Hiking
Two hikers admiring the views (Picture BC photo)
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.
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, mountaineering and mountain biking.
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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 National Park, Kootenay National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park, and Yoho National Park) 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 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 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 near 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 region's 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.
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18 Hiking in Kootenay Rockies
11 - 18 of 18 Results
11
207 Mackenzie Ave
Revelstoke, British Columbia
V0E 2S0
Websitehttp://www.MicaHeli.com
Toll-free877-837-6191
Phone250-837-6191
Mica Heli Guides 100% small group heliskiing and boarding. Four groups of four skiers or boarders sharing two A-Star helicopters, or one group of four in a Bell 407, maximum 20 guests. Ski or board terrain tailored to your desires. NEW Luxurious backcountry lodge one hour north of Revelstoke BC accessible only by helicopter. A quarter million acres of huge alpine, world class steep tree skiing and endless pillow runs. Forget down days. No-fly days are rare and complimentary catskiing for backup. Mica Heliskiing is renowned for having the best terrain with the deepest driest powder on the planet.
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12
1027 Pandora Ave
Victoria, British Columbia
V8V 3P6
Websitehttp://www.midnightsuntravel.com
Toll-free800-255-5057
Phone250-480-9409
We provide inspiring & authentic outdoor holiday tours of Canada for the leisure traveller. If you have dreamed of exploring natural settings in Canada apart from mainstream tourism, then Midnight Sun Adventure Travel's vacations of the Rocky Mountains, Vancouver Island & Haida Gwaii will capture your heart and imagination.
New for 2013 is our 28 day Canada West Safari composed of four separate legs with optional city breaks in between - a great tool for customizing your vacation to western Canada.
Activities & tour themes include easy hiking, wildlife viewing, train travel, family travel, marine explorations, kayaking and sightseeing.
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13
Trans Canada Hwy
Revelstoke, British Columbia
V0E 2S0
Websitehttp://www.parkscanada.gc.ca/revelstoke
Toll-free
Phone250-837-7500
Home to Canada's only inland cedar-hemlock rainforest, Mount Revelstoke is the only national park in Canada where you can summit a mountain five minutes from your vehicle. Visitors are invited to stroll amongst giants on the Giant Cedars & Skunk Cabbage boardwalks, or enjoy a panoramic view and meadows of subalpine wildflowers from the summit of Mount Revelstoke. Cycling enthusiasts can try riding 26 km (1600 m elevation gain) up the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. During the winter months outdoors enthusiasts can explore the Meadows in the Sky Parkway on skis or snowshoes.
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14
5339 Ski Hill Rd
Fernie, British Columbia
V0B 1M6
Websitehttp://www.skifernie.com
Toll-free877-333-2339
Phone250-423-4655
Fernie Alpine Resort is Your One-Stop Adventure This Summer with the NEW Aerial Park & Mountain Biking.
Don't miss the best in summer adventure. It's the latest rage in summer fun, the trying & exhilarating undertaking gets you to take the leap of faith & traverse through the rope course challenge, a high level adventure in the tree tops is guaranteed to keep the adrenaline pumping!
Fernie will also operate the Mountain Bike Park Operations & guided hike program again this summer! Check our website & Facebook page for updates & other activities!
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15
438 Lafontaine Rd
Golden, British Columbia
V0A 1H0
Websitehttp://www.purcellheliskiing.com
Toll-free877-435-4754
Phone250-344-5410
For over 35 years, Purcell Heli-Skiing has been taking skiers and snowboarders to the pristine summits and snow fields of the Purcell Mountains. We specialize in flexible daily or multi-day packages tailored to your needs. From the first-time powder skier to the veteran looking for a small-group experience, our professional team can deliver your epic adventure. Competitive rates, champagne powder, personal service, vast terrain and convenient access all make Purcell your best choice. All guides are ACMG/UIAGM certified. Locally and family-owned. Come ski with us - you'll be glad you did!
Join us for heli-hiking/sightseeing in the summer!
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16
4300 Red Mountain Rd
Rossland, British Columbia
V0G 1Y0
Websitehttp://www.redresort.com
Toll-free800-663-0105
Phone250-362-7384
Summer in Rossland and at Red Mountain Resort is just as cherished as wintertime. We enjoy warm temperatures & sunny skies most of the summer season & with a wide variety of activities for you, your family & friends to participate in, Rossland is truly an outdoor playground. British Columbia's natural resources include mountain trails, lakes and forests replete with greenery and wildflowers. On top of that, golfing, biking (both mountain and road), and ATV'ing are very popular here. Rossland's mountain biking trails are world famous & include the Seven Summits Trail which was named "Trail of the Year" by Bike Magazine.
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17
2950 Camozzi Rd
Revelstoke, British Columbia
V0E 2S1
Websitehttp://www.revelstokemountainresort.com
Toll-free866-373-4754
Phone250-814-0087
Enjoy the incomparable views of the majestic Columbia River & the towering Monashee mountains this summer at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. After a seven minute gondola ride, you will arrive at the Mid-Mountain Lodge and its breathtaking views. Here you can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast in the stunning post-and-beam Lodge or outside on the massive deck. This is our first much-anticipated season of summer operations with the Revelation Gondola & we look forward to welcoming you!
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18
Monashees
Revelstoke, British Columbia
V0E 1N0
Websitehttp://www.solmountain.com
Toll-free
Phone250-674-3707
Experience a complete mix of Monashee trees, glades, alpine bowls & steep chutes, your own backcountry resort 3 times the area of Whistler Blackcomb. Located south of Revelstoke & east of Silver Star in the Southern Monashees, Sol Mountain Touring offers mountain living in style from our fully serviced lodge at 1,907 m (6,300 ft). Easy access to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking & fishing alpine lakes in the summer. Ski in small groups of 4-6; choose from 3, 4, or 7 night trips. ACMG Guides.
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