Adventures Await Off the Beaten Path – Kootenay Rockies Adventures Await Off the Beaten Path
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December 12, 2024

Adventures Await Off the Beaten Path

Dare to tread the road less travelled? Discover the adventures that awaits off the beaten path from the Rainforest to Rockies TransCanada Highway 1 route. Embark on the scenic detour from Revelstoke to Nakusp and Golden to Radium Hot Springs. Each journey is an exploration along the Columbia River, unveiling a treasure trove of hidden gems.

Witness the pairing of Monashees Mountains to the west, and the spectacular Selkirk Mountains to the east when heading south to Nakusp, and the mighty Purcell Mountains to the west and the renowned Canadian Rockies to the east when travelling south to Radium Hot Springs.

REVELSTOKE TO NAKUSP | 105-KM (65 MILES)

From Revelstoke, follows Highway 23 southwards as it traces the amazing Columbia River, providing breathtaking vistas of the river and adjacent mountainous terrains. Inhabitants of the area include a diverse range of wildlife such as deer, bears, eagles among others.  

Aerial view of Highway 23, photo by Mitch Winton

Blanket Creek Provincial Park is nestled strategically at the convergence of Blanket Creek and the Columbia River, just north of Upper Arrow Lake, approximately 25 kilometres south of Revelstoke on Hwy #23.

This park is also a testament to the agricultural history, with remnants of a heritage farm and diverse tree species, both native and imported, reminding us of the first orchardists who pioneered this area. The park offers a myriad of outdoor activities – from picnicking under the shadow of the majestic 12 metre (40 ft) Sutherland Falls, serene swimming in the lagoon, to engaging nature studies along the trails – making it an appealing destination for family outings.

Sutherland Falls in Blanket Creek Provincial Park, photo by Chris Wheeler

Highway 23 leads you to Shelter Bay (25-minute drive from the park), the gateway to Upper Arrow Lake via the free ferry ride, offering breath-taking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Operating from Shelter Bay to Galena Bay, the ferry service runs hourly from 5 am to midnight PST.  From the ferry landing it is a 40-minute drive to the Village of Nakusp

Shelter/Galena Bay Ferry Crossing, photo by Mitch Winton

Situated amidst majestic alpine peaks and pristine blue lake is Halcyon Hot Springs Resort & Spa, a hub of all-season accommodation and wellness activities (a 20-minute drive from the Galena Ferry). From fine dining establishments to local artisan retail spaces, the resort is equipped with numerous amenities to cater to their guests’ needs.

An integral part of Halcyon‘s healing natural hot springs, serves as the focal point of the resort. Complete with an upper pool deck equipped with a warm pool featuring a jetted swim channel and a relaxed hot pool alongside a cold plunge, they also flaunt a lower deck offering a mineral swimming pool and a popular kids splash park. The hot pool averages a comfortable temperature of 40C (104F), the warm pool reaches 37C (99F), while the cold pool cools down to 14C (58F). Utilizing natural hot springs water, the resort incorporates geothermal heating to bring warmth and comfort into the lodge space.

Halcyon Hot Springs Resort’s rejuvenating soak in Nakusp; photo by Mitch Winton

Ione Falls (10-minute drive from Halcyon Hot Springs) offers a mesmerizing sight, with a magnificent drop of 29-metres (95 feet). Accessibility is a significant advantage of this natural beauty; it requires absolutely no hiking, as it is prominently situated on the side of Highway 23 within a rest area, fittingly named ‘Ione Rest Area’. This makes Ione Falls one of the most convenient waterfalls to visit.

Enjoying the spray off Ione Falls, Photo by Ashley Voykin

The Mt. Abriel Recreation Area, offers a trail network and lake access recreation site brimming with potential. Conveniently positioned just 8-km north of Nakusp, this idyllic location boasts a diverse selection of 48-trails spanning over 40-km, from adaptive mountain biking trails and cross country jaunts to exhilarating downhill descents and electric jump lines. Breathtaking natural beauty coupled with extraordinary variety makes Mt Abriel a standout encounter for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Adaptive riding trail at Mt. Abriel with beach access, photo by Mitch Winton

Situated 12 kilometres northeast of the Nakusp village, you’ll find the charming Nakusp Hot Springs, Chalets & Campground‘s pools nestled in a picturesque mountain scene, graced by the comforting sounds of nearby creeks and sheltered by lush trees.

The mineral-rich hot waters are piped one kilometre from their source at Kuskanax Creek directly to the pools. They proudly offer two inviting pools – a smaller one with an average temperature of 42C (108F) and a larger one maintained at around 30C (100F). Experience the rejuvenating influence of nature and wellness.

Enjoy a soothing soak at Nakusp Hot Springs, photo by Mitch Winton

Situated between the majestic Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges, the charming Village of Nakusp graces the banks of Upper Arrow Lake. As the most populous area among the Arrow Slocan communities, it is a thriving hub of culture, art, and relaxation, home to two prevalent hot spring resorts and a panorama of breathtaking landscapes.

Aerial views of the Arrow Lake and Nakusp, photo by Mitch Winton

The waterfront promenade in Nakusp is a masterfully constructed flat, paved pathway – a perfect blend of man-made and natural beauty that meanders through an exquisite Japanese Garden and extends to the Nakusp Public Marina. With strategically placed benches, abundant shade trees, and a designated swimming area, it provides an ideal space to take in the scenic views of Arrow Lakes and the surrounding mountains.

Nakusp’s Waterfront Promenade & the Arrow Lake, photo by Mitch Winton

Delve into the wonders of Nakusp and the Slocan Valley – a sanctuary of tranquility and serenity. Experience this unique corner of the globe. Whether you’re embracing the calm or igniting your adventurous side, they invite you to experience it firsthand.

GOLDEN TO RADIUM HOT SPRINGS | 103-KM (64 MILES)

The north Columbia Valley (south of Golden), offers distinct diversity and rich ecology, features the settlements of Parson, Spillimacheen, Brisco and Edgewater. This route, following Highway 95 south, offers a unique amalgamation of vibrant wetlands, commanding panoramic viewpoints, and serene stopover points.

Travelling on Highway 95 South, Columbia River Wetlands, photo by Dave Best

Presenting an exceptional marvel, is BC’s Largest Paddle.  The result of this unique attraction was tireless dedication and an awe-inspiring craftsmanship by owner Mark Teasdale and master woodworker Dave Stonehouse. Weighing in at a hefty 2,495-KG (5,300 pounds), it stands as a ‘must-see’ attraction.  This impressive, gigantic paddle is in Parson (25-minute drive, south Golden), at the Columbia Wetlands Outpost.

Columbia Wetlands Outpost Paddle, photo courtesy of Mark Teasdale

The Columbia Wetlands Outpost, they harmoniously connect people with nature while minimizing environmental impacts. The owners/operator, continue to own and operate the Outpost and have been dedicated, for over two decades, to the preservation and appreciation of the Columbia Wetlands. Using their knowledge and passion to create a unique sanctuary that simultaneously respects and showcases the region’s natural beauty.

Offering a wide range of self-guided canoe, kayak, or paddle board rentals. Embark on a breathtaking summer journey through the heart of the wetlands or take up a front-row seat on the Captain’s dock or join one of their guided adventures.  

Wildlife view on a cataraft with Columbia Wetlands Outpost; photo by Dave Best

Looking for an unforgettable mountain adventure in Canada? Discover CMH Summer Adventures and revel in these activities – glacier treks, ziplines, via Ferratas and more.  Located on off Highway 95, is the CMH Bobbie Burns Lodge east of Parson and the CMH Bugaboo Lodge east of Brisco.

At CMH Bobbie Burns, elevates the alpine experience. Explore the unprecedented comfort offered by the mountain lodge while indulging in the awe-inspiring terrain. The meticulously arranged lodgings provide their guests with exclusive access to striking arêtes, significant moraines, ice-carved valleys, and unmatched adventures.

The via Ferrata (Mt. Nimbus) at CMH Bobbie Burns, photo by Ryan Creary

Experience the stunning beauty of the natural world with a hike in their stunning landscape with CMH Bugaboo. Traverse through sprawling valleys shadowed by giant granite structures, marvel at large icefields, and soak in the stunning sights of glacial lakes and sweeping cirques. Your days will undoubtedly be filled with awe, exploration, and unparalleled admiration for Mother Nature.

Heli hiking with CMH Bugaboo Lodge, photo by Topher Donahue

In Radium Hot Springs, where every plan, every adventure, every relaxation becomes extraordinary! Engulf yourself in a myriad of activities, available year-round, tailored extensively for you. Discover a nature hike in Kootenay National Park, rejuvenate in Radium Hot Springs’ soul-comforting pools, delight your senses with scrumptious meals, pedal your journey on the bike paths, or indulge in a local shopping spree. Make your choice for a personalized, self-guided experience. Radium Hot Springs promises a worthwhile experience, come rain or shine, through all four seasons.

Aerial views of Radium Hot Springs, photo by Mitch Winton
At Radium Hot Springs rent their submersible wheelchair to access the hot springs, photo by Mitch Winton

Embrace the extraordinary in the Columbia Valley. Venture into the heart of the Columbia Wetlands, ascend over majestic mountains (within the Purcell Mountains and Canadian Rockies), create unforgettable memories, produce unique art, savour the taste of farm fresh food, and traverse the awe-inspiring alpine – the adventure of a lifetime is beckoning.

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Being a Responsible Traveller –
While you are here, we want you to have an incredible time exploring the Kootenay Rockies. By being a responsible visitor, you become a partner in our community efforts to conserve and respect the region’s wonderful natural attractions and heritage.   We welcome you to watch our regional video which showcases the area and be inspired by the culture, natural elements and tips on being safe and a responsible traveller.

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