Exploring the Adra Tunnel: A Chilly, Epic Ride into the Dark

Last week, I took the kids — Amayah, Matteo, and Niko — on a little adventure up to the newly reopened Adra Tunnel along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail above Naramata. The tunnel, which had been closed for restoration since 2022, is now open to the public again — and it’s every bit as incredible (and eerie) as you’d hope.

We drove in from the trail off Chute Lake Road — the access is narrow, but manageable if you take it slow. There’s a large open area for parking, and while we saw a few other vehicles, most people were arriving by bike. Once we parked the truck, we unloaded the bikes and set off toward the tunnel’s gaping mouth.

As soon as we rode into the entrance, we were hit with a rush of cold, damp air. The temperature drop is instant — and a little thrilling. I quickly realized my phone flashlight was no match for the darkness inside, and the LED tunnel lights are motion-triggered with a noticeable delay. So we unmounted our bikes and walked slowly, allowing the tunnel to gradually illuminate around us.

The Adra Tunnel curves in a gentle semicircle, so once you're deep inside, you’re fully surrounded by shadow. In the heart of the tunnel hangs a single chandelier-style light — something about it felt both magical and ghostly.

To really relive the rail history, the tunnel also features a recording of a bellowing train and horn that plays periodically. It's unexpected and immersive — adding to the thrill and eeriness of the walk.

I brought along my Canon 50mm f/1.2 and a Godox V100 flash, hoping to capture the texture of the rock, the isolation, and the sheer scale of this engineering feat. I’ve included some of my favorite images in this post — from the kids bravely exploring on foot, to the dim tunnel walls glistening with condensation. There are spots where water drips steadily from the ceiling, adding to the sense of mystery and timelessness.

Niko was the bravest of us all — pretending to be a spooky monster in the dark and getting a real kick out of spooking his older siblings. His echoing giggles might’ve been the best soundtrack of the whole visit.

A Look Back to November 2021

Before the restoration, we had visited the Adra Tunnel in November 2021. The tunnel was still closed to the public then, but we explored the area around it and documented what it looked like in its raw, untouched state. The entrance was weather-worn and mysterious, covered in moss and framed by the golden tones of fall. The silence around it felt sacred.

I've included a few of those early photos here as well — to show just how far the space has come. It's wild to stand in the same spot years later with my kids and see the transformation firsthand. That blend of memory and progress is part of what makes this place feel so special.

About the Adra Tunnel:

• 📍 Location: About 2.5 km north of the Smethurst parking area on the KVR Trail

• 🛤️ History: Built 111 years ago

• 🚲 Access: Open to bikes, hikers, horses, and licensed off-road vehicles

• 🧱 Restoration: The tunnel has been stabilized, resurfaced, and equipped with LED lighting and drainage

• 🙌 Community Effort: Reopened thanks to advocacy from Woodwackers 2.0 and the RDOS

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes — if your kids aren’t afraid of the dark. Niko was fine as long as we stayed close. Amayah and Matteo loved every second of the mystery. Just bring a flashlight (or better yet, a headlamp) and plan to go slow through the darkest stretch.

Final Thoughts

The Adra Tunnel is one of the coolest and most surreal places we've explored as a family. Whether you're into photography, history, or just want an adventure that feels slightly spooky and absolutely epic — this spot is worth the effort.

What a feat of engineering — and what a place to make memories.