Okanagan Rail Trail might also extend to Predator Ridge

VERNON – A proposal is in the works to connect the trails at Predator Ridge with the Okanagan Rail Trail. 

A presentation is scheduled for the City's April 23 council meeting from Predator Ridge, pitching the idea to Vernon council to start preliminary talks.

The idea outlined in a letter to City Hall says the housing development and resort is keen to expand its current trail network to connect with the Okanagan Rail Trail. Currently, Predator Ridge has 35 kilometres of multi-use trails on their property, and these trails also connect to over 40 kilometres of trails in Ellison Provincial Park. As the number of people using the Okanagan Rail Trail far exceeded expectations, Predator Ridge says it is the ideal time to move forward with a multi-use access trail suitable for bikes, walkers and hikers of all ages that connects them with the rail trail.

The letter states that although Predator Ridge is in close proximity to the rail trail, safe accessibility by road for self-guided tours is currently not in place.

The letter says Predator Ridge's goal is to become as recognized for cycling as it is golf, and it wants to seize on family and leisure cyclists in what it sees as a big opportunity for tourism in the area. In 2018 Predator Ridge purchased a nine-passenger shuttle bus to take cyclists to Coldstream and Lake Country to ride the trail, as well as increased its bike rental fleet.

For a map of the Okanagan Rail Trail, go here. 

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