summer Tours
rossland tour
History, golden larches, red mountain, breweries
Rossland is a quiet mountain town with its culture imbedded in Skiing and Mountain Biking. This charming tour offers a chance to get off the beaten path and explore a part of the West Kootenays that few visitors get a chance to see. We will head to a scenic lookout above town, explore around Red Mountain Resort just minutes above away and basque in the beauty of the fall colours (and the golden larch). We finish this excellent tour with a stop at the Rossland Brew Company for a refreshing beverage before heading back to Nelson/Castlegar.
Attractions
Coffee Shop/Bakery
- Stop for a beverage or a tasty treat!
Soak in the View
- Excellent viewpoint high above Rossland with a mighty view of the Columbia Valley, Red Mountain and beyond.
Red Mountain
- Walk around the village and explore a little cabin overlooking the resort.
Rossland Brewery Co.
- Stop for a apres at the iconic local brewery
Pricing
Difficulty Level – Easy/Moderate
Trip Time – 6 HOURS
Price: $125.00 + tax
(rates based on double occupancy)
Included: guide(s), interpretive tour, transportation and small snacks/water
Not Included: Brewery, Lunch
Kaslo & Kootenay Lake Tour
Waterfalls, Lakes, Scenery, Hot Springs
Stunning Kootenay Lake is nestled between the Selkirk and Purcell Mountain ranges and makes for an iconic tour in the West Kootenay region. Start with a scenic and interpretive drive up the West Arm of Kootenay Lake and stop for a delicious treat at the Old World Bakery. Turn the corner and soak in the grandeur of Kootenay Lake, with a quick stop at the rushing waters of Coffee Creek coming down from Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. The first destination of the day is the impressive Fletcher Falls on the shores of Kootenay Lake. From here weds head to the charming town of Kaslo, with fabulous views of the Purcell Mountains. After lunch head into Kaslo and take a stroll through the charming village, exploring and shopping for local crafts and souvenirs along the way. Drive back towards Nelson with a stop at the healing waters of Ainsworth Hot Springs or at a secret beach along the way and finish off this great trip.
Attractions
Old World Bakery, Balfour
- Iconic bakery with baked goods, snacks, light lunches and beverages to start the trip.
Waterfalls
- Amazing waterfall in a temperate forest on the shores of Kootenay Lake.
Soak in the View
- Outstanding views of the town of Kaslo, Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountain Range.
- Close to town and very rewarding for the effort required.
Kaslo Discovery
- Wander around the charming streets of Kaslo
- Grab a snack, sit by the beach, shop for souvenirs.
Pricing
Difficulty Level – Easy/Moderate
Trip Time – 6 HOURS
Price: $125.00 + tax
(rates based on double occupancy)
Included: guide(s), interpretive tour, transportation, and small snacks/water
Not Included: Old World Bakery, Lunch, Hot Springs (if applicable)
Kokanee Creek Valley Tour
Mountains, Lakes, Old Growth Cedars, and Waterfalls
The wonderful Kokanee Creek Valley is one of the finest destinations for adventure in the Nelson area. Start at the Old Growth Cedar forest and take an interpretive stroll among the impressive giants and eat your lunch underneath one of their magnificent canopies. Finish the tour by putting your feet in the sand at one of the most incredible sandy beaches around at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. This is great way to spend your day close to town and explore one of the most diverse landscapes in the region.
Attractions
Empire Cafe, Nelson
- Local café with baked goods, snacks, light lunches and beverages to start the trip.
Old Growth Cedars
- Spectacular Old Growth forest set amongst giant boulders and along the creek.
Kokanee Creek Provincial Park
- Explore the shores and beaches of Kootenay Lake
- A small interpretive walk into Kokanee Creek canyon and a beautiful waterfall.
Pricing
KOKANEE CREEK/OLD GROWTH:
Difficulty Level – Easy
Trip Time – 4 HOURS
Price: $125.00 + tax
(rates based on double occupancy)
Included: guide(s), interpretive tour, transportation and small snacks/water
Not Included: Empire Café, Lunch
EAST SHORE
KOOTENAY LAKE TOUR
Ferries, Scenic Shorelines and Local Artisans
Explore the quiet side of the lake and soak in some local culture. Cross Kootenay Lake on the longest free ferry in the world to the secluded and wonderful East Shore region of Kootenay Lake. Visit the iconic Pilot Bay Lighthouse then explore along the shoreline of Pilot Bay looking over the South end of Kootenay Lake and the Selkirk Mountains. Lastly, we get to indulge in Crawford Bay’s local culture by visiting the wide array of local artisans such as black-smithing, weaving, broom making, copper enamel, jewellery, pottery and the culinary arts. This is a fine taste of this unique part of the West Kootenays.
Attractions
Kootenay Lake Ferry Ride
- Scenic crossing from Balfour to Kootenay Bay
- Lots of sightseeing opportunities
Explore the East Shore of Kootenay Lake
- Spend 2 hours exploring
- Pebble beaches, diverse forest and excellent views
Crawford Bay Artisans
- Shops, snacks and local culture
- North Woven Broom
- Barefoot Hand Weaving
- Kootenay Forge
- Dog Patch Pottery
- Flickering Goddess + Many More
Pricing
Difficulty Level – Easy/Moderate
Trip Time – 6 HOURS
Price: $125.00 + tax
(rates based on double occupancy)
Included: guide(s), interpretive tour, transportation and small snacks/water
Not Included: Lunch
COLUMBIA VALLEY TOUR
Old Growth Forests, Waterfalls and Ferries
Explore the area surrounding the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers and take an interpretive tour through some of the most beautiful, diverse forests near Castlegar. This region is a hot spot for shoulder season exploring with lots of opportunities for spotting local flora and fauna with terrific scenic vistas along the way. On the way back down stop for a delicious snack with an opportunity to shop for souvenirs and local crafts. Next, head across the cable ferry to the rural community of Glade on the east side of the Kootenay River to visit Glade Creek Falls. This spectacular waterfall is a local’s favorite and is a product of the Bonnington Mountain Range high above the valley floor. A great half-day tour.
Attractions
Explore the Castlegar Area
- Beautiful diverse forests and lots of Old Growth and viewpoints
Glade Falls & Ferry Ride
- Excellent secret (and impressive) local waterfall with a fun cable ferry crossing over the Kootenay River
Pricing
Difficulty Level – Easy/Moderate
Trip Time – 6 HOURS
Price: $125.00 + tax
(rates based on double occupancy)
Included: guide(s), interpretive tour, transportation and small snacks/water
Not Included: Lunch
Nelson TOUR
Waterfalls, Markets, City Exploration
Explore the city of Nelson with a guide and see all the best spots in town. Take a stroll down famous Baker St. down to Cottonwood Falls and the beautiful surrounding park. Then jump in the shuttle van and head up to Gyro Park and a stunning view over the whole city. Grab a snack at a café and find our way down to Lakeside Park, take another exploratory hike or find a secret beach to enjoy the water of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. This is a shorter tour that we can facilitate to meet your needs with a pickup and drop-off at your accommodation.
Attractions
Cottonwood Falls
- Beautiful local waterfall and surrounding park with Saturday markets.
Nelson Museum
- Historic museum in downtown Nelson
- Interpretative tour with local knowledge
Gyro Park Lookout
- Stunning views over the city, beautiful park.
Pricing
Difficulty Level – Easy
Trip Time – 3-4 HOURS
Price: $75.00 + tax
Included: guide(s), interpretive tour, transportation and small snacks/water
Not Included: Lunch
salmo TOUR
Scenic Lookouts, brewery
Salmo is a less-known destination in the West Kootenays. Come explore the Pend Oreille and Salmo river valleys and/or walk along the shores of Erie Lake. We can finish with a stop at the local brewery Erie Creek Brewing to round off this fine adventure. Only 30 minutes from Nelson and full of fall colours in October/November.
Pricing
Difficulty Level – Easy-Moderate
Trip Time – 5 HOURS
Price: $125.00 + tax
(rates based on double occupancy)
Included: guide(s), interpretive tour, transportation and small snacks/water
Not Included: Lunch