| SNOWMOBILING IN Kelowna
Come ride the Grizz
Families out for a day excursion, a group of buddies looking for a little time away from it all, or extreme sledders looking to add another notch to their belts may seem like disparate groups, but what they have in common is that they can each find a terrific experience in Kelowna.
Kelowna, which comes from the Native word for grizzly bear, features more than 350 kilometres of a mapped trail network. The most popular of these areas is the Greystokes, which has three chalets dotted along the trails, all maintained by the Kelowna Snowmobile Club.
A good thing to remember is that all the fuel, groceries and extras required should be purchased before leaving the city. The chalets are equipped with wood burning stoves however, to warm up both food and chilly sledders.
For more information on the Kelowna area, contact Louise Middlemiss at (250) 765-0228.
Kelowna snowmobile trails
Idabel Lake
Getting tired of the same deep powder and high altitudes? Then you need to come to Idabel Lake. From here we travel the famous Kettle Valley Railway, to Little White for some hill climbing and off to Beaverdell for lunch.
Idabel & McCulloch lakes area is a perfect place for the family snowmobilers. There is a good plowed road to the parking lots, picnic area and a restaurant at McCulloch Lake Resort. A small groomer kept at Idabel Lake takes care of a network of trails around eight lakes.
Between Idabel and McCulloch, the trails are great for kids.
Also from here many areas can be explored—Idabel, McCulloch, Brown, Canyon and Greyback Lakes and at 7200 ft. the top of Little White Mountain. Mostly clear-cut logged areas, unplowed logging roads and of course the Kettle Valley Railway from Myra Canyon to Beaverdell (over 55km).
Lodging is available at Idabel Lake and also at McCulloch Lake Resort with a lounge and restaurant.
Access: From Kelowna, east on Highway 33 past Big White, turn off to McCulloch Road, turn right and watch for signs to either Idabel or McCulloch Lake.
Headwaters area
This area provides exploring as far west as Nicola Lake on mainly clear-cut, logging roads and power-line running. Enjoy many lakes and meadows as well as a scenic view from atop Pennask Mountain and a good view of the Coquihalla Highway. Find accommodations at Headwaters fishing camp, south 22 miles to Peachland, turn right at Brenda Mines Road and watch for Headwaters Fishing Camp signs.
West across the Lake Okanagan floating bridge, right on Westside Road and left up Bear Creek main, takes you to hundreds of unplowed logging roads. Off Espron Main, the club has access to and helps maintain a shelter at Espron Lake. During the week this area is extremely active with logging. A good way to access it is to follow a logging truck in, and remember it is unlawful to drive a snowmobile on plowed logging roads. Find a wide area by an unplowed road to unload.
Other areas
Snowmobilers are welcome at Beaver Lake Lodge. There is some grooming and marked trails. Trail work on going...Cabins available at both Postill and Beaver lakes. Both lakes are shared with Cross-Country skiing. Also a great family area.
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This area is massive, including nearly 400 square kilometres of meadow and alpine riding between the 17 powder-covered lakes and two mountain peaks, both in excess of 2,100 metres. |
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