BC Rockies & Area

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

EDITOR’S PICK

Kootenay National Park turns 100 this year! The park was officially established on April 21, 1920, when the Canadian government agreed to build a new road through the Canadian Rockies. This road connects the Trans-Canada Highway to the iconic Radium Hot Springs through steep and towering peaks, past deep canyons and over turbulent rivers. With plenty of day hikes, short excursions and backcountry access along this road, it’s an adventurer’s paradise. There’s a surprise around every corner. -KATE BARKER

PREHISTORIC WILDLIFE

The Burgess Shale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also the best place to learn about prehistoric wildlife in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is an important scientific resource that has been the source of many paleontology discoveries. Guided tours that discuss the impressive fossil record will resume in 2021!

RADIUM ROCKS

Looking for fun? Stay at the Village of Radium Hot Springs! The iconic hot springs pools will reopen when it's safe. In the meantime, get your adrenaline pumping with Valley Zipline Adventures (p 70) or learn about the wilderness surrounding the village with a Segway PT tour from Scootin’ Kootenay Tours. Relax in comfort in a sustainable yurt campground with Radius Retreat.

SIGHTSEEING

Travel west from Banff National Park to explore beautiful British Columbia.

The Hwy 1 route will take you through Yoho National Park. Named after a Cree expression of wonder, everywhere you look you’ll see mountains, waterfalls and forest. On Yoho Valley Road, visit impressive Takakkaw Falls, the second largest waterfall in Canada.

The Hwy 93S route rewards visitors with beautiful views and abundant wildlife in Kootenay National Park. Short and rewarding hikes include the Fireweed Loop, Marble Canyon and the Paint Pots. The historic, 1923 Kootenay Park Lodge offers snacks, shopping and dining.

GOLDEN

Located beyond the western edge of Yoho National Park is the town of Golden. Originally named “McMillans Camp”, the settlement was renamed “Golden City” to outdo the nearby “Silver City” lumber camp.

ALPINE RAFTING Big whitewater thrills and float trips along the Kicking Horse River. 101 Golden Donald Upper Rd, 888-599-5299, alpinerafting.com

ART GALLERY OF GOLDEN Fine art from local artists. A true reflection of western mountain culture. 516 9 Ave N, 250-344-6186

BEAR'S DEN BURGER BAR Comfortable mountain setting, specializing in gourmet burgers, steaks and ribs. 1210 Hwy 1 Frontage Rd, 250-344-7222

BIG BEND CAFÉ Highlighting the flavours of Golden. Multi-grain pancakes, huevos and bottomless coffee. 528 9 Ave N, 250-344-6111

CENTURY 21 Create your piece of paradise in Golden! Amber Granter, realtor. 902 10 Ave, 250-939-8605, mountaintownliving.com/amber

ELEVEN22 Canadian cuisine with a European flair. Local beer and Okanagan wine. Historic home with patio and yard. 1122 10 Ave, 250-344-2443, eleven22restaurant.com GLACIER RAFT COMPANY Quality white water rafting adventures for over 35 years. 1509 Lafontaine Rd, 877-344-7238, glacierraft.com

GOLDEN GOLF CLUB 18-hole course on the Columbia River. 42-site RV park with hook-ups, water and WiFi. Restaurant with patio and mini golf. 866-727-7222, goldengolf.com

GOLDEN MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

Local history including the Canadian Pacific Railway and Swiss mountain guides. 1302 11 Ave S, 250-344-5169, goldenbcmuseum.com

GOLDEN SUSHI Delicious Japanese and Korean food including noodle soups, rice bowls, sushi, tempura, sake and beer with a small grocery store. 828 10 Ave S, Unit G, 250-344-2231

GOLDEN ECO-ADVENTURE

RANCH RV, tent and yurt camping with 15/30 amps and water. Close to Moonraker trails. 872 MacBeath Rd, Nicholson, 250-344-6825, goldenadventurepark.com

GOLDEN VISITOR CENTRE

Drop into the Golden Visitor Centre to discover things to do, places to eat and spots to stay. Purchase your Parks Canada Pass. Wifi, food, displays and off-leash dog run. 1000 Trans-Canada Highway, 250-439-7290, tourismgolden.com

HYDRA RIVER GUIDES Rafting trips with stunning views. Trips for all ages and levels. 2936 Kicking Horse Rd, 800-644-8888, raftbanff.com

ISLAND RESTAURANT Asian and European twists on local favourites. Two patios with views. 101-10 Ave, 250-344-2400, islandrestaurant.ca

KALTIRE 24-hour emergency road service. Tire sales, repairs, travel trailer and mechanical services. 1002 10 Ave N, Golden, 250-344-5213, kaltire.com

KICKING HORSE RIVER LODGE

Minutes away from outdoor activities such as kayaking, rafting, biking, hiking and golf. Licensed lounge. 801 9 St N, 877-547-5266, khrl.com

BEGINNINGS

The mighty Columbia River, one of the largest river systems in North America, originates in Canal Flats (p 75). Walk the Source of the Columbia Trail to the bubbling spring where it all begins. En route, watch for wildflowers, birds and wildlife. -KB

MAD TRAPPER LIQUOR STORE

Large selection of beer, wine and liquor at competitive prices. 1203 9 St S, 250-344-6661

PEAKS GRILL Golden's go-to family-friendly spot with huge patio, hearty meals and great specials. 250-344-2925, peaksgrill.com

Q'S RESTAURANT Korean and Japanese cuisine including noodles, rice bowls and BBQ. 1402 Trans-Canada Highway North, 250-344-2243

REPOSADOS TACOS Y TEQUILA

Taco and tequila bar. Organic tortillas, homemade hot sauces and margaritas. 429 9th Ave N, 250-939-8807

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE

PARK Suspension bridges, bungee swing and family hiking. 503 Golden Donald Upper Road, 250-344-8420, rockymtnadventurepark.ca

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BUFFALO

RANCH Meet and learn about buffalo. Includes a First Nations bow drill fire making demo. Call to reserve. 1739 Oberg Johnson Rd, 250-344-4779, leodowney.com/ rocky-mountain-buffalo-ranch

ROCKY MOUNTAIN RIDERS

ATV, side-by-side, wake board and surf boat rentals. 1500 Kicking Horse Trail, 1-877-950-7533, rockymountainriders.com

ROCKWATER GRILL AND BAR

Riverfront patio, craft beer and seasonal food menu. Live music and events when safe to do so. 429 9 Ave N, 250-344-5951, rockwatergrill.com

RONA Home centre, garden centre, building materials, décor, appliances and seasonal products. 912 15 St S, 250-344-2964, rona.ca

SAVE ON FOODS Supermarket with pharmacy, deli and bakery. 1020 10th Ave S, 250-344-5315, saveonfoods.com/store/golden

SELKIRK SPORTS At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Rent bikes and backcountry gear. Outdoor mountain apparel for sale. 1549 Kicking Horse Trail, 250-344-2925, selkirksports.ca

SWISS VILLAGE INN & RV

PARK Kitchenette units, accessible and family suites. 10 RV sites with full hook-ups. 1107 14 St N, 250-344-2276, swissvillageinn.ca

TURNING POINT RESTAURANT

Family owned since 1988. Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan dishes available. 906 11 Ave S, 250-344-2566, turningpointrestaurant.com

WHITETOOTH BISTRO Casual bistro with elevated food. Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. 427 9 Ave, 250-344-5120, whitetoothbistro.com

WOLF'S DEN Log cabin just steps from the Kicking Horse River with stunning mountain views. 1105-9 St S, 250-344-9863, thewolfsdengolden.ca

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS

On the southern edge of Kootenay National Park is Radium Hot Springs. This village is full of outdoor adventure and mountain enthusiasts. FAR OUT ADVENTURE HUB Bike, canoe and kayak rentals with pick-up and drop off options. 7514 Main St E, 1-844-376-0632, rentfarout.com

KOOTENAY RIVER RUNNERS The best Class II to IV whitewater in the Rockies. Great for first timers or veterans. Hwy 93, 1-800-599-4399, raftingtherockies.com

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS

VISITOR CENTRE Everything you need to discover Radium Hot Springs and the Columbia Valley. Purchase Parks Canada passes. Wildlife exhibits, souvenirs and expert advice. 7556 Main St E, 250-347-9331, radiumhotsprings.com

VALLEY ZIPLINE ADVEN-

TURES Family-friendly adventure! 1.5 hr zipline course with 7 lines, interpretation and guides. Also climbing wall and jump tower. 8393 Hwy 95, 250-347-7627 Continued on p 75

MOUNTAIN. RISE.

Oh to feel young again...a soul re-created by life outdoors, mountain vistas, and renewed thoughts of conquering life’s passions. In Canal Flats, free spirit is...free.

www.canalflats.com

Explore Radium Hot Springs

Find open spaces in the Kootenay Rockies overlookng the beautiful Columbia River. Relax in the wilderness, hike the mountains and swim the waters of Lake Windermere. Find your escape. Share the love of nature with your family. Explore Radium Hot Springs.