The Okanagan’s Ultimate Cabin Escape: Chute Lake Lodge
The higher you climb above Naramata, the more the Okanagan starts to feel completely different.
The busy beaches, wineries, and summer heat slowly give way to forest roads, cooler mountain air, and long stretches of the historic Kettle Valley Railway winding through the trees. And tucked deep within those mountains is one of our favourite places to escape to in the entire Okanagan: Chute Lake Lodge.
We’ve visited Chute Lake Lodge for everything from quick day trips and trail lunches to overnight stays in both a glamping tent and a yurt, and every visit somehow makes us want to stay longer. There’s just something about this place that feels quieter, slower, and far more connected to nature than most people expect from the Okanagan.
Whether you’re looking for a classic camping experience, a cozy cabin getaway, or simply an excuse to spend a weekend biking the Kettle Valley Railway, Chute Lake Lodge has become a favourite for both locals and visitors.
In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know before visiting Chute Lake Lodge, including what to expect, things to do nearby, and why we think it’s one of the most unique stays across the Okanagan Valley
Where Is Chute Lake Lodge?
Chute Lake Lodge is located in the mountains above Naramata along the historic Kettle Valley Railway trail network, about 45 minutes from Penticton and roughly 1.5 hours from Kelowna.
The lodge is accessed by a long forest service road, which is honestly part of the experience! Once you leave the vineyards and lake views behind, the drive quickly turns into winding gravel roads through thick forest and mountain terrain. It feels surprisingly remote for being so close to the Okanagan Valley. Most vehicles can make the drive out, but expect dirt road, washboard, and some rocks as you get closer.
One thing we really love about Chute Lake Lodge is that it works for so many different types of trips. We’ve driven up just for lunch at the restaurant after exploring nearby trails, spent overnight stays in both a glamping tent and a yurt, and stopped through while biking along the KVR.
Some people come up for camping and biking weekends, while others book cabins or yurts for a quieter getaway in the mountains.
From Tent Camping to Glamping: A Stay For Everyone
One of the things that makes Chute Lake stand out from a lot of other stays in the Okanagan is the variety of accommodations available! Whether you want a more traditional camping experience or something cozy and comfortable after a long day exploring the KVR trails, there’s honestly something here for almost every style of trip. We’ve seen school camps, bachellorette trips, and retired couples making their way through!
Over the years, we’ve stayed in both one of the glamping tents and one of the yurts, but the property also offers rustic cabins, lodge rooms, and forested campsites depending on the kind of experience you’re looking for.
Glamping Tents
The glamping tents are probably one of the most unique ways to experience Chute Lake Lodge. They give you that feeling of camping in the forest without needing to bring all the gear or sleep on the ground.
Inside, the tents feel comfortable, with proper beds, space to settle in, and a wood stove that makes chilly mountain evenings feel incredibly cozy. Since temperatures are noticeably cooler up here, having the stove made a huge difference during our stay.
What we loved most was how immersed in nature the experience felt. You still hear the wind through the trees, the birds in the morning, and the quiet atmosphere around the property, but with a bit of a break from traditional tent camping!
Yurts
Our yurt stay felt a little more sheltered, but just as cozy as the glamping tents!
The yurts combine that same outdoorsy atmosphere with a bit more structure and comfort, making them a really good middle ground between camping and cabin stays.
The wood fireplace inside made the space feel especially warm and inviting at night, and honestly, waking up in the forest with coffee in the morning felt pretty hard to beat.
Both optons have a private fireplace, picnic table, and lots of space to make it feel like your own. They were both clean, quiet, and so peaceful!
Cabins, Lodge Rooms & Camping
Even though we haven’t personally stayed in the cabins or lodge rooms yet, they’re a great option for visitors wanting a more traditional stay while still being close to the trails and outdoor activities. The historic cabins are one of the more iconic parts of the property and offer a more rustic mountain lodge experience.
For campers, the property also has forested campsites near the lodge, giving you access to the restaurant and other propety ammenities, while still keeping the classic camp atmosphere!
The Resaurant At The Lodge
Even if you are not staying overnight, the restaurant at Chute Lake Lodge is honestly worth the drive on its own! Honestly this is the perfect day trip!
Over the years, we’ve stopped in here after biking sections of the Kettle Valley Railway, during day trips into the mountains above Naramata, and of course, while staying overnight at the lodge, and it has become one of our favourite places in the Okanagan to slow down and grab a meal.
The atmosphere feels exactly how you would hope a mountain lodge restaurant would feel. Inside, you’ll usually find hikers, cyclists, campers, and weekend travellers all warming up around the lodge after a long day outside. It feels casual, welcoming, and refreshingly unpolished in the best way possible.
The menu focuses on hearty comfort food that honestly just hits differently after spending the day exploring the trails. From burgers and sandwiches to warm breakfasts and fresh baked goods, it’s the kind of place where everything feels simple, filling, and genuinely satisfying.
The Best Things To Do Near Chute Lake Lodge
One of the best parts about staying at Chute Lake Lodge is that it is more than just a place to sleep. The lodge sits right in the middle of some of the most scenic sections of the Kettle Valley Railway, with easy access to historic tunnels, viewpoints, trails, and nearby spots around Naramata.
Whether you are planning a full weekend getaway or just stopping through for the day, here are a few of our favourite things to do nearby!
Explore the Adra Tunnel
If you are looking for a quieter adventure near Chute Lake Lodge, the Adra Tunnel is one of our favourite places to explore.
Located roughly 8 km west of Chute Lake Lodge along the Kettle Valley Railway, the Adra Tunnel feels much more remote and less crowded than some of the more famous KVR viewpoints around the Okanagan. The trail itself is relatively flat since it follows the old railway grade, making it approachable for biking, hiking, or even a more casual walk depending on how far you want to go.
You can even rent e-bikes right from Chute Lake Resort, making it more accessible and comfortable to spend the day exploring!
The Adra Tunnel is one of the most impressive engineering features anywhere along the Kettle Valley Railway and, at roughly 487 metres long, it is actually the longest tunnel on the entire KVR!
After being closed for decades due to safety concerns, the tunnel officially reopened to the public in 2025 following a major restoration project.
From Chute Lake Lodge, the Tunnel makes for an excellent half-day bike ride along the KVR!
We have a full guide to exploring Adra Tunnel if you plan to venture out! We lay out more details, what to expect, and how to soak in this historic spot fully! Read it here!
Visit the Little Tunnel
The Little Tunnel is one of the most iconic sections of the Kettle Valley Railway near Naramata, and if it is your first time exploring the KVR, this is probably the place you have already seen photos of.
Located about 16 km from Chute Lake Lodge along the KVR trail, this historic tunnel sits high above Okanagan Lake with incredible panoramic views over the vineyards, cliffs, and valley below.
Unlike the forested atmosphere around the Adra Tunnel, the Little Tunnel is all about the scenery. The trail leading toward it is relatively gradual since it follows the old railway grade, making it a popular route for biking, hiking, and walking.
If you are staying at Chute Lake Lodge, this is easily one of the best nearby adventures to add to your trip!
We have a FULL Little Tunnel travel guide here for parking information, trail tips, and everything you need to know before visiting. Read it here!
Explore Naramata Village
After a couple days in the mountains, the slower lakeside atmosphere in Naramata feels like the perfect balance. The village itself is small, walkable, and easy to explore without much of a plan, which honestly feels refreshing compared to some of the busier Okanagan destinations.
We usually end up grabbing ice cream from the Naramata General Store, walking along the beach at Manitou Park, or stopping for a casual meal and drink at Naramata Pub and Grill after a day on the trails. The village also has several small cafes and bakeries that are perfect for a slower morning before driving back toward Penticton or Kelowna.
What makes Naramata feel so different from a lot of the Okanagan is that it still genuinely feels like a small town. You can spend the morning biking historic railway trails in the mountains above Chute Lake, then be swimming in Okanagan Lake or sitting on a patio with ice cream an hour later. That contrast is honestly a huge part of why we love this area so much.
Chute Lake Belongs on Your Okanagan Bucket List
Chute Lake Lodge is one of those places that offers something a little bit different every time we visit, which is honestly part of why we keep coming back.
Sometimes it is a quick stop for lunch while exploring the KVR. Other times it turns into a full weekend of slower mornings, campfires, biking trails, and staying somewhere that feels far removed from the busier side of the Okanagan.
Whether you are planning a camping trip, looking for a unique yurt or glamping stay for a special anniversary, or simply wanting to experience a quieter side of the Okanagan, Chute Lake Lodge is easily one of the most memorable places to stay near Naramata.There is a reason that even as locals, we will keep coming back here
If you are planning a visit to the beautiful Okanagan Valley, explore our other travel guides for our favourite hikes, bites, and experiences across the region