Train travel has to be one of my favourite forms of transportation. I love the way it gently rocks side to side. I love the amazing scenery you can enjoy along the way. And I love how it feels like I’m taking a little step back in time.

We don’t have many opportunities to travel by train in Canada so when I discovered that Summerland, BC had a heritage railway – I was ready to sign on the dotted line.

The Kettle Valley Steam Railway showcases a unique part of the Okanagan where visitors can take in 10 miles of beautiful vistas along the preserved section of track. I must have taken approximately 500 photographs of the same spectacular view, which included lush orchards, vineyards, and of course Lake Okanagan.

The round trip journey’s mid-point is the Trout Creek Bridge 238 feet above the canyon floor. Some of my other highlights were listening to the adorable little banjo player serenading us along the way, as well as waving at all the locals that came out to watch us pass. I only felt a little bad about peeking into everyone’s backyards – some of them had quite the set up!

Basically, I loved this rail trip! The open air car was the perfect escape from the summer heat, and the restored steam locomotive took me straight back to 1912, fueling my obsession with the era of Downton Abbey (as if I needed any help in that regard).

I highly recommend this little day trip from Kelowna for your next Okanagan adventure. I hope to come back and try The Great Train Robbery next time!