Discover the timeless grandeur of the Purcell Mountains, a subrange of the majestic Columbia Mountains. With a rich history dating back 1.5 billion years, these awe-inspiring peaks conquer this landscape, running parallel to the formidable Canadian Rockies.
Separated by the Kootenay & Columbia Rivers, that flow next to Highway 93/95 along BC’s Rainforest to Rockies route, is in the valley beneath both incredible mountain ranges. It’s time to appreciate the boundless beauty of the Purcells and the wild adventures ready to be experienced!
EAST SIDE OF THE PURCELL MOUNTAINS
Experience the adrenaline rush as you step out and embrace the majestic Purcell at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort’s Via Ferrata, in Golden. Their top-notch guides, adept at handling all skill levels, will ensure your safety while delivering exceptional professionalism. Whether you’ve scaled mountain peaks before or are just looking for an exhilarating new adventure, rest assured, they’ve got you covered. (Via Ferratas, a steel-strong cables guiding your way and firmly affixed to the rock, offer you the ultimate climbing experience.)
Meet Boo, the resident grizzly at Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge. His 8-hectare (20-acre) playground is just one of the unique adventures that awaits you here. Visit Boo (an orphaned cub) this summer and observe an adult grizzly bear going about his daily routine.
Step into the extraordinary at Purcell Mountain Lodge, where adventure reigns supreme. Embrace the allure of North America’s picturesque alpine meadows and along their beautifully maintained trails. The explosion of colours from the vast landscape – towery peaks to wildflowers on display in the meadows. Embark on life-affirming day trips filled with invigorating hikes, daring climbs, and traverses of the captivating alpine ridges.
At Purcell Mountain Lodge, they are dedicated to sustainability. They educate guests and staff on energy and fuel efficiency, water conservation, and invest in cutting-edge conservation technology. They provide climate-friendly transportation options for both staff and guests as well and actively reduce their demand for transportation, energy, and fuel. Their waste reduction initiatives ensure that they divert waste from landfills, contributing to a greener future.
Experience an adrenaline rush like no other at CMH Bobbie Burns. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of old-growth forests and awe-inspiring peaks to truly comprehend the extraordinary comfort and elegance of mountain lodging. Given the privilege of exclusive access at CMH Bobbie Burns Lodge, expect nothing but the serenity of towering arêtes, captivating moraines, and valleys chiseled by ice. Climb up the massive granite faces of Mount Nimbus ‘Via Ferrata’ and make it more than just climbing. Or sit back, take a de-stressing breath, and soak in the beauty of sun-drenched meadows. This is your journey, make it worthwhile.
Soak in the history & mountain splendour, at the CMH Bugaboos, where the magic isn’t simply preserved, it thrives. Here, nestled among the world-renowned Bugaboo spires, you’ll find the iconic CMH Bugaboo Lodge, an elegant fusion of old-world charm and modern luxury, proudly commanding some of the most breathtaking views in all North America. Since the era of Austrian mountain pioneer Conrad Kain, the sheer grandeur of the Bugaboos has left mountain enthusiasts awestruck. Be ready to stride above sweeping valleys under the watchful eyes of monumental granite giants. Witness the awe-inspiring realms of expansive icefields, crystalline glacial lakes, and sweeping panoramic cirques. Prepare to fill your days in the Bugaboos with ceaseless wonder and unparalleled exhilaration.
Imagine conquering the iconic peaks that outline the sky around Invermere! Mount Nelson serves as an achievable objective – a peak you can scale within a day from the Columbia Valley with East Kootenay Mountain Guides. Time to level up: they provide guided mountaineering and climbing tours in the jaw-dropping Bugaboo Spires. Master all the crucial rock-climbing techniques in the Purcell Mountain ranges and transform your climbing dreams into reality.
Introducing the ‘Wild Rider Mountain Coaster’ at Panorama Mountain Resort, a thrilling ride that will leave you begging for more. Picture this – gliding through a majestic pine forest and the vast mountain terrain on their latest mountain coaster, starting from the summit of the Discovery Quad chairlift, all the way back to the village. With a 1-km of exhilarating track packed with twists and turns, you get to control the ride and choose your own pace, zooming through at speeds up to 40-km per hour. A thrilling descent of 165 metres from start to finish awaits you, offering as much thrill as you dare to take on!
Since 1996, Toby Creek Adventures has been the premier choice for extraordinary, guided experiences. Say goodbye to crowded tours and say hello to exclusive mountain bike shuttles (launched in 2024) and expert-led All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Side-by-Side (SXS) Tours. Witness the magic of their backyard, and explore the unexplored!
Dive headfirst into the thrills of rafting Toby Creek’s Class I-III rapids. Unleash your inner rafter, whether you’re stepping into the raft for the first time or a seasoned pro getting back in the saddle. Get your family geared up for some outdoor fun on Toby Creek. With Kootenay River Runners’ tours zipping off 3-times daily from Panorama Mountain Resort, there’s always room for an unforgettable leg in your journey. Buckle up for splashes, paddling and laughter.
Experience the rousing water adventure tour, plus an ATV experience with Toby Creek Adventures. Jumpstart your day by defying the Class 2-3 rapids on mighty Toby Creek. Afterwards, venture by ATV to drop by Paradise Cabin – a secluded alpine haven, while uncovering the remnants of a silver mine from the early 1900s.
Step into unparalleled splendour with Babin Air in Invermere. Soar sky-high above striking valleys and captivating glaciers on their scenic flights and sightseeing tours across the imposing Purcell Mountains – a majestic view of the Bugaboos and Lake of the Hanging Glacier. Revel in the majesty of the ‘Ultimate Alpine Tour’ – an hour-long trip that showcases the breathtaking glaciers west of the Columbia River in the Purcell Mountain range.
It’s an unparalleled expedition with Playwest Mountain Experience, in the Columbia Valley, amidst the majestic splendour of the Purcell Mountains. Witness the whispers of ancient times through the old growth forests, feel the power of majestic waterfalls, lose yourself in the hypnotic beauty of turquoise lakes, and marvel at age-old glaciers from a time long past. Believe in the majesty, there’s an unfathomable spectrum of sights and activities spilling over. Your days are overflowing with discoveries of beautiful paradises, nestled deep in the soul of the Purcell Mountains.
Prepare yourselves for an exciting journey in the awe-inspiring Purcell Mountains with Playwest’s Purcel Traverse. This action-packed, 5-day, 4-night excursion explores the peaks from 1,550-metres (5,085 ft.) to 2,600-metres (8,530 ft.) above sea level. Stand atop epic ridges, wander through mesmerizing meadows blooming with alpine flora, and marvel at breathtaking glacier views.
Unleash your spirit of adventure with Kootenay Raft Company’s top-ranked expedition, the St. Mary’s Express. No matter who you are, daredevil or peace-seeker, they’ve got an exciting ride in store for you. Be it a spontaneous family escapade, a romantic honeymoon journey, a lively stag/stagette party, or a memorable family reunion, they cater to all! Experience a thrilling blend of gentle floating and heart-pounding whitewater rafting in Kimberley.
Nestled in the heart of the Purcell Mountains on vast private hectares, Three Bars Ranch (near Cranbrook) is not just a vacation destination: it’s your luxurious home in the wilderness. This crafted top-tier resort offers an unwavering commitment to comfort, tranquil relaxation, and the highest quality amenities found anywhere. The daily sunrise and sunset horse-back riding sessions are as entrancing as the landscape itself, and with their diversely exciting slate of activities – such as guided hiking, invigorating rafting experiences, intriguing fly-fishing, and trap & skeet – they guarantee your days will be as adventurous.
WEST SIDE OF THE PURCELL MOUNTAINS
Kokanee Springs Resort is a family-friendly hub of outdoor adventure and activity, nestled right alongside one of BC’s most scenic golf courses, in Crawford Bay. Featuring 62 spacious rooms in the Lodges at Kokanee, 12 fully-equipped one and two bedroom villas, plus brand new RV resort facilities. All of this is situated on over 175 hectares (432 acres) of pristine natural landscape.
Welcome to Yasodhara Ashram, in Kootenay Bay, a bustling spiritual haven that enthusiastically receives individuals of all backgrounds and ages on their journey of personal growth. Their tailor-made yoga retreats, comprehensive courses, and opportunities for selfless service not only propel healing, but also significantly foster personal development. Join them in this soul-deep journey of self-discovery.
Proudly propelling Johnson’s Landing Retreat into a bright, sustainable future is their mission. Their vision is of self-reliance, tied thoughtfully to the environment. Picture this: an expanse of locally sourced produce, burgeoning greenhouses in the crisp winter months, the sweet hum of bees and the flora they adore, all the while taking steps towards mushroom cultivation and hemp fibre. They’re on an unstoppable journey towards nourishing you – the esteemed guests – with the healthiest options, right here in their home. The future is green and they’re ready to embrace it.
