Families can consider the Kootenay Rockies as a large outdoor playground with endless opportunities to enjoy adventure activities of all sorts, no matter what the season, along with cultural and historical sites. There are 4 national parks in this area, along with more than 75 provincial parks that are home to 4 mountain ranges and multiple hot springs, waterfalls and more. Many towns and villages are encompassed in this area, giving families a chance to experience a variety of accommodation and culinary options.
World’s Biggest Penny in Salmo
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Halcyon Hot Springs
Your family may need some relaxing moments during your travels, so if they do, make this a destination. The hot springs offer amazing views of the surrounding Monashee Mountains from the four pools available here. The pools range in temperatures so perfect for all ages, along with a waterpark for the kids. There is a high lithium content in the waters here that makes it BC’s premier healing hot spring destination. These waters were once bottled as a health tonic and even shipped internationally. These are still one of the only springs in the world where the water is drinkable.
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Smokey the Bear Statue
This incredible 30-foot statue was built in 1967 and will not only provide more photo ops with your family, but also a great chance to teach them about the story of the bear. You are going to find this statue at the Smokey Bear Campground just west of Revelstoke. Of course, you can camp here as well if you like.
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Panorama Mountain Resort
One of the best things about this amazing resort is that everything is right there. From the restaurants to accommodations, all your family needs is located right in the resort area, including the lifts to the ski hills. There are tons of activities to keep all family members busy, and even hot pools to let you relax. During winter months take part in all the snow and ice sports; in summer you can take the family for a round of golf and enjoy the mountain air or enjoy another fantastic summer activity. Don’t forget to check out the Mile One Hut at the top of the beginner’s chairlift, which offers authentic cheese and chocolate fondue along with other great snacks.
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Canada’s Largest Cuckoo Clock
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Kokanee Mountain Zipline
As long as your kids weigh 50 pounds or more, they can participate in this exhilarating experience of flying over the canyon and trees of the Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. There are six lines here, starting with a short 90-foot zip and increasing in length to an amazing 2400-feet long. You are going to want to allow at least three hours for this activity as the professional guides take you all the way through.
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Take the Nelson Streetcar to the Beach
Good for kids and adults of all ages, taking the streetcar takes you back to the days when this streetcar was in operation. Used from 1925 to 1949, this unique form of transport will meander its way down to the lakeshore area, where you might as well spend some time at the beach. This is a seasonal service with a very small fee to use. It stops at several places before the beach, so check out the route and pricing information on their website.
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Nelson’s Big Orange Bridge
Referred to by the locals as BOB (big orange bridge), this is a must see while you are in the area. The bridge has actually been in place since 1957, but originally was silver. It wasn’t painted orange until the late 1960’s. You can tell your kids that it originally was a toll bridge that cost anywhere from 10 cents to 50 cents to cross! You can view the bridge from the shoreline, or choose to get close up by driving across or visiting the seasonal Dairy Queen located on the south end – it’s one of the last remaining examples of an early drive-up restaurant in Canada and is listed on the city’s heritage register.
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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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Nakusp Boardwalk and Beach
Spending long summer days in Nakusp is certainly no hardship for any family. The waterfront walkway allows you to get some easy strolling done with amazing views that can be enjoyable for any age. The lovely sandy beach allows kids and parents alike to find some fun beach or water activities on any day.
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Ione Falls
You are going to find the access to this beautiful, 95-foot waterfall right at one of the rest stops by Nakusp. You will get the best volume of water in the spring, but later in the summer when there is less water there is a chance for family members to cool off in the waters! Take a picnic and enjoy time in the rest area viewing the falls.
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Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk
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Rock Garden Trail
This is a fun, short trail in Glacier National Park that could provide families with some boulder scrambling. There are plenty of steppingstones and rock staircases, so make sure everyone is wearing appropriate walking shoes. Pets are not recommended for this trail. There is a fantastic viewpoint overlooking glaciers and the mountain barrier of Rogers Pass. Lots of Ice Age, moss covered boulder fields provide plenty of photo ops. This trail is not appropriate for small children.
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The Pipe Mountain Coaster at Revelstoke Mountain Resort
This is a holy moly kind of summer activity that is super fun for all ages, as long as your kids are not scared of heights or speed. There is 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. 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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Aerial Adventure Park at Revelstoke Mountain Resort
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Terex Titan Truck
In Sparwood, your kids are going to have some more photo ops with this huge truck, the largest one in the world! Adults will also enjoy posing next to this monstrosity and learning about the dimensions (and how many buses and trucks can fit in the box). Instagram pics are a necessity!
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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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Fort Steele Heritage Town
Heralding all the way to the 1860’s this town had a history in gold. This area was an important part of B.C. history and today is a fun place to visit to explore what life was like back then. There are heritage buildings to explore, activities to experience, food to eat and much more. Take at least a half a day to really experience this town, if not a whole day. Located just by Cranbook, it is an easy day trip from hotels or campgrounds in the area.
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Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park
Along with being a great place to camp, if that’s what your family is into, this is also a welcome, quiet area to spend some quality time outdoors with your kids. Located near Cranbook, it is an easy commute to the town, but provides an excellent place for your family to swim or use non-motorized boats. There is a sandy beach here, perfect for smaller children who want to get down and dirty on the sand.
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Kootenay- Columbia Discovery Center
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Kootenay Lake Ferry
There are not too many ferries left for people to enjoy, so take the opportunity to introduce this fun mode of transport to your kids as you are travelling through the area. This 35-minute ferry ride takes you from 35 kilometres east of Nelson on Highway 3A (between Balfour on the west side) and Kootenay Bay (on the east side) to 70 kilometres from Creston. It’s a good change from being on the highway and something different for your family to enjoy.
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Mineral Mountain Ziplines
This seasonal activity is just one more thing that you and your family members can do in Fairmont Hot Springs. This fun route takes you over alpine forests and within sight of the famous hoodoos. Accompanied by two professional guides, your kids will need to weigh at least 50 pounds to be allowed to ride.
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Meadows in the Sky Parkway
This is such a cool place to visit that it is worth the effort to get there. The road takes you from 400 meters above sea level to an incredible 2000 meters above sea level. Drive yourself up to catch the Summit Shuttle, then just enjoy the stunning views, the historic fire tower and the alpine flowers. Keep in mind the summit is only open for a short period of time during the summer months when there is no snow. The whole family will love this place.
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Revelstoke Dam
From mid-May to the beginning of September, you will find that the Visitor’s Center at Revelstoke Dam, along with a tour of the dam itself, will let your kids have a unique view of the workings of one of the most powerful dams in the province. They can learn about the history of the dam with interactive displays and exhibits, and you can take a guided or self guided to the top of the dam for a view of the dam and the amazing views of the surrounding area.
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Giant Cedars Boardwalk
The Giant Cedar’s Boardwalk Trail in Revelstoke National Park is found approximately 20 minutes outside of the city. This short half kilometer boardwalk will get you out amongst the cedars that can be hundreds of years old. An easy and informative walk for all ages, kids will love to breathe in the richness of the old growth forest as they see the beauty of these large trees.
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Fairmont Hoodoos
The walk up is well worth the time and effort, but this may not be appropriate for very small children. Make sure you take lots of water and some snacks, especially on hot days. The walk is less than three kilometers, but one way is up, and one is down, so for those who don’t walk well this is not the hike for them. The views from the top of these unique natural formations is spectacular. Make sure you take a picture from the bottom as well!
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Funtasia Fun Park Fairmont
Yet another great family place in Fairmont, you can probably spend most of the day here with your kids. There are bumper cars to ride and gardens to relax in. You can take your time trying to get a hole in one on the 18-hole mini-golf course. Kids will relish the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of animals as well.
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World’s Largest Paddle in Parson
Your family might as well make a list of the “largest” items and base a road trip on seeing all of them, as there are so many in the province. This is a fun stop to see the Guinness Book of World Records recognized statue. Just over 60 feet long, this paddle was made out of just one red cedar log! Take a picnic and enjoy the area.
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The Enchanted Forest
Your family will definitely want to stop and spend some time in this fun forest. Back in the 1950’s this “forest” was created by a local artist and her husband. Now there are more than 350 figurines representing fairy tales and mythical creatures hiding throughout the woods, making this a fun walk through the ancient cedar forest.
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Revelstoke Railway Museum
This seasonal museum is one of the best rail museums in the country and affords visitors a chance to see some fantastic rail exhibits along with preserved engines and rail cars. There is plenty to keep your train loving kids entertained for awhile!
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The Last Spike
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Yahk Soap Company
This may seem like a strange stop for a family but once the kids get a look at the goats that are up on the roof here, they may want to stick around for a long time. The local company handmakes soap and other items from goats’ milk, so to have them around makes sense. The other benefit of a stop here is the ice cream from Two Scoop Steve!
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Burgess Shale Fossils
You can start your time here at the Visitor’s Center which is home to a number of exhibits about the area. 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 the kids in your family. Please note that these are accessed by guided tour only and it is advisable to make reservations well in advance.
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Ainsworth Hot Springs and Cody Caves Provincial Park
We have listed these together because the cool thing about the hot springs is that you can enjoy part of the caves as well. Families will be happy that there is no foul sulphur smell that you find in some springs, and with varying temperatures in the pools this is definitely a family friendly destinationyou’re your kids would like the experience of exploring the underground world found in the caves, you can book a guided tour with one of the professional tour companies in the area.
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Creston Grain Elevators
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Doukobor Discovery Center
Just off Highway 3 in Castlegar, you will find this lovely ten acres of historical buildings with an incredible number of artifacts, indoor and outdoor exhibits, audio visual and interactive displays. An excellent way for kids to discover the historical culture and history here. You can take a guided tour or enjoy the site on your own. There is a gift shop and bistro here to enjoy as well. This is a seasonal stop that is usually open from May 1st to the end of September.
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The Glass House in Boswell-Sanca
A weird and wonderful stop to entertain the entire family, this glass house was built in the 1950’s with half a million empty embalming fluid bottles. The owner was retired from the funeral business and wanted to put the bottles to good use. You can take a tour through the beautiful gardens, over a glass bottle bridge and around the cloverleaf pattern house.
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Castlegar Sculpturewalk
Even if you have been to Castlegar with the family previously, this is a rotating exhibit, so there is always something new to see. A great chance to get kids to check out unique art sculptures and talent from around the world. You can even vote on your favourite piece or, if you really fall in love with something, choose to purchase one. Grab a map from the website and get walking!
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S.S. Moyie
There are so many great things in the province of B.C. that will help your kids understand what life was like in previous times. This sternwheeler, which was in operation from 1898 until 1957, is a great example of that. Today you can visit the boat as a tourist as it has been turned into a National Historic Site of Canada as the oldest intact passenger sternwheeler in the world. Kids might even be able to blow the steam whistle!
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Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway
A great summer stop, this is just another fun, one of a kind activity for your family to enjoy. Head to the train station in downtown Kimberley to get your tickets and board the train. There is plenty of scenery and historical items to see as you ride the rails, and you will get a chance to visit the underground interpretive center to learning more about the mining in the area. So much to see and do, make sure you block off a morning or afternoon for this activity.
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The Chapel House in Castlegar
A bit of history of the immigrants who helped shape the country, this building was built in the Russian Orthodox style. The Chapel House was the former home of Alexander Zuckerberg who was an artist, engineer, an intellectual, and teacher from Russia. Explore this beautiful site to learn more about this unique landscape and building, along with the 200-year-old Lakes Salish people winter pit houses and multiple trails. Kids will also love the method of getting there, as to get onto the island you need to use a 473-foot suspension bridge. Take a picnic and spend all day here!
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Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge
This timber framed bridge crosses the Kicking Horse River in Golden. A length of 151-feet, this bridge is a one of a kind, as it is the longest free-standing timber bridge in Canada. Use this bridge as a part of the walking trail that takes you around the town itself. A great outing for family members of all ages and walking abilities and a perfect place to take some great photos.
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The Paint Pots
If you have kids who love outdoor activities, whether it be in summer or winter, consider taking a hike or snowshoeing to the Paint Pots. The trail itself is only a kilometer each way, so nothing too long for smaller kids. These iron-rich pools and ochre beds are culturally significant to indigenous people of the area. These spring-fed, colorful pools are located in Kootenay National Park about 50 kilometers north of Radium Hot Springs.
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Whitewater Rafting
For adventurous families who want a bit of time on river waters, there are several rafting tours that can be done in the area, from Golden, Panorama and Radium. There are different levels and lengths of rafting to be had here and kids as young as five years of age can enjoy this activity. An excellent way to explore and enjoy the area.
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Spirit Rock Climbing Center
If your kids are in need of some indoor time due to bad weather conditions but still want something active to keep them busy, consider visiting the Spirit Rock Climbing Center in Kimberley. They take kids from as young as three years of age and, of course, adults can enjoy climbing with them. There is a bouldering wall for the really young ones and lots of climbing routes for the older ones. No experience necessary!
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Elizabeth Lake Lodge Mini Golf
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Ozzie’s Amusements
Located in Windermere, this is a great place for kids to have some organized fun. This seasonal site has both a mini-golf course as well as an exciting go-kart track. The 18-hole course will keep your kids entertained as they navigate the water hazards and fun holes. The go-kart rides are eight minutes each and provide enough excitement that kids will be talking about it for days to come.
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Kootenay Lazer Tag
Nothing like some extreme laser tag to get the kids blood pumping and burn off some energy! Just outside of Nelson you will find a great outdoor site enjoy a different aspect of the classic games of hide-and-seek and tag. A nice change from the hiking or adventure activities that can be found in the area.
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