Cool Ways to Travel in the Kootenays

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April 1, 2021

Cool Ways to Travel in the Kootenays

The face of Kootenay travel has changed a lot over the years, defined by sudden, ‘tipping-point’ shifts in how industry and travellers traverse this mountainous zone.

Blessed with an abundance of lakes and rivers, the Ktunaxa people relied on their famous sturgeon canoe, a design unique on the planet. The Ktunaxa were also pioneer horse people, relying on horses to hunt bison on the prairies and to travel throughout their territory.

As developing mines and forestry demanded transport of people and materials, a fleet of paddle-wheelers plied our lakes, connected by a network or horse trails and eventually rail lines across the mountains. Kaslo’s SS Moyie National Historic Site of Canada offers a glimpse into this exciting time.

SS Moyie berthed at the shoreline of Kootenay Lake in Kaslo, photo by Phil Best

Eventually highways to the Big Bend, over Rogers and Kootenay Passes and along the shores of Kootenay, Slocan and Arrow Lakes replaced the paddle-wheelers, but five, free ferry routes, including the world’s longest free ferry across Kootenay Lake still provide vital connections for Kootenay travellers.

Kootenay Lake – World’s Longest Free Ferry, photo by Dave Heath

Today, canoes, kayaks and SUPs allow visitors to get out on the water and many of the old rail lines form part of a growing ‘rails to trails’ network. The paved Northstar Trail between Kimberley and Cranbrook allows cyclists, roller-bladers and wheelchair travellers enjoy the Rocky Mountain Trench, while the 50-km Slocan Valley Rail Trail is a non-motorized, gravel gem accessed by seven, well-spaced trailheads.

Early morning SUP on Kootenay Lake, photo by Kari Medig

Slocan Valley Rails-to-Trails with Mt. Wilton viewpoint, photo by Kari Medig

Another ‘tipping point’ is here, with travellers opting more and more for sustainable travel options. Bus service between the Kootenays (Kaslo/Nelson) and Calgary or Vancouver is available with Mountain Man Mike’s French fry oil-powered bus service.

Companies like Tesla, Hyundai, and Kia now offer plug-in electric vehicles with ranges over 350-km that you can charge at any outlet, suited to the long distances between Kootenay communities. EV quick-charge stations are popping up everywhere, from the summit of Rogers Pass to the solar-powered EV charging stations in Kimberley’s Platzl.

EV Charging at the top of the Rogers Pass on Highway 1, photo by Kari Medig

Whether you are sitting in your EV on a free ferry or watching the world go by from an oil-powered bus or by pedal power on an old rail bed, just getting around the Kootenays is one of the highlights of any visit.

Know Before You Go – Plan ahead so you can travel safely and responsibly. Familiarize yourself with weather, road conditions, general alerts for travellers and provincial health orders & recommendations.

Top/cover photo by Bruno Long on the Trans-Canada Highway in Revelstoke, BC.

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