Latest Updates

May 4, 2026 - Adra Tunnel Temporarily Closed for Construction Improvements

The Regional District of Okanagan‑Similkameen (RDOS) is undertaking construction improvements at Adra Tunnel along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) in Naramata, Electoral Area “E”. Construction is scheduled to take place from May 1 for a few weeks, with work planned to be completed ahead of the peak tourist season.

While work is in progress, there will be large vehicles and dump trucks travelling the KVR between Chute Lake Road and Adra Tunnel. There are narrow passages, and the vehicles will be watching for trail users. Please ensure the use of best judgment and safety when passing the trail with the heavy vehicles.

During construction, Adra Tunnel will be closed to public access for safety reasons. Trail users will be directed to use the designated bypass to continue along the KVR. Sandwich board signage will be posted at both the north and south entrances to the tunnel to notify users of the closure and provide wayfinding information.

The Adra Tunnel project is focused on improving the safety, usability, and long-term sustainability of this historically significant section of the KVR. Planned work includes trail resurfacing and grading, improvements to parking areas, and the installation of new amenities such as benches, picnic tables, bike racks, garbage cans, split-rail fencing, wayfinding signage, and a pit toilet.

The project also supports the restoration of the Adra Tunnel as a celebrated heritage and recreational landmark. Construction activities and timelines have been designed to minimize disruption to trail users and nearby residents.

Public access to the KVR outside the immediate construction area will remain available. Trail users are asked to follow all posted signage, respect construction zones, and plan your visits accordingly.

To access the south entrance of Adra Tunnel on foot

Drive 2.5 km past the Smethurst parking lot along the Forest Service Road to the marked trailhead.

• Please ensure vehicles are suited for off-road conditions (high clearance, proper tires).
• Walk approximately 750 metres to the south entrance of Adra Tunnel. The trail to Adra Tunnel has roots and rocks and is not be accessible for all users, including those who require mobility scooters, wheelchairs or walkers.

Important reminders

For those visiting Adra Tunnel, please be aware that there is the potential of falling rock and debris, cold and damp air conditions, and varying surface conditions. Be prepared before you enter the tunnel. There is no cellular telephone service and no natural light inside the tunnel (your phone flashlight will not be sufficient).

Within the tunnel, two-way cyclist and pedestrian traffic is in effect. Please be aware and respectful of other users. From the north entrance, there is a tunnel bypass route available 175 metres to the west or 500 metres from the south entrance.

May 21, 2025

Adra Tunnel is now open for public use.

Please access the tunnel by these two preferred ways:

1. Glenfir parking lot
   • 8 km ride or walk on the KVR to the tunnel
   • The KVR Trail is intended for recreational use: bikes, horses, walkers, and licensed off-road vehicles (ORVs)
2. Naramata Creek Fire Service Road (FSR) parking area. The FSR is an unmaintained resource road and is narrow and steep, with rough conditions and loose rock.
   • Drive 2.5 km east to the Smethurst staging area
   • Vehicles travelling downwards have the right-of-way
   • Please ensure vehicles are suited for off-road conditions (high clearance, proper tires)
   • It is approximately a 750-metre hike from the Smethurst staging area to the lower tunnel, following the trail marked Sanchez to Adra Tunnel Service Road. Follow this service road to Adra Tunnel.
   • Sanchez Trail is not fully accessible. The trail is shared use and supports motorized recreation (motorbikes and ORVs).
   • Please stay on the marked trail to the tunnel and respect other trail users

For those visiting Adra Tunnel, please be aware there is the potential of falling rock and debris, cold and damp air conditions, and varying surface conditions. Be prepared before you enter the tunnel. There is no cellular telephone service and no natural light inside the tunnel (your phone flashlight will not be sufficient).

Within the tunnel, two-way cyclist and pedestrian traffic is in effect. Please be aware and respectful of other users. From the north entrance, there is a tunnel bypass route available 175 metres to the west or 500 metres from the south entrance.

• Please visit the Image Gallery to view site maps

Adra Tunnel access (May 16, 2025) Photo: RDOS

Woodwackers 2.0

For more than 40 years, the Adra Tunnel, a century-old engineering marvel, was closed to the public. The original Woodwackers, a community group from Naramata, made efforts to reopen it as part of their contributions to the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail.

In 2021, a diverse community network spanning generations and industries united to continue the Woodwackers' work.

Woodwackers 2.0 believe in the trail network's value, fostering a healthy community and unlocking tourism, recreation, and economic prosperity for the Okanagan.

Woodwackers 2.0 would like to thank all the generous donors, volunteers, and local businesses who have contributed to making this project a success, including George and Sylvia Melville who donated $100,000. Their invaluable support will help cover additional costs required to complete the project.

The significance of the Adra Tunnel extends far beyond its 1,600 feet (485 metres):

• Connection: The tunnel will facilitate cyclists riding from Penticton to Kelowna, bridging communities like never before.
• Heritage: An engineering feat from more than 100 years ago, it preserves the vision, labour, and ingenuity of past generations.
• Trail Network: It strengthens the KVR's reputation as a world-class network of hiking and biking trails.
• Destination: With support from local architects, Adra Tunnel is poised to become a destination similar to Myra Canyon.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is continuing to work with the Woodwackers 2.0 community group, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, and several local contractors to restore Adra Tunnel.