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April 6, 2023

Family-Friendly Backcountry Adventures in the Kootenays

Memories are made in the mountains. And there’s no better place to spend time with your family and make new memories than in one of the many backcountry lodges found the Kootenays, BC’s mountain playground.

Picture waking up to a hearty breakfast and freshly brewed coffee while glancing out across the still waters of an alpine tarn. Then lace up the hiking boots and follow your guide as you traverse across wildflower-filled meadows, over glacial creeks, and up onto mountain ridges. Stop for lunch on the shores of an emerald-green lake, then return to the hut to relax in the sauna as your chef prepares a 3-course dinner fit for royalty. These are memories that will last your family a lifetime.

Mistaya Lodge

Heading across the Columbia River Valley, Mistaya Lodge straddles the continental divide of the Canadian Rockies.  This family-owned and operated lodge contains six spacious guest-rooms – enough for the whole extended family. Choose between the fully catered main building or opt for the do-it-yourself Wildcat Cabin if you prefer to do all the cooking.

Out exploring the terrain at Mistaya Lodge; photo courtesy of the Lodge

Purcell Mountain Lodge

Purcell Mountain Lodge sits on the edge of the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains just west of Golden, BC. The complete summer package includes 3, 4 or 7-night stays in their three-story timber-framed lodge overlooking the iconic Mt. Sir Donald.  Included in the package is your helicopter flight in, daily guided hikes, a sauna, and all meals.

The wildflowers (Indian Paintbrushes) blooming in August; photo courtesy of Purcell Mountain Lodge

Sol Mountain Lodge

Sol Mountain Lodge sits at 1,900 m (6,300 ft) and smack in the middle of 30,000 acres of the southern Monashee. During the summer months they offer single-track mountain biking, hiking, guided hikes, and summer camps. Vehicle access in the summer 2.5 hours from Revelstoke and 2 hours from Nakusp.

Mountain biking at Sol Mountain; photo courtesy of the Lodge
Sol Mountain backcountry lodge offers alpine singletrack mountain biking just south of Revelstoke.

Valkyr Adventures

For the experienced hiking family, take a hut-to-hut traverse with the experienced guides at Valkyr Adventures. Stroll over ridgelines and between alpine meadows as you roam between the Valkyr Lodge, Hilda Hut and the Outpost. Trips and packages are completely customizable to suit your group!

Stopping to take in the stunning views of the Valhallas; photo courtesy of Valkyr Adventures

Learn more about all of our front and backcountry lodges in the Kootenay Rockies.

Click on the above mini digital story for photos and video clips highlighting a Kootenay Rockies experience.

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