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The BC Rockies & Kootenays Valley

Tucked away in the south-eastern region of British Columbia, the impressive BC Rockies and serene Kootenay Valley offer some of the most beautiful alpine settings in the province. Like most of British Columbia, this area is an outdoor enthusiast’s wonderland. It remains slightly less discovered than tourist hot-spots like Whistler and Vancouver Island but offers just as many opportunities. Whether you want to scale some of the highest peaks in the BC Rockies or engulf your body in a natural hot spring, the BC Rockies is the gateway to serious adventure. 

Highlights

  • The BC Rockies hosts over 1 million tourists each year but with the limitless activities, it never seems crowded.
  • One of the highest concentrations of Provincial and National Parks in Canada.
  • Radium Hot Springs offers the largest natural hot spring pool in Canada.
  • Home to four world-class ski resorts (Kimberley, Panorama, Golden, Fernie), and 7 championship golf courses.
  • Five spectacular mountain ranges including the Canadian Rockies offering an array of recreational and getaway possibilities.
  • Kimberley is host to the International Accordion Championships.

Location

The BC Rocky Mountains and Kootenay Valley are located in the very south eastern region of British Columbia.  The area is defined by the US Border in the south and stretches north over 355 kilometers. The eastern boundary is the Rocky Mountain Range and the western boundary is the West Kootenay Lake network (Kootenay Lake, Upper and Lower Arrow Lakes). 

Size & Population

The BC Rockies region accounts for approximately 12% of the total size of British Columbia (about 113,00 square kilometres).

Population of major centers of the area:

  • Radium Hot Springs -800
  • Invermere – 3,000
  • Golden – 3,800
  • Fernie – 4,200
  • Kimberley – 7,200
  • Cranbrook – 20, 600

Geography

The Rocky Mountains are a major mountain range in western North America. They run from New Mexico, USA to the northern part of British Columbia, over 4,800 kilometres in total.  The highest peak in the Canadian Rockies is Mt. Robson (3,954 meters) near Valemount in northern British Columbia. The BC Rockies region is also home to the Selkirk, Purcell, and Monashee mountain ranges. Although not as jagged as the Rockies, these ranges also feature some very impressive peaks.

The area boasts an extensive network of lakes and rivers that are located amongst the many plateaus and valleys. Most rivers drain into either the Columbia or Fraser rivers which eventually empty into the Pacific Ocean.

Climate

The BC Rockies has a typical mountain climate and winters generally run from November to April. The summers months (June – August) can be quite warm with little rainfall.
Winter averages -13°.
Summer averages 18°.
Statistics Canada lists the Kimberley / Cranbrook area as having the most hours of sunshine per year in Canada.  Because of the sheltering mountains, most areas here are protected from high winds.

Attractions & Things to Do

Fishing  - With so many mountain rivers and lakes, and streams, the fishing is exceptional.

Natural Hot Springs - Radium Hot Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs are only 30 minutes apart and are the most well known in the area. There are dozens of other natural hot springs scattered throughout the region, but most require a 4x4 and then a moderate hike.

Hiking – Many provincial parks offer perfectly groomed hiking trails. Almost all surrounding peaks have trails that reach the summit and while some are maintained carefully, others can be tricky to follow.  Most local bookstores have several books on the best hikes in the area and locals are always eager to help you find your way.

Skiing  - Golden, Kimberley, Panorama, and Fernie all offer world class ski-hills. The ski season generally runs from December to April.

Golfing – The BC Rockies are home to some of the most acclaimed mountain golf courses in the world, many of them have won international awards: St. Eugene Mission Golf Course, Copper Point Golf Course, Greywolf Golf Course, Eagle Ranch Golf Course, The Springs in Radium Golf Course, Trickle Creek Golf Course, Bootleg Gap Golf Course.

Mountain Biking – Most ski-hills also offer chair-lift access mountain biking in the summer months. For those looking for the cross-country riding, you are never more than a couple blocks from a great trail.

 

Explore Other Destinations - Vancouver Island,  Gulf Islands & Sunshine Coast,  Vancouver,  Whistler,  Okanagan,  Northern BC Coast,  Northern BC,  Banff & Jasper,  Calgary