Golf & Ale Trail - Kootenays Road Trip

After a hearty Austrian dinner at Helna’s Stube and staying the previous night at Bighorn Meadows Resort rise early to golf Radium Hot Springs’ two world-class courses, The Springs and Radium Resort. Both courses are par 72 that play up to 6,818 and 6,269 yards respectively. If time allows before heading on the road to Invermere, just 15 minutes away, have a soak at Radium Hot Springs pools to relax those muscles for the next day. After your round, stop in at Radium Brewing to try a flight of their small-batch brewed beers.

Upon arriving in Invermere stop at Arrowhead Brewery to enjoy a pint in the lounge while watching the beer making process from the viewing corridor. From there drive up to Panorama Resort for the night and enjoy options from the decadent Italian dinner menu at Alto Kitchen & Bar and a great sleep at Panorama Springs Lodge.

For more about Radium visit www.radiumhotsprings.com

For more about Invermere & Panorama visit www. Invermerepanorama.com

After a hearty breakfast at The Cliffhanger Restaurant hit the links at Greywolf Golf Course. This beautiful par 72 course that plays up to 7,140 yards wins people over, time and time again. The newly added forward tees now offer a shortened course of 4,585 yards. If you are up for a 2^nd round today there are more exceptional 18 hole courses to choose from in and around Invermere including Eagle Ranch, Copper Point, The Ridge and Windermere Valley.

At the end of the day head south to Fairmont Hot Springs, just 20 minutes away for some R&R and another day of golf. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers pools filled with natural hot springs water, three golf courses, spa facilities, dining and lodging. Take the evening to relax and enjoy the panoramic views from the pools and dinner at Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill. In planning the next day, the Resort features two 18-hole courses, Riverside and Mountainside, and one 9-hole course called Creekside. Perhaps a round and a half is in order tomorrow, before heading to Kimberley.

For more about Invermere & Panorama visit www. Invermerepanorama.com

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

With the day’s start on course at Fairmont Hot Springs, grab a quick late lunch after at Mountainside Grill or Dapper’s Landing before heading to Kimberley, an hour’s drive away. With a late afternoon arrival stop first for a local pint at Over Time Beer Works Brewery, a quick dinner at Sullivan Pub before a twilight round at one of Kimberley’s three epic courses, Trickle Creek, Kimberley or Bootleg Gap.

Exhausted yet? After a 15-minute drive, you’ll arrive at St Eugene Golf, Resort & Casino. With all the amenities you need, and perhaps a game of blackjack with a night cap before retiring for the evening, St Eugene will entertain and (hopefully) reward you. To keep things a bit less hectic you’ll stay two nights at St Eugene Resort.

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

For more about Kimberley visit www.tourismkimberley.com

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

As the sun rises from behind Mt Fisher an early morning tee time is ideal at St. Eugene. With spectacular scenery and an acclaimed course built by Les Furber your morning will not disappoint. This par 72 course plays up to 7,007 yards. After a leisurely lunch at the 19^th Hole Bar & Grill another short drive will take you to a few more golfing options in and around Cranbrook, including Shadow Mountain,  Wildstone  and Cranbrook, 18 or 19-hole championship courses.

Upon completion of another epic day of golfing in the Kootenay’s book a table at The Heidout Restaurant & Brewhouse in Cranbrook, also home to Fisher Peak Brewing Co. Or head to Encore Brewing where 'adults can be kids' with their craft brewery, bowling centre, arcade, and tasting room with full kitchen. Head back to St. Eugene Resort for your 2^nd night stay there.

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

For more about Cranbrook visit www.cranbrooktourism.ca

After a leisurely breakfast it's time to get back on the road and head to Fernie, an hour’s drive away.  Completely surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, Fernie is scenic, historic and features an 18-hole championship golf course that has celebrated its 100th anniversary. The Fernie Golf Club is a beautiful par 70 course that plays up to 6,556 yards and is open to public. Located in town you’ll have easy access to ample dining options including The Fernie Taphouse and Fernie’s Historic Downtown.

Last, but not least, is the customary stop at Fernie Brewing Company for a local pint and an FBC plaid shirt before the final trip home.

For more about Fernie visit www.tourismfernie.com