Ellison Ridge & Rail Trail

One of my favorite rides in the Vernon area that I first tried in August 2025. This ride could be done on a road bike with decently wide tires (32mm?) but I rode it on my Cutthroat and it was perfect. 

Starting from my Airbnb in Vernon (you could start at KM0 of the Okanagan Rail Trail), I rode it counter clockwise and I think this is the way to go (see the ride profile below). Most of the elevation is done from Vernon up to Predator Ridge and the return ride along Kalamalka Lake on the Rail Trail is fast and easy. 

I spent a good part of the ride feeling like I was in another country as I pedaled past vineyards and pristine golf courses overlooking beautifully calm lakes, ponds and grassy hills. This is a very scenic ride but does have some on road sections without much of a shoulder to protect against traffic. Most folks were accommodating to the bike - cycling is common in the area and it shows.