With over 7.2+ million acres of terrain to be conquered, we suggest multiple visit to the Powder Highway to experience it all!
It is home to 100+ operators along this route and it is the birth place of heli-skiing. CMH Heli-Skiing was the first to take visitors out into the alpine in 1965, why Selkirk Snowcat Skiing was the first to take skiers/riders cat-skiing in 1975.
Other fun facts you may not be aware of: Revelstoke Mountain Resort has the most vertical in North America at 1,713 m/5,620 ft and it is home to the longest run (the Last Spike – 15 km/9.5 mi). While, the Kimberley Alpine Resort has the longest lit night-skiing run.
To assist you with your Powder Highway road trip, here are some of the most unique finds you can discover on and off the slopes along this route:
KICKING HORSE MOUNTAIN RESORT TO PANORAMA MOUNTAIN RESORT
#1 – At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, in Golden, you’ll experience the ‘most elevated dining experience’ in Canada at 2,347 m/7,700 ft. – the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant (access to/from by gondola, and you don’t need to ski or snowboard).
#2 – The ‘Biggest Paddle in the World‘ – located on Highway #95 south of Golden.
#3 – The Whiteway (34-km/21-mi) on Lake Windermere connecting the communities of Invermere and Windermere (go ice skating, fat-biking, Nordic skiing or ice-fishing). It is the World’s Longest Skating Path.
PANORAMA MOUNTAIN RESORT TO FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT
#4 – Rejuvenate in a hot springs mineral pool soak at Radium Hot Springs and/or Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.
#5 – The incredible and natural formation of the Hoodoos near Fairmont Hot Springs along Highway 93/95, (hike or snowshoe up the path to the summit; great trek for the entire family).
KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT TO THE FERNIE ALPINE RESORT
#6 – Canada’s Largest Cuckoo Clock is located in Kimberley’s Platzl. Be sure to feed the meter to hear the town’s mascot ‘Happy Hans’ yodel. The Platzl (an outdoor pedestrian mall) offers shopping & dining options, plus three Art galleries, the heritage museum, two craft breweries and a craft distiller.
#7 – Take an easy hike to Fairy Creek Falls in Fernie. This iconic section of the Mt Proctor Trail hike is not only family-friendly but also a favorite among hikers of all ages. With its year-round accessibility, it provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature.
#8 – BIG Green Truck (a short side-trip to Sparwood, east of Fernie) is located on Highway 3. This is one of the biggest capacity truck (can fit two greyhound buses and two pick-up trucks) and the only one of its kind ever built.
FERNIE ALPINE RESORT TO WHITEWATER SKI RESORT
#9 – The Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre at the St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino, near Cranbrook, is a unique destination where visitors can confidently immerse themselves in the rich history, culture, and heritage of the remarkable Ktunaxa Nation. Discover the fascinating past and vibrant present of this extraordinary people and their invaluable language and resources
#10 – Snap a photo with the ‘Sasquatch’ in Creston Valley at the Columbia Brewery, home of our Kokanee Beer. Uncover a captivating treasure in Creston BC, where an exquisite assortment of wineries, breweries, and distilleries eagerly awaits. With its fertile soil and perfect climate, Creston is rapidly cementing its status as the ultimate destination in British Columbia.
#11 – Discover the ‘World’s Biggest Penny’ — located on Highway #6 in Salmo. The Giant Penny is 2.5 m (8 ft.) high and honours the Penny Power campaign of 1995, where Salmo residents collected pennies and donated them to the Government of Canada to reduce the national debt.
#12 – Side trip along the East Shore of Kootenay Lake to reach Nelson, crossing the lake on the ‘longest free ferry in the world‘ (between Kootenay Bay to Balfour, re-connecting on Highway 3A ).
#13 – And an extended side-trip to Ainsworth Hot SpringS Resort with the natural horse-shoe shaped cave is a must. Since time immemorial, the nupika wu’u (spirit water) has been utilized as a place for soothing and relaxing by the Ktunaxa people. The warm mineral waters of the cave and pool provide multiple experiences for all who visit this resort.
#14 – Join us on a thrilling journey back in time to the era of the Cold War. Canada’s rich history includes the construction of approximately 50 bunkers, strategically designed to protect our officials during the intense nuclear threat. We are proud to invite you to the Nelson Museum for an exclusive guided tour of the permanent museum exhibition and heritage site. Discover the secrets hidden within these historic walls and delve into Canada’s courageous past.
WHITEWATER SKI RESORT TO RED MOUNTAIN RESORT
#15 – Along this portion of the route we have eight craft breweries — Angry Hen, Backroads, Lion’s Head, Nelson, Rossland, Torchlight and Trail. Many offers tours & tastings, be sure to sample their seasonal brews too, (access by vehicle, then on foot). In total we are home to 19 breweries in the Kootenays (eastern & western maps).
#16 – Constella Cabins’ are nestled on the backside of Granite Mountain, at RED Resort’s Paradise Basin. Here you’ll find six luxurious overnight cabins and a shared central clubhouse – it’s the epitome of ski-in/ski-out perfection!
RED MOUNTAIN RESORT TO REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT
#17 – Visit the Nakusp Hot Springs, Chalet & Campground and Halcyon Hot Springs Resort, both resort hot springs offer incredible views in tranquil and relaxing settings in Nakusp.
#18 – Experience the thrilling adventure of mushing with the team of Alaskan racing huskies! Feel the rush as you whisk along snowy trails, conquer tight corners, and conquer hills. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning scenery as their experienced musher leads the way. Discover the fascinating world of dog sledding, learn about the incredible dogs and the rich history of dog sledding in Revelstoke.
REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT TO YOHO NATIONAL PARK
#19 – Immerse yourself in the captivating replica of an historic railway snowshed at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre in Glacier National Park. This recently-renovated information centre is your must-visit destination, offering a state-of-the-art theatre and captivating exhibits about avalanches, wildlife, and the rich history of this remarkable area.
#20 – On route back to Golden, and onwards in Yoho National Park (via the Trans-Canada Highway), a short detour off the highway is a visit to Emerald Lake and the historic Emerald Lake Lodge. The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) built the original guest lodge in 1902. By the mid-1920s the lodge had been expanded and road improvements made it possible to reach the resort by car. Today, the well-appointed and historic accommodations are available year-round at this secluded destinations.
