During the winter, Rossland becomes home base for countless winter wonderland adventures: downhill, snow-cat and cross-country or Nordic skiing options abound.
Want the inside scoop on where to go? Many local tour operators offer a wide selection of summer and winter group activities, suitable for all ages. Stop in at the Visitor Centre to check out the options.
Summer Activities
There's an excellent reason why Rossland is known as one of Canada's top mountain biking towns. Well, actually, seven reasons. Rossland's flagship trail – the Seven Summits – has earned tons of cred within the biking community and visitors from around the world. For good reason, too. It's a single-track adventure across seven peaks with views to kill for. There's also plenty to investigate for beginners and novices, as the routes once used by gold prospectors make for some terrific walking or cycling trails.
Golfing in Rossland
Rossland's original golf course is Redstone Resort, which SCOREGolf named one of the Best New Courses in Canada for 2010. Course designer Les Furber, a top Canadian golf architect, has taken a rugged, mountainous site and created an exceptional mountain golf experience. The Birchbank Golf Course, which sits along the banks of the mighty Columbia River in Trail, is another course just minutes away. Or check out the local links at Christina Lake, Castlegar, and Nelson.
Fancy a different type of golf? Give disc golf (also known as frolf) a try. This amusing game featuring Frisbees and chained baskets can be played at the Black Jack Nordic Centre, located across from Red Mountain Resort.
History and Children's Activities
Take the kids to the Rossland Pool, located on Columbia Avenue, or go horseback riding in the mountains with Record Ridge Riding, which offers a number of riding tours and custom packages.
Rossland also has a fascinating gold mining history to dig into. Visit the Rossland Historic Gold Mine Tour & Museum or pick up a Historical Heritage Walking Tour brochure and learn about the city's preserved or renovated heritage buildings that date back to the gold rush era.
For swimming, canoeing and fishing, the beautiful Nancy Greene, Christina Lake, or Champion Lakes provincial parks are great places to unwind in the outdoors.
Winter Activities
Rossland's high elevation means epic snowfall and Red Mountain Resort has reaped the benefits and earned tons of well-deserved accolades over the years, including "Best Steeps, Best Trees, Best Powder," from Ski Canada Magazine and "one of North America's top ten expert ski resorts" according to US Forbes Traveler magazine. Love to ski? Take your pick of types. Rossland has downhill, cross-country, cat-skiing and backcountry touring. Or enjoy a day of skating, ice hockey or tobogganing. That's some winter menu!
Spas and Shopping
Restore and rejuvenate at one of several Rossland spas and clinics, each offering myriad pampering services. Or poke about in quaint shops, boutiques, and leave the big box stores behind.
Festivals and Events
Rossland's dance card is typically full. The small community has a strong appreciation of arts and culture, evident in the number of events hosted throughout the year. Rossland Winter Carnival and Golden Days celebrations are big draws.
As is typical in a mountain town, summers and winters are the busiest and attract the most visitors. Advanced reservations for tours and accommodation are recommended. The self-sufficient traveler, or those seeking a quieter get-away, will find plenty to explore during spring or autumn when all is in bloom or when the trees turn.
Driving Routes
Explore Rossland's mountain biking, hiking, and downhill, snow-cat and cross-country skiing opportunities, and the lush surroundings of the Okanagan along the Mountains & Vineyards Circle Route. Learn more about driving routes through Rossland here: Driving Routes.
To find out more about the sights, events, activities and festivals in Rossland, drop by the Visitor Centre and pick up a brochure or have a chat with the friendly staff.
Read Less