What’s your rush?
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. The water is perfect in the Kootenay Rockies.
Less than a three-hour drive east of Kelowna, you’ll find heart-pounding, breathtaking good times, as well as quiet moments to stop and appreciate nature. The communities hidden within the west Kootenay Rockies are filled with experiences you will remember for the rest of your life.
If adrenalin fuels your imagination, try the Pipe Mountain Coaster in Revelstoke, with 1.4 km of twists and turns, 279m of vertical drop, and selfcontrolled speeds up to 42 km/h overlooking the Monashee Mountains and Columbia River.
Slow things down with a soak in one of the many hot springs in the area: Nakusp Hot Springs, Ainsworth Hot Springs, Canyon Hot Springs or Halcyon Hot Springs. Most hot springs in Canada occur in British Columbia, and the Kootenay Rockies region boasts eight hot springs ranging from wonderful resorts to wilderness backcountry pools.
Pitch a tent or plug in your RV at one of the hundreds of sites available in dozens of campgrounds located in the west Kootenays. Stay in Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, just 19 km northeast of Nelson, to discover 1500m of gorgeous sandy beach, or leave the phone in the car and escape to Lost Ledge Provincial Park to grab one of the 14 spots available – enjoy the privacy lakeside or in the shaded forest. Just five km from Lost Ledge is Davis Creek Provincial Park, with 30 sites featuring beach access or shaded sites to escape the sun. Connect with other campers or enjoy your personal space – the perfect stay, your way.
Choose your speed as you hike, bike, camp or kayak through the Slocan Valley, stopping in Silverton to explore the vintage equipment in the mining museum, or the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre to understand and acknowledge the challenges faced by over 22,000 Japanese Canadians during the Second World War.
Unleash your wild heart on the trails and paths, or calm your mind in the hot springs, lakes and sanctuaries found only in this incredible geography – a perfect getaway from your busy life.
This summer, discover the beauty of the Kootenay Rockies.