This B.C. train ride takes you through vibrant fall colours aboard a historic locomotive

If all the fall colours have you in a downright giddy mood, a scenic train ride through B.C.’s Okanagan is in order. The historic Kettle Valley Steam Railway (KVR) takes passengers on a journey through 16 km of gorgeous vistas, including lush orchards and vineyards. Out the window, passengers will see Okanagan Lake from Trout Creek Bridge, 238 feet above the canyon floor.

What to know before you ride the train

How old is the railway?

The KVR features a truly distinct part of our province’s history, built between 1910 and 1915. According to the railway’s website, the KVR “Kootenay to Coast Connection” is one of the main reasons B.C.’s fruit industry really took off, expanding its reach across the globe and transporting families to and from vacations and errands from the coast to B.C.’s interior.

The preserved section of the railway that you can still ride today is breathtaking, to say the least. Passengers climb aboard a restored 1912 Steam Locomotive, the “3716,” travelling along the same route that pioneered the fruit industry over 110 years ago.

The engine used today was originally built to burn coal. However, it was rebuilt in 1929 and converted to oil, after which point it continued to power travel across the Kootenays, southern B.C., and parts of Alberta until the mid-20th century.

In 1966, the 3716 engine was sent to Port Coquitlam, barely escaping “the scrapper’s torch.” It was later purchased by the Kettle Valley Rail Society and renamed to “The Spirit of Summerland,” allowing the iconic locomotive to be enjoyed by visitors across the country and beyond.

How long is each ride?

The scenic run (fall train ride) is a 90-minute-long journey, returning passengers to their starting point.

Are the trains wheelchair accessible?

The vintage coaches are wheelchair-accessible, but there are a limited number of these spots available, so booking well in advance is encouraged.

When will the train operate?

Trains operate at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays until Thanksgiving Day on Monday, Oct. 12.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are available online for $35 per adult, $32 for seniors, $30 for youth, and $24 per child.

Is there a holiday train ride in 2026?

If you’re already looking ahead to the holidays, you’ll definitely want to make note of the railway’s festive Christmas Express, which takes visitors on an enchanting one-hour ride with hot beverages, carolling, and an appearance from Santa himself.

Whether it’s your first or hundredth time hopping aboard, it’s a memorable way to commemorate the change of seasons. And who knows, it might just become a new beloved annual tradition!

When: Saturday, Sunday, and Monday until Oct. 12, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Where: 18404 Bathville Rd., Summerland
Cost: $35 per adult, $32 for seniors, $30 for youth, and $24 per child

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