Very rugged, nestled between the Continental Divide of the Rockies (the border with Alberta) and the Selkirk & Purcell Mountains that are legendary for their powder skiing in winters and scenic splendour in summer. the Columbia river snakes through the region, northwards besides the Rockies, and southwards from the Big Bend through Kamloops and Arrow Lake toward the US border. See everything from stunning peaks to pretty lakes to huge icefields. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. And check out the wildlife!
The Rockies are most likely the most beautiful part of the Trans-Canada Highway. The mountains are unique for a number of reasons. They managed to evade the flattening effect of the past several ice ages that covered most of the rest of North America. This makes the peaks very sharp and rugged, and they rise over a mile above the valley floor. The northerly position of the Banff also means that the snowcover stays on the mountain tops and the glaciers through the summer (its not snowy in the valleys!). The stunning beauty of the mountains here, the glaciers and the aqua blue-green lakes are the reason the Canadian Pacific Railway guilt a series of castle-like mountain hotels around the turn of the century.
We are going to travel from north to south through the BC Rockies:
Golden is a 4,000 resident community where the Kicking Horse River joins the Columbia. Golden is the popular jumping-off point for both Glacier (to the west) and Yoho (to the east) national parks. There are a number of white water rafting companies offering exciting one day or multi-day adventures.
To the east of Golden is the railway town of Field, which is great for hikes to various locations including Takkakaw Falls, Emerald Lake
Annual Events: Kinsmen Home & Trade Fair (April), Bear & Bird Festival (May), Mt Psychosis Mountain Bike race (June), Show ‘n’ Shine Car Rally (July), Canadian Paragliding Championship (August), Golden Rodeo (August),
Revelstoke is an 8,000 resident town is at the western end of the Rogers Pass which is the major east-west crossing point for both the /Transportation-Canada Highway and the trans-continental railway traffic. Rogers Pass lies in Glacier National Park and has some of the most scenic highway views anywhere in the world. The town lies at the junction of the /Transportation-Canada Highway and the Columbia River, which is dammed a few kilometres north of town. There are two grizzly bear statues that guard the entrance of town, and the middle of town is represented by Grizzly Square. The town has cobblestone streets and turn of the century buildings, causing locals to call it “Sesame Street.”
This 5,000 resident town at the foot of Trinity Mountain is a year-round recreation center.Fernie lis on the #3 Crowsnest Highway betwewn Cranbrook and the Alberta border and the Crowsnest Pass. There is skiing in winter, and several lakes nearby for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Kimberley is famous for its Bavarian-themed downtown, and its Platzl pedestrian mall, with Canada’s largest cuckoo clock and wandering minstrels. The city is built on the slopes of Sullivan and North Star mountains, at an elevation of 1,113 metres (3,651 feet), and lays claim to Canada’s second highest city. The city is the site of the Sullivan Mine, the world’s largest underground lead-silver-zinc mine, until it was closed down in 2001. it is now best know for its year round recreation centered around the Kimberley ski hill. Marysville is closer to the Cranbrook airport, and can provide visitors more cost-effective accommodation options.
Cranbrook is the largest city in the eastern Kootenays, and lies at the junction of highway 93/95 (north-south) and Highway 3 (the east-west Crowsnest Highway). The town has a rustic red brick downtown, with many shops and restaurants. To the north is the main drag, Cranbrook Street N, which has the city’s largest mall and all the shopping, fast food and movies you’d expect in any city. This community is serviced by an airport (halfway to Kimberley, to the north) with regular daily flights from both Calgary and Vancouver
Look for what to see & do, and where to stay in the west side of the Continenetal Divide and the various communities. First click on the LOCALE to search, then use the CATEGORY filter on the left side for the feature of interest! You can also explore the east side of the Continental Divide and the Alberta Rockies
These Golden & Yoho Tours & Experiences depart from Golden, BC.
These Revelstoke area Tours & Experiences depart from Revelstoke, BC.
