The best cycling routes around Spallumcheen

Spallumcheen offers a diverse landscape for touring cyclists, characterized by picturesque agricultural lands, quiet back roads, and pine-clad hillsides. You'll experience the 'sights, sounds and smells of nature' as you cycle through this beautiful valley. The region also features developing trail systems, including a universally accessible rail trail.

While many routes in Spallumcheen are rated moderate to difficult, the region is developing more accessible options. The ongoing expansion of the Rail Trail between Spallumcheen and Armstrong is creating a four-meter-wide, universally accessible, compact aggregate trail, which will offer easier cycling opportunities. Currently, routes like the Rail Trail Café – Lakeside Swimming Spot loop from Vernon are rated moderate and offer a good balance for many cyclists.

The cycling season in Spallumcheen is quite generous, with most routes accessible from early April through mid-November, weather permitting. This extended season allows ample time to explore the region's scenic beauty.

For those looking for longer rides, the View of the Lake – Kalamalka Lake loop from Pleasant Valley 6920 block (SB) is a challenging 80.6 km route offering extensive views. Another significant option is the Waby Lake loop from Enderby, which spans 77.8 km and takes you through pine-clad hillsides and agricultural regions.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Spallumcheen are designed as loops. For example, the Rail Trail Café – Lakeside Swimming Spot loop from Vernon and the Rail Trail Café – Kal Beach loop from Vernon are popular circular routes that allow you to start and end in the same location.

Many routes offer scenic views of Kalamalka Lake and pass through the region's agricultural heartland. You might encounter points of interest such as the historic O'Keefe Ranch, which serves as a starting point for some routes, or the Rail Trail Café. The nearby community of Armstrong is also known for its cheese-making history and provides convenient spots to refuel.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the picturesque agricultural landscapes, the extensive network of quiet back roads, and the immersive natural experience of cycling through pine-clad hillsides.

Yes, a significant development is underway with the expansion of a walking and biking trail between Spallumcheen and Armstrong. This four-meter-wide, universally accessible, compact aggregate trail is designed to connect communities and promote active living, offering a great option for touring cyclists.

Spallumcheen is known for its over 213 kilometers of quiet back roads, and local drivers are generally described as courteous to cyclists. While you may occasionally share the road with equestrians, the extensive network of less-trafficked roads makes it a pleasant area for touring cycling.

Yes, Spallumcheen offers several challenging routes for experienced touring cyclists. The Silver Star Mountain – Shuswap Lookout loop from Silver Star Mountain Resort is a difficult 17.1 km route with significant elevation gain, providing a rewarding challenge and stunning views.

Spallumcheen and Armstrong co-host the annual Okanagan Shuswap Century Ride, which is a major cycling event in the region. For more general information about cycling in the area, you can visit tourismarmstrongspall.com.