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The Kootenay Rockies are British Columbia’s answer to Alberta’s famed Rocky Mountains and hold the same UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Just as big and beautiful, they are far less visited and offer visitors the chance to have the really big open scenery to themselves.
Wildlife of the Kootenay Rockies
Wedged between the mountains are sparsely populated valleys with large numbers of grizzly and black bears, deer, moose and elk: you have an excellent chance of seeing the large mammals.
Assorted mountain ranges
Located in the south-eastern corner of the province, between the Okanagan and Banff, the region includes several different mountain ranges, including the Rockies, Purcells, Selkirks and Monashees.
The area does not get the same level of publicity as its Alberta counterpart but it should: it’s an undiscovered gem.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to the Kootenays by contacting one of our Canada specialists
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617-223-4521617-223-4583
- Make an inquiry
Suggested itinerary featuring the Kootenays
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in the Kootenays, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near the Kootenays
- Banff 26 miles away
- Canmore 32 miles away
- Yoho National Park 32 miles away
- Lake Louise 33 miles away
- Field 36 miles away
- The Purcell Mountains 57 miles away
- Calgary 87 miles away
- Fernie 110 miles away
- Claresholm 127 miles away
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump 137 miles away
- Jasper 159 miles away
- Waterton Lakes National Park 162 miles away
- Sun Peaks 169 miles away
- The Cariboo 180 miles away
- Naramata & Okanagan Valley 184 miles away
- Dinosaur Provincial Park 200 miles away
- Wells Gray Provincial Park 207 miles away
- Edmonton 208 miles away
- Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park 236 miles away
Our expert guides to exploring the Kootenays
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting the Kootenays, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate the Kootenays at its best.
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Highlights of the Canadian Rockies Highlights of the Canadian Rockies
Highlights of the Canadian Rockies
With glacier-fed lakes, thick pine forests and sharp, triangular mountains, the Canadian Rockies are a true wilderness area. Activities can include hiking, canoeing and visiting glaciers. Canada specialist Emily explains how you can make the most of your trip to the Rockies.
Read this guide -
Self-driving in western Canada Self-driving in western Canada
Self-driving in western Canada
Canada specialists Kerry and Annie share their tried-and-tested self-drive routes in western Canada. You might want to follow a lesser-known loop through the Canadian Rockies, detouring to the Okanagan wine region. Or, take in British Columbia’s coastline and Vancouver Island.
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for the Kootenays
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit the Kootenays. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Bugaboos Lodge
Kootenays -
Cross River Cabins
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Logden Lodge
Kootenays