West Kootenays Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide to West Kootenays, British Columbia, including the best places to visit, accommodations, activities, local culture, and transportation options.


Introduction to West Kootenays

Nestled in the southeastern region of British Columbia, Canada, lies the magnificent West Kootenays. This stunning area is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and diverse culture. The West Kootenays is a great destination for travelers looking to experience outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, vibrant food and drink scene, and breathtaking scenery. This travel guide provides a comprehensive overview of West Kootenays, including the must-visit places, things to do, local culture, and more.

List of Places to Visit in West Kootenays

Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, West Kootenays has many amazing places to explore. Here are some of the best places to visit in West Kootenays.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kootenay Gallery of Art: This contemporary art gallery showcases the works of local and regional artists. The gallery also offers workshops and educational programs.
  • Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History: This museum features historical artifacts and artwork that showcase the history and culture of the local communities.
  • Fort Steele Heritage Town: This living museum is a replica of a 19th-century town and offers guided tours, heritage buildings, and historical reenactments.
  • Nakusp Hot Springs: These natural hot springs have been used for centuries by local indigenous peoples. Today, visitors can relax in the hot springs and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Natural Attractions of West Kootenays: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park: This park is known for its stunning scenery, including glaciers, lakes, and alpine meadows. It also offers great hiking trails for all skill levels.
  • Nelson Whitewater Rafting Co.: This company offers rafting and kayaking trips on the Slocan and Salmo rivers, providing visitors with a fun and exciting way to experience the area’s natural beauty.
  • Kootenay Lake: This large lake is perfect for fishing, swimming, boating, and other water activities. It also offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Selkirk Loop: This scenic drive takes visitors through some of the most beautiful areas of West Kootenays, including charming towns and villages, stunning scenery, and natural attractions.

Hiking/Biking Routes of West Kootenays

The West Kootenays is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous hiking and biking trails that provide breathtaking views and opportunities to explore the area’s natural beauty. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in West Kootenays.

Hiking Routes

  • Kokanee Glacier Trail: This popular trail is a challenging 16-km hike that takes visitors through majestic alpine meadows, past waterfalls, and to a stunning glacier.
  • Pulpit Rock Trail: This moderate 4-km hike offers breathtaking views of Nelson and the surrounding mountains.
  • Idaho Peak Trail: This moderate 5-km hike takes visitors to a stunning lookout point that provides panoramic views of the Selkirk Mountains.

Biking Routes

  • Columbia and Western Rail Trail: This 162-km trail takes visitors through stunning scenery and offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
  • Salmo to Nelson Rail Trail: This 50-km trail is a popular destination for mountain bikers and features spectacular mountain and lake views.
  • Seven Summits Trail: This challenging 30-km trail takes hikers and bikers through beautiful alpine meadows and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Best Things to Do in West Kootenays: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, there are many other activities and tours that visitors can enjoy in West Kootenays. Here are some of the best things to do in West Kootenays.

  • Nelson Farmer’s Market: This weekly market features local produce, artisanal products, and live music, and is a great way to experience the local culture and community.
  • Ainsworth Hot Springs: These natural hot springs are located in a beautiful setting and offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
  • Wine Tours: Visitors can take a wine tour and sample some of the delicious wines produced in the region.
  • Kootenay Rockies ATV Tours: This company offers guided ATV tours through the stunning scenery of West Kootenays.

Week-Long Itinerary for West Kootenays

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to West Kootenays:

Day 1: Arrive in Nelson and explore the town’s charming boutiques, restaurants, and galleries.

Day 2: Hike the Kokanee Glacier Trail and soak in the picturesque hot springs.

Day 3: Visit the Fort Steele Heritage Town and learn about the history of the region.

Day 4: Take a wine tour and sample some of the delicious local wines.

Day 5: Explore the stunning natural scenery of Kootenay Lake on a boat tour.

Day 6: Go mountain biking on the Seven Summits Trail and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Day 7: Relax and unwind at the Ainsworth Hot Springs before departing back home.

Food and Drink Scene of West Kootenays

The West Kootenays is known for its vibrant food and drink scene, with many restaurants, cafes, and bars that offer delicious and unique dishes. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in West Kootenays.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish and Chips: This classic dish is a staple of the area’s cuisine, with many local restaurants serving up fresh and crispy fish and chips.
  • Poutine: This delicious Canadian dish features crispy fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds.
  • Kootenay Sourdough Pasta Co.: This local pasta company produces delicious and fresh pasta using locally sourced ingredients.
  • Oso Negro Coffee: This local coffee shop roasts its own coffee and offers a variety of delicious drinks and baked goods.

Local Beverages

  • Nelson Brewing Company: This local brewery produces a variety of delicious craft beers and offers tours and tastings.
  • Rossland Beer Company: This microbrewery produces small-batch craft beers using locally sourced ingredients.
  • Arrowhead Brewing Company: This family-owned and operated brewery produces a variety of delicious craft beers using traditional brewing methods.

Where to Stay in West Kootenays: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The West Kootenays has a variety of accommodations to suit all budgets and tastes. Whether you are looking for a cozy guesthouse or a luxurious hotel, there are many options to choose from.

  • Prestige Lakeside Resort and Convention Centre: This waterfront hotel offers stunning views of Kootenay Lake and features an indoor pool, hot tub, and on-site restaurant.
  • Shambhala Music Festival: This annual music festival takes place on a 500-acre farm and offers camping and glamping options for visitors.
  • Willow Point Beach House: This charming guesthouse is located on the shores of Kootenay Lake and features cozy accommodations and beautiful views.

What to Buy in West Kootenays: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The West Kootenays is home to many artists and artisans who produce beautiful and unique products that make great souvenirs. Here are some of the best local products to bring home from West Kootenays.

  • Kootenay Rockies Granola: This local company produces delicious and healthy granola and other snacks using locally sourced ingredients.
  • Kootenay Forge: This blacksmith shop produces beautiful and unique hand-forged metalwork, including decorative and functional items.
  • Native Arts and Gifts: This shop offers a variety of authentic indigenous arts and crafts, including jewelry, pottery, and textiles.

Local Culture and Customs of West Kootenays

The West Kootenays is home to a diverse and vibrant community, with a rich history and culture that visitors can explore and experience. Here are some of the local customs and traditions of West Kootenays.

  • Respect for Nature: The region’s natural beauty and resources are highly valued, and visitors are encouraged to respect and protect the environment.
  • First Nations Culture: The area has a rich indigenous history and culture, and visitors can learn about the local First Nations through cultural tours and events.
  • Music and Arts: The area has a thriving music and arts scene, with many festivals, concerts, and events throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit West Kootenays

The best time to visit West Kootenays is from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny and outdoor activities are in full swing. However, the area’s stunning scenery and vibrant culture can be enjoyed year-round, and each season offers its own unique experiences.

Do’s and Don’ts of West Kootenays

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting West Kootenays.

Do:

  • Respect the local environment and wildlife.
  • Support local businesses and artisans.
  • Learn about the region’s history and First Nations culture.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave traces behind.
  • Disturb the local wildlife or environment.
  • Ignore local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in West Kootenays

The West Kootenays is generally a safe destination for visitors. However, it is important to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions, such as:

  • Be aware of wildlife in the area and keep a safe distance.
  • Take proper safety equipment and precautions when participating in outdoor activities.
  • Follow local laws and regulations.

Health in West Kootenays

The West Kootenays has a good healthcare system, with several hospitals and medical clinics located throughout the region. However, it is important to have proper travel insurance and take necessary precautions to avoid accidents and illnesses.

Getting to West Kootenays: Transportation Options and Logistics

The West Kootenays can be accessed by several transportation options, including:

  • Airports: The closest airports to West Kootenays are located in Kelowna, Kamloops, and Calgary.
  • Bus: Greyhound Bus and other bus companies provide transportation to the region.
  • Car Rentals: Car rentals are available from major car rental companies, providing visitors flexibility in getting around the area.

How to Get Around in West Kootenays

Public transportation options in West Kootenays are limited, so the best way to get around is by car. Visitors can also utilize bike rental options and taxis.

Where to Go Next from West Kootenays: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring West Kootenays, visitors can explore other nearby destinations, including:

  • Revelstoke: This beautiful town is known for its mountain resort and outdoor activities, including skiing and hiking.
  • Banff National Park: This stunning national park is located just northwest of the West Kootenays and offers stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
  • The Okanagan Valley: This wine region is located just south of the West Kootenays and offers a variety of wineries, vineyards, and other attractions.

Conclusion

The West Kootenays is a beautiful and unique destination that offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and stunning scenery. Whether you are a hiker, biker, or simply looking to relax and unwind, West Kootenays has something for everyone. With this travel guide, visitors can plan the perfect trip and explore all that this amazing region has to offer.

Map of the West Kootenays travel region Map of the West Kootenays travel region Rossland Rossland Historic Baker Street in Nelson Historic Baker Street in Nelson The Pend D'Oreille River a few kilometres behind Seven Mile Dam The Pend D'Oreille River a few kilometres behind Seven Mile Dam Arrow Lake at Nakusp Waterfront Arrow Lake at Nakusp Waterfront


    Ainsworth Hot Springs-Balfour
    Castlegar
    Christina Lake
    Creston
    Grand Forks
    Greenwood
    Kaslo
    Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park
    Salmo