The Kettle Valley Railway was a vital rail link stretching from the Kootenays to Hope, B.C., and running right through the heart of Summerland.

At more than 500 kilometres long through some of the most challenging terrain in railroading history, the Kettle Valley Railway operated from the time of the First World War until it was fully retired in 1989.

The railway was an incredibly important transportation link, making it possible for Okanagan fruit and vegetable growers to get their produce to markets in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and beyond.

Although the KVR has mostly been converted to a hiking and cycling network, a 16-kilometre length of track has been preserved in the Summerland area, upon which the Kettle Valley Steam Railway runs.

Stretching from the spectacular Trout Creek Bridge more than 70 metres above a canyon floor to an old train stop called Faulder, visitors can take a 90-minute trip through stunning scenery and fertile orchards on a restored steam locomotive from 1912.

Although the railway was not operating at the time this article was posted due to the COVID-19 crisis, check this website when planning your future trip to Summerland.

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The Trout Creek Trestle connected Summerland with the rest of the Kettle Valley Railway line. The bridge was constructed in 1913. The restored railway starts at this bridge and travels down a 16-kilometre length of track. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum/Black Press Media files)