A lakeside retreat near Kaslo
Stay in a private cabin, complete with its own deck and beautiful views. Enjoy evenings around the fire pit on the secluded beach, with welcoming local hosts on hand to share their favourite spots.
Exploring the Kootenays: Luke's insider guide
Peaceful lakes, forested mountains and characterful small towns. On his road trip through the Kootenays, Little America travel specialist Luke discovered a quieter side of Western Canada, where life moves at a slower pace and visitors are welcomed as friends.
During his trip through the Kootenays, Luke discovered scenic mountain roads, peaceful places to stay and family-run businesses where he quickly felt at home.
We caught up with him to hear about his favourite discoveries, what makes this region worth visiting and why he'd recommend including the Kootenays in your Western Canada road trip.
Where are the Kootenays, and what makes them worth visiting?
The Kootenays lie in southeastern British Columbia, stretching across a region of mountain ranges, enormous lakes and tight-knit communities.
In the west, Luke explored the lakeside towns of Kaslo, Nelson and New Denver, enjoying the mountain roads and the freedom to stop wherever caught his eye. Further east, around Invermere and the Columbia Valley, he found more alpine scenery, with plenty of opportunities to get out for a walk, take in the views, and spend time outdoors.
But it wasn't just the scenery that stayed with Luke. While shopping at a supermarket in Kaslo, two locals struck up conversations with him, curious about where he'd come from. It was a small encounter, but one that gave him a real sense of the friendly communities he was visiting.
© Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Mitch Winton"Straight away two people asked me where I was visiting from."
— Luke Northeast, Little America travel specialist
Here, independent shops and local restaurants are part of everyday life, and the smaller towns haven't been shaped entirely around tourism.
For Luke, that's the real reason to visit. You can enjoy the spectacular scenery Canada is known for while discovering communities that still feel genuinely local.
And if the Kootenays haven't featured in your holiday research so far, Luke sees that as part of their appeal.
"Don't be put off by the fact that maybe it doesn't come up in all these internet searches or it's not it's not in every itinerary that you look up online."
For Luke, that's a reason to include the region, not overlook it. You'll discover a different side of Western Canada, one where the places you stop and the people you meet can be just as memorable as the scenery.
© Kootenay Rockies Tourism, Mitch WintonWhat are the best places to visit in the Kootenays?
One of Luke's biggest recommendations is to explore beyond the town you're staying in. Rather than moving accommodation every night, he suggests slowing down, choosing a base for around three nights, and using the time to discover neighbouring communities.
It's a way of travelling that suits the Kootenays particularly well. You can settle into your accommodation, ask your hosts for their favourite local spots, and enjoy the drives between towns without feeling you need to reach somewhere new each evening.
Kaslo and Kootenay Lake
Of all the places Luke visited in the western Kootenays, Kaslo was a firm favourite.
This small town on the shores of Kootenay Lake made an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. He found independent shops and restaurants, with plenty of opportunities to get outdoors without needing to plan a full day of activities.
Luke particularly enjoyed the riverside trails around Kaslo, where footbridges and walkways made it easy to explore on foot.
"And if you're not looking for demanding hikes, there are plenty of shorter walks where you can simply enjoy the surroundings."
For a different perspective, Luke recommends taking the car ferry between Balfour and Kootenay Bay. The crossing takes around 40 minutes and gives you a chance to enjoy Kootenay Lake from the water before continuing your journey on the opposite shore.
© Destination BC/David GlunsNelson, New Denver and Nakusp
Beyond Kaslo, Luke found plenty more places worth exploring.
He told us Nelson, the largest of the nearby towns, has a good choice of restaurants and makes a useful base in early May or October, when some smaller businesses have reduced opening hours.
Further north, Luke particularly enjoyed the scenic drive between Kaslo and New Denver, the waterfront walks around Nakusp and the viewpoint at Duncan Dam.
His advice?
"I would definitely not restrict yourself to one area."
With several towns within day-trip distance, you can stay somewhere for a few nights and explore without constantly moving on, leaving time for spontaneous stops along the way.
© Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism, Kari MedigInvermere and the eastern Kootenays
Further east, Luke recommends Invermere as a base for exploring the Columbia Valley. "It's a great choice if you enjoy getting outdoors, with everything from gentle walks to more adventurous experiences within easy reach."
If walking or cycling is your thing, Luke found an extensive network of trails to explore. You can spend your days on foot or exploring by bike, with the freedom to choose how far you venture. For a more relaxing afternoon, there's also the option to visit Radium Hot Springs.
What Luke particularly liked about Invermere was the balance. You can spend your days exploring the surrounding area before returning to the peace and privacy of your own cabin, just minutes from town.
© Destination BC, Kari MedigWhere can you stay in the Kootenays?
For Luke, the accommodation was one of the highlights of his trip, made all the more special by the people behind it.
At a peaceful lakeside retreat near Kaslo, he got to know the owners, who have lived in the area for around 25 years and built the property themselves. Their pride in what they've created and passion for welcoming guests left a lasting impression on Luke. As he put it, "they're really good at what they do".
Luke's favourite stays
Kootenays accommodation
A lakeside retreat near Kaslo
A private cabin near Invermere
Enjoy your own secluded cabin surrounded by nature, with plenty of privacy, and a generous breakfast delivered each morning. Invermere's shops and restaurants are just a short drive away.
A mountain hideaway for outdoor enthusiasts
Escape to a remote mountain retreat with miles of walking and cycling trails on your doorstep. Borrow a bike or explore on foot, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
What can you do in the Kootenays?
One thing Luke was keen to point out is that you don't have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the Kootenays. Whether you prefer gentle walks, mountain biking or something more adventurous, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Luke particularly enjoyed the gentle riverside trails and footbridges around Kaslo, but there are plenty of longer hikes for those wanting to explore further. If you'd prefer some company in the mountains, he recommends a guided walk with a local expert who knows the trails and can help you explore with confidence.
For something more adventurous, Luke joined a guided off-road excursion near Panorama, travelling by side-by-side vehicle along mountain trails to a remote cabin for a barbecue. It's an exciting way to explore the mountain terrain, particularly if you enjoy a thrill.
"It can be as adventurous as you want it to be."
— Luke Northeast, Little America travel specialist
Can you see bears and other wildlife in the Kootenays?
While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, Luke told us that the quieter surroundings of the Kootenays can lead to incredible encounters.
He shared a story about Little America travellers who stayed in a cabin near Invermere. They'd originally been keen to stay in Jasper, following recommendations from friends, but Luke encouraged them to include a few nights in the Columbia Valley.
While sitting on their cabin deck, they spotted two bears feeding in a nearby orchard. They spent hours watching from their accommodation, even video-calling friends to share the experience.
Luke heard similar stories from his hosts near Kaslo, where black bears occasionally visit the property when fruit is growing nearby.
As Luke puts it, "sometimes less is more" when it comes to wildlife experiences. Rather than filling your itinerary with organised excursions, leave time to enjoy your surroundings. You never know what you might see.
Can you combine the Kootenays with Banff and Jasper?
For Luke, exploring the Kootenays doesn't mean missing out on the Canadian Rockies. He still thinks Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway are well worth visiting, particularly if it's your first time in Canada.
As he puts it, "You don't have to miss out on anything."
Having explored both regions, Luke sees plenty of opportunities to bring them together in one road trip. You could start in the Rockies, travel through Invermere into the western Kootenays, then continue towards Vancouver via Revelstoke or the Okanagan.
What matters is giving yourself enough time to enjoy each place rather than rushing between them. And after his own experience, Luke feels the Kootenays have more than enough to offer as a road trip destination in their own right.
When is the best time to visit the Kootenays?
For the kind of road trip Luke recommends, mid-May to the end of September is his preferred time to visit. During these months, you'll generally have more choice when it comes to restaurants and activities, particularly in the smaller communities.
The best dates will depend on the route and experiences you have in mind. Our travel specialists can advise on the right time to visit based on their own experience of travelling through Western Canada.
© Kootenay Lake Tourism, Dave HeathYour questions about visiting the Kootenays
You can fly from the UK to Vancouver or Calgary and explore the Kootenays as part of a self-drive holiday. The best starting point depends on your wider route, and our travel specialists can help you plan a journey that makes the most of your time in Western Canada.
We recommend exploring the Kootenays by hire car, giving you the freedom to discover smaller communities, scenic routes and places off the beaten track at your own pace. We'll arrange your hire car as part of your tailor-made holiday, so everything is taken care of before you travel.
You'll find restaurants, supermarkets and other essentials in towns such as Nelson, Kaslo and Invermere. Smaller communities have fewer options, and some businesses operate seasonal or reduced opening hours. Our travel specialists know the region first-hand and can recommend where to stay and what to expect, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday.
Could the Kootenays be part of your Canadian holiday?
Luke returned with a fresh perspective on the Kootenays and plenty of new recommendations to share. With his first-hand experience, we can help you turn places you might never have considered into some of the most memorable parts of your holiday.
Curious about the Kootenays? Let's talk about your plans.
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