Welcome to the South Kootenay – proudly showcasing the communities of Fruitvale, Montrose, Rossland, Trail, Warfield and Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, A & B Areas; with Rossland and Trail anchoring these unique communities near the Crowsnest Highway 3, on the Rainforest to Rockies route.
Rossland is one of the ultimate destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Known across the globe for its remarkable skiing and snowboarding experiences at RED Mountain Resort during winter, the town’s charm doesn’t fade in warmer months. Summer and fall transform Rossland into a haven for mountain bikers and hikers and is known as ‘The Mountain Bike Capital of Canada’.
While Trail natural beauty along the Columbia River offers opportunities for locals and visitors to experience many watersports activities. It’s also home to one of the most unique attractions in the region, the legacy covered staircases. With a whopping total of 63 mainly in West Trail, these historical structures were built in the 1930s and 1940s to provide seamless access to the bustling downtown area. (Intriguing tidbit: If you stack these staircases on top of each other you we’ll get a staggering 2,015 vertical metres – that’s 2-km of architectural marvel.) So, if you’re on the hunt for an invigorating workout infused with a rich cultural experience, this is the community to visit.
CULTURE & HERITAGE
Learn more about the captivating history of Rossland at the Rossland Museum and Discovery Centre. Gain an in-depth understanding of how the proud City of Rossland was established. Witness its evolution from historic mining roots into a distinguished skiing and tourism destination and see how a modest log cabin has transformed into the magnificent Golden City.
Step into the Teck Interpretive Centre and immerse yourself in a world of education about one of the globe’s premier fully integrated zinc and lead smelting and refining complexes. Don’t miss this fantastic chance to dive deep into the pioneering processes and riveting history at Teck Trail Operations.
With its impressive trio of galleries, an abundant archival reserve, and a retail shop filled with unique finds, the Trail Museum & Archives serves as a vibrant epicenter for local history and heritage. In a dynamic collaboration with the Trail Historical Society Board, they have museum collections that offer captivating exhibits and enriching educational experiences.
HIKING/WALKING
Columbia River Skywalk, part of the Trans-Canada Trail Network, leads to a suspension bridge which presents an unparalleled riverside panorama of the city. And it upholds the title as one of North America’s lengthiest suspension bridges – the River Skywalk stands as a testament to architectural prowess. The comfortably wide, 3.7-metre walkway warmly welcomes both pedestrians and cyclists alike.
The Gyro Park Waterfront Walkway is a maintained paved path that connect you straight to the Sunningdale subdivision, and it serves as your perfect gateway to all key points in the park. No matter your age or fitness level, you’ll enjoy a leisurely and comfortable walk. Take a breather on our benches, enjoy panoramic views from our lookout points, get lost in the beauty of our flower gardens, or take the stairs to the banks of the Columbia River.
The Mxiɬp Trail means ‘Cedar’ in the Sinixt traditional language and speaks to the towering cedars that mark the beginning of the trail in Rossland. The creation of the trail was done in such a way that it protects the trees and the land it was being built on. Where conventional trail building methods may dig down, this trail was created by building on top of the tree roots so as not to disturb them. The old growth cedar canopy of the trail offers a lush backdrop for a mountain bike or calming walk through the forest.
Standing majestically atop Old Glory Mountain, near Rossland, is a remarkable artifact of history — a retired fire lookout cabin that moonlighted as a weather station from the 1940s to ’60s. With an impressive height of 2,377 metres, the Old Glory mountain is undeniably the crowning jewel of the area, offering a challenging hike. Reward yourself with a lunch amid stunning panoramic vistas from the Lookout Cabin.
Venture into the wild and discover the beauty of nature with these additional remarkable local treks and hikes in our area, including the: Kootenay Columbia Trail with big, scenic views of Rossland, Montrose Antenna Trail Loop with views of the Columbia River, and the Talus Hill in Warfield which offers 360-degree views of the Columbia River Valley.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
The rich legacy of cycling on historic railway paths, miners’ trails, and whisky smuggling routes, Rossland stands distinctively as one of BC’s pioneer bike destinations and confidently holds the title of the Mountain Biking Capital of Canada. At Rossland, a dedicated trail team is on deck throughout the year, expertly maintaining and marking their vast network of trails of more than, 200-kms.
Step into the world of adventure at the RED Mountain Bike Park! A meticulously crafted mix of singletrack, jump lines, and flow trails, tailored for every skill level, is on the horizon. By June 2025, the curtains will lift on the state-of-the-art lift-accessed bike park. With your pass, not only will you will gain access to the Silverlode Chairlift, but you’ll also have the privilege to explore the resort’s maintained trails, including the ‘Red Riding Hood’ climb trail.
SIP AND SAVOUR
For the discerning palate, Kootenay West Distilling, Rossland Beer Company, Soul Mountain Wines, and Tailout Brewing (formerly the Trail Beer Refinery) deliciously offer sip and savour experiences are nothing short of delectable.
A traditional favourite to Trail and those who visit South Slocan is The Colander. It has been offering family-style authentic Italian Food since 1972 – bring your appetite for homestyle spaghetti sauce with meatballs and chicken.
Unleashing the flavours of West Kootenays through an impressive network of local chefs and restaurants, Happy Hills Farms is your one-stop destination for fresh, locally sourced delicacies. Embark on a culinary adventure at the Alpine Grind Coffee House & Eatery, Gabriella’s and The Velvet at the Josie Hotel – delicious meals, thoughtfully crafted with ingredients from their farm.
WATERSPORTS
Champion Lakes Provincial Park reigns supreme as the ultimate destination for families. Boasting an ensemble of three magnificent lakes, it offers an incomparable recreational experience for visitors. This unparalleled haven is a fishers’ paradise, and a-top-drawer for camping. From exhilarating canoeing, challenging mountain biking, invigorating hiking, to delightful swimming, it caters to every adventurous spirit.
With over 30-kilometres of fishing and 1,500 fish per kilometre, the Columbia is a fly fisher’s dream with guided tours with Columbia River Fly Fishing. The Columbia River is open year-round and there are two incredible fisheries on this river, Rainbow Trout and Walleye. The Rainbow Trout is a native species to the river and the Walleye is an invasive species (both can be caught year-round).
The Columbia River White Sturgeon is a captivating species that has persisted since the Triassic period, approximately 245 million years ago. Their awe-inspiring size which can exceed 5.8-metres (19 feet) in length and scale the weight limit to 771-kilos (1,700 pounds), is a testament to their resilience. Keep an eye open to these incredible, protected creatures when out paddling or fishing on the river.
Gyro Park, in Trail, offers sandy beach-front access to the Columbia River. This community park is equipped with comprehensive amenities designed to satisfy local and visitor’s need. It has rapidly evolved into a coveted destination for families, social gatherings, weddings, spellbinding firework shows, and special events.
The Columbia River unfurls optimal fall ‘river surf’ conditions at precise water levels, creating a playground for the daring. While Trail’s Natural Wave woos adventurers, it serves as a thrilling challenge solely for seasoned paddlers and surfers, given the river’s variable and potentially perilous conditions.
