You’ve spent the morning hiking up one of the mountain trails and the afternoon paddling the pristine waters of our local lakes. Now, as the sun sets, you retreat back to your accommodations for a relaxing evening. But your time spent in the outdoors doesn’t need to end as the last light of day fades. The Kootenays offers many exciting options to extend the time you spend in nature beyond daylight hours, from fully loaded VW camper vans to luxury domes & yurts.
Have a look at the delightful options available to stay out under the incredible night skies of the Kootenay Rockies on your next trip.
BACK 40 ADVENTURE EVENTS
Just outside of Brisco (north of Radium Hot Springs), Back 40 Outdoor Events has different Canvas Bell Tents, each with four beds for your sleeping comfort. Make use of the shared amenities, including camp kitchen, firepits and more.
[NEW] Join the wilderness experts at Back 40 for a True North Quest and equip yourself with the tools to safely enjoy the great outdoors. You will participate in a fun, interactive two-hour hike through the backcountry where you will learn a variety of navigation and survival skills including the ‘rule of four’, the STOP technique and how to build a compass for navigation using everyday items.
BEAR SPRINGS ECO RETREAT
Bear Spring Eco Retreat offers novel glamping accommodations and a self-contained suite. Enjoy stunning views of Kootenay River, gaze at stars or explore the edible gardens and food forest on this 121-hectares (300-acre) property in the mountains.
The retreat is conveniently located just close enough to Nelson, that you may order take-out dinner, yet just far enough away to gaze at the Milky Way. Bear Spring Eco Retreat is perfect for urbanites seeking an outdoor experience immersed in nature without foregoing any of the comforts of home.
BOULDER MOUNTAIN RESORT
Boulder Mountain Resort in Revelstoke has you covered for all your needs with accommodation options ranging from fully furnished lodge suites to domes to tenting sites. Their glamping domes & tents combine the coziness of a comfy bed with the fresh air of the great outdoors right outside the windows.
CAMP MOOSE TRAIL
Their camp is inclusive for all! A romantic night away, a trip away with friends, or families. They’ll love to host all levels of campers, from seasoned backcountry enthusiasts, to those who have never slept in the woods, and everyone in between. Leave the work to them, and immerse yourself into the woods and nature.
CAMPING IN THE WOODS
Set in a picturesque mountain setting, the owner’s fleet of refurbished and fully-equipped VW vans are available for rent to adventurous souls looking for something a little more groovy in terms of the usual camping fare.
The property is decked out with quaint white picket fences, picnic tables, lanterns and twinkle lights. In the VW vehicles, all the little necessities are taken care of: cutlery, dishes, BBQ, stove and propane. The only thing campers need to bring is bedding, food, water and a taste for spirited adventures and the hip vibes.
CRAWFORD BAY RV RESORT
This RV Resort on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake, one hour north of Creston on Highway 3A, offers outdoor adventures in their hard tents. A beautiful property close to Kokanee Springs Golf Resort, artisans shops, sandy beach, marina and much more.
FERNIE RV RESORT
Sleep on the edge of a forest next to the Elk River in one of the five Forestside Yurts at the Fernie RV Resort. These sizeable 6×6 metre yurts comfortably sleep six people, excellent for the extended family!
KIMBERLEY RIVERSIDE RESORT
If you’re looking for an RV experience but don’t have one yourself, stay in one of the four rental trailers available alongside the St. Mary River. Each trailer sleeps 5-6 people and comes fully loaded with a kitchen, dining area, air conditioning for the hot days and a furnace for those cool mountain evenings.
Or, stay in one of the “new” Glamping Tents. All tents include a raised deck/platform with bed(s), 2 Adirondack chairs, a side table, a firepit with one complimentary bundle of wood (per stay) and a picnic table. Their glamping sites are completely un-serviced, so come prepared for an off-grid camping experience. (And if you need a little more assistance with your camping experience, they offer camp kitchen supplies; which must be arranged in advance & is subject to availability).
RADIUS RETREAT
Radius is a forested year-round mountain side retreat offering hike-in Yurt rentals and 405 hectares (1000 acres) of explorable wilderness. Whatever your self-propelled adventure might be, Radius will happily accommodate your needs.
[NEW] Each week Radius will feature expert facilitators who will provide an engaging program on holistic health and wellness. Programs include Forest Bathing, Oi Gong, Drumming, and the Creative Arts. Discover the healing power of nature and reconnect with yourself at Radius Retreat.
REDSTREAK CAMPGROUND IN KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK
Less than three kilometres from the village of Radium Hot Springs and within Redstreak Campground, 10 (ten) oTENTiks stand ready for visitors. These cabin-like tents have the advantage of the campground’s plateau views, access to park programs at the campground’s theatre, and of being within a quick hike to both the hot springs and the village.
The oTENTiks themselves, erected atop raised wooden platforms, can sleep six people within the large interior. High-density foam mattresses, indoor sitting area, screened windows, and private campfire pits make the camping experience comfy and each oTENTik is close to washrooms, showers, and kitchen shelters.
RIDER’S RETREAT
Are you on a cross-Kootenays motorcycle trip but don’t have room to pack your camping equipment? Stop in at the Riders Retreat in Nakusp, where you’ll find your tent already set up and ready for you to relax into after your long day of riding. Alternatively, opt for the 1970 Bluebird bus, converted into a character-filled camper for your comfort.
ROSSLAND BIKE RETREAT
A 10-minute drive from the slopes of Red Mountain Resort, Rossland Bike Retreat is the perfect jumping-off point for your adventure in the Kootenays. We have 2 identical cabins to rent; each one accommodates 4 people. You’ll find complete serenity in this mountain escape, with a view that will put a fresh perspective on any outlook. Be it snow or dirt you’re after, we’ll help you discover the trails you seek.
SNOWFOREST CAMPGROUND IN MT. REVELSTOKE NATIONAL PARK
Get super-cozy in a MicrOcube. Tucked away in the Snowforest Campground in Mt. Revelstoke National Park. A MicrOcube is a 10 m2 cabin equipped with: a double bed (54 in.) for 2 people with waterproof mattress, storage space under bed, two small nightstands, one USB port for charging electronic devices, indoor and outdoor lighting, picnic table, two patio chairs and a small table, and a fire pit.
VALHALLA PINES CAMPGROUND & GUESTHOUSE
Need some time in nature? Disconnect from the world in your own private hut in the forest at Valhalla Pines Campground and Guesthouse. Their Tree Hut features an A-frame style cabin with a large tree right through the middle of its deck, definitely a unique touch!
WINDERDOME RESORT
Situated in beautiful Windermere, BC, Winderdome Resort offers fully serviced Geodesic Dome Tents nestled in a tranquil forest. Come and unwind in luxury. If you really want to treat yourself, rent our private pool located a short walk away.
Winderdome Resort sits on 8 hectares (20 acres), 6.8 of which are dedicated to their glamping sites. There private home takes up the remaining 1.2 hectares where you can have access to their amazing pool (extra fees apply), decks and lounging space. Note that if you choose to use the pool, you may get a glimpse of our docile dog, Kiska, the Winderdome Spokespup.
Next time you’re in the Kootenays, think beyond the fine hotels and resorts of the region and opt for one of our unique and luxurious glamping experiences.
To assist you with other accommodation experiences that are available to you in the region – check out our community partners: Arrow Lakes/Slocan Valley, Castlegar, Cranbrook, Columbia Valley, Creston Valley, Elkford, Fernie, Golden, Invermere/Panorama, Kimberley, Nakusp, Nelson Kootenay Lake, Radium Hot Springs, Revelstoke, Rossland, Sparwood and Trail.
Click on the above mini digital story for photos and video clips highlighting a Kootenay Rockies experience.
