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International Selkirk Loop Tour

Home Road Trips International Selkirk Loop Tour

From the US, head north on Highway #20 toward the international border.

Newport to the Canada/US border is 117 km / 73 mi.

  • The town of Tiger is located at the Highway junctions #20/31 and is the gateway to the North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway.
  • The Tiger Historical Centre & Museum began as a 1912 general store. It offers historical displays, local art and a working turn-of-the-century forge.

From Tiger, head north on Highway #31.

  • Metaline Falls is known as one of America’s Top 100 Best Small Arts Towns. It is home to the Cutter Theatre, a 1912 restored schoolhouse.
  • Other Metaline attractions include the Mill Pond Historic Trail and tours of the Gardner Cave.

Nelway to Nelson is 55 km / 34 mi on Highway #6.

Along the way:

  • Salmo has a fascinating gold rush and logging history that is celebrated in the town’s famous stone murals and historic mining museum.
  • Ymir is a tiny authentic mountain community with a store, bakery, two hotels and the beautiful Logden Lodge.
  • Nelson-Salmo Great Northern Trail is a gentle rail bed that allows biking.

Nelson boasts a vivid past of Victorian architecture, cultural histories and a vibrant art scene. These qualities are complemented by world-class outdoor adventure plus great dining, shopping and lodging options.

Spend a day or two in Nelson – here’s some of the city’s highlights:

ARTS & HERITAGE

KOOTENAY LAKE
Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery celebrates the city’s creativity and vibe. Touchstones is part of the City Heritage Tour. Take the self-guided walking tour; maps are available at the Visitor Centre.

Wonderful farmers markets take place throughout the summer, Wed & Saturdays.

Nelson’s largest selection of local art is displayed at the Craft Connection & Gallery.

 Spend the day on beautiful Kootenay Lake –
one of the largest lakes in BC.

Ride the Streetcar #23 tramway from Lakeside Park & Prestige Resort alongside the lakefront.

Nelson Paddle Board and Kayak offer board, kayak and canoe rentals – a great way to experience the lake and suitable for beginners too.
Or, take a sunset sail with Sail Nelson followed by a dinner at Sage Tapas.

CULINARY DELIGHTS FOR NELSON

OVERNIGHTING OPTIONS FOR NELSON & AREA

Nelson to Balfour is 34 km / 21 mi on Highway #3A.

Along the way:

Continue on Highway #3A south to Creston, alongside the east shore of Kootenay Lake (78 km / 48 mi).

Along the way:

  • Crawford Bay is home to many unique artisan shops and galleries.
  • The Glass House, near Sanca, was created from over 500,000 embalming fluid bottles.
  • Upon your arrival to Creston, watch for signs to the Creston Valley Wildlife Area. Take a stroll along the wetland on a boardwalk to a multi-level viewing tower. Enjoy birdwatching, wildlife viewing, hiking and canoeing.

The Creston Valley is a retreat for outdoor adventurers, foodies, creative souls and lovers of the land. 

Spend a day or two in Creston – here’s some of the city’s highlights:

ATTRACTIONS

ADVENTURES
Enjoy some sip and savour attractions and visit the wonderful wineries – Baillie Grohman, Red Bird, Skimmerhorn, William Tell and Wynnwood.

Wonderful farmers markets take place throughout the year.

The Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre offers walking trails, guided canoe tours and interpretive programs. The 17,000 acres is home to over 300 species of birds.

 Spend the day on beautiful Kootenay Lake –
one of the largest lakes in BC.

The Creston Valley Tour Company offers a collection of tried and true ‘can’t miss spots’ and signature experiences. Tours include hiking, biking and arts & culture.

There’s also the Creston Valley Golf Club, Creston mini-golf; a selection of fishing opportunities, and also swimming and paddling fun.

CULINARY DELIGHTS FOR CRESTON

OVERNIGHTING OPTIONS FOR CRESTON & AREA

Creston to Rykerts on Highway #21 south is 13 km / 8 mi.
Porthill to Bonners Ferry is 44 km / 27 mi.

Bonners Ferry to Sandpoint on Highway #95 is 52 km / 32 mi.

  • Bonners Ferry is popular for its year-round outdoor recreation and charming historic downtown.
  • The Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge hosts birds, mammals and fish, and offers a 6 km / 4 mi auto tour tour.

Sandpoint has a lovely setting on Lake Pend Oreille. Watersport enthusiasts explore this vast playground.

  • Lake Pend Oreille Cruises offer tours from City Beach.
  • Schweitzer Mountain Resort offers year-round activities. Biking and hiking are popular in summer.
  • The restored, historic Spanish-style Panida Theatre is a vibrant centre for performing arts.

Sandpoint back to Newport on Highway #2 is 45 km / 28 mi.

  • Priest River offers a museum and Timber Education Centre which displays historical artifacts from the logging industry as well as early pioneer family furnishings.
  • Take a side trip north on Highway #57 to the resort communities of Priest Lake to spend a day at the beach. The Priest Lake area is also known for their premier huckleberry and mushroom season – many of the restaurants offer delectable dishes.
  • Once back on Highway #2, continue west to Newport, a town with a heritage rich in timber, mineral and agriculture.
  • Visit original structures such as the Northern Railway Depot (1908) that houses the Pend Oreille Country Historical Museum.

This completes the Selkirk Loop. Pick up a free Selkirk Loop Travel Guide at any of the visitor centres around The Loop or visit the website (link above, right column) for information on 6 Super Side Trips.

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DRIVE TIMES

(drive times are approximate)

Rossland/Trail to Castlegar – 30 min
Castlegar to Nelson – 40 min
Nelson to Crawford Bay – 30 min + ferry
Nelson to Kaslo – 1 hour
Crawford Bay to Creston – 1 hr + 15 min
Creston to Cranbrook – 1 hr + 15 min
Cranbrook to Fernie – 1 hr + 10 min
Cranbrook to Kimberley – 20 min
Kimberley to Fairmont – 1 hr + 10 min
Fairmont to Radium – 30 min
Radium to Golden – 1 hr + 10 min
Golden to Revelstoke – 2 hours
Revelstoke to Nakusp – 1.5 hr + ferry
Nakusp to Castlegar – 2 hours
Vernon to Nakusp – 3 hours
Calgary to Golden – 3 hours
Calgary to Fernie – 3 hr + 30 min
Lethbridge to Fernie – 2 hr + 30 min
Kamloops to Revelstoke – 2 hr + 40 min
Kelowna to Revelstoke – 2 hr + 50 min
Kelowna to Rossland – 4 hours
Spokane to Nelson – 4 hours
Spokane to Rossland – 3 hours
Spokane to Cranbrook – 4 hours

GETTING HERE BY ROAD

In the north, the TransCanada Hwy #1 follows the route of the Canadian Pacific Railway through four of Canada’s National Parks, connecting Calgary with Vancouver and the coast.

A less travelled southern route, Hwy #3, serves travellers from southern Alberta, the southern Okanagan Valley and Vancouver. Ports of entry on the Canada/US border allow access from Spokane, Washington; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Kalispell, Montana and points south.

Links to information on

Accessible Travel

Air Travel

Border Crossing

Electric Vehicle Travel

International Selkirk Loop

Know Before You Go

Responsible Travel

BLOGS

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