THE KOOTENAYS

Explore charming, historic heritage towns built at the turn of the century, surrounded by breathtaking, world-renowned vistas and unparalleled scenery everywhere you turn. From Victorian-style architecture and backwood mansions to mountain lodges and rustic cabins, each quirky, vibrant, offbeat creative community in the Kootenays offers that one-of-a-kind shot.

The Kootenays are located in the southeast corner of British Columbia and are home to the Ktunaxa and Sinixt First Nations. The region features a series of north and south extending valleys and mountain ranges including the Monashee, Columbia, Selkirk, Purcell ranges and the world-renowned Rocky Mountains.

Getting to the Kootenays

From Vancouver, BC

  • You can drive from Vancouver to Nelson in 7.5 hours and Cranbrook in 10 hours along Highway 3
  • You can fly from Vancouver to airports in Trail, Castlegar or Cranbrook in less than 1.5 hours

From Calgary, Alberta

  • You can drive from Calgary to Nelson in 7 hours and to Cranbrook in 4.25 hours (Highway 22/Highway 3)
  • You can fly from Calgary to airports in Trail, Castlegar or Cranbrook in less than 1.5 hours

From Spokane, Washington, USA

  • You can drive from Spokane, WA to Nelson or Cranbrook in approximately 3.5 hours

    From Kelowna, BC

    • You can drive from Kelowna to Nelson in 4.25 hours and Cranbrook in about 6.5 hours
    • You can fly from Kelowna to airports in Trail, Castlegar or Cranbrook

    Our Communities

    Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB)

    • Trail
    • Rossland
    • Fruitvale
    • Warfield
    • Montrose

    Regional District of Central Kootenay  (RDCK)

    • Nelson
    • Castlegar
    • Creston
    • Nakusp
    • Salmo
    • Kaslo
    • New Denver
    • Slocan
    • Winlaw
    • Silverton
    • Burton
    • Edgewood

    Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK)

    • Cranbrook
    • Kimberley
    • Fernie
    • Sparwood
    • Invermere
    • Windermere
    • Elkford
    • Fairmont Hot Springs
    • Radium Hot Springs
    • Canal Flats
    • Edgewater