Breathtaking Beauty - Kootenays 3-Day Road Trip

Departing at sunrise from Banff, Canada’s oldest National Park in Alberta and the icon of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, you will drive through Kootenay National Park on your way to Radium Hot Springs. This drive is one of Canada’s most scenic routes so be sure to have your camera ready for pristine landscapes and wildlife. Enjoy a short roadside walk or longer hike along your way to catch beautiful lakes, landmarks, and waterfalls.

Upon arrival at the Village of Radium, stop for a relaxing dip at Radium Hot Springs, then enjoy lunch and great coffee at the Big Horn Café. After dining check out the local shops along Main Street including the Old Tyme Candy Shoppe, Funky Junk Stained Glass & More, and Radium Brewing.

Head back on the road to Invermere, just a short and scenic 15 minute drive from Radium. Be sure to keep an eye out for Big Horn Sheep along the highway when leaving Radium.

Arriving in Invermere head to Kinsmen Beach on Lake Windermere to swim and enjoy the beach, lake kayak or simply stroll around. From there drive up to Panorama Resort for a scenic chairlift ride before enjoying dinner and a good night's rest.

For more information about Radium Hot Springs visit www.radiumhotsprings.com

For more information about Invermere & Panorama visit www.invermerepanorama.com

From Panorama stop for breakfast at Invermere's Blue Dog Café. After a stroll around main street to check out some of the shops head back on the road for a 20-minute drive to Fairmont Hot Springs for a morning of pampering. Spoil yourself with a Relaxation Package at the Natural Springs Spa then complete with a soak in the natural hot springs before lunch at Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill.

Continue the drive south from Fairmont to Kimberley, about one hour, as you enjoy views of the Hoodoos and Columbia Lake, the birthplace of the mighty Columbia River. If you’re up for an adventure side trip (must be comfortable with travelling 17km up a forestry road, allow for at least 1 hour for side trip) take the turn off the highway to Whiteswan Provincial Park and stop at Lussier Hot Springs, a truly natural hot spring alongside a river.

In Kimberley stop and stroll The Platzl, a pedestrian shopping and dining area with an old Bavarian theme mixed with modern mountain culture. There are many places to dine in Kimberley such as Stonefire Pizzeria. Be sure to check the event schedule at Centre 64, Kimberley's hub for arts and culture while in town for the evening. For a bit of luxury stay overnight at Mountain Spirit Resort.

For more information about Fairmont Hot Springs visit www.fairmonthotsprings.com

For more information about Kimberley visit www.tourismkimberley.com

As the sun rises, leisurely start the morning with a visit to the Bean Tree Café in The Platzl, stay or take it go and drive 10 minutes to Marysville Falls for a short and easy walk to a hundred-foot waterfall. With some fresh morning air it’s time to head to St Eugene Resort where you’ll encounter a historic school transformed into a beautiful resort, golf course and casino with spectacular views of the Rockies. Delve into the history of the Ktunaxa people and their new Speaking Earth First Nations Experience. Enjoy a late lunch at Numa before continuing to Fernie.

An hour drive will take you east to Fernie as the valley begins to transform back to the majestic towering Rocky Mountains. Upon arrival stroll Historic Downtown with its numerous heritage buildings, shops and festive patios to enjoy a cool drink in the warm afternoon sun. After mingling with some of the locals head up to Island Lake Lodge for an exquisite scenic, nature walking, dining and lodging experience.

For more information about St Eugene Resort visit www.steugene.ca

For more information about Fernie visit www.tourismfernie.com