News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail Fundraising to Connect Sicamous & Armstrong for 2023
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail Fundraising Committee is raising funds to complete the trail connecting Sicamous and Armstrong for 2023. Each metre of trail surface costs $160 and with 50,000 metres to go, the fundraising goal is $8,000,000. Funds can help leverage government funding to address all the other layers.
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail Fundraising Committee is raising funds to complete the trail connecting Sicamous and Armstrong for 2023. Each metre of trail surface costs $160 and with 50,000 metres to go, the fundraising goal is $8,000,000. Funds can help leverage government funding to address all the other layers.
This year, there are two tenders to begin construction of the rail trail: The first is the Enderby to Splatsin pilot section, and the second is the 20km stretch from Sicamous to Mara.
About the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail provides a connection between communities unfolding the true story within Secwépemc territory, protecting natural areas and habitat for wildlife, facilitating healthy outdoor recreational activities and travel options on foot and by bicycle, conserving heritage, cultural, & agricultural values, and encouraging recreational tourism in rural areas.
At just over 50 kilometres long, it will create a perfect opportunity for families to discover scenic landscapes with amenities along the way.
Summer 2021 Kettle Valley Rail Trail Upgrades Complete
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in coordination with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) have completed trail improvements along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail, in the Central Okanagan.
Upgrades were implemented to improve the trail users experience
Before
After
Kelowna, B.C. - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in coordination with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) have completed trail improvements along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail, in the Central Okanagan. TOTA's involvement was primarily the 16 km section between Bellevue Trestle (above Kelowna) and Chute Lake, two very popular sections of the KVR.
The improvements included raising the tread (trail surface) of selected sections that saw annual flooding, followed by capping of the repaired sub base with 1.91 cm minus aggregate to create a rideable trail tread and prevent any drainage issues. Locations were identified by a professional Geotechnical Engineer and the project was completed using heavy machinery and hauling up the proper aggregate.
The work upgrades were undertaken to improve the worst segments of the approximately 16 km subsection of trail. Altogether, approximately 20 segments were repaired making up about 3 km of accumulated trail surface. These improvements are necessary to enhance the overall user experience along the KVR. TOTA will continue to work with partners to evaluate future areas of need, working to develop a world class cycling experience, which will encourage sustainable and responsible tourism to the Thompson Okanagan region.
The KVR is a remote trail that has ongoing maintenance challenges, and users should prepare accordingly for differing trail conditions dependent on the season.
TOTA is pleased to have undertaken this work to create a better KVR experience through the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure (CERIP) program funding, received through the Ministry of Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development to enable TOTA to contribute to this project and implement these changes along the trail. We also appreciate the work that many have undertaken to improve the trail over the past many months, including the RDOS, RSTBC, Chute Lake Lodge and others.
About
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, & Culture. It is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies. For more information, visit TOTABC.org. For more information about the KVR Trail visit bcrailtrails.com.
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure
Ministry of Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development
New and Improved BC Rail Trails Website Launched on June 15th
The more user friendly, interactive Rail Trails website was launched on June 15th to provide a hub of information pertaining to rail trails.
Kelowna, B.C. - The updated B.C. Rail Trails website was launched on June 15th. After incorporating stakeholder feedback and improving the usability of the site, you will now find a more user friendly platform with updated accessibility information, interactive maps and quiz, and finally announcement boxes to inform users of trail maintenance.
"After many months of work behind the scenes, TOTA is happy to share the new Rail Trails Website. bcrailtrails.com will provide residents and visitors a hub of information pertaining to local rail trails. We want to thank local businesses and trail enthusiasts for their help refining the site." said Mike Overend, TOTA’s Director of Destination Development.
The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail and the Columbia & Western Rail Trail is the longest rail trail network in British Columbia extending from Hope to Castlegar. This website was created with the intent to streamline the planning of a bike ride or trip along this trail network.
“Many of our residents and visitors alike don’t realize how long and accessible the Rail Trails really are. We hope that the new interactive website will help trail users realize the potential of everything from incredible multi day bike trips to the enjoyment of a few hours on the trail.” Said Ellen Walker-Matthews, Vice President and acting President & Chief Executive Officer .
The B.C. Rail Trail website has come together with the partnership with Kootenay Rockies, and with help from the team at Navigator Multimedia Inc. We will be continuing to add relevant business listings and locations post-launch.
Explore the new Rail Trail website at bcrailtrails.com.
About TOTA
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) provides destination development, marketing, industry and experience development, and research services in an effort to minimize the industry's impact on our natural and cultural resources. Find out more information at TOTABC.org.
About Kootenay Rockies
Promoting responsible travel in the Southeast corner of British Columbia by showcasing the natural, clean, uncrowded activities and experiences that reflect the lifestyle, the culture and the community of Canada’s West. Find out more information at KootenayRockies.com.