Kootenay Road Trip
WELCOME to the Kootenay Road Trip! We are located in the south-eastern corner of BC and offer incredible mountain activities, stunning views along rivers and lakes, boutique places to stay, curious attractions, dining, shopping, arts, culture, and heart-racing adventures.
With eight rural communities to explore you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the diversity and strong sense of place that characterizes each location.
Explore the area for a weekend, or even a week. Let’s Go! #kootenayroadtrip
Rossland
Rossland is located in the beautiful Kootenay Rockies Region of British Columbia, and is home of Red Mountain Resort, one of the largest ski resorts in Western Canada and Big Red Cats, the world’s largest cat skiing operation. With over 200 km of maintained single track trails, Rossland is also considered a mountain biking mecca during Spring to Fall.
Trail
Trail is located on both banks of the Columbia River, approximately 10 km north of the United States border. This section of the Columbia River valley is located between the Monashee Mountains to the west and the Selkirk Mountains to the east and is best known for world class fishing and it’s rich Italian heritage.
Nelson
Nelson is one of Canada’s hidden gems. Nestled in the Selkirk mountains along the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, the vibrant mountain town of approximately 11,000 residents features a special combination of heritage, recreation, culture and creativity.
Ainsworth Hot Springs
Tiny Ainsworth Hot Springs, with a population of about 50 residents, overlooks Kootenay Lake and has the relaxing Ainsworth Hot Spring Resort, proudly owned and managed by the Yaqan Nukiy, of the Lower Kootenay Band.
Balfour
Balfour landing is a tasty stop while waiting for the Kootenay Lake ferry, and is cradled by the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges. Home to fishing, hiking, artisans, biking, golfing and beachfronts properties, Balfour is conveniently located between Nelson and Kaslo along Kootenay Lake.
Kaslo
Kaslo, a quaint village on the shores of Kootenay Lake in the Selkirk mountains, overlooks the soaring peaks in the Purcell mountain range. Heritage buildings have been lovingly restored, including the S.S. Moyie, the world’s oldest intact sternwheeler.
North Kootenay Lake
The Lardeau Valley and Meadow Creek are filled with world renowned hiking, cat and heli skiing, and lie just north of Kaslo. It’s a quiet spot at the north end of Kootenay Lake, known for grizzly bears, homesteaders and true wilderness aficionados.
East Shore of Kootenay Lake
Kootenay Bay is the gateway to the artisan communities all along the shores of Kootenay Lake, from Crawford Bay to Wynndel. Campgrounds and resorts, general stores, golf courses, a glass house, marinas, parks, and small communities will capture interest as you journey along the scenic Highway #3A.

Walk-About in our Artsy Heritage Towns
Take a trip back in time on a walking…

Cross-Country Skiing on the Kootenay Road Trip

Best Winter Ski Resorts in Canada

Wildlife on a Kootenay Road Trip

A little winter downtime around town

Winter Adventure on and off the Slopes
Know Before You Go – S.M.A.R.T TravelMay 22, 1999 - 12:12 am
Walk-About in our Artsy Heritage TownsNovember 24, 2020 - 7:16 am
Hiking on your Kootenay Road TripMay 26, 2020 - 2:46 am
Golfing On Your Kootenay Road TripJune 6, 2020 - 1:26 am
Art is Everywhere on your Kootenay Road TripJune 6, 2020 - 1:57 am
Know Before You Go – S.M.A.R.T TravelMay 22, 1999 - 12:12 am
Walk-About in our Artsy Heritage TownsNovember 24, 2020 - 7:16 am
Cross-Country Skiing on the Kootenay Road TripNovember 24, 2020 - 6:58 am
Best Winter Ski Resorts in CanadaNovember 24, 2020 - 6:15 am
Wildlife on a Kootenay Road TripNovember 7, 2020 - 12:29 am
