INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) extends its sincere thanks to the community members, partners, volunteers, and visitors who joined a special celebration at Adra Tunnel on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, recognizing the restoration and preservation of one of the region's most significant recreational and heritage landmarks.

The event brought together representatives from the RDOS, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Trans Canada Trail, the Woodwackers 2.0 volunteer group, local elected officials, and media for a guided tour of the tunnel and recently completed improvements along this section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR).

Attendees had the opportunity to explore the historic tunnel, learn about the engineering and restoration work that brought the site back to life, and celebrate the collaborative efforts that transformed a long-closed landmark into a cherished destination for residents and visitors alike.

The celebration also recognized the dedication of the Woodwackers 2.0 volunteers, whose years of advocacy, fundraising, and restoration efforts were instrumental in reopening Adra Tunnel. A plaque installed at the trailhead acknowledges their contributions and the community support that helped bring the project to life.

"The success of this project demonstrates what can be achieved when volunteers, community organizations, funding partners, and local government work together toward a shared vision," said Mark Koch, RDOS Managing Director, Community and Environmental Services. "We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, funding, and support."

Originally closed to the public for more than 40 years, the Adra Tunnel reopened in May 2025 following extensive restoration work led by Woodwackers 2.0 and project partners. Additional improvements completed by the RDOS in 2026 focused on enhancing safety, accessibility, and visitor experience within the tunnel and surrounding area.

Recent upgrades include trail resurfacing and grading, drainage improvements, enhanced parking areas, new bike racks, picnic tables, signage, a pit toilet, motion-activated lighting, and other visitor amenities designed to support long-term recreational use of the site.

Adra Tunnel has quickly become a valued destination within the KVR trail network, offering opportunities for hiking, cycling, sightseeing, and outdoor recreation while preserving an important piece of the region's history.

The RDOS extends its sincere appreciation to Woodwackers 2.0, TOTA, Trans Canada Trail, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, funding partners, contractors, donors, volunteers, and all those who attended the celebration event.

The Adra Tunnel and surrounding Kettle Valley Rail Trail are open for public use. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the site responsibly, follow posted signage, and help protect this unique recreational and heritage asset for future generations.

For more information about the Adra Tunnel and Kettle Valley Rail Trail, visit the RDOS Regional Connections project page at rdosregionalconnections.ca.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen 

Contact:

RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737 

Background

• The Adra Tunnel is located along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail near Naramata.

• The tunnel measures approximately 485 metres (1,600 feet) in length.

• The site was closed to public access for more than 40 years before reopening in 2025.

• The project supports recreation, tourism, heritage preservation, and active transportation opportunities throughout the region.

• The tunnel forms part of the larger KVR trail network that connects communities throughout the Okanagan.