Take a tour of the Kootenays

When exploring the Kootenay Rockies, remember you are on Kootenay time so take your time and enjoy the Kootenay vibe.  The Kootenay Rockies has four incredible national parks, quaint towns and villages and the most engaging history and heritage. On your travels you will discover world-class wild rivers for fishing, surging white water for rafting, mountains to be scaled, refreshing lakes to splash in, wilderness trails for hiking or biking and mountain golf resorts at their best.  Plus a wide variety of hot springs, horseback riding, heli-hiking, wellness spas, guest ranches and numerous camping opportunities.

As you steer your RV through the Kootenay Rockies you are bound to discover an endless array of recreational, cultural and heritage opportunities found in British Columbia's Mountain Playground.

Golden

Between Yoho and Glacier National Parks the mountain town of Golden sits along busy Highway #1.  To east lies the tiny village of Field and to the south the greenery of the meandering Columbia Wetlands.

Recreational possibilities in Golden’s Kicking Horse Country are endless: whitewater rafting, peaceful backcountry lodges, paraglide soaring off Mount 7- Canada’s premier launch site. Only in Golden can you enjoy a 1,219-metre (4,000-foot) gondola ride to a mountain-top restaurant.  Adventure seekers with love the 50 kilometers (30 mi) of cross-country mountain bike trails that plunge down Kicking Horse trails. Wildlife viewing abounds near Golden. It has a wolf centre, grizzly bear refuge and the 150 kilometre (90-miles) of the Columbia Wetlands parallel Highway #95 heading south.

Columbia Valley

With your motorhome heading south you will reach the junction of Highway 93/95, -- welcome to the peaceful village of Radium Hot Springs.  Be alert for the resident herd of bighorn sheep. A northeast turn will take you to Kootenay National Park and its jagged and historically significant Sinclair Canyon.  Just up the road are the world-famous Radium Hot Springs mineral pools. Enjoy a therapeutic soak, take time to relax at the spa or grab a little snack. There is good selection of overnight accommodation and campground options in Radium.

Winding your way north on Highway #93 takes you through the heart of Kootenay National Park.  There are numerous points of interest and short hikes easily accessible from the highway. A few not to miss include, Olive Lake, Kootenay Valley Viewpoint, Vermilion Crossing, the Paint Pots, Marble Canyon and the Fireweed Trail near the Continental Divide.  An easy turn around point is Vermillion Crossing and this return you back to Kootenay Rockies circle tour.

Continuing your journey you will quickly arrive in Invermere, where small town living combines with a a variety of exquisite shops, art and craft galleries, outdoor cafes, coffee houses and full-service restaurants. Stroll from downtown to the beaches of Lake Windermere for some warm water swimming, serene parks, spacious picnic areas and motorized and non-motorized watersports rentals.

Heading west of Invermere takes you to Panorama Mountain Village, just a short drive into the beautiful Purcell Mountains. The four-season resort offers a variety of heated pools and summertime waterslides for overnight guests.  Tee up for an incredible golf experience at Greywolf Golf Course anchored by one the region’s best clubhouses.

Then it’s back in Invermere and onward in a southerly direction on Highway 93//95. Fairmont Hot Springs is must stop is at its 10,000 square foot, year-round, odorless hot springs pools which offers natural mineral waters averaging a comfortable 30°C to 39°C (86°F to 102°F). Fairmont Hot Springs Resort includes a swimming and diving pool as well. Amenities include 45 holes of golf, 7 restaurants, recreational programs, spa, overnight lodging and a deluxe RV park.

Further down the road, the more adventurous may want to head off the paved highway to visit Lussier Hot Springs, a part of Whiteswan Provincial Park -- the turnoff is just south of Canal Flats. Remember, this is a 18 km (11 mi) on a gravel road. (Warning this is active logging road and may not be suited for all RV units – caution is advised).

The rough drive is worth it as the popular natural hot springs are easily accessed down a gently trail where several pools lay among the boulders with an average 44°C (111°F) temperature. The Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, a bit further, there is a quiet recreational area with campgrounds and two great fishing lakes. Travelling further south brings you to Wasa Lake Provincial Park. This camping gem is perfect for a quick dip in warm waters of Wasa Lake, especially after a long day on the road.

Cranbrook, Kimberley and Fort Steele

Fort Steele Heritage Town is a revitalized 1890’s gold rush town, where true-to-life characters entertain visitors on the street and talented craftsmen exhibit hands-on demonstrations in their leather, millenary or leather shops. Horse drawn wagons ply the street so catch a ride or go back time aboard the authentic steam train, pan for gold and laugh your head off at the entertaining vaudeville-style shows at the Wild Horse Theatre. Spring and fall “Gossip Tours” are also popular, and make a note of their many year-round special events.

Cranbrook awaits. The largest town in the region, Cranbrook’s heritage takes its roots from the glamourous age of railroading, which is celebrated at the Cranbrook History Centre/Canadian Museum of Rail Travel. The crown jewel of the train displays is the restored complete set of the TransCanada Limited, a million dollar train set built in 1929. It was given National Historic Designation in 2011 as a Deluxe Hotel-on-Wheels. Tour the restored Royal Alexandra Hall, the History Centre, or walk the heritage homes that line Baker Hill neighborhood, enjoy a performance at the Key City Theatre, or test your good fortune at the Casino of the Rockies.  The third week in June bring the festivities of Sam Steele Days. A round of golf is central to your Cranbrook stay as nearby Wildstone Golf Course, Shadow Mountain Golf Course, St. Eugene Golf Resort and the 101-year-old Cranbrook Golf Course are always ready to welcome visitors.

Up the road takes you to Kimberley. The centre of Kimberley is a European-style Platzl -- a charming open air shopping and dining area, graced by flower baskets and cobblestone walkways. Kimberley’s mining heritage museum bring history to live and it good introduction to the nearby Underground Mining Railway. Visitors enjoy a leisurely ride to a restored and still functional powerhouse and discover the mining heritage of town at an Interpretive Centre at the end a 227 metre (750 feet) underground tunnel. Kimberley also boasts three fine golf courses, Cominco Gardens and many festivals such as the famous JulyFest, a Medieval Festival and a great line up of First Saturday events.

Elk Valley

If you have travelled to the Kootenay Rockies through the Crowsnest Pass and Highway #3 then you will want to stop at the gateway town of Sparwood, the first B.C. community to welcome you. Sparwood sports the world’s largest tandem axle dump truck, a larger-than-life mural tour depicting life yesteryear and underground mining artifacts. Teck Coal offers free tours of open pit mine operations throughout the summer from the Visitor Centres in Elkford and Sparwood. The area’s mining heritage makes for an interesting stop in the Elk Valley.

Fernie is hemmed in by the majestic Canadian Rockies making it a must-see location for adventurers and sightseers alike. World-class fly-fishing, placid or wild whitewater rafting and over 100 mountain bike and hiking trails wind through the area.  The delightful arts community which brings to life Summer SundaySocials and the growing Wapiti Music Festival in August.

From Fernie heading west you will come to the small town of Jaffray. If you were to simply drive through Jaffray, you would miss the opportunity to enjoy two stunning mountain lakes, Rosen and Tie. Both have public swimming areas and Tie has a small provincial campground as well as beach and picnic area with RV day parking. The Will-O-Bend golf course is a nine-hole executive par-four that will challenge your game and offer vistas of the Rocky Mountains. Jaffray is also the trailhead to Lake Koocanusa, a recreational playground for water lovers, boaters and RVers.

Creston

Once you’ve completed your visit to the Cranbrook, Fort Steele, Kimberley and the Elk Valley areas, it’s time to point your RV westward on Highway 3 toward Creston. Wine lovers and foodies will delight in Creston. With three wineries now: Baillie-Grohman, Skimmerhorn and Wynnwood, and dozens of fruit and vegetable stands to pick up locally produced food, Creston bring the “Experience the 10 mile diet” to live. Orchard and farm tours can be arranged, as well as tours of the Columbia Brewing Company, home to the popular Kokanee Beer and its Sasquatch mascot.

The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area consists of 17,000 acres of wetland habitat. Its viewing towers and guided canoe tours offer learning and fun. And, the eclectic Creston Museum tells the rest of the story of this charming small town experience.  There are lots of campgrounds to choose from and a host of visitor amenities.

Nelson

Further west on Highway 3 and pass over the Kootenay Pass and winds through Stagleap Provincial Park before you enter the village of Salmo. Drive north on Highway #6 to the hidden gem of Nelson. Set aside time to take the self-guided walking tour of 350 restored heritage buildings. Ride Streetcar #23 along the Kootenay Lake waterfront or wander down Baker Street and nip into the studios and galleries of one of Canada’s finest small art town.  Last year Maclean’s magazine designated Nelson as one Canada’s Top Ten Places to see in Canada.

If you have chosen to drive north on Highway #3A, from Creston, you must stop at the Glass House near Sanca. It was built, starting in 1952 and oddly-enough was created from over 500,000 square embalming fluid bottles. Up the road comes the historic Gray Creek Store and then the artisan community at Crawford Bay, where you will see everything from blacksmithing and glassblowing to broom making and pottery. Or unpack your golf clubs and play a round at the region’s original destination golf course at Kokanee Springs. Pilot Bay Provincial Park just south of the ferry landing offers several hiking trails including a short but steep trek to the restored picturesque Pilot Bay Lighthouse.

Once aboard the 45-minute scenic Kootenay Lake ferry, the world’s longest free ferry ride, you will cruise across the water to the Balfour ferry landing. The village of Balfour is small but vibrant and offers visitors full amenities.  From this point you can head north to Ainsworth and Kaslo or south to Nelson and Castlegar.

Ainsworth Hot Springs is a short drive north on Highway #31 from the ferry landing. This resort offers casual dining and comfortable rooms overlooking beautiful Kootenay Lake. These unique odorless hot springs snake through horseshoe shaped cave, which is lined with stalactites. Relax in the cave pool (43°C/109F) or splash around in the main pool, averaging 36°C (97°F) and gaze upon the Purcell Mountain vistas.

Kaslo and Sandon

As you travel further north, Kaslo and Sandon both offer excellent historical attractions such as the SS Moyie and the Slocan Mercantile Block. Kaslo is a unmatched lakeside community that offers serenity, relaxation and an opportunity to kick back to a simpler, forgotten time – no traffic jams here.  Their annual mid-summer Kaslo Jazz Festival attracts top talent and big crowds. Taking Highway #31A brings you past the ghost town of Sandon, once one of the largest bustling boom towns of the Kootenays. Further to the west, New Denver and Silverton offer artisan shops, walking trails and the Nikkei Internment Centre

Castlegar, Trail and Rossland

If you swung the motorhome south at Balfour you will visit Nelson and further along Highway 3A brings you to Castlegar, at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers. Rich in history and Doukhobor heritage, you can chill out at Zuckerberg Heritage Park, splash around at the Castlegar’s Millennium Park, a new natural pools swim park, and learn about some local history at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre and the Station Museum. Castlegar also offers superb recreation facilities such as boating and fly-fishing, golfing and mountain biking. The now abandoned Columbia Western Railway line zig zags out of Castlegar, though the Monashee mountain range and eventually intersecting with the Kettle Valley Railway Trail -- this is favourite destination for cyclists from around the world.

The cities of Trail and Rossland are a short drive south on Highway #22. In Trail, the Columbia Gardens Vineyard and Winery offer guided tours of the wine making facilities and vineyard, and serve wine samples at the tasting bar. At the Trail Interpretive Centre, a tour of the world’s largest lead/zinc smelter begins with engaging hands-on exhibits.

Mountain bikers and skiers love the mountain city of Rossland. Hundreds of kilometers of mountain biking trails make Rossland the “Mountain Biking Capital of British Columbia”. Enjoy the Gold Fever Follies, a theatrical celebration that is presented throughout the summer at the Rossland Miners Hall.  A winter visit to Rossland makes a slop style run at famous Red Mountain Resort a must.  Stroll through downtown Rossland is always an enjoyable experience with vintage and heritage shops and buildings gracing both sides of the street.

Nakusp

Heading north again we take you alongside of the beautiful Arrow Lakes. Just before the village of Nakusp, watch for the turnoff to the Nakusp Hot Springs- its 12 km (7.5 mi) off the highway. The Nakusp Hot Springs naturally heated mineral pools are situated in a beautiful mountain setting, with creeks rushing by and trees to shade your eyes. Accommodations and a shaded campground are located on-site. There’s also a variety of lodging available in the nearby town. Nakusp also offers a restful waterfront walkway that displays several gardens-one of them being a beautiful Japanese Garden.  You can also check out Halcyon Hot Springs, an elegant restored hot springs treasure from the past.

From Nakusp you can cross the Arrow Lake at Galena Bay, on the newly built ferry. The highway continues onward to eventually connect with Highway 1 at Revelstoke.  The mountain lifestyle city of Revelstoke is situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.  Downtown, colourful heritage buildings are squeezed around Grizzly Plaza, where live music fills the air nightly in the summer.  Revelstoke’s new Visitors Centre can help you plan your stay and help you learn about the town’s fascinating history and culture.  Visit Revelstoke’s excellent museums, take a tour of BC Hydro’s massive, and recently upgraded Revelstoke Dam or play a round of relaxing golf at their community course running along the banks of the mighty Columbia River.

Revelstoke

Your exploration isn’t complete until you visited nearby Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks or stopped at Craigellachie, the nationally-significant site of the CPR Last Spike, 45 km east of Revelstoke.  A bit further up the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre lets you relive the larger-than-life stores of the intrepid explorers, railroaders, adventures, mountaineers and avalanche-fighters who have made the Pass famous over the years.  From the summit of Rogers Pass, the TransCanada Highway meanders back to the town of Golden, with breathtaking views of the Selkirk, Purcell and Rocky Mountain peaks around every corner.

Remember when doing a circle tour around the Kootenay Rockies region, you can drive the entire route or you can join in or leave off at any point you like.  Stop by a local Visitor Centre and pick up a copy of the official Kootenay Rockies Circle Routes Map and discover all that British Columbia’s Mountain Playground has waiting for you discover summer, fall or winter.