Chute Lake Lodge is a waterfront mountain lodge located near Naramata. It is situated along the KVR and offers a scenic and peaceful setting surrounded by nature. It has a range of accommodations, including rooms in the lodge building, cabins, yurts, tents and campsites. There is a bit of something for everyone depending on how adventurous you are feeling.
Depending on the season, the lodge and surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and fishing. In the winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing are also options. This makes it an ideal destination for a little escape from city life to enjoy some time in nature.
When we visited we stayed at one of the campsites with our little vintage travel trailer. The campsite was small but centrally located with a picnic table, campfire ring and view of the lake. It was also located right next the sauna, which meant it had a bit of foot traffic in the area but would have been convenient if we had planned to enjoy the sauna!
The backstory
Chute Lake Lodge has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. It was originally built in 1922 as a resting place for travellers along the KVR, which at the time was an important railway line for BC.
The lodge served as a stopover point for the steam trains, providing accommodation and amenities for passengers and railway workers. It was a hub of activity during that time, bustling with visitors and serving as a vital link in the transportation network.
However, with the decline of the railway industry, the lodge fell into disuse and disrepair. In the 1990s, a group of dedicated individuals recognized the historical significance of the property and embarked on a restoration project to bring the lodge back to its former glory.
The restoration efforts aimed to preserve the lodge’s original charm and character while updating the facilities to meet modern standards. The historic building was renovated, and additional cabins were constructed to accommodate guests.
Today, Chute Lake Lodge stands as a testament to its rich history, offering a glimpse into the past while providing a comfortable nature retreat for both tourists and locals. It has become a popular destination for travellers seeking a unique and nostalgic experience in the beautiful British Columbia wilderness.
Our Favourite Activities
Our visit was admittedly short and mostly to familiarize our toddler with camping for the first time. As Penticton locals we wanted somewhere close that still felt like an adventure. Being right on the KVR, a highlight of our trip was bike riding down the trail. The waterfront was also a short walk away from our trailer so we spent a lot of time looking at bugs, ducks and geese from the dock.
We were only able to stay one night and it wasn’t quite the summer yet but we are excited to return another time to try out the paddle boards, canoes and kayaks that are available for rent.
Chute Lake Lodge road conditions
The road is a scenic route that offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and Lake Okanagan.
The primary access road is Chute Lake Road, which is a gravel road for the last 8-10km. During the summer months, the road is generally well-maintained and accessible to most vehicles. However, in the winter, particularly after heavy snowfall, the road may require a 4×4 vehicle or chains on your tires.
There are also signs along the road to keep an eye out for Moose. We unfortunately didn’t see any on our trip but you should definitely slow down and enjoy the ride.
Who owns Chute Lake Lodge
Chute Lake Lodge is owned by a local group of investors called Chute Lake Lodge Ltd. They have owned the lodge since 2018 and have since invested in renovations in order to bring new life to the lodge, while still appreciating its rich history. It was originally purchased with Hoodoo Adventures Company but they are no longer involved with the organization. Their goals are to create a unique, eco-friendly destination for visitors to explore all there is to offer in the Okanagan.
