BC Things To Do

1 Begin your tour in Cranbrook, once a thriving railway town, now the regional centre of the East Kootenay. Fueled by the railway, the city's 19th century heritage homes reflect the opulence of the city's early years. Visit the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel's award-winning collection of restored railcars and locomotives, and the newly renovated Royal Alexandra Cafe.

2 Drive north along Hwy 95A to Kimberley, once a thriving mining town it is now a four-season alpine resort. The Bavarian-themed community is home to Canada's largest free-standing cuckoo clock, which can be found in the city’s downtown centre, known as the Platzl.

3 Head north on Hwy 93/95 to Fairmont Hot Springs. Just south of Fairmont, in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park are the natural hot springs of Lussier. These hot mineral pools are alongside the Lussier River and are accessible via a forest service road. Fairmont's year-round, odourless hot springs pools beckon travellers into their steamy, mineral-rich waters. The resort also offers golfing, skiing, hiking, biking, tennis, horseback riding and spa services.

4 Continue north to Invermere and Windermere Lake, a great summer destination. In downtown Invermere you can browse through charming shops and visit the Pynelogs Cultural Centre, which hosts theatrical productions, concerts and workshops year-round. Nearby, Panorama Mountain Village is a four-season resort that offers many outdoor pursuits including, hiking, biking, rafting, golfing, skiing, heli-skiing, snowmobiling and more.

5 Radium Hot Springs natural hot springs pool is located in Kootenay National Park. Soak away your tensions while gazing up at the red cliffs of Sinclair Canyon. Keep watch for Bighorn Sheep, which have long been local residents of the community.

6 Continue north on Hwy 95 to Golden, on the banks of the Columbia River, North America's largest wetland. The town is well known for its backcountry lodges and as a centre of outdoor adventure.

7 Rogers Pass is one of BC's great mountain crossings between Golden and Revelstoke. Hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing and a visit to the Rogers Pass Visitor Centre may be your summer highlight. Between Glacier & Mount Revelstoke national parks, is Canyon Hot Springs' natural mineral hot pool, offering a great way to relieve the aches of travelling.

8 During the 19th century mining boom, Columbia River sternwheelers connected the rugged town of Revelstoke to the railway. Today, you can walk through the alpine city to see 60 restored period buildings and the fascinating Revelstoke Railway Museum. Scenic trails are found in Mt. Revelstoke National Park and Enchanted Forest's Wild Land Interpretive Walk. You can also visit the unique ghost town of Three Valley Gap or the waterfall at Crazy Creek Falls.

9 Continue south on Hwy 23 to Halcyon & Nakusp hot springs. Visit the Nakusp Museum, which profiles the town's pioneer history and the sternwheelers that navigated the waters of the Arrow Lakes. For a peaceful retreat, stroll along the Nakusp Waterfront Japanese Garden, or enjoy a dip in the Nakusp Hot Springs.

10 New Denver and Silverton sit on the eastern shore of Slocan Lake where you'll find museums, artisan galleries, and plenty of outdoor activity options. In New Denver, visit the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre, a museum dedicated to the preservation of the physical history and personal memories of Japanese Canadian internees. Nearby, the Galena Trail features a hiking and biking path on an abandoned rail line. Start the easy 13 km (8 mi) trail from Three Forks or on the lakeshore at Rosebery. And visit Sandon, the historic ghost town that once was the most populated city in the area.

11 Follow Hwy 31 to Kaslo, whose natural harbour once bustled with activity as ore-barges, rowboats, steam-ships and stern-wheelers jostled for a place alongside the bustling wharf. Tour the S.S. Moyie, the oldest surviving sternwheeler in the world. Launched in 1898, the sternwheeler is one of the most significant preserved steam passenger vessels in North America. A must see!

12 Continue south along Hwy 31 to Ainsworth Hot Springs to sink into soothing mineral waters. This unique hot springs has a horseshoe shaped cave, which is lined with stalagmites and stalactites. Explore the cave or relax in the main pool that overlooks picturesque Kootenay Lake.

13 Take the free Kootenay Lake Ferry across to Crawford Bay and then travel on Hwy 3A to Creston. The East Shore of Kootenay Lake is a lively artist community, while Creston is well known for its orchards and brewery, which produces Kokanee Beer. Plan a visit to the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area – a bird and waterfowl refuge for more than 250 bird species. Take the boardwalk trail to a three-story birding tower or enjoy the nature programs at the Interpretive Centre.

Please note: This route itinerary is only a suggestion. You can begin your journey from any point along the route.