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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 calling one of our Canada specialists on 01993 838 700
Suggested Kootenays itinerary
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.
Hidden gems of the Rockies self-drive
For those who wish to get off the beaten track and explore a lesser known part of the Rocky Mountains, this is the perfect itinerary. Starting with the sublime scenery of Waterton Lakes National Park, right against the USA border, your route then takes you over the provincial border to explore the British Columbia side of the Rocky Mountains, before returning to Calgary via the better known regions of Lake Louise and Banff.
Map of the Kootenays
Places & hotels on the map
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
- 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 Provinical Park 236 miles away
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.
Cross River Cabins
Cross River Cabins are a real find. Located in a spectacular area of Kootenay National Park, they offer a great blend of adventure and relaxation, together with warm hospitality from the owners, Rob Patenaude, his wife Marilyn and their son Troy.
Bugaboos Lodge
Bugaboos Lodge consists of 34 rooms and offers spectacular views of the Bugaboos, and the great glaciers below them.