The
Valley of a Thousand Peaks runs south from Golden down Highway
95 and
along the Columbia River, which flows north at this point
from Canal Flats, and on to Cranbrook the main urban center of
the Kootenay Rockies. Highway 95 joins with Highway 93 at Radium
Hot Springs the gateway town to Kootenay National Park.
Radium Hot Springs was first noted for its crystal clear mineral
hot pools that were commercially developed by the Canadian Government
in 1923. Today the Village of Radium Hot Springs is known as ‘the
Flower Capital of the Rockies', and has a lot more to offer the
visitor. There are two championship golf courses, alpine meadow
trails bristling with wildflowers; pine-scented forests and soaring
mountain-scapes to hike; as well as warm therapeutic natural hot
springs. Wildlife abounds here at the edge of Kootenay National
Park where bighorn sheep and deer form part of the village’s
resident population.
Kootenay National Park, set in the Rocky Mountains, is a land where
towering summits and hanging glaciers meet narrow chasms, broad
forested valleys and colour-splashed mineral pools. Kootenay National
Park is an area of incredible scenery and abundant wildlife.
The best way to experience the Park is to travel the 98 km (59
mi) long Kootenay Parkway (Highway 93) which cuts through the
park from north to south. Visitors travelling along the Kootenay
Parkway
will discover an ever-changing panorama encountering everything
from alpine tundra in the upper reaches, to stands of Douglas
fir and prickly pear cactus at lower altitudes in the south.
The parkway
drive also offers opportunities for viewing rocky mountain bighorn
sheep, mountain goats, elk, mule’ whitetail deer and, if
you are lucky, a bear.
Kooteney National Park has over 200 km (120 mi) of hiking trails,
both easy and challenging, that originate from the parkway. One
breathtaking trail leads across the Vermilion River, past iron-rich
clay banks, up along Ochre Creek and on to the cold mineral springs
known as the Paint Pots. At the Paint Pots, the iron in the water
has seeped into the clay of the region giving it a vivid orange
colour.
Winding up the road to the west of Radium Hot Springs and through
the Toby Creek Valley will take the visitor to the four season
resort of Panorama Mountain Village. The route was originally
used by native Indians to reach Jumbo Pass and gain access to
the western
parts of the Kootenays. Panorama caters to skiers, mountain bikers,
hikers, horseback enthusiasts and whitewater rafters. Greywolf,
one of North America’s most stunning golf courses is also
located here.
Heading south from Radium Hot Springs along Highway 93/95 is the
community of Invermere. Invermere is the commercial centre of the
Columbia valley and is located on Windermere Lake. Visitors can
take a leisurely stroll along the charming flower and tree-lined
main street of Invermere with its quaint shops, arts and crafts
exhibits, outdoor cafes and fine restaurants. On the approach to
town is the Windermere Valley Museum that traces the history of
this enchanting valley.
Just a few minutes south of Invermere on Highway 93/95 is Fairmont
Hot Springs Resort, one of the most complete four season destinations
in the world with two golf courses, on site skiing, spa facilities
and Canada’s largest natural mineral hot pools. Framed
by the spectacular peaks of the Rocky Mountains, Fairmont has
become
a regular stop on the travel itineraries of both domestic and
international visitors.
Canal Flats 13.5 km (18 mi) south of Fairmont Hot Springs, is the
birthplace of the Columbia River and the Kootenay River. Canal
Flats is named after a brief but ill-fated canal that joined the
Kootenay to the Columbia. Near the Canadian Pacific Railway bridge
in the north is a pull-off on the left with a marker explaining
the Canal Flat and a brief history of the ill-fated canal.
Whiteswan Lake Park is situated on a plateau in the Kootenay Range
of the Rocky Mountains east of Canal Flats. The abundant fish populations
of Whiteswan and Alces Lakes led to the establishment of this semi-wilderness
park. Both lakes are managed for high-yield fisheries. Rainbow
trout have been stocked in the lakes since 1961, with annual releases
of about 30,000 fingerlings.
To the south of Canal Flats is the tiny community of Skookumchuck
which was settled by homesteaders in the late 19th century. The
large expanse of land known as the Skookumchuck prairies was
good for growing crops and ranching. Skookumchuck is situated
next to
Premier Lake Provincial Park in the Hughes Range of the Rockies.
This park has five beautiful emerald green lakes – Premier,
Canuck, Yankee, Cat’s Eye and Quartz. Fishing is the main
attraction at Premier Lake Provincial Park with an abundance
of trout, eastern brook, and Gerrard rainbow. Swimming, canoeing,
kayaking and hiking are popular pastimes.
Turning west onto Highway 95A at Wasa is the short drive to Kimberley.
Kimberley is a city with a delightful Bavarian Flavour and a
culture of annual festivals. These include the Kimberley Old
Time Accordion
Festival in July, July Fest and BC Days in the Plazl in August.
Kimberley’s energy emanates from the Platzl, an esplanade
punctuated with picturesque shops, hanging baskets and attractive
hand-painted fire hydrants. A forest-trimmed path leads from
the Platzl to the aromatically captivating Cominco Gardens. Scenic
biking and hiking paths thread through the Kimberley Nature Park.
Kimberley boasts two fine golf courses Trickle Creek, located
halfway up the road to Kimberly Ski Resort, has a deserved reputation
as
a great championship course. Carved out of the forest, this course
captures the true essence of mountain golfing. The Kimberley
Golf Club, which was established in 1924, is a mature course
etched
along the banks of the St. Mary’s River.
Turning east at Wasa and on Highway 93/95 will lead to the settlement
of Fort Steele. Fort Steele Heritage town is a restored 1890's
pioneer boomtown, with over 60 heritage shops and display buildings.
Locals in period costume go about their business in the blacksmith’s
shop and the schoolhouse. Popular summertime features include
the Wild Horse Theatre and living history street dramas, a steam
railway,
horse-drawn wagon rides, blacksmith, harness maker, and re-enactments
of domestic life of the times.
The southern point of the Valley of a Thousand Peaks is marked
by Cranbrook, the largest town in the region. Cranbrook owes
its recent history to the railway and the Canadian Museum of
Rail Travel.
Located downtown, the museum preserves the glory days of the
railroad, with elaborately restored passenger cars – including the
sole remaining set from Canadian Pacific’s 1929 "Trans
Canada Limited". Visitors can tour these vintage cars and
take afternoon tea in the Argyle, a richly inlaid dining car.
Cranbrook is an interesting city to explore on foot. A revitalized
downtown is home to many quaint and diverse shops and services
and bounded by beautiful heritage homes. Cranbrook's major festivals
include Sam Steele Days in June and the Cranbrook Pro Rodeo in
August. The Cranbrook & District Arts Council also coordinates
other events throughout the year.
Beyond the city, the Gothic-style St. Eugene Mission remains
a protected landmark. Also on-site also is the Ktunaxa Kinbasket
Interpretive Centre with displays of historic photographs and
artifacts.
South of Cranbrook Highway 3/95 runs down to the USA border and
over to Creston. Along the way are four provincial parks of note.
The first, Jimsmith Lake Park is located just south of Cranbrook
and offers swimming, non-motorized boating and picnicking in a
day-use waterfront area. Located 20 km (12 mi) south of Cranbrook
off Highway 3/95, is Moyie Lake Park day use area where a boat
launch provides the only public access to the deep blue mountain
waters of Moyie Lake. The 2842 hectare Gilnockie Park is situated
southeast of Cranbrook and just north of the USA border. It includes
the upper portion of Gilnockie Creek. Gilnockie Provincial Park
is home to some of the oldest fir and larch stands in the region
where bears, moose, elk, white-tail and mule deer are found.
Located along Highway 3/95 at Kingsgate, 70 km (42 mi) south
of Cranbrook and 14.5 km (9 mi) north of the USA and Canadian
borders,
is Yahk Park. Yahk Park was established in 1956 to provide camping
and picnicking opportunities for the travelling public. As well
it conserves a short scenic section of the Moyie River. The adjacent
town of Yahk has services and tourist supplies.
Links
Need a place to stay or camp while exploring the Valley
of a Thousand Peaks?
Explore the communities of the Valley of a Thousand
Peaks
Discover the Kootenay Rockies Sub Regions
Tourism Region Contact
Kootenay Rockies Tourism
Box 10, 1905 Warren Avenue
Kimberley, BC V1A 2Y5
Phone: (250) 427-4838
Brochure Hot Line: 1-800-661-6603
Fax: (250) 427-3344
Email: Info@KootenayRockies.com
