25 Bucket List Activities in Kootenay Rockies

It is hard to find the right words to describe the gorgeous Kootenay Rockies and the amazing National and Provincial Parks that are included in the region, not to mention the resorts and towns and all they have to offer to visitors.

From historic sites to adventure activities, hot springs and family activities, fantastic hotels and unique places to eat, there is so much to keep you busy here that you will find you want to return to the area again and again.

 

Ainsworth Hot Springs in Cody Caves Provincial Park

This area is amazing, with a unique underground world that you can explore with a professional caving company in the area, or just by soaking in the natural hot springs here. The healing waters of Ainsworth were first used by the First Nations of the area long before it became a tourist attraction. With a mixture of Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Lithium and Silica, visitors will love the fact that there is no foul sulphur smell that you find in some springs. Open year round, you can also find a spa, hotel accommodation and a restaurant here.
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The Glass House in Boswell-Sanca

This incredible glass house was built in the 1950’s with half a million empty embalming fluid bottles. It makes sense when you find out that the owner was retired from the funeral business. He found an excellent way of putting the empty bottles to use – talk about recycling! You can take a tour through the beautiful gardens, over a glass bottle bridge and around the cloverleaf pattern house.
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S.S. Moyie

A look back in time with a visit to this amazing site. The beautifully restored sternwheeler, which was in operation from 1898 until 1957, is a great example of what life used to be like in this area. Today you can visit the boat as it has been turned into a National Historic Site of Canada as the oldest intact passenger sternwheeler in the world. Along with the numerous informative displays and artifacts found here, visitors sometimes even have the chance to blow the steam whistle.
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Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway

Fun for all ages can be found here during the summer months. The train station is located conveniently in downtown Kimberley, so it is easy to get to. The beautiful scenery, along with the great collection of historic mining artifacts greet you as you travel along the tracks. Included in the ride, you will get a chance to visit the underground interpretive center to learning more about the mining in the area. A unique look at the history and nature here, this is a must do activity in the area.
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The Chapel House

While we are mentioning the impressively built Chapel House, there is actually much more to see on the little island, so be sure to block off an entire morning or afternoon, or if you can, a whole day to explore the area. The historic house was built in the Russian Orthodox style with a unique story behind the structure and surrounding gardens. Beyond this, you can explore the multiple trails surrounding the site and discover the winter pit houses from the Lakes Salish people that have been around for at least 200 years. To get to the island you will need to cross a 473-foot long suspension bridge.
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Fairmont Hoodoos

The best place to get a picture of these unique natural formations is from the bottom, but you definitely want to make the short hike up to the top to get the phenomenal views of the area. Take a snack and water and spend some time exploring the top of the hoodoos but be careful near the edges. The walk is only about three kilometers, but keep in mind that the trail is going up one way.
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The Last Spike

This is a big part of Canadian history, as this is where the Canadian Pacific Railway drove their last spike. You will find this rest stop just west of Revelstoke, with a gift shop, the monument, lots of exhibits and a nice picnic area. You will find some great information on the driving of the Last Spike and the importance of the railway in the province and the country.
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Burgess Shale Fossils

This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers part of the oldest and most significant fossil beds in the world, which will definitely hold the interest of, well, pretty much anyone who has any interest in natural history. The Visitor’s Center offers a number of enjoyable exhibits about the area. Please note that these are accessed by guided tour only and it is advisable to make reservations well in advance.
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Giant Cedars Boardwalk

Revelstoke National Park is home to the Giant Cedar’s Boardwalk Trail, an easy access trail that everyone will enjoy, regardless of age or walking ability. This short half kilometer boardwalk will get you out amongst the cedars that can be hundreds of years old. Breathe in the richness of the old growth forest as you wander through the beauty of these amazing trees.
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The Great Divide Trail in Kootenay National Park

While we are including this on the bucket list for this area, don’t be fooled, this is considered a difficult hike that is not for everyone. The whole trail actually crosses five national parks – Banff, Kootenay, Waterton, Jasper and Yoho and criss-crosses the Divide more than 30 times, but you can do a short portion that will give you an incredible wilderness experience. Be prepared for all conditions, including wildlife.
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Revelstoke Dam

One of the biggest dams in Canada is open to the public to visit seasonally. You can take in the interactive displays and exhibits in the visitor’s center and take a guided, or self guided, tour to the top of the dam for a view of the surrounding area that is spectacular.
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Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

One of the best provincial parks in British Columbia, this is an excellent example of the best of the Canadian Rockies. An endless supply of glaciers, gorgeous lakes, hiking trails, fishing, riding, skiing, and climbing opportunities await the adventurous traveller. Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mount Assiniboine, at an elevation of 3,618 metres, and the mountain that the park is named after, is situated along the continental divide near the south east corner of the park. Every traveller will find something to keep them busy here.
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Glacier National Park

This gorgeous national park has been around since 1898, and once you visit you will understand why it was chosen to be a park area. Home to part of the Selkirk mountain range, along with the famous Rogers Pass, there are plenty of things to keep you busy in the area. Camping, along with various outdoor activities, and hot springs to soak your bones after adventuring into the mountains. Spring, summer, fall or winter, this is definitely worth your time.
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The Powder Highway

This is more a route than a site to see, but definitely on the must do list for the area during the winter months. If you are an avid skier, snowboarder, or winter buff, you will enjoy the eight resorts along the highway, or use them as jumping off points for heli-skiing or cat-skiing in the backcountry. Along with the skiing and snowboarding, you will find a wide variety of other winter activities and fun resorts. Plenty of accommodations and restaurants are available throughout the area.
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Rogers Pass

The pass itself is used by travellers who are driving on the Trans-Canada Highway, along with the Canadian Pacific Railway. It is a high pass that leads through the Selkirk Mountains and has some incredible vistas. There are five cool tunnels that you will encounter along the highway and if you pop into the Visitor’s Center you can get all the information you need about the area and activities.
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Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park

Travellers may state that Yoho National Park is one of the most magnificent areas that they have ever been to, and we aren’t going to disagree. The impressive Takakkaw Falls is just one site to visit and it is definitely a memorable one. The hike to the waterfall is relatively short and easy, just a half a kilometer on a paved trail, instead it is the drive up the winding, switchback mountain road that is difficult. The turns are tight and with larger vehicles you may end up doing the equivalent of a three-point turn. Please do not attempt this drive with an RV or hauling a trailer. The falls themselves are incredible, as the second tallest in the country and being fed by a glacier gives them a lovely silty color.
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The Pipe Mountain Coaster at Revelstoke Mountain Resort

A yes please and let’s repeat activity for those with a bit of adventure, this one of a kind coaster will not disappoint. The 1.4-kilometer track lets you ride up to 42 kilometers an hour and takes you through a variety of twists, turns, ups and downs as you speed above ski slopes and through the forest. The great thing is that you are totally in control of your speed as you go, and small children can ride tandem with a parent, so its good for all ages.
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Wapta Falls

Part of the Kicking Horse River, this is the largest waterfall on the river. There is an easy 4.7 kilometer walk that take you through amazing scenery to reach the base. Although a bit longer than some of the other hikes in the area, this is a great one for even small children, as the path is level. Closer to the falls you will need to be careful on the slippery rocks. Take a picnic and enjoy the thundering waters as you eat lunch.
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Radium Hot Springs

Another chance to get some relaxation time in, Radium is considered one of B.C.’s best mountain getaways. You could actually make this your family destination and use it as a jumping off point to some of the best activities in the Kootenays. There are both hot and cold pools here with temperatures suitable for all family members. Consider this as either a summer or winter destination as there is plenty to enjoy in the area in all seasons.
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Fletcher Falls

Appropriate for families with kids of all ages, this is an easy access, round trip hike of only 1.1 kilometers. Found just 6 kilometers south of Kaslo, your kids will be impressed by this beautiful waterfall that cascades 50 meters into a small pool, creating spray and tons of picture opportunities. There is a campground in the area, along with chances to canoe or boat on the lake here.
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Sandon Ghost Town

This used to be a major town with abundant silver mining nearby. It’s located in what is known as B.C.’s Valley of the Ghosts and is probably one of the most famous ghost towns in western Canada. Located about an hour and a half north of Nelson, this is a ton of fun stop as kids can explore the remnants of the town, the restored buildings and museum. Allow for at least two hours to get everything in.
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Ice Bar at Lizard Creek Lodge

Located in the Fernie Alpine Resort, this cool destination offers adults a chance to have a drink in a unique atmosphere. You are provided with parkas to wear and have the chance to enjoy a sampling of a variety of vodkas, which at the low temperatures, allows you to appreciate the true flavours.
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Paragliding in Rossland – Get Lost Adventure Center

There is no better way to see the area than by a tandem paraglide experience. This is an activity that you can enjoy in both winter and summer, so no restrictions on when you choose to go. This is a once in a lifetime adventure that will create memories for a lifetime.
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Golden Dog Sled Adventures

Visitors from all over can enjoy the exciting experience of being with well trained Huskies and their mushers near Golden. There are three different types of tours available which include being able to help harness the dogs, learning the history of sledding, and even working with the professional musher to guide your sled. Appropriate for all ages.
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“The Whiteway” between Invermere and Windermere

There is no better way to travel between Invermere and Windermere on a nice winter day. This 34-kilometer groomed ice track is a great way to get outside to spend time skating, cross-country skiing, or playing some hockey. There are three entry points and you can spend as much as you like exploring the trail. There is a small fee that helps maintain the track.
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