The Great Circle Route |
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| Featuring the Kootenay Rockies - British Columbia's Mountain Playground | |
The Great Circle Route encompasses the entire Kootenay Rockies, a region of majestic natural beauty. Discover spectacular views, woodland walks, hanging glaciers, hidden hot springs, sparkling lakes, outstanding resorts, wonderful attractions and friendly mountain towns.
You may begin this tour
from any of the region's communities. International
gateways include Calgary AB from the east and Spokane WA from the United
States in the south. If you only have a couple of days,
you may like to choose one of the mini-routes. |
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Day 1: Some of the community and area attractions include, Cave & Basin Historical Site (birthplace of Canada's first national park); the Whyte Museum (archives of the Canadian Rockies); Sulphur Mountain Gondola; Bow Falls; Banff's Upper Natural Hot Springs; Lake Minnewanka (Boat Tours to Devil's Gap); Cascade Gardens; and the Luxton Museum.
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Day 2: For a more scenic drive (and wildlife viewing) through Banff National Park, follow Highway #1A - the Bow Valley Parkway from Banff to Lake Louise. Part of
the UNESCO Rocky Mountain World Heritage Site, Yoho National Park
is one of Canada's most beautiful. Yoho is a place that will fill you with
awe and wonder, coincidentally, that's what 'Yoho' means in the native Cree
language. |
Within it 1,313 sq. km (507 sq mi), are glacier lakes and waterfalls, snow-covered peaks and dense forests of western red cedar and hemlock. The major attractions with the Park's boundaries includes Canada's highest waterfall, Takkakaw Falls, the Natural Bridge (a natural rock formation over the Kicking Horse River), Emerald Lake, Wapta Falls and Lake O'Hara. Accessible only by a shuttle bus (to Lake O'Hara) visitors are rewarded with spectacular view of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. And the most unique attraction to the Park is Burgess Shale. This preserved area has 515 million year-old remains of more than 120 species of marine animals. Guided hikes to the area are available only during the summer months.
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Once in Golden, be sure to visit the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. The Golden Eye Express Gondola whisks you to the top of the mountain (2,310 m/7,700 ft), Atop you'll have breathtaking 'birds-eye' views of the entire Columbia Valley. From here you can choose to ride, ski/board, hike or mountain bike to the base of this four-season resort. Golden is the perfect home base for all types of thrill seekers, from whitewater rafting, climbing, hanggliding, heli-hiking, cycling, mountain biking, skiing/boarding, backcountry skiing/touring, and more. Or if
you prefer a more serene setting, the Golden area also offers an unique opportunity to
view or photograph various wetland inhabitants on a wetland tour. |
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort |
Day
3: Glacier
National Park's steep slopes and the high annual snowfall make it one of the
world's most active avalanche zones. As you make your way to and through the 1,350
square kilometres (520 sq mi) park, you'll see that many snow sheds protect sections of
the Hwy#1. Today it offers visitors a unique mixture of ice and mountain,
beauty and challenge. Backcountry skiing and backpacking are popular
activities. Within the park, the Rogers Pass, site of the largest
controlled avalanche area in North America, has been designated a National Historic Site
to commemorate the history of this national transportation corridor. |
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A great lunch stop would be at Canyon Hot Springs, located between Glacier and Mt. Revelstoke National Parks. A soak in their natural mineral hot pool will revive you for the rest of the day. Towering over the city that share its name, Mount Revelstoke National Park, features one of the most accessible alpine zones in the entire region. Take the 'Meadows-to-the-Sky-Parkway' and you are on your way to the top of the mountain. Follow the 26-km winding road to the trailhead. The trailhead (Balsam Lake) to the Summit is only 2 km (a 30-minute hike). Or explore than many boardwalk trails just off the highway. The Giant Cedars and Skunk Cabbage nature trails offer the chance to experience the park's lush interior rain forests and beautiful wetlands. In fact, an enjoyable trek along the Giant Cedars hiking trail takes you through a stand of 500 to 800 year old red cedar trees. |
The alpine community of Revelstoke owes its existence to the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880’s. The Revelstoke Railway Museum celebrates the rich history of this rail town. An extensive collection includes steam locomotives, railcars, railroad artifacts and photographs. Also, not to be missed is the BC Hydro Dam self-guided tour (located 3 km north of Revelstoke on Hwy #23). The 175 m (575 ft) dam holds back the Columbia River to generated huge amounts of hydroelectric power. Today, Revelstoke is also known for its snowmobiling and winter snowsport activities including (backcountry skiing, heli & snow-cat skiing and alpine/Nordic). The community works hard to make snowmobiling in the mountains near the community an experience long remembered by those who visit. And with the help of 'Mother Nature' providing some of the best snow in North America (up to 18 m/60 ft a year) and the magnificent scenery, visitors will not be disappointed.
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Just east of Revelstoke, are some unique, heritage attractions including, the Enchanted Forest which features 350 hand-craft Folk Art Figurines, BC's tallest treehouse, a Giant Cedar Stumphouse, the Wild Land Interpretive Walk, a self-guided boat and nature hike & more. Three Valley Gap Ghost Town & Transportation Museum has a pioneer town that features an old saloon, blacksmith shop, log school house, barber shop, general store and live-stage musical show at The Walter Moberly Theatre. While in, Craigellachie, there is a monument that celebrates the 1885 completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway and 'the last spike'! And
Crazy
Creek Falls has a gentle walk along a boardwalk to a viewing platform overlooking the
falls and rapids below. |
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Day 4: Halcyon Hot Springs is just a few minutes south of the Galena Bay ferry landing. Their mineral hot pools will delight weary travellers. Or stay for their outdoor adventure tours including horseback riding, snowmobiling, hiking, ATV, canoeing and more. And just south of Halcyon is the Nakusp Hot Springs. Located just 12 kilometres (7 mi) northeast of the village of Nakusp, their hot springs pool is situated in a beautiful mountain setting, with creeks rushing by and trees to shade your eyes. Continue following Highway #23 to the community of Nakusp. The village of Nakusp is set on the shores of the Upper Arrow Lake, follow the waterfront pathway to the Japanese Garden.
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Continue south on Highway #23 to New Denver and Silverton. These communities are surrounded by both heritage attractions and outdoor adventure activities. The Valhalla Provincial Park, 49,600 hectare park, is a dramatically diverse area encompassing 30 kilometres (19 mi) along the west shore of the Slocan Lake (across from New Denver) and most of the Valhalla range of the Selkirk Mountains. The park can be accessed by boat in New Denver (commercial water taxies) or from Highway 6, near the community of Slocan. While the Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is just south-east of both communities. The Park, 32,035 hectares is a rugged wilderness area of the Selkirk Mountains between Slocan and Kootenay Lakes. Established in 1922, this park is one of the oldest in the province. Lying mostly above 1,800 metres (5,940 ft) in elevation, the park has three glaciers: Kokanee, Caribou and Woodbury. |
New Denver and Silverton have a very unique historic museum - during the second World War, over 20,000 Nikkei Canadians of Japanese ancestry were forcibly relocated from the coast to remote internment camps in the interior of British Columbia. The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre is located on the site of one of ten such camps in the Slocan Valley. The museum is dedicated to the preservation of the physical history and memories of the Japanese Canadian internees. The Silvery Slocan Museum displays a great selection of memorabilia too. On route to Kaslo (Hwy #31A) is Sandon, which was once the thriving heart of the Silvery Slocan mining region and the most populated cities in the area. Now a ghost town, a visit to this boom city includes a visit to the Prospector’s Pick Store; the historic Silversmith Hydroelectric Generating Station (Winner of Canada’s Attraction Award) and the vintage CPR Steam Locomotive & Freight Train Exhibit.
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From Sandon, you can hike to Idaho Peak Lookout. A 12 km gravel road winds from Sandon to the Idaho Peak Lookout parking lot. From here it is a 1.4-km hike to the lookout (2,280m). The Peak offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains and the lakes below. Or bike/hike the Galena Trail to/from Three Forks (near Sandon). The abandoned rail line is a easy 2% grade, 13 km (8 mi) trail. It passes by old rail machinery and crosses Carpenter Creek on a manual operated cable car. From New Denver follow
Highway #31A east to Kaslo
and to one of the most unique attractions in this area. The
SS Moyie the oldest steam-powered
sternwheeler in the world. Today, there are daily tours through
this dry-docked and restored sternwheeler (summer months only). |
Kaslo Jazz Festival |
From Kaslo, head south to Ainsworth Hot Springs. The community of Ainsworth is also known for the natural springs. First discovered by miners exploring the area, visitors today can soak in the hot pool complete with a horseshoe shaped cave. From Ainsworth it is a short 20 minute drive to the community of Nelson.
Day 5: Nelson is set on the shores of Kootenay Lake and offers visits stunning scenery to all who visit and live in this story-book community. This city has successfully retained much of its original frontier architecture, with over 350 heritage homes and buildings. Be sure to take the self-guide 'heritage tour' (maps can be picked up at the Visitor Info Centre office). Or ride the historic Streetcar #23, stroll through Lakeside Park or visit the restored Capital Theatre, which began life in the era of silent movies, it is the centrepiece of an abundant cultural life.
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Whitewater Ski/Winter Resort - Nelson |
Nelson is also well-known for Whitewater Ski Resort, one of the best powder mountains on the continent and other outdoor adventure companies that offer hiking, kayaking, heli & snow-cat skiing and backcountry touring in the area. From Nelson head south on Hwy #3A, to the community of Castlegar. Castlegar sits on the bend of the Columbia River and offers the 'best' river fly-fishing in the province. The community also has a strong Russian heritage and it is reflected at the community's history. In the early years of the 20th century, thousand of members of a pacifist religious sect fled persecution in native Russia to settle here in western Canada. |
Visit their fascinating attractions, including the Doukhobor Museum (a reconstructed communal village and museum); Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park (a unique Russian Orthodox Chapel House located on its own island) and the Castlegar Rail Station. In Trail, explore the history of the Cominco and Smelter that has operated here for more than 100 years. The Trail Interpretive Centre is a great place to begin your visit, their hands-on educational exhibits will appeal to the whole family. Or visit the Trail Sports Hall of Memories, a museum that is filled with displays and artifacts. Learn more about the Trail Smoke Eaters hockey team that won the World Championships in 1939 and 1961! While visiting the Trail area, be sure to include a stop to the Columbia Garden Vineyard & Winery, just south of Trail (on Highway #22A). Wine tours and tasting are available. From Trail, drive up the big hill to the community of Rossland, at 1,023 m (3,375 ft) it is one of Canada's highest cities. It was here that one lucky prospector stumbled on gold and that lead to the LeRoi Gold Mine. See the unique and fascinating world of hardrock gold mining in days gone by, on a guided walking tour. The mountains still continue to attract interest, but it's not gold, but the thrills of mountain biking and downhill skiing/boarding at Red Resort. Plus, learn about famous local Olympians at the Western Canada Ski Hall of Fame. If you continue west from Castlegar, you will reach the community of Christina Lake. The clear and warm, beautiful tree-lined lake is one of British Columbia's warmest. Christina Lake is the perfect family destination, offering not only "sun and sand", but also offers many outdoor pursuits. The Columbia & Western Railway lines connects Castlegar to Christina Lake, it's the perfect mountain biking trail. The route (2% grade) takes you down into Christina Lake & the Cascade Station and from there it turns into the Kettle Valley Railway.
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Day 6: From Nelson head north on Highway #3A to Balfour. The Kootenay Lake Ferry, a 45-minute free ride, will connect you to the Kootenay Bay ferry landing and the 'East Shore'. Just a short drive from the ferry terminal is Crawford Bay, home to many unique local artisans who handcraft brooms, metal work, figurines, guitars and more. Follow the scenic highway (Hwy #3A) along the east side of Kootenay Lake to the community of Creston. |
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The scenery is gorgeous, with the Selkirk Mountains rising on the opposite shore and there are some interesting attractions along the way, including the Glass House. The house is built entirely out of embalming jars! When you reach the 'grain elevators' you have reached the charming town of Creston. Agriculturally oriented, this farming community produces local produce that is available at a number of road-side stands and the famous 'Kokanee' beer is brewed here at the Columbia Brewery! Across the broad valley that separates the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains is the Creston Valley Wildlife Management area. The 6,800 hectares (17,000 acres) of lush wetland ecosystem is home to more than 265 species of nesting and migrating birds. During the summer months take a guided canoe tour of the wetlands. Boardwalks are built out into the marshes providing visitors with exceptional wildlife viewing and the dykes and trails are open throughout the year. From Creston it is a short drive to Cranbrook and the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel. This museum succeeds in capturing the romance of a bygone era. The award-winning collection of restored railcars, locomotives and the newly renovated Royal Alexandra Cafe is a "must see" when visiting the area. Cranbrook is the largest city to the region and it's a well rounded community, see a 'Symphonie' at the Key City Theatre or try your luck at the Casino of the Rockies or watch a Kootenay Ice Game at the Rec Plex.
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Day 7: From Cranbrook, take Highway #95/93 to Fort Steele Heritage Town. Today, over 60 restored or reconstructed homes and buildings are waiting to take visitors back to the 1890’s. Take in the live street dramas, visit the blacksmith, ride a horse drawn wagon or steam train or take in a Wild Horse Theatre show. |
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From Fort Steele Heritage Town, head east on Hwy #3 to Fernie. Halfway to Fernie is the Kootenay Trout Hatchery. It is BC's second largest hatchery, rearing up to 3 million baby trout each year. Rainbow, brook and cutthroat raised here are eventually relocated to lakes throughout the province. The
City of Fernie
grew in prosperity as a railroad town. The original buildings built during the
early 1900's are still here and available to view with a Self-Guided Walking
Tour. The tour features the brick Courthouse, City Hall and the old Post
Office, the Leroux Mansion is a fine example of late Victorian gothic architecture. |
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Within a 30 minute drive east of Fernie is the town of Sparwood.
It is decorated with larger than life murals and it is also the home to the Terex
Titan, the world's largest dump truck. It originally hauled coal to
the local coal mines. It now resides along Highway #3 in Sparwood for
visitors to view. |
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Once you return to Cranbrook, be sure to take Highway #95A north to Kimberley, the Bavarian City of the Rockies. Explore Kimberley's Platzl with the largest cuckoo clock in Canada, Cominco Gardens, Marysville Falls, ride the Sullivan Mine Railway (an authentic mining railway ride) and/or explore the Sullivan Mine Interpretive Centre. And during the winter months at the Kimberley Alpine Resort enjoy alpine & nordic skiing on-mountain and snowshoeing in Kimberley's Nature Park and area trails.
While in the Whiteswan Lake park be sure to visit Top of the World, a park (8,791 hectare) with an elevation above 1,800 metres (5,940 ft), high in the Kootenay Range of the Rocky Mountains. Whiteswan Lake offers great fishing, while Top of the World offer fantastic hiking and backcountry touring.
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Once at Fairmont Hot Springs, enjoy a swim or soak in Canada's largest odourless mineral hot pools. Your day(s) could be spent by the pools, or with at the Spa or hiking, golfing, horseback riding or skiing. The four-season resort is a 'fabulous-friendly' family destination! C ontinue north to Invermere and Windermere Lake, a great summer destination. In downtown Invermere you can browse through charming shops and visit the Pynelogs Cultural Centre, which hosts theatrical productions, concerts and workshops year-round.Panorama Mountain Village is a short 30 minute drive from the town of Invermere. An array of outdoor activities awaits you including horseback riding, rafting & float trips, ATV rentals, chairlift rides, mountain biking, golfing, hiking, Nordic & alpine skiing, heli-skiing, snowmobiling and so much more. |
| From Invermere, it is a quick 15-minute drive to Radium Hot Springs and the second largest hot mineral pools in the area. The natural hot springs pool is located in Kootenay National Park. Soak away your tensions while gazing up at the red cliffs of Sinclair Canyon. And be on the lookout for bighorn sheep, which have long been local residents of the community. Day 9:
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The drive offers opportunities for viewing rocky mountain bighorn sheep, mountain
goats, elk, mule and whitetail deer. In addition, there are some excellent
attractions located just off the parkway, including Kootenay Valley
(viewpoint of the Kootenay River Valley); Vermilion Crossing (day-use picnic
area) and the Paint Pots (iron-rich pools, staining the earth); plus, Marble
Canyon (a short hike to glacial waterfalls) and the Continental Divide
(dividing the lines between the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds). |
Kootenay National Park |
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Additional Information |
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| Accommodation | |
| Additional Contact Information | |
Kootenay
Rockies Tourism Ph: 250 427 4838 |
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| THE GREAT CIRCLE ROUTE | |
