Mountains & Vineyards Circle Route
Take the ultimate escape on a 7 to 10 day vacation route that offers a taste of mountain grandeur, the succulent fruits of the Okanagan, and endless outdoor adventure. Wander in ghost towns, soak in hot springs, play a round of golf, and visit some of the country's finest wineries. About 1,221 km (759 mi).
1 Begin your journey in Golden. Set on the banks of the Columbia River, this tranquil town offers endless outdoor adventures. Enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River or a quiet retreat bird-watching on the world-renowned Columbia Wetlands. Ride the gondola to the top of Kicking Horse Mountain for panoramic mountain views and enjoy a memorable meal at Canada's highest restaurant, the Eagle Eye. The mountain's great hiking, mountain biking and 'champagne powder' skiing may entice you too.
Just east of
Golden is
Yoho National Park, with astonishing landscapes of 28 peaks, glacial lakes and Canada's highest waterfall, Takakkaw. Take the circle trail around spectacular glacier-fed Emerald Lake, or visit the Natural Bridge, then take a short drive to view the Spiral Tunnels. These train tunnels were carved in 1909 to avoid steep descents on the treacherous 'Big Hill'. Stop for a few minutes and you may see the front end of a locomotive emerging from the upper portal, while the back end of the train enters the same tunnel below.
2 Following the Columbia River, drive south on Hwy 95/93 for stunning Rocky Mountain views. Play golf against the dramatic backdrops of the many top-rated 18-hole championship courses near
Radium and Fairmont hot springs and stop for a steamy soak in either hot springs' rejuvenating, mineral-rich pools.
3 Then drive to
Kimberley, a western mining town with a distinct alpine theme. See the world's largest cuckoo clock, explore the Platzl, a pedestrian area filled with unique shops and restaurants. Stroll the Cominco Gardens to take in the scents of over 48,000 flowers.
Kimberley Alpine Resort is a four-season adventure spot not to be missed. In
Cranbrook, explore the
Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, featuring the only complete set of rail cars from the luxurious 'Trans-Canada Limited (1929)', built by the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Continue southwest on Hwy 3 to the orchard town of
Creston and stop at the
Creston Valley Wildlife Centre, a bird and waterfowl refuge for more than 250 bird species. Take the boardwalk trail to a three-storey birding tower or enjoy the nature programs at the Interpretive Centre.
4 Once you reach Salmo, drive north on Hwy 6 to historic
Nelson. Be sure to take the free, self-guided walking tour of 350 restored heritage buildings and homes. Ride Streetcar #23 along the waterfront, stroll down Baker Street and tour the studios and galleries of Canada's finest small town arts community.
Head west on Hwy 3A to
Castlegar. This community has a strong Russian influence, which can be seen at many community attractions including the
Doukhobor Village Museum and
Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park. Then take an excursion on Hwy 3B to the 19th-century town of
Rossland for a tour of the famous
Le Roi Gold Mine. Follow in the footsteps of underground miners who drilled, blasted and hand-mucked the mine's 128 km (80 mi) stretch of underground crevasses.
5 Drive on Hwy 3 to Hwy 97 and north to the Okanagan Valley's orchards and vineyards to savour award-winning wines and take your pick of the season's fresh crops. Cradled between two mountain ranges, a chain of blue lakes span the valley floor in this warm-weather region blessed with sandy beaches. Heading north from
Osoyoos, you'll pass through a true desert. At
Oliver, a tour of local wineries is a must. Learn traditional wine-making techniques and sample your favourite Bordeaux, Cabernet or Chardonnay in the tasting rooms. In
Summerland, climb aboard the vintage Kettle Valley Steam Railway which will transport you on a 10 km (6.2 mi) route. And be sure to play a round of golf at one of the area's numerous championship
golf courses; the holes are as spectacular as the scenery. Cruise into the picturesque houseboat haven of the
The Shuswap Area area. With 1,000 km (620 mi) of shoreline, you'll find ample space to play, whether your love is swimming, camping, fishing, boating, hiking, or biking.
6 Follow the TransCanada Hwy 1 to historic
Craigellachie. In 1885, the 'Last Spike' was driven into Canada's first transcontinental railway, joining the west to the east. Stop in the alpine city of
Revelstoke and tour the
Railway Museum, a tribute to the workers that built the nation's transcontinental railway through the difficult mountain passes. Drive through Rogers Pass, one of BC's great mountain crossings between
Revelstoke and
Golden. Marvel at the engineering feat that forged a path through the mighty Selkirk and Purcell mountains, making way for the railroad and the Trans Canada Highway.
Please note: This route itinerary is only a suggestion. You can begin your journey from any point along the route.