What’s your rush?
COME ON IN - THE WATER’S PERFECT!
Whether it’s bubbling out of the earth to provide a soothing, mineral-rich soak, or carving the land over a millennium or two to shape the canyons and chasms, wild rivers and crystal-clear lakes, water is life. In the Kootenay Rockies, you’ ll find some of the best water in the world waiting for you to dive in, paddle through, soak up or simply savour in a glass.
Just west of Calgary, there’s a land filled with spaces to dip your toes or soak your soul. Lakes, rivers, streams and pools teeming with life and inspiring memories to last a lifetime, and experiences that make you wonder what it’s like to live here all year round. There’s an endless selection of ways to connect with nature and find the rush you’re craving.
Escape to the Golden Triangle by heading west on Hwy 1 from Calgary to discover two national parks and several communities that cater to the outdoor lifestyle while maintaining their small-town charm.
Explore Yoho National Park, a 1,313-sq.-km expanse of natural forests with 28 mountain peaks that climb 3,000 metres, connecting you with the clouds and the most incredible scenery. Yoho National Park is a simply awe-inspiring landscape. Fun fact: the word ‘Yoho’ is a Cree expression of awe and wonder. Book a guided tour with Parks Canada to examine the fossils in nearby Burgess Shale preserves: a still life exhibit created hundreds of millions of years ago.
Paddle or hike around Emerald Lake, watching for bald eagles, osprey and moose, or choose your speed on over 100 km of biking trails filled with easy loops and pulse- pounding slopes. Picnic on the lakeshore or dine in luxury at one of the two restaurants – reservations highly recommended. See the interpretive displays that explain the physical processes that created the Natural Bridge, an impressive rock formation that crosses the Kicking Horse River.
Surrounded by three mountain ranges and situated at the confluence of the historic Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers, the town of Golden is renowned for outdoor activities; raft the rapids on the Kicking Horse River for unparalleled thrills for adventurers of every level, or hike the rocky slabs of Mount 7 and discover truly breathtaking views.
Travel south on Hwy 93/95 and take a guided tour of a protected and productive wildlife and waterfowl habitat that features over 6,800 hectares of flourishing wetland. The Columbia River is a designated BC Heritage River, and home to over 300 species of fish, bird and other wildlife.
Recharge your muscles in the springs of Radium and check out the Radium Hot Springs Glass Art Show and Sale, which takes place in the lobby of the Radium Hot Springs pool until October.
Further south, visit Invermere on the Lake, a small, friendly town situated on one of the warmest lakes in the region. Glide your stand up paddleboard on the tran- quil bays of Lake Windermere, then drive a few minutes west to find Panorama Mountain Resort, where overnight guests can enjoy a waterpark, waterslide and adventure camp for kids, or head south to Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, a full-service resort offering spa facilities, golf, adventure centre, lodge and RV accommodation.
As you circle back to Alberta through Kootenay National Park, explore the unique waters of the Paint Pots, with iron- rich clay that stains the soil a dark red- orange. And just 5.6 km west of the Alberta/ British Columbia border, you’ll find parking and the trailhead for the Stanley Glacier trail. This moderate 400-metre climb is breathtaking from the very beginning. Hike through land scarred by lightning in 1968 and covered in wildflowers and lodgepole pines, then through a boulder field that’s home to marmots and pikas. There’s a defined trail end marker, but be sure to check out the waterfall on the west side of the valley – it’s simply gorgeous.
The best part about enjoying the Kootenay experience is you don’t have to be a local – it’s the perfect escape for adrenalin junkies and easygoing adventurers everywhere. Cool, clear, clean water, amazing views, delicious food and activities that stimulate your mind as well as your heart make this space unlike anything else in the world. There’s a unique experience in every community.
Whether you are whitewater rafting through the rapids or soaking in a wonderful hot spring, the Kootenay Rockies has an experience that will get your pulse racing or take your breath away.
This summer, make the time to enjoy the natural beauty of the Kootenay Rockies.