Top Things to do in Kootenay Rockies
Top Hotels in Kootenay Rockies
- 1. Coast Hillcrest Hotel
- 2. Hume Hotel & Spa
- 3. Gateway Motel
- 4. Prestige Lakeside Resort, BW Premier Collection
- 5. Days Inn & Conference Centre by Wyndham Cranbrook
- 6. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
- 7. Ramada by Wyndham Revelstoke
- 8. Rocky Mountain Springs Lodge and Restaurant
- 9. Swiss Chalet Motel
- 10. Bighorn Meadows Resort
The 10 Best Bodies of Water in Kootenay Rockies, Kootenay Rockies
Discover the best top things to do in Kootenay Rockies, British Columbia including Kicking Horse River, Emerald Lake, Mummery Glacier Lake, Susan Lake, Lake O' Hara, Columbia River, Kinbasket Lake, Sherbrooke Lake, Olive Lake, Kicking Horse River.
Restaurants in Kootenay Rockies
1. Kicking Horse River
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 105 reviews
Restless river passing through picturesque valleys offers spectacular scenery and some of the finest white water rafting in the country.
Reviewed By 5cottie - British Columbia, Canada
From White water rafting on the upper reaches to Kayak paddling where is enters the Columbia this river is full of fun (if you're sensible) and adventure. The flow much of the year is pretty fast and it ices over in the winter. DON"T WALK ON IT IN THE WINTER. The thicknes of the ice varies dramatically and if you go through you're not comming out! End EX. If you're there in the spring the ice breakup can be pretty dramtic too at times. Ice from further up the Mountain bottlenecks at Golden and tends to pile up , especially after a hard windter and a fast melt. When it lets go it's a sight to see I'm told! It is a great viewpoint though at any time of the year. Whether from the road bridge or the spectacular covered wooden bridge a few yards downstream. The Riverside walks are pleasant too. Spirit place is a tranquil spot to stop and smell the flowers or take a cold bear at the Riverside Tavern and the water garden adds that visual and aural water delight as you can't see the river for the flood bank, protecting Spirit Place.
2. Emerald Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,286 reviews
Peaceful lake nestled in the mountains and surrounded by lush, green forest.
Reviewed By RAEF715
Before our trip, without really knowing about the beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies, by 13 year old mentioned having a dream about being out on a beautiful lake with mountains around, and he wanted to do that, so a canoe trip here was a top goal on our trip. After hitting some construction traffic on the way, we got in the lot just a couple minutes before the deadline- he and my wife ran in and got the last canoe, while my other son and i just enjoyed the late afternoon light hitting the lake. Just a memorable time, and quite the contrast to the white water rafting we had completed earlier in the day. Louise and Moraine are incredibly beautiful, but loved our time at Emerald Lake.
3. Mummery Glacier Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
4. Susan Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The lake is located 20 km (44 mi) northwest of the community of Donald Station off of Highway 1. A small BCFS recreation site and cartop boat launching facilities are provided.
5. Lake O' Hara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By kevinpE6318OJ - Ottawa, Canada
I was lucky enough to win the lottery and get bus tokens to visit Lake O'Hara this past summer for my second time (my first time being back in 2006). It was my favourite memory of the Rockies back then and still is today. Back in 2006 we only did the Lake Oesa trail, this summer we did the Lake Oesa Trail and West Opabin up to the Opabin Prospect. The Lake Oesa trail is the best trail I have ever hiked, you pass multiple lakes on your way up to Lake Oesa and the views are outstanding at each. It is a very rewarding hike. The best part of Lake O'Hara is also part of the reason why it gets a lot of one-star ratings on TripAdvisor; only a limited number of people can visit each day. You hardly see anyone when walking up the beautifully crafted and well-maintained trails. It is a nice contrast to the other trails in Yoho and Banff. Beware of hiking in the 11km, a bus ride back is not guaranteed based on what I saw so prepare for the potential 11km hike back as well.
6. Columbia River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Goldenite07
The Columbia River flows through Golden BC on it's way to the Pacific Ocean. Just south of Golden is a gorgeous wildlife viewing area. We left one car in Golden and then drove to a a little town called Nicholson which is about 9 km south and put our kayaks into the water there. There is small parking area next to the river so it doesn't take much to get down to the bank especially when the water level is high. From there you just basically float down to Golden. It took us about 2 and a half hours but we were battling some winds in our face at times. The views are fabulous especially the birds. We saw at least 3 bald eagles and osprey and herons and more. Outstanding. The best place to park in Golden is at the Airport. There is a small parking area next to a good take-out landing but there are other options. This trip is for everything from a beginner to expert kayak. There is no whitewater. The only thing to watch for are low branches along the bank. Inflatable kayaks can be rented from Selkirk Sports at Kicking Horse Resort for $40 a day. Good deal and easy to inflate.
7. Kinbasket Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Kinbasket Lake (or Kinbasket Reservoir) is a reservoir on the Columbia River in southeast British Columbia, north of the city of Revelstoke and the town of Golden. The reservoir was created by the construction of the Mica Dam.
Reviewed By Alko1101 - Calgary, Canada
The lake was awesome. Lots of water activities. Campsite was well maintained. As it says in their website,its close to train tracks,thus you get woken up at night with train passing. But we fall back asleep too quickly its so minor.
8. Sherbrooke Lake
9. Olive Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By misspsr - Airdrie, Canada
Short, very easy walk with a beautiful lake to look at. The color of the lake is absolutely stunning. Won't take more than 10 minutes to walk the whole thing.
10. Kicking Horse River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By Spidey101 - Ottawa, Canada
The best place to see Kicking Horse River, is where the Yoho River converges with Kicking Horse. You can do this on the way up to Takakkaw Falls. You can actually get right down to the rivers edge where the 2 rivers meet up. What is interesting is that Kicking Horse River is a murky, chalky colour and it merges with Yoho river which is pure clear glacier water..nature is so fascinating!!
