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To many, the greatest appeal of the Canadian Rockies are the magnificent mountain parks. At some, such as Top of the World Provincial Park and Kootenay National Park, you can drive to the high points, while at others, such as Purcell Wilderness Conservancy, the best views are saved for hikers. Yoho (Cree for "awe") National Park will give you a feeling of awe as up at Takakkaw Falls or paddle in Emerald Lake. You can stay in the park or just outside the boundary, in Golden. Revelstoke - Located on the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) 410 km (256 mi) west of Calgary and 209 km (131 mi) east of Kamloops, you'll find awesome scenery and a beautifully restored downtown as well as excellent accommodations. Revelstoke is also easily accessible from the Okanagan by taking Highway 97 (Hwy 97a from Vernon on) north to Hwy 1 and then head east or from the Kootenays by taking Highway 95 north to Golden and heading west on Highway 1. Naturally you'll find plenty of activities such as river rafting, heli-skiing, heli-hiking, and windsurfing. Fishing for rainbow, brook, lake, and cutthroat trout is another excellent adventure. After all the activity you'll need to relax and what could be better then Radium Hot Springs, Fairmont Hot Springs or Lussier Hot Springs. If that's not enough the area is on the leading edge of golf resort development and there are 11 18-hole courses and a variety of 9-hole courses offering unsurpassed terrain and sweeping mountain views. Between Radium Hot Springs and Kimberly, on Hwy 95, you will come across Invermere located on Lake Windermere. This valley, known as one of the sunniest spots in Canada, can be reached by jet or car, as there is a new airport at Fairmont Hot Springs serviced by flights from Vancouver and Calgary. Invermere plays host to a major hang gliding competition every summer. See Map Kimberley has been modeled after a Bavarian town and has the world's largest cuckoo clock and Fort Steele is one of BC's most extensive "living history towns" and has over 60 homes and buildings restored or reconstructed to their turn-of-the-century condition. The Townsite is open all year with daily shows and activities throughout the summer.
The Canadian Rockies are ideal for the
outdoor recreationalist. Hikers can take gentle strolls
along abandoned rail beds or rugged excursions into wilderness
areas like Valhalla or Kokanee Glacier Provincial Parks. Fishing, swimming, water skiing, sailing and canoeing are all possibilities on the numerous lakes and rivers in the area. The Slocan River offers gentle interludes between exhilarating white water sections, perfect for kayaking. For a more peaceful time try floating down the Kettle River on an inner tube or charter a houseboat on Christina or Kootenay Lake. Spelunkers, cave explorers, will enjoy Cody Caves Provincial Park while wildlife enthusiasts should visit the Creston Wildlife Management Area. |
Canadian Rockies Accommodations Highway
5 N
Alberta Rockies Accommodations Johnston Canyon Resort South-Eastern BC Highway 93/95 Kootenay National
Park KOOTENAY ROCKIES Kootenay Rockies Accommodations Highway
3 (east to west) Highway 6 - 3A -
31
Government
Links BC
- Alberta - Yukon |
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The Canadian Rockies have been drawing visitors
for over a century and it's easy to see why - this region is incredible.
The valleys are lined with towering mountains and snuggled at the
mountains' bases are towns, lakes and roads. Standing at a viewpoint,
you can gaze out on a glacial lake and be dazzled by it's turquoise
hue. Canadian Rockies accommodations range from camping
to historic lodges to luxurious hot spring resorts. 
The
Kootenays - one of British Columbia's best kept secrets - are often
described as Shangri-la and combined with the Rocky Mountain area
of BC become one of the most fantastic areas on earth. The region
has majestic mountain ranges, picturesque lakes, lush valleys, natural
hot springs and charming historic communities boasting a wealth of
heritage buildings. 
