Okanagan Graveller

Okanagan Graveller – West Kelowna, Canada

• Date: June 27, 2027
• Location: Telemark Nordic Club, West Kelowna, BC
• Distances: 120 km, 70 km, 40 km
• Event Type: Gravel Ride

The Okanagan Graveller is an Okanagan gravel event that returns for its third edition on June 27, 2027. This year finds a new home at the Telemark Nordic Club in West Kelowna, British Columbia, shifting the atmosphere toward a more authentic backcountry experience. Set against the backdrop of the valley, the event provides a selection of routes designed to immerse riders in the quiet landscapes of the region, with the sound of gravel under tyres as a constant companion.

The new venue at Telemark Nordic Club, located just ten minutes from Highway 97, serves as an ideal gateway to the region's extensive network of forest service roads. This location is the heart of the event, offering a base for the weekend's activities and a starting point for rides that climb into breathtaking mountain scenery. The move signifies a focus on the core experience of gravel riding: exploration, self-reliance, and a connection to the natural world just beyond the town's edge.

Three distinct distances are offered, each named with a nod to the rugged terrain. The longest, the 120-kilometre 'Boulder' route, includes 2,400 metres of climbing, presenting a significant challenge for seasoned endurance riders. This route is a journey through the scale of the Okanagan landscape. It’s a day of sustained effort and rewarding vistas, a fitting centrepiece for this Okanagan gravel event and designed for those looking to test their limits against the mountains.

For those seeking a shorter but equally rewarding day, the 70-kilometre 'Rock' with 1,300 metres of ascent and the 40-kilometre 'Stone' with 650 metres of elevation provide accessible yet challenging options. These routes travel through the same stunning terrain, offering a taste of the region’s gravel without the demands of the longest distance. They are thoughtfully planned to welcome riders who are newer to the discipline or who prefer a more condensed, spirited ride through the forest.

The routes wind through the mountains surrounding the Okanagan Valley, a region known for its pristine wilderness and spectacular lakes. The air is clear, the climbs are steady, and the descents are a flowing reward for the effort expended. The character of the riding here reflects the broader appeal of the country’s gravel scene; riders can find other gravel events in Canada, but few offer the unique combination of vineyard country and high-alpine feel found here.

More than just a ride, the Okanagan Graveller fosters a grassroots atmosphere, centered around the event village at the Nordic club. It is a gathering for the community, a place to share stories and experiences after a day on the bike. The focus is on the shared rhythm of the ride and the quiet satisfaction of navigating through the beautiful, and at times demanding, terrain of the Okanagan. The weekend is shaped by this collective appreciation for two wheels and a wild landscape.

The experience is about finding a rhythm and soaking in the atmosphere of the valley. It’s a weekend of pure gravel riding, designed for personal challenge and shared adventure. Full details on registration and route specifics will be available on the official event website as the date approaches, offering a chance to be part of this memorable journey through the heart of British Columbia.