BC Government News Release: Infrastructure Upgrades Improve Visitor Experience in Two Okanagan Parks

More people can access Myra-Bellevue Park and safely enjoy one of the most scenic sections of the historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail as several infrastructure upgrades are nearing completion.

The Myra Station parking lot has been expanded with 60 new spaces and 12 spaces for buses and trailers to accommodate the growth in visitors. Six new accessible toilets have also been added to the day-use area at the trailhead, near Kelowna.

The upgrades are part of a $2.1-million project that began in 2021 and includes removing and replacing the old decking of all 18 trestles along the Myra-Bellevue section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. The trestle decks have also been widened from 1.5 to 2.75 metres to improve accessibility and accommodate safe two-way traffic for hikers and cyclists. Work on the trestles was completed in the summer of 2024.

At Monashee Park northwest of Vernon, the bridge at Little Peters Lake is being replaced to restore access to several alpine recreation areas, including Big Peters Lake. The bridge was damaged by heavy snow and removed in 2024 due to safety concerns.

In addition to the bridge replacement, the Big Peters Lake backcountry campground is being expanded from 10 to 18 raised wooden tent platforms. The cost of the project is an estimated $445,000 and includes replacing one pit toilet and adding another one, along with adding a secure storage container to protect food and other items from wildlife.

Backcountry camping is available at four locations in Monashee Park: Spectrum Lake, Little Peters Lake, Big Peters Lake and Margie Lake. Big Peters Lake is the largest campground in the sub-alpine and is located 13 kilometres from the Spectrum Creek trailhead and parking lot.

The upgrades at Monashee Park are part of a five-year, $21.5-million investment to increase and improve access to outdoor recreation in B.C. Upgrades include new campsites and trails, improvements to existing facilities and accessibility improvements. The upgrades at Myra-Bellevue Park are funded through the B.C. Parks capital budget.

Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025ENV0028-000688