Home to vineyards, orchards, small farms and endless outdoor adventure, the Naramata Bench along the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake is one of British Columbia's must-visit destinations. While it's best known as one of Canada's premier wine regions, there's much more to discover beyond the tasting rooms. Scenic hiking trails, mountain bike routes, quiet paddling waters, backcountry fishing lakes and spectacular viewpoints make the Naramata Bench an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the outdoors in the South Okanagan.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or adding the Bench to a longer Okanagan road trip, here's everything you need to know before you go.
Hiking & Mountain Biking in Naramata Bench
One of the best ways to experience the Naramata Bench is on foot or by bike. Winding through vineyards, forests and open hillsides, the area's extensive trail network offers something for every ability level, from leisurely lakeside rides to challenging backcountry adventures.
Serving as the backbone of the region, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail follows the route of the historic Kettle Valley Railway through the hills above Naramata. The approximately 40 km stretch between Penticton and Chute Lake is one of the most popular sections of the trail, leading to panoramic lake views, historic tunnels and scenic viewpoints overlooking vineyards and orchards.
For ambitious riders, it's possible to travel by e-bike from Myra Canyon near Kelowna all the way to Penticton, crossing impressive trestle bridges and passing through tunnels carved into the mountainside. While the ride can be completed in several hours, allowing a full day leaves plenty of time to stop for photos, enjoy lunch at a local café or reward yourself with a winery visit.
Looking for more of a challenge? Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park offers several rugged hiking routes, including the 9.6 km one-way Divide Lake North Trail and the 27 km Wild Horse Canyon Trail, which winds through dramatic canyon scenery before reaching remote lakeside campsites. The 10 km return Mountain Goat Trail lives up to its name, with steep, rocky sections that reward hikers with spectacular views over Okanagan Lake.
Closer to town, Creek Park offers a rewarding walk through a narrow canyon ending at a picturesque waterfall. Mountain bikers and ATV riders will also find an extensive network of trails climbing into the hills east of Naramata, providing even more opportunities to explore beyond the vineyards.
Fishing Around Naramata Bench
Image: Chute Lake Resort
While many visitors come for the wineries, anglers know the Naramata Bench offers excellent fishing opportunities both on and off the lake.
Following Chute Lake Road, or hiking in from nearby logging roads, leads to a collection of backcountry lakes that support stocked and naturally reproducing rainbow trout. Some require a little extra effort to reach, but the quiet surroundings and scenic mountain setting make them well worth the trip.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, South Okanagan Lake offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout, kokanee, burbot and whitefish. Early mornings and evenings generally provide the best conditions before recreational boat traffic increases, with productive fishing often found around creek mouths, bays and rocky points.
Paddling & Camping on Okanagan Lake
The eastern shoreline of Okanagan Lake is perhaps best appreciated from the water. Calm mornings and evenings provide ideal conditions for kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding while offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding vineyards, cliffs and mountains. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly bighorn sheep navigating the rocky slopes above the shoreline.
Those looking to extend their adventure can paddle to one of the seven marine-access campsites within Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park. These small lakeside campsites provide a peaceful overnight experience with basic amenities including picnic tables, pit toilets and water access.
Accommodation throughout the Naramata Bench ranges from rustic recreation sites and provincial park campgrounds to boutique inns, lakeside resorts and vacation rentals, making it easy to find a base for every style of adventure.
Historic Sites & Local Attractions
Outdoor recreation may be the main draw, but the Naramata Bench also offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's history.
One of the area's best-known landmarks is the Adra Tunnel, a beautifully restored railway tunnel built more than a century ago along the Kettle Valley Railway. Walking or cycling through the tunnel is a highlight for many visitors exploring the trail.
Nearby, the historic Rock Ovens tell another chapter of the railway's story. Constructed between 1911 and 1915, these stone ovens were used to feed the workers responsible for building one of Canada's most ambitious railway projects.
Back in town, the weekly Farmers' Market at Manitou Beach Park showcases local produce, artisan goods and handcrafted products throughout the summer, while seasonal festivals and community events celebrate the area's agricultural roots and vibrant local culture.
Wineries, Food & Local Flavours
No visit to the Naramata Bench would be complete without experiencing the food and wine that have made the region internationally recognized.
Dozens of wineries line the winding roads above Okanagan Lake, many offering panoramic patios, vineyard tours and tasting experiences that showcase the region's unique terroir. Beyond wine, visitors will also find craft breweries, cafés and farm-to-table restaurants celebrating fresh Okanagan ingredients.
It's the perfect way to wind down after a day spent on the trails or the water.
When to Visit Naramata Bench
The Naramata Bench offers something special in every season.
Spring brings blossoming orchards, waterfalls at their peak and comfortable hiking temperatures. Summer is perfect for paddling, mountain biking, swimming and long evenings on winery patios. Autumn transforms the vineyards into vibrant shades of gold and crimson during harvest season, while quieter winter months offer peaceful hikes and scenic drives through the South Okanagan.
Planning Your Trip
Located just 15 minutes from Penticton and about an hour from Kelowna, the Naramata Bench makes an easy day trip or weekend destination.
Many of the region's highlights are well signed, but some of the best hiking trails, fishing lakes, recreation sites and viewpoints lie beyond the main roads. Carrying a reliable map is especially helpful when exploring forestry roads or areas without cell coverage.
The Backroad Maps Naramata Bench Destination Map highlights hiking trails, campgrounds, recreation sites, beaches, fishing lakes, scenic viewpoints and local attractions, while the Backroad Maps App provides turn-by-turn navigation and offline mapping for those venturing farther afield.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Naramata Bench known for?
Naramata Bench is famous for its wineries and vineyards, but it's also a premier destination for hiking, mountain biking, paddling, fishing and camping in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley.
Is Naramata Bench worth visiting?
Absolutely. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventure, wine tasting or simply enjoying spectacular scenery, the Naramata Bench offers a unique combination of nature, local food and small-town charm.
What are the best hiking trails in Naramata Bench?
Popular options include sections of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Mountain Goat Trail, Divide Lake North Trail, Wild Horse Canyon Trail and the waterfall trail through Creek Park.
Can you camp in Naramata Bench?
Yes. Visitors can choose from provincial park campgrounds, recreation sites, marine-access campsites in Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park and a variety of nearby accommodations.
Do I need a map for Naramata Bench?
Many outdoor recreation areas are located beyond reliable cell service. Having a detailed map can make it much easier to locate trailheads, recreation sites and backcountry lakes while planning your trip.
Whether you're cycling historic rail trails, paddling along the shoreline of Okanagan Lake, casting a line into a quiet mountain lake or discovering a hidden viewpoint among the vineyards, the Naramata Bench offers countless ways to explore one of British Columbia's most beautiful landscapes. It's the kind of place that invites you to slow down, take the scenic route and come back for another adventure.
