Taryn’s Trans Canada Trail: Bringing the Adra Tunnel Back to Life
Written by Taryn Eyton
On a recent trip to British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, I cycled several rail trails, which are sections of the Trans Canada Trail. But the moment my bike’s wheels crunched through the gravel at the entrance to the Adra Tunnel was special. Motion-activated lights flickered to life over my head as I pedalled through the dark. The scale of the nearly half-kilometre-long curved tunnel was immense, and that experience left me curious about the people and effort behind its restoration.
Photo credit: Taryn Eyton
A historic piece of the Kettle Valley Railway
Located in the hills above Naramata and Penticton in the Okanagan Valley, the Adra Tunnel was built in 1913 as part of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR), which once connected communities across southern British Columbia. At 485 metres long, it is the longest tunnel on the KVR. It has an impressive horseshoe-shaped curve that bends nearly 180 degrees, making it a remarkable feat of engineering.
As the railway became less relevant, it was decommissioned in the 1960s, and the tracks were removed in the late 1980s. But the corridor found new life as the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, a multi-use route that stretches nearly 500 kilometres from Hope to Midway and forms the backbone of the Trans Canada Trail in British Columbia.
However, rockfall, deterioration, and arson to some of the Adra Tunnel’s timber supports made the structure unsafe. For decades, trail users had to follow a steep detour to bypass the closed tunnel.
Photo credit: Taryn Eyton
A grassroots trail restoration effort
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Woodwackers 2.0, a group of passionate volunteers from Naramata, began exploring ways to reopen the Adra Tunnel. What started as a community-led project quickly gained momentum, and the volunteers partnered with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen to formalize their plans.
Community fundraising and in-kind donations from local businesses were vital to the success of the restoration project. Federal government programs, tourism grants, the Trans Canada Trail, and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen also contributed to acquiring over $1,000,000.
Major restoration work on the Adra Tunnel began in 2023. The project team worked with engineers and local contractors to develop a plan for the tunnel’s long-term safety and stability. First, crews removed fallen rock and scaled the tunnel’s interior. Next, they installed rock-bolt anchors, new timber arches, and concrete supports to reinforce key sections. They also added a smooth gravel trail surface.
Photo credit: Taryn Eyton
The volunteers also wanted to create a memorable experience for visitors, so the restoration work included the installation of motion-activated LED lights and a whimsical chandelier. Speakers play the sound of an approaching train, offering a playful nod to the tunnel’s history.
Beyond the tunnel, improvements were made to the KVR corridor, including signage, parking areas, and outhouses. Since reopening in May 2025, the Adra Tunnel has welcomed thousands of hikers and cyclists, quickly becoming a popular community recreation area and a draw for visitors exploring Penticton and Naramata.
How to experience the Adra Tunnel
The best way to get to Adra Tunnel is by bike, but you can also hike. One option is to start at the Chute Lake parking area, about 11 kilometres from the tunnel. You can also start at Glenfir Parking Area, which is 8 kilometres from the tunnel. If you’re on foot, the short and rough trail from Smethurst Staging Area is also an option, but you’ll need a rugged 4WD vehicle to reach it.
However, I think the most rewarding way to experience the tunnel is a one-way trip, starting at Chute Lake and continuing along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail all the way into Penticton. That’s the route I took. It’s 40 kilometres of biking, but it is mostly downhill, so it’s doable for intermediate cyclists. Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful sections of the KVR Trail, including the famous Little Tunnel viewpoint. The picnic area here has incredible views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding vineyards.
Photo credit: Taryn Eyton
The trail surface is mostly gravel, with some sandy sections, making bikes with wider tires the best choice. E-bikes are permitted on the trail, and the former railway grade never exceeds 2.2 per cent, making the hills easy and the route accessible to cyclists of varying fitness levels. You can rent bikes and arrange shuttle services for one-way trips with businesses in Penticton.
Explore the Adra Tunnel and more Okanagan Valley trails on our interactive map.
Learn more about how to support trail stewardship across Canada.
Main photo credit: Taryn Eyton
