In 1885 the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed across Canada, the promise of which had brought British Columbia into Canada’s confederation in 1871. However the rail line was too far north to be of much use to the people of the southern interior and a Kootenay to Coast Connection was on the minds of the people of southern BC. A railway was the answer to deter American miners helping themselves to the mineral riches being discovered in the Kootenays, close to the U.S. border.
Construction of the KVR was the result of the determination of KVR President J.J. Warren and CPR magnate Sir Thomas Shaughnessy. The job of building the five-hundred kilometer (325 mile) railway was given to chief engineer Andrew McCulloch, who was presented with the Herculean task of creating one of the most difficult railways ever constructed. The line which snaked its way over and around three mountain ranges connected the area from Midway in the Kootenays to Hope in the Fraser Canyon. McCulloch had his work cut out for him when he reached Myra Canyon above Kelowna. Undaunted he engineered the construction of 18 trestles and 2 tunnels from Mile 85 to Mile 90.4. The famous trestles were destroyed by fire in 2003 but have since been rebuilt as a national heritage site and component of the Trans-Canada Trail.
A major feature of the Kettle Valley Railway (still in use for trains today) is the Trout Creek Bridge —at 619 feet long and 238 feet high, it was the largest steel girder bridge on the KVR and the third largest in North America at the time it was built in 1913, located in Summerland.
You can ride the train located in Summerland just 45 minutes south of Kelowna. Book online or call Toll Free 1-877-494-8424 18404 Bathville Rd, Summerland,
What is the recommended tip for a wine tour?
When tipping on a wine tour, it is generally appropriate to offer a gratuity within the range of $5 to $20 per couple. This thoughtful gesture expresses your appreciation for the service provided during the tour. If you’re interested in more details on tipping etiquette for wine tours, you can find additional information here.
