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