Kettle Valley Steam Railway began operating in September, 1995The Kettle Valley Steam Railway celebrated its 30th anniversary with a gigantic ribbon cutting and plenty of cake. The ceremony, on Sept. 20, was a time to remember the early days of the steam railway as well as the crews, volunteers and staff over the years. The steam train began operating in 1995 and has had more than 350,000 passengers since that time. The railway tracks are part of the Kettle Valley Railway, which once provided passenger and freight train service to the Okanagan. The passenger service began in May, 1915 and continued until January, 1964.