Myra Canyon British Columbia - Kelowna resident Chris Klugh went for a trucking adventure with a friend on a back road last week and ended up on a section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail between Kelowna and Penticton.
 
Klugh took photographs of all the interesting gems he found along the way that included stunning views, a lodge, lake, and an old railway tunnel.
 
"It was the first time I went out there and didn't expect to see much but the woods along the way. I didn't expect it to become so interesting, I should have brought my real camera," he said.
 
Klugh's lived in Kelowna for eight years and this was his first time exploring part of the decommissioned Kettle Valley Rail Trail, an extensive recreational trail with almost 650 kilometres of connected pathways throughout the region that draws hikers, cyclers, and adventurers.
 
His favourite discovery along the route was Chute Lake Lodge, a mountain resort on Chute Lake near Naramata.
 
"The friend I was with was talking about this place we can stop at to get drinks and described as unbelievably great. Upon arriving at Chute Lake and seeing it for myself, it's a gem, and it's open all year round. People go camping in the middle of winter there, to be cut off from the world. It's not some dirty old campsite, it's very posh. It was barricaded on both ends, there looked to be a minor cave in. You can't see though to the other side, its big enough once you get to the middle you can't see light from either end. But its not much bigger then that," he said.
 
Some sections of the rail trail are for non-motorized recreation, some are mixed uses, and some can be driven on.
 
The rail trail corridors are extensive and cross remote terrains, with more sections being added on.
 
"The road is mostly wide and flat, I'd recommend a truck and not a car, but most city SUVs would have no problem."
 
Klugh is happy to share photographs of his adventure and likes the idea of promoting it so people can see it for themselves.
 
"It's fun to disconnect for awhile, get back outside with friends and have these adventures."
 
Shannon Ainslie.
 
Learn more in this article about Myra Canyon.