Considered B.C.’s adventure playground, this area is perfect for all the outdoor activities that you would potentially want to experience. From gorgeous mountains to beautiful valleys, difficult hikes to easy adventurous activities, there is something for every age group and ability. The Kootenay Rockies is home to a multitude of provincial and national parks, along with plenty of lakes, rivers and mountains, which create one of the best regions in the country to enjoy both winter and summer fun outside. Here are 50 outdoor adventures in Kootenay Rockies:
- 50 Things to Do with Kids in Kootenay Rockies
- 50 Winter Activities in Kootenay Rockies
- 25 Bucket List Activities in Kootenay Rockies
Paragliding in Rossland – Get Lost Adventure Center
Flying high above the valley gives you a rush like no other, and a unique way of seeing the surrounding beauty. You can enjoy a tandem paraglide experience in both winter and summer, so no restrictions on when you choose to go. Take a good camera or a go-pro so you can record the views as you are gliding high.
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Golden Dog Sled Adventures
This outdoor experience near Golden is exciting, no matter how you look at it. The professional mushers provide yu with instruction so that you can help harness the dogs, learn the history of sledding, and even how to guide the sled. Appropriate for all ages, there are three different tours to choose from. Make sure you have appropriate winter clothing for this activity.
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“The Whiteway” between Invermere and Windermere
Credit: Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club
For a relatively small maintenance fee, you can enjoy the 34-kilometered groomed tracks that make up the famous Whiteway between the towns of Invermere and Windermere. You can spend time cross country skiing, skating the track, or even playing a spontaneous hockey game. There are three places to enter the trail and no time limit, so spend the whole day enjoying this winter wonderland.
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Panorama Mountain Resort
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Takakkaw Falls and Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is one of the most magnificent areas in the province and a do not miss destination. As there are plenty of trails and activities to be had here, the impressive Takakkaw Falls is just one site to visit and it is a memorable one. The hike to the waterfall is relatively easy, just a half a kilometer on a paved trail, and the falls themselves are incredible, as the second tallest in the country and being fed by a glacier gives them a lovely silty color. Be aware that the road up is the adventurous part, as it is a 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.
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The Powder Highway
If you are an avid skier, snowboarder, or winter buff, you will enjoy the eight resorts along the highway known as the Powder 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. Many days can be spent exploring all the best activities here.
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The Great Divide Trail in Kootenay National Park
The entire trail is more than just what you can access in Kootenay National Park, it encompasses five National Parks in total – Banff, Kootenay, Waterton, Jasper and Yoho. The trail crosses the Divide more than 30 times and is an incredible wilderness experience. This trek is not for the faint at heart, the whole thing is a difficult multi-day walk. If you like, choose to do a short portion in Kootenay instead. Be prepared for all conditions, including wildlife.
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Cody Caves and Ainsworth Hot Springs
Caving is one way to explore the belly of the mountains here, and Cody Caves Provincial Park offers the perfect opportunity to do that. Sculpted by glacier-fed waters, the caves are accessed through the professional tour companies in the area. There are several different tours available so you can choose the one that fits you best. After exploring the fragile environment here, head to the healing waters of Ainsworth Hot Springs where you have the chance to soak in waters in another cave. 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.
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The Paint Pots
North of Radium Hot Springs you are going to find a short trail to take you to some unique natural pools, referred to as the paint pots. The trail is only about a kilometer long but prepared to get a bit dirty, good hiking shoes or boots are recommended if you are going in the summer. These iron-rich pools and ochre beds are culturally significant to indigenous people of the area. These spring-fed, colorful pools can be accessed by a snowshoe trail in the winter as well.
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Whitewater Rafting on the Kicking Horse and Kootenay Rivers
If you are looking for an adventure on the water, river rafting here is an excellent activity to check out while in the area. There are a couple of operators and routes that can be enjoyed that take you through some of the most impressive scenery that you could ever want. Both novice and experienced rafters will enjoy this activity.
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Fletcher Falls
This is easy access, round trip hike of only 1.1 kilometers but plan to spend a bit more time here as you may want to take a dip in the frigid waters if you happen to be hiking on a hot summer day. Found just 6 kilometers south of Kaslo, you will be impressed by this beautiful waterfall that cascades 50 meters into a small pool, creating spray and tons of picture opportunities. If you want to extend your time in the area, you can boat or canoe on the lake nearby, or spend the night at the campground.
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The Pipe Mountain Coaster at Revelstoke Mountain Resort
For adventurers of all ages, this unique coaster has a 1.4-kilometer track that takes you through a variety of twists, turns, ups and downs as you speed above ski slopes and through the forest. You can travel up to 42-kilometers an hour controlling your own speed as you go and can even ride tandem with smaller children if required.
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Fairmont Hoodoos
The unique natural formations referred to as the Hoodoos offer a nice short hike to get to the top to not only explore, but to take some fantastic pictures of the views. The hike is only about three kilometers – the one-way track goes up and you return to the bottom on the same route. Be care as you are walking along the edges, good walking shoes should be a must here. Take a snack and water with you as on summer days it can be quite hot.
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Spirit Rock Climbing Center
If you need some indoor time, or if you want to practice or learn on a wall before venturing outside, consider visiting the Spirit Rock Climbing Center in Kimberley. Day passes are available, along with instructions and
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Elizabeth Lake Lodge Mini Golf
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Aerial Adventure Park at Revelstoke Mountain Resort
A bit of guided fun through a four-story rope course will give you a couple of hours of climbing, swinging, jumping and freefalling all in a safe way. For those who want to experience some adventure on ropes but have no knowledge of how, this is the perfect opportunity. You want to allow at least two hours to complete this activity.
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Cycling the Selkirk Loop
The Selkirk Loop cycle trail is part of a larger, longer biking trail network that spans a 280-mile loop through a variety of states and provinces. This is considered a medium to difficult ride. If you would like to experience just part of this route through the Kootenays, check out the short rides listed, along with suggested side trips and camping sites.
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Lizard Range Disc Golf Course
Located in Fernie’s James White Park, this fun activity can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. Gather a group together and compete as you make your way through the 18 “holes” available here. A great way to test your disc skills as you need to be very accurate on some of the short holes here. If you have lots of experience, you may want to enter the yearly tournament.
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Peak Axe Throwing
Situated right in the downtown of Revelstoke, this business offers the only axe-throwing experience in the region. You don’t need to have any experience to try this out, you will receive instruction when you arrive on how to throw and what to do. With both indoor and outdoor throwing available, you have plenty of opportunities to test out your skill.
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Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch & Guest Cottage Buffalo Tours
Just ten minutes from Golden you will find the Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch. You can stay at the ranch here if you are looking for a good base to experience other activities in the area or take the opportunity to enjoy a Buffalo Tour. There is just one a day, offered seasonally, during which you can learn all about the history and behaviours of these magnificent animals, along with a demonstration of a native fire building technique. A unique outdoor experience that you won’t ever forget.
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Fernie Alpine Resort Aerial Park
Credit: Fernie Alpine Resort
Open from June to the beginning of September (check website for opening dates and hours), this aerial park is a great chance to learn some skills on ropes. You are accompanied by a guide who will take you through the three-hour course which starts with beginner level activities and work up to the advanced areas. The course even includes ziplines for a bit of zooming fun. Located right at Fernie Resort, this is an easy access activity for all ages.
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Trail’s Columbia River Skywalk
This would be considered a “soft” outdoor activity, as it doesn’t require any skill or experience, but it is still a worthy destination for a walk. This is the longest suspension bridge of its kind in North America, spanning the Columbia River for a length of 1000 feet. This bridge is actually part of the Trans Canada Great Trail network and is an important aspect as it is one of the only river crossings. Walk from length to length to enjoy the beauty of the river and the surrounding area in Trail.
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White Grizzly Cat Skiing
If you are new to cat skiing, this company, located in the Selkirk Mountains, can introduce you to this fun winter adventure. Deep powder awaits you as you head up the mountain on the heavy snowcat. This is a much more environmentally friendly and economical way to experience backcountry skiing in the fresh snow of the Selkirks.
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Mountain Bike Rossland’s Whisky Routes
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Rossland’s Seven Summits Trail
Another fantastic biking route in the Rossland area is this one – the Seven Summits Trail. This is a phenomenal point to point ride that takes you across technical and physically demanding terrain for 30 – 36 kilometers. This is not a trail for beginners and some intermediate riders may find that they will end up walking part of it. Allow for 3 hours if you are very advanced and up to 6 hours if you are an intermediate rider. Be prepared for remote wilderness settings by carrying everything you need and leaving a vehicle at the end of the trail. The best way to ride is from north to south.
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Skydiving in Golden
To see the area from above is a view that not everyone has the chance to see. This once in a lifetime experience has you falling high over the Canadian Rockies for the most magnificent scenery and a chance to get your heart pumping. Trained professionals will take you through every step to prepare you for your tandem dive or choose to take a course to learn how to skydive!
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Columbia Wetlands
This protected area covers more than 15,000 hectares and is an important region in the Columbia Valley, located in the southern part of the Kootenay Rockies area. This is one of the longest undisturbed wetland regions in the country, and is home to more than 216 animal species, along with being an important migratory area for more than 250 bird species. The absolute best way to see this area is in a canoe or kayak. Motored boats are not allowed here.
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Kayaking Kootenay Lake
Credit: Kaslo Kayaking
On beautiful summer days the water calls to those who like to paddle. Whether you have experience or not, Kootenay Lake is a perfect place to spend a day or two exploring the surface of the lake. Rent a canoe or kayak, take a lesson or a tour, you can do it all from Kaslo. If you want some support for a multiday adventure, you can book a tour for that as well.
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Hike around Emerald Lake
You may feel as if you have landed in heaven when you arrive to this picture-perfect spot. This is considered one of the best hikes in Yoho National Park and is a loop trail, so you don’t have to worry about getting a ride back to your vehicle after. Yoho, a Cree word, actually means awe and wonder, and you won’t have to ask why they named the park this after you see what is in store for you. The turquoise colors of the lake sparkle up at you as you enjoy the 5-kilometer trek around it or add the loop onto a longer trail.
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Twin Falls Hike
This is a beautiful day hike that is going to take you to not only Twin Falls, but past Laughing Falls as well. You start from the Takakkaw Falls campground and can make this an overnight trip by camping at the Twin Falls Tea House National Historic Site. If you plan to do this, you will want to make your reservation a long time in advance as they tend to fill up quickly. There are several different routes to choose from, all which offer amazing views and a nice hike.
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Fly Fishing by Fernie
This area abounds with opportunities to fish in either lakes or rivers, so if you are looking for fantastic fly fishing, this is where you can find it. Novices or travellers without their own gear can book with one of the professional companies in the area, their guides know all the best spots! Time to fish the incredible waters of the Elk River, Wigwam River, Michel Creek, Bull River, Kootenay River, Crowsnest River, Oldman River and more.
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Great Northern Rail Trail
The Salmo–Troup Rail Trail is a great multi-use rail trail located in the West Kootenay region by Nelson. It runs along a rail corridor that was originally built by the Nelson and Fort Sheppard Railway but was abandoned during the 1990’s. There is 48 kilometers of trail to enjoy here between Nelson and Salmo. There are many places to join this beautiful trail and it is relatively easy, allowing for both biking and hiking.
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A Walk in the Past and the Spiral Tunnels
This is an easy, interpretive trail in the Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site, located in Yoho National Park. An excellent way to spend some time learning about the history of the area, along with the unique spiral tunnels on a nice walk through the woods. The trail starts at the end of the Kicking Horse Campground. Make sure you pick up a self-guide brochure before starting off on the trail. The total length of the trail is less than three kilometers long, with spectacular views of Cathedral Mountain.
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Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing
Credit: Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing
Near Revelstoke you have the chance to do some excellent heli-skiing. With more than 400 established runs and more than 500,000 acres of wilderness to explore, this is a backcountry skier’s dream come true. The stunning scenery is just another benefit as you enjoy the reliable snow and unique terrain in the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains.
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Mountain High Adventures
In Fernie you will find some interesting guided trips for both summer and winter. With trip names like SupSquatch and The Fernie Float, you will find some fun no matter which one you choose. Snowshoeing, cross country skiing and fat bike tours can be had during winter months, along with SUP and rafting during the summer months.
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Marble Canyon
This isn’t a very long hike, but amazingly dramatic as you walk deeper into the canyon. The less than two-kilometer walk will take you along a trail that gives you a new photo opportunity around every corner. There are the famous red chairs at the end that you can have a rest in before returning to the parking area.
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Revelstoke Mountain Biking
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Columbia and Western Trail
This biking trail is unique as well as beautiful. Travelling from Castlegar to Midway along the old rail tracks, every rider, no matter how skilled, will enjoy every moment travelling along the route. Be aware that motorized off road bikes and ATV’s also use this trail and you may even encounter some hikers. You can do day rides along the trail as there are plenty of places to start. If you want to continue farther than here, you can join onto the famous Kettle Valley Railway.
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Via Ferrata
If the term is familiar to you then you will be excited about the chances to climb at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. This is considered one of the most exhilarating via ferrata’s in western Canada. This is a protected climbing route using steel cables to create an amazingly safe climbing opportunity. The knowledgeable guides will help you along the way, whether you are an experienced climber or not.
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Great Canadian Snowmobile Tours
Based in Revelstoke, this company is the only one in the area that is certified to offer guided snowmobile tours and snowmobile rentals. To experience the beautiful wilderness on a powerful machine, choose from an all-inclusive tour package or an all-inclusive rental package. There is much to be explored!
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Stagleap Provincial Park
Just west of Creston you are going to find this little jewel of a provincial park. Considered to have some of the best backcountry skiing available in the area, this is also a protected area for mountain caribou. This easily accessible destination has consistently good snow conditions for skiing and snowshoeing but is also a lovely place to hike during the summer, with a beautiful little lake which is one of its main features. Be aware that avalanches are common in this area.
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Golfing in Nelson
While this 18-hole course is challenging, it is still appropriate for all skill levels. Golfers who are visiting the region should definitely make a tee time to enjoy the championship course amid stunning mountain and lakeside scenery. Book a round with your family or friends or choose one of the Stay and Play options available.
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Sailing in the Kootenays
Kootenay Lake is a fantastic place to take some time to sail. The gorgeous lake waters stretch 120-kilometers to create one of the largest lakes in British Columbia. For novice sailors, courses are available, starting with a sampler course and continuing on to harder ones such as coastal navigation. If you have some sailing experience already, you can take a brush up course, including ones that are specifically for women.
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Fishing in the Kootenay Rockies
There is a multitude of lakes and rivers to fish in the Kootenays. From rainbow trout to whitefish, along with other varieties, it is a fisherman’s paradise. Ice fishing is available during the winter in certain areas and some of the best rainbow trout fly fishing can be found in the southern areas as well. Check the guide to find the appropriate area and make sure you get your fishing license before throwing your line in the water.
CMH Heli and Skiing
If you don’t have a lot of time to waste travelling from outside the Kootenays to do some heli-skiing, this is an excellent alternative for you. Flying out of Calgary, you can hop onto one of the heli-skiing tours to spend more time enjoying deep powder and unblemished mountaintops. The high alpine destinations and challenging runs will blow your mind. Cozy up at night in the comfy lodge and relax your tired bones in the relaxing hot tub.
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Hiking Hamilton Lake
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Golden Snowmobile Rentals
During the winter months you can enjoy riding snowmobiles by Golden, either on a tour or with a rental. During summer months you can take advantage of the ATV rentals and tours that are offered here. The area is vast, with multiple opportunities to take machines into the backcountry areas and enjoy every nuance of nature and spectacular scenery here. A great way to be adventurous by Golden.
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Toby Creek Adventures
Credit: Toby Creek Adventures
Another great place to enjoy some snowmobiling or ATV’s, you can access rentals and tours in Panorama with this company. Even beginners will have a blast learning to ride their own snowmobile or ATV as they are provided with instruction and all the necessary equipment. Tours include a variety of areas, including visiting an old gold and silver mine. Just another way to enjoy the outdoors!
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Climbing in the Kootenay Rockies
The mountains call to all who love to climb. There are many routes and levels of alpine, cragging and bouldering in the areas around Castlegar, Nelson, Kaslo & The Slocan Valley. There are several indoor climbing centers to enjoy when the weather is bad, otherwise you can check out the very long list of climbs throughout the area to choose what is appropriate for your skill level.
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Paddleboarding on Kootenay Lake
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