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.
- 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 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.
- Ride the Streetcar #23 tramway at Lakeside Park & Prestige Resort.
- Wonderful farmers markets take place in summer every Wednesday and Saturdays.
- Nelson-Salmo Great Northern Trail is a gentle rail bed that allows biking.
Nelson to Balfour is 34 km / 21 mi on Highway #3A.
Continue on Highway #3A south to Creston, alongside the east shore of Kootenay Lake (78 km / 48 mi).
- 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.
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) for information on 6 Super Side Trips.
