Looking for a getaway close to home? Have a look at the RCI resorts in BC's Kootenay Region.
Tucked into the corner of southeastern BC, on the borders of Alberta, Montana, Idaho, and Washington, the region is just a few short hours from many BC and Alberta cities.
According to the Kootenay Rockies Tourism Board web site, visitors can expect "clean, natural, uncrowded outdoor activities and experiences."
Most visitors to the Kootenays are interested in scenery and activities related to the mountain terrain and relatively rural communities.
The region is home to mountain ranges including the Purcells, Monashees, Selkirks, and the Canadian Rockies. |
Southern Canadian Rockies near Elkford
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Numerous small cities and towns are spread throughout the region at varying elevations. In between, a huge array of lakes, creeks, campgrounds, and hiking areas are maintained by provincial and national parks.
During your trip, try cycling, mountain biking, hiking, and snowmobiling as well as fishing, boating and water sports. If you take your time exploring, you'll find many little attractions (some off the map) along the way. Look for gift shops, museums, and galleries featuring local artists.
The Kootenays are dotted with many wilderness, powder, and heli-skiing outfits, but we've opted to focus on the major mountains.
Many of the hot springs in the area include accommodation (2 of which are included in the RCI property list below), but all allow visitors to purchase passes to the pools. Some are restricted to seasonal operation.
Ainsworth Hot Springs
Three odorless pools, 150 ft horseshoe cave, lounging pool and stream-fed cold pool.
Canyon Hot Springs
A natural mineral hot pool and swimming pool northeast of Revelstoke - with ghost town nearby.
Fairmont Hot Springs
Hot pool, large swimming pool and dive pool with low and high boards.
Halcyon Hot Springs
An upper deck with hot, warm, and cold pools, plus a lower deck with a mineral swimming pool.
Lussier Hot Springs
Natural pools separated from the Lussier River by boulders. Located within Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park.
Nakusp Hot Springs
Large and small hot pools fed by Kuskanax Creek.
Radium Hot Springs
Largest hot spring pool in Canada plus swimming pool.
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Sinclair Canyon near Radium Hot Springs
in Kootenay National Park, Canada |
Properties in the region are grouped in the south, but other communities are easily accessible for day trips.
The Kootenay Region has relatively low humidity with hot dry summers and snowy winters. As the numerous mountain ranges are
acompanied by valleys, rivers, and lakes, micro climates are the norm. Visitors may find changing weather patterns while travelling through the area.
Still a relatively untouched wilderness area, the Kootenays combine affordable travel and authentic experiences. Whether you're looking for a place to take the family skiing or plan that memorable Christmas away, the this area is a great choice that's still close to home. |
