The varied terrain and ecological diversity of the Kootenay Rockies region provides incredible hiking opportunities for enthusiasts of all experience and ability levels. Hikers experience spectacular mountain views, wildflower alpine meadows, old-growth forests, wild rivers, and thunderous waterfalls, while traversing the unspoiled wilderness of southeastern British Columbia.
Learn more about Easy, Intermediate, and Advanced Hiking Trails in the Kootenay Rockies:
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Hiking in the Kootenay Rockies
Hikes in the Kootenay Rockies region range from short interpretive walks, with easy roadside access, to major multi-day backcountry treks. Many hiking trails are located in national or provincial parks, which often offer excellent campsites and facilities. Additionally, hiking trails are found in virtually every community throughout the region, such as Rossland, named one of "10 Great Adventure Towns" by National Geographic Adventure, one of "Canada's Best Outdoor Towns" by Explore. (The Kootenay Rockies are also known for its epic rock climbing and mountaineering and mountain biking. Guided Hiking Tours and Heli-Hiking
A number of hiking tours throughout the Kootenay Rockies operate scheduled guided-tours, including heli-hiking options. Knowledgeable heli-hiking guides provide various options suited to the experience and ability levels of hikers, from gentle strolls to high-peak multi-day adventures, with lodge accommodation. Chairlift Accessed Trails
Chairlift accessed trails provide hikers of varying ability levels opportunity to explore diverse alpine terrain. Panorama Mountain Village features 23 trails in total, with a 380m/1,254ft of vertical, while Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers 27 beginner-expert trails. Chairlift access is also available to trails at Fernie Alpine Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort. Chairlift accessed trails are open approximately June-August/September.
National/Provincial Parks
The Kootenay Rockies region is home to four national parks - Glacier, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke, and Yoho - each featuring extensive trail networks. Kootenay National Park, near Radium Hot Springs, is home to the classic Rockwall Trail, a series of trail loops hikers can customize for multi-day journeys. The Lake O'Hara area of Yoho National Park, near Golden, features beautiful wilderness terrain. An extensive and varied network of trails provides plenty of opportunity for day hikes. Camp overnight and explore a new trail each day. Provincial parks, such as Valhalla Provincial Park, Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park, and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park in the Kootenay Rockies region also offer trail networks that feature incredible access to pristine wilderness and amazing wildlife.
Community Trails
Numerous community trails, often suitable for both hiking and mountain biking, complement the vast network of national and provincial park trails throughout the Kootenay Rockies region. The community of Castlegar, and the Silvery Slocan area, comprising New Denver, Sandon, and Slocan Lake, feature abandoned rail grade trails, great for exploring the rich railroad and mining heritage of the area. Galena Trail in the Slocan Valley, with bridges, trail signage, and a cable-car ride over Carpenter Creek is perfect for families. Trails in Cranbrook, Fernie, Golden, and Kimberley are amazing for wilderness and wildlife viewing. Take Cranbrook's trails through the grassy meadows surrounding the Akali Lakes further into stands of pine and larch, and pockets of lush vegetation. In Fernie, follow leisurely trails with interpretive signage through the Educational Forest. Canyon Creek Trail in Golden features a 30km/19mi return loop, located just metres (feet) from a spectacular 152m/500ft canyon, while multi-use trails at Kimberley Nature Park criss-cross forested hillsides linking to small ponds and panoramic viewpoints.
Practical Points and Hiking Safety
Parts of the Kootenay Rockies region wilderness are rugged and remote. Even trails at the edge of towns and cities, and in parks areas should be treated as serious backcountry. Hikers should prepare and plan for varied terrain and weather conditions with appropriate footwear and clothing. Adequate water and food supplies are essential. Remember the following: - Weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Lightening storms and snow storms can happen at high elevations any time of year (even in summer).
- Dress in layers and bring wet-weather gear, regardless of the season.
- Even the most popular, well-maintained trails can be rocky, tangled with roots, muddy, and slippery. Wear hiking boots with good ankle and arch support, and be prepared to get muddy. At higher elevations, snow and mud may linger on trails until late June or even early July. Prepare accordingly.
- Please leave the area you visit undisturbed and be sure to carry out your garbage.
- Cougars, bears, and other wildlife inhabit the region. Never approach or attempt to feed wild animals.
Choose a Trail
Easy
Glacier National Park
Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park
Kootenay National Park
Mount Revelstoke National Park
Yoho National Park
Intermediate
Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park
Valhalla Provincial Park: Nemo Creek Trail
Yoho National Park
Advanced
Bugaboo Provincial Park
Kootenay National Park
Mount Assiniboine Park
Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park
Valhalla Provincial Park
Yoho National Park
Bugaboo Provincial Park
Bugaboo Provincial Park is one of the world's best backcountry hiking and mountaineering destinations. For experienced, well-equipped hikers, it offers incredible wilderness sightseeing: extensive ice fields, some of biggest glaciers in the Purcell Mountain Range, 3,000m/9843ft granite spires and more. There are two established and maintained trails in the park. All other routes require technical climbing skills. On all trails, you will need to wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots and carry rain gear, extra clothing and food. Only properly roped, experienced climbers should venture onto ice fields and glaciers.
Cobalt Lake Trail (difficult) takes 4 - 5 hours to complete, one way. The hike to Conrad Kain Hut (difficult) takes 2-4 hours to complete, one way. The hut can accommodate up to 40 people, and an overnight fee applies from June-September. Reservations can be made through the Alpine Club of Canada.
There are also camping facilities available at Boulder Camp, near the Conrad Kain Hut, and at Applebee Dom. There are 30 campsites in total.
Bugaboo Provincial Park is located between Golden and Radium Hot Springs, west of Hwy 95. Access is via Forest Service Roads. The park is open year round, but the best time for hiking is mid-June to mid-September.
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Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park protects a portion of the Columbia Mountains Natural Region in the interior wet belt of British Columbia. There are many scenic hiking trails found in the park, including ridge-top trails, as well as glacier crossings, and mountain climbing. Interpretive exhibits provide an excellent introduction to the cultural heritage and historic significance of the area. Rogers Pass National Historic Site is situated in Glacier National Park.
Hemlock Grove Boardwalk Trail is a short interpretive trail that takes visitors through a stand of old-growth western red cedar trees, some over 350 years old. The 1885 Trail, a gentle 3.8km/2.4mi each way, follows the original Canadian Pacific Railway line.
For a closer look at a massive glacier, follow the steep Great Glacier Trail for 5 or 6 hours to a panoramic lookout point near the impressive Illecillewaet Glacier.
Pick up the "Selkirk Summit," which contains a trail map and information, at the Illecillewaet Welcome Station or the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre.
Glacier is located between Golden and Revelstoke along the Trans Canada Highway. The best time for hiking is June to October.
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Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park
Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park encompasses 32,035ha/79,150ac of spectacular country in the Selkirk Mountains. Its name is derived from a First Nations word meaning "red fish," and refers to the salmon of Kootenay Lake.
The park, one of BC's oldest, is a panorama of mountain peaks, snowfields and glacial lakes. Five access roads lead to trailheads in the central area of the park. One of the park's popular trails is the Gibson Lake Loop Trail, an easy, 2.5km/1.6mi hike around Gibson Lake with great mountain views and good fishing. Those looking for a more challenging route can attempt the intermediate level Enterprise Creek Trail. The hike is 10.2km/6.3mi and takes about five hours one-way en route to the Kokanee Glacier and Slocan Chief Cabins, built in 1896. The park offers amenities at several sites, and the opening of trails depends on the snowpack.
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Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park protects an area representative of the terrain and ecology of the southwestern Rocky Mountains. It is a visual feast comprised of mountain glaciers, forested valleys, semi-arid grasslands, canyons, rivers, creeks, and cascades. Must-sees include the Paint Pots, where iron-rich spring water has reacted with the earth, turning a vibrant orange; the Animal Lick, a natural salt lick attracting a wide variety of animals; and Radium Hot Springs.
Kootenay National Park's extensive trail system is suited to various levels of hiking experience, offering a number of short interpretive trails. The Numa Creek Trail is an easy trail that extends 6.6km/4.1mi from a picnic area off Hwy 93 to the Numa Creek Campground, and takes about 2.5 hours to complete.
Floe Lake Trail (difficult) extends 10.7km/6.6mi from a parking area off Hwy 93 to beautiful Floe Lake, and takes about 5 hours to complete, one way. Extend this hike by continuing along the Numa Pass Trail to a viewpoint about 2.7km/1.7mi from the lake.
The Rockwall Trail is a classic multi-day hike in the park, with multiple access points and loop options. The scenic highlights include towering rockwalls and peaks, hanging glaciers and the pristine waters of Floe Lake.
Kootenay National Park, bisected by Hwy 93, is located along the BC-Alberta border. The community of Radium Hot Springs lies just outside the park's West Gate.
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Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights of the scenery include snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, ice fields, dense forests, and high-elevation lakes and meadows. Mount Assiniboine itself is known as the "Matterhorn of the Rockies," due to the physical resemblance between the two mountains. Accommodations in the park include campgrounds, cabins, and a commercial lodge. A number of trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty begin in the park's Lake Magog area. They range from short, easy walks around the lake to strenuous day hikes. Getting to Lake Magog is an advanced one- to two- day hike in itself, or visitors can access the lake via helicopter. Flight arrangements can be made through Mount Assiniboine Lodge.
The most common route to Lake Magog from within BC is the Hwy 93 to Lake Magog via Surprise Creek route. At 29km/18mi long, it takes 10 - 12 hours to complete. Most hikers take more than two days.
Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is located along the BC-Alberta border, between Banff National Park to the east, and Kootenay National Park to the west. From Alberta, access is via Banff National Park. From Sunshine Village (in Banff National Park) a shuttle bus takes hikers into the scenic Sunshine Meadows area of Mount Assiniboine Park, with its fairly gentle trails. The park is open year round, but the best conditions for hiking occur from mid-June through September.
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Mount Revelstoke National Park
Mount Revelstoke National Park is a wonder of old-growth rainforests, rolling sub-alpine meadows, alpine tundra, and glacial ice. The Monashee Mountains rise to the west, with the Selkirk range to the east. There are over 41km/25mi of trails here, ranging from easy to difficult. Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail journey through a stand of old-growth western red cedar trees, some more than 800-years-old. Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk Trail leads through fragile wetlands inhabited by beavers, bears and the skunk cabbage marsh plant.
When the snow has melted at the summit of Mount Revelstoke, usually near the beginning of July, a bus shuttles visitors from the Balsam Lake parking area to the mountaintop.
Pick up the "Selkirk Summit," which contains a trail map and information, at the Visitor Centre in downtown Revelstoke or at the Parkway Welcome Station.
Mount Revelstoke is accessible from the Trans Canada Highway. The Meadows-in-the-Sky Parkway is a 26km/16mi paved mountain road, open May to October.
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Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park
Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park, in the rugged Purcell Mountains, protects the largest intact ecosystem in southeastern BC. Scenic highlights include glaciers, old-growth forests, alpine lakes, wetlands and rivers (often impassable until the end of July).
This is a wilderness area; only experienced backcountry hikers with map reading and route finding skills should attempt to hike here. The purchase of a backroad mapbook is highly recommended. The park's signature trail is the epic and historic Earl Grey Pass Trail (difficult), which extends more than 60km/37mi from near the community of Argenta, and includes avalanche paths, game trails, five river crossings by cable car in the west (bring gloves for pulling cable), and other water crossings that must be forded. The trail takes about 5 days to complete. The best time of year to hike is August to mid-September.
Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park is located northeast of Kaslo, northwest of Kimberley, and southwest of Invermere.
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Valhalla Provincial Park
Valhalla Provincial Park touches most of the western shoreline of Slocan Lake, and encompasses most of the Valhalla Range of the Selkirk Mountains. Highlights include the New Denver Glacier in the north, an impressive group of mountain spires in the south, and a chain of sub-alpine lakes, forests, beaches, rivers and many cascades and waterfalls. Several Aboriginal pictographs (rock paintings) along the lakeshore can be viewed by boat.
Sharp Creek Trail (difficult) begins just north of Sharp Creek, on the western shore of Slocan Lake, and terminates at the foot of the New Denver Glacier. It's a steep hike and takes about 8 hours to complete, one way.
Nemo Creek Trail (moderate) makes a good day hike, at approximately 4 hours each way. Along the way, it takes in old-growth cedars and hemlocks, Lower Nemo Falls and the Rock Castles, a group of unusual rock formations. Another popular route is Bannock Burn to Gimli Ridge, a 2-hour hike.
The Drinnon Pass/Gwillim Lakes Trail and the Slocan City/Evans Creek/Beatrice Lake Trail both require route finding, mountaineering skills, and climbing equipment. The trails lead to picturesque viewpoints, as well as to some unique sites such as the remnants of an old logging flume. Exercise caution as many of these areas are prime grizzly habitat.
Valhalla Provincial Park is located near the community of Slocan (on Hwy 6), on the western shore of Slocan Lake. It can be accessed via Forest Service Road, trail, or water. There are public boat launches in New Denver, Silverton and Slocan.
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Yoho National Park
At Yoho National Park, 28 peaks more than 3,000m/9,843ft high preside over gem-coloured glacial lakes, some of Canada's highest waterfalls, as well as dense forests of western red cedar and western hemlock. Yoho is home to Burgess Shale, one of the world's finest 505-million-year-old Cambrian-aged fossils deposits. The park offers over 400km/249mi of hiking trails catering to all skill levels. The Wapta Falls Trail (one hour each way) is an easy, relatively flat trail that takes you to a viewpoint overlooking Wapta Falls. The falls plummet 30m/98ft along the Kicking Horse River.
The Yoho Valley Trail is a moderate, 7.9km/4.9mi hike that begins from Takakkaw Falls Campground, travels along the Yoho River past a number of smaller waterfalls, en route to the spectacular Twin Falls. The trail takes three hours each way, but the more adventurous can take an alternate route back.
The Lake O'Hara area is tucked on the eastern edge of Yoho National Park. It has extensive and varied hiking trails, with overnight accommodation options (campsites, cabins, and a lodge). A reservation and quota system is in place to protect this fragile and sensitive alpine area, so trips should be planned in advance.
Yoho borders Banff and Kootenay National Parks along the Trans Canada Highway. The opening of trails depends on the snowpack.
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