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
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Kootenay Rockies, Kootenay Rockies
Discover the best top things to do in Kootenay Rockies, British Columbia including Kicking Horse River, Emerald Lake, Fernie Alpine Resort, Whitewater Ski Resort, Baldface Lodge, Takakkaw Falls, The Enchanted Forest, Mount Revelstoke National Park, Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail, Cody Caves.
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. Fernie Alpine Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Deep in the snow, high up on the Powder Highway, lies Fernie Alpine Resort. With 37 feet of perfect powder, stunning scenery, 5 huge alpine bowls and endless downhill thigh burning runs. Don't miss an opportunity to fall in love with Fernie, start in the large Learning Area at the base of the mountain serviced by its own t-bar lift, once comfortable you have a huge resort full of secret powder pockets and hidden mountain spots to keep you occupied throughout your skiing/riding career! Find out why Fernie has been named as a Top 25 Ski Town in the World, Best Winter Trip and Coolest Town in North America in recent years.
Reviewed By RainerLorenz - Merimbula, Australia
We're a couple of 'Motoring/Travel Journalists', catering for German and Australian media. As you would expect we ski every year around the world (for 26 years) and usually only make repeat visits if we really like a place. Fernie is listed in our top 6 in the world and our number one in Canada, although we have another couple of places we like, namely Apex and Revelstoke. Yes, we like the steep and deep, but Fernie is a resort able to cater for all tastes and all skiing abilities. This year was our 8th visit to this mountain and again, we where not disappointed. Although we had little new snow for the 5 days, all groom-able runs where perfectly prepared, even some of the steeper ones. Here and there we could find some untracked runs of about 30cm new white bliss, especially close to trees. This year the emphasis was on speed and carving, which was so much fun and a whole lot different from what we experienced days earlier at Revelstoke. Why do we like Fernie? It offers a lot of skiing variety including some magnificent ski-in, ski-out facilities, like for instance the Lizard Creek Lodge with a chair-lift only 40m from the front door. As mentioned earlier, Fernie has something for every standard of skiing. A lot of runs are protected by trees, great when the weather gets nasty and visibility bad. The drive to the town of Fernie takes only 15 Minutes and on offer are great eateries, shops, drinking holes and entertainment. Fernie is well worth a visit with the possibility to fall into love with the place and . . .
4. Whitewater Ski Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
Whitewater Ski Resort, quietly legendary, is hard to describe to those who have not had the privilege to experience its true authenticity and abundance of snow. Over 12 meters (40 feet) of snow falls each season on 2044 vertical feet of uncrowded slopes of family-friendly groomers and bumps, remarkable steeps, top of the line tree-skiing, and endless backcountry. Some come for the legendary skiing, and some come for the legendary food. Whitewater serves up proper Kootenay hospitality with its internationally acclaimed menu that has inspired four National Best Selling cookbooks. Whitewater. Pure, simple and real…DEEP
Reviewed By 417deboraht - Vancouver, Canada
We loved skiing Whitewater over the holidays. We felt safe and well taken care off. The snow conditions were great and everything was well organized. All services ran very smoothly including the lift line ups. Staff and guests followed all the Covid protocols that were in place. The resort's website explains everything really well: what to expect this season, how to book your lift tickets, how to reserve a table to have lunch, etc. Whitewater ski resort should be commended for a job well done!!
5. Baldface Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Epic snowcat boarding & skiing in the deep powdery mountains near Nelson, British Columbia, Canada. Massage, sauna, yoga, gourmet food and wine, and comfy luxury lodging.
Reviewed By monibubbles - Laguna Niguel, United States
BaldFace is Epic. This was my first time there. There is not one negative thing I can say about this 3 day experience other than I wish it was longer! I was 1 of 2 girls on the trip along with 46 guys. Pretty much half boards and half skiers. Our Cat carried twelve of us guests, plus Terry our Guide, Wexie our Tail Guide, and Joel our Cat driver. With their vast knowledge of the Kootenays, they took us to the most insane untouched, steep, deep and heavenly terrain. Not one run we rode had a single track on it in all 3 days of riding. Everywhere you looked was untouched fresh powder. I’m was magical! The lodge and accommodation were absolutely mountain beautiful. They offer chalets or rooms in the lodge. The beds were comfy, the rooms were cozy and the views were to die for. The food was exquisite. Hearty and delicious breakfasts, pack your own bag lunches, and fabulous gourmet dinners and desserts. The lodge staff was so friendly and worked so hard. There were laid back, warm, helpful and friendly vibes in the air at all times and everything was orchestrated and presented so perfectly through out the trip. If you have the opportunity to go to BaldFace, GO, you won’t regret it. This was by far the best skiing experience of my life, so far. Can’t wait to see ya’ll next year. SFD!
6. Takakkaw Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 885 reviews
The falls, in the northern half of Yoho park, drop 833 ft -- making it one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. The falls are spectacular in early summer, when melting snow and ice provide ample runoff.
Reviewed By Roving545392
I went twice. Once with fellow adult friends and again with my daughter and my young grandchildren. Photos cannot capture the depth of this waterfall. Five levels...and the height is phenomenal. The spray coming off and down into the river continually changes the surrounding view. The large boulder slide directly to the west of Takkakaw Falls is also a sight to behold. Climbing to the base of the fall is exhilarating and hiking nearby trails offers view after view after view of Takkakaw and many other beautiful sites in YOHO. Picnic tables along the banks the Kicking Horse River at the trailhead make for a perfect spot to enjoy a meal while your eyes feast on this spectacular waterfall.
7. The Enchanted Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 643 reviews
Imagine old world fantasy in the magical setting of The Enchanted Forest where you can discover over 350 jolly fairy folk figurines amongst 800 year old cedars. You can climb BC's tallest and grandest tree house, paddle in real beaver ponds with a self guided row boat tour and enjoy a nature walk through a lush forest and boardwalk. In 2010 The Enchanted Forest celebrated its 50th Anniversary and continues to provide a lifetime of wonderful memories. Wonderful family fun! Come and be enchanted and discover the magic!
Reviewed By looseink - Princeton, Canada
I remember this place in the 1970s. I'm so glad to see that it is still around in an age where entertainment is either delivered to handheld devices or more extreme in nature. My wife, Brenda, and I wanted to stop by here last October but they were closed so...for our late-season annual vacation this year we made sure The Enchanted Forest was open. Essentially you walk an easy grade path through a stunningly lush forest environment to various childhood nursery rhymes that come to 'life' through cement figures. Some are truly very creative and others are not as much but all are very entertaining. We killed over an hour in the walking tour, taking tons of photos and laughing at some of the creative displays. The fish/duck pond was worth seeing and the gift shop is incredible. After we toured the site, we pulled out our cooler from the car and ate lunch in the parking lot watching traffic zip by. A highly recommended stop - at the very least to support entrepreneurs who have continued to keep an old-time roadside attraction open and in superb condition. Thanks!
8. Mount Revelstoke National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 464 reviews
Reviewed By 59236812997 - Surrey, Canada
This park is beautiful. It's an easy 25 km drive to the end of the road. From there it's a 1 km walk to the summit. There are several wonderful viewpoints and trails along the way. Do them all and you will have walked 10 km. The best trails are at the top where in August, Mother Nature creates the most spectacular garden of wildflowers. There are several trails here, take your time to enjoy this panorama of views and color. If you are are hiker you will want to take a day to hike the trail to Eva and Miller lakes. This 6 km trail leaves from the summit area and for the first part it's an easy walk through meadows. After the halfway mark the trail starts climbing, you cross several rock slides and then a short scramble to the top brings you to picturesque Eva lake. Be sure to walk at least halfway around the lake for some great views onto the other side of the mountain. On your return trip take the short side trail to Miller lake. This lake is situated in a valley with steep mountains above, quite different from Eva lake but just as beautiful. You will arrive back at your car tired but exhilarated from your day in this spectacular setting. Mother Nature has for a time erased COVID from your mind
9. Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 779 reviews
Reviewed By CalgaryDukefan - Calgary, Canada
It is very easy to drive right by some road side stops. This is one to stop and smell the cedar. A very well constructed boardwalk brings you into an oasis minutes from the highway. It is an easy walk through a forest featuring magical cedars and plenty of other vegetation. Highly recommend making the stop as both kids and adults will enjoy.
10. Cody Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By robby321 - Burnaby, Canada
This was our Kaslo highlight. Be warned that the logging road going UP the mountain/hill is STEEP and in our VW golf doing it for the first time took about 45 mins going up. In total, give yourself at least 1 hour, 15 mins from Kaslo to the parking lot. Going down was much easier and smoother, I guess cuz of momentum? Come prepared for 4C temperatures and bring clothes that you don't mind getting muddy. Bring a change of shoes and socks cuz you will get your feet wet. We learned a lot about the history of the caves on this tour, and it was very professionally done. Excellent!
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