake Road on the return journey. Water and washrooms available at Kal Lake Park and of course at Friesens. |
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| Kekuli Short | Polson Park Vernon | Vernon | 26 km | 329 m | This ride takes one through Polson Park, along the head of Kal Lake, then up above the lake to the former Hwy. where there is little traffic. After descending into KEKULI Bay you’ll find washrooms, water, picnic area, swimming. For your return, there is a choice of following the unpaved KVR railtrail, or follow map and cue sheet to retrace your route. Both routes will take you by the new Railtrail Cafe, a great stop after your ride. |
| Kekuli Long | Polson Park Vernon | Vernon | 34 km | 565 m | This ride will take you up Mission Hill, past the Army Camp onto the Commanage, winding upwards til reaching the renowned Sparkling Hills Resort and Predator Ridge Golf Course. Then the joyful descent begins, and after a CAREFUL crossing of the HWY, down to the Lakeshore in KEKULI Bay. Picnic facilities, swimming, washrooms available. Return to Vernon as per map/cue sheet .... paved, or follow the KVR (rail trail) ... gravel. Both routes will take you past the new Railtrail Cafe. |
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Kin Beach parking lot on Tronson Road |
Vernon |
30 km |
350 m |
The short ride proceeds along Okanagan Lake is on good pavement with some bike laning, passes by numerous lakeside homes and then out to Ellison Provincial Park. Ellison Park makes a great lunch spot, esp. down at the beach (though you may want to walk your bike back up the road following). Wash rooms and water available. Watch out for speed bumps on entering the park. Also watch out for deer along the Landing Road. |
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Kin Beach parking lot on Tronson Road |
Vernon |
39 km |
570 m |
The long ride This ride begins with a loop encompassing a couple of climbs above the North Landing area. Great views of Okanagan Lake. Then descends to the lake to follow the out and back to Ellison. Ellison Park makes a great lunch spot, esp. down at the beach (though you may want to walk your bike back up the road following). Wash rooms and water available. Watch out for speed bumps on entering the park. Also watch out for deer along the Landing Road. |
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Shuswap Falls Rec. site 16km east of Lumby |
Lumby |
44 km |
407 m |
Both rides are an out and back through picturesque farmland on excellent pavement, with the exception of approx.. 2 km. good hard pack (Road bikes acceptable except those with really skinny slick tires) as you enter Mabel Lake Park for lunch. Picnic tables at beach for lunch, washrooms and water available. |
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Duke Memorial Arena on Shields Ave. |
Lumby |
73 km |
570 m |
Both rides are an out and back through picturesque farmland on excellent pavement, with the exception of approx.. 2 km. good hard pack (Road bikes acceptable except those with really skinny slick tires) as you enter Mabel Lake Park for lunch. Picnic tables at beach for lunch, washrooms and water available. |
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Polson Park Vernon |
Vernon |
46 km |
340 m |
The packed gravel of the Rail Trail is best ridden on a hybrid or mountain bike. The skinny tires of a road bike make this ride much less enjoyable. This mainly out and back ride starts at Polson Park in the centre of Vernon, heads south to Kalamalka Lake and follows the Rail Trail the whole length of the lake, crossing the Oyama Isthmus to Kaloya Park for a lunch spot. (Alternative lunch options for Pizza at Pane Vino or burgers at the funky but famous OKF Grill.) Washrooms and water available at Kekuli and Kaloya Parks. You can add kilometers by circling Wood lake (paved pathway on the west side and gravel on the east side with the connecting Bottom Wood Lake Rd (in Winfield) before returning - as the short ride does - to Vernon via the Rail Trail. |
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O’Keefe Ranch |
Vernon |
32 km |
203 m |
This shorter ride starts at O'Keefe Ranch just off Highway 97 N. It tours around on back roads into Armstrong for a picnic spot at the Armstrong Park. Water and washrooms available here. The ride returns via Otter Lake (an alternate picnic spot may be had by the lake) back to the Ranch. |
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O’Keefe Ranch |
Vernon |
42 km |
407 m |
This hilly figure eight ride starts at O'Keefe Ranch just off Highway 97 N. It climbs high onto Grandview flats drops to Otter Lake and tours a big loop (with more climbing) into Armstrong for a picnic spot at the Armstrong Park. Water and washrooms available here. It returns by retracing the Otter Lake section (but not the big climb to Grandview Flats) and circling back to the Ranch. |
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| Recline Ridge | Recline Ridge Vineyards and Winery... 2640 Skimikin Rd., Tappen.......**NB Contact winery prior to make sure parking allowed (1 250 8352212) | Tappen | 51 km | 576 m | Explore the Shuswap area north of Salmon Arm, taking in rural and lake views (Shuswap and White Lakes). Lunch at Blind Bay (picnic tables, washrooms). Finish your ride at the intimate Recline Ridge Winery. Hybrid bikes preferable to road bikes as @5-6 km. gravel/hard pack, remainder on good pavement. |
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Larkin Place |
Armstrong |
41 km |
420 m |
Ride begins and ends on Larkin Place side road (the short dead end just before the train tracks as you come off the highway. This hilly loop ride stays mainly on picturesque and quiet back roads circling Armstrong. This shorter version has less Highway distance. Still take care on the connecting section of Highway 97 - the shoulder is good but the traffic is fast through this winding stretch and there can be debris on the shoulder. Also of cautionary note there are a couple of railway track crossings: One on the Highway and one near the bottom of the hill on Highland Park Rd heading into Armstrong. The shorter version takes the climb on Granview Flats Rd before dropping back into town. Optional lunch spot in Armstrong at the Park (water and washrooms available) or in town at one of the many great eateries. The return to Rodgers is less hilly. |
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Spall Loop Long |
Larkin Place |
Armstrong |
53 km |
486 m |
Ride begins and ends on Larkin Place side road (the short dead end just before the train tracks as you come off the highway. This hilly loop ride stays mainly on picturesque and quiet back roads circling Armstrong. Take care on the connecting section of Highway 97 - the shoulder is good but the traffic is fast through this winding stretch and there can be debris on the shoulder. Also of cautionary note there are a couple of railway track crossings: One on the Highway and one near the bottom of the hill on Highland Park Rd heading into Armstrong. Optional lunch spot in Armstrong at the Park (water and washrooms available) or in town at one of the many great eateries. The return to Rodgers is less hilly. |
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Silver Creek Community Park |
Silver Creek |
43 km |
374 m |
Start at Silver Creek Community Park (100 meters north of Firehall) on Salmon River Road The short ride is a relatively flat ride through the beautiful Salmon River Valley is on mostly new pavement and also features a 5-6 km. bike path adjacent to the road (starts near beginning of ride). Both rides turn around on Salmon Arm Wharf. Great views, great place for picnic lunch, washrooms available in park. |
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Salmon River Road |
Silver Creek |
67 km |
577 m |
Start (and finish) at Glenemma junction of Salmon River Road and Heywood Armstrong Road. The long ride takes you up a short steep climb onto Yankee Flats, across and then fun descent into Silver Creek. Remainder of ride relatively flat meander through beautiful farmland. Mostly new pavement. Both rides turn around on Salmon Arm Wharf. Great views, great place for picnic lunch, washrooms available in park. |
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Polson Park Vernon |
Vernon |
64 km |
504 m |
This is the longest of the short rides in the VOC series. A lovely loop out to Lumby with little retracing but a few stretches of Highway 6 (good shoulder but very busy, use caution). Starting at Polson Park in Vernon follow the paved pathway to Kalamalka Lake then out through Coldstream to Lavington then on to Lumby. Optional lunch spot (washrooms and water available) at Oval Park in Lumby. Retrace to Lavington then cross highway 6 onto Buchanan Road for a hilly but scenic return to town. |
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Polson Park Vernon |
Vernon |
88 km |
613 m |
This is one of the longest rides in the VOC series. A lovely figure eight ride with little retracing and only a few short stretches of Highway. Starting at Polson Park in Vernon follow the paved pathway to Kalamalka Lake then out through Lavington, Lumby and beyond to the Rawlings Lake loop. Optional lunch spot (washrooms and water available) at Oval Park in Lumby. Retrace to Lavington then cross highway 6 onto Buchanan Road for a hilly but scenic return to town. |
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BX Community Park on Dedecker Road |
BX |
44 km |
450 m |
This loop ride showcases Vernon's three major lakes, Swan Lake, Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake. It winds through town on good bike paths and quiet paved roads past each of the lakes. Washrooms at Okanagan and Kal Lakes, great end of ride refreshment stop if desired at Cambium Cidery (previously BX Cidery) (2 km. prior to end of ride). |
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BX Community Park on Dedecker Road |
BX |
56 km |
593 m |
This loop ride showcases Vernon's three major lakes, Swan Lake, Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake. It winds through town on good bike paths and quiet paved roads past each of the lakes. Washrooms at Okanagan and Kal Lakes, great end of ride refreshment stop if desired at Cambium Cidery (previously BX Cidery) (2 km. prior to end of ride). |
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Kayola Park Oyama |
Winfield |
37 km |
406 m |
This shorter version does significantly less climbing. Starting at Kaloya Park (washrooms and usually water available) the ride climbs up Oyama Bench (or optionally, for even less climbing, ride the gravel rail trail) on the west side of Wood Lake the ride passes through Winfield and climbs partway up the ridge east of town before dropping back to town and following the paved trail on the west side of Wood Lake to return. Beautiful views abound, but this is especially wonderful riding during blossom season. Lunch options at Pane Vino, OKC Grill or have a picnic at lovely Kaloya Park. |
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Kayola Park Oyama |
Winfield |
44 km |
533 m |
This ride is not as long as some but because it has numerous significant climbs it can be a challenge. The many beautiful views make the ride very worthwhile. Starting at Kaloya Park (washrooms and usually water available) the ride climbs the Oyama bench above Wood Lake It drops through Winfield, climbs the other side of the valley and drops to Okanagan Lake. Then it climbs back over and drops to the paved trail along the west side of Wood Lake to return to the start. Beautiful views abound, but this is especially wonderful riding during blossom season. Lunch options at Pane Vino, OKC Grill or have a picnic at lovely Kaloya Park. |