How much of the Kettle Valley Railway is open in the Penticton area ?
We are taking the camper out there this summer and cycling along the track is something that we are all looking forward to. I saw on TV that some of the track has been ruined by the 04 fires and wondered if anyone here knows to what extent.

The trestles that were lost due to the wildfire that raged through that area was indeed a loss. I know that funding has been granted to rebuild the trestles, but I don't know how many have been completed so far. From what I understand, bypasses were created so that cyclists/hikers could still enjoy the trails.

Found a couple of links that might be helpful to you...

http://www.planet.eon.net/~dan/myra.htm

http://www.penticton.ca/maps/KVRTrail.asp


Oggy

Yes, there are bypasses on the trail. You'd need an up to date trail map (ask at tourist info on Highway 97/Harvey Avenue Southbound) or ask people as you pass them on the trail, it kinda gets a bit confusing at times as very little is actually signposted and you rely on judgements made between KM markers on trees. We had read the internet based info and it was not as clear as you'd think.

Summer time, it'll be buzzing with people anyway. I think the Penticton end of the trail wasn't as badly damaged as the Kelowna/Myra Canyon end but may be wrong, but that's the impression we got. Some of the trestles were only burned on the surface / flat bit and not the uprights themselves, but the overall damage is still very visible in places.

Enjoy

As far as I know, three trestles have been completed (13-15) and they are starting on the fourth, but the trail is fragmented still. It is still a lovely simple bike ride, kids can do it too. You may just have to miss odd bits out.

Not if they tiny and have to "hike with bike" up over the diversions
To be sure, ask people who've done it of late. Was still snowy up there til last 2 weeks or so.

Rich

I did it when I was seven months pregnant with four kids, youngest was three and a half. We had to lug the bikes up one part, but they were actually fixing it up while we were there. From what they told me, it should be a little more planned out this summer, but you are absolutely right and anyone going should try and speak to someone who has done it this year.

Thanks to you all for your advise and helpfulness, we are really looking forward to our trip. Our kids are 8, 6 and 3 and quite used to outdoorsy stuff so hopefully we will be able to do a few K's.