Are you looking for an epic Pacific Northwest road trip? The International Selkirk Loop is a famous 280-mile (450-km) scenic route that winds through the beautiful landscapes of Washington, Idaho, and southern British Columbia.
This unique byway is the continent’s only international scenic drive, an All-America road national scenic byway traversing the Selkirk Mountains and some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain in the Pacific Northwest.
We had the chance to take this scenic drive this August, and I created a detailed 6-day itinerary so you can also experience the highlights of the International Selkirk Loop.
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✍️ The International Selkirk Loop invited us for a summer family road trip in the Pacific Northwest, and we’re sharing our detailed itinerary and the best things to do along the International Selkirk Loop (and more) with you! Note that all opinions and words are our own.
International Selkrik Loop Itinerary MAP
📖 TL;DR? Here is a recap of our 6-day road trip on the International Selkirk Loop
Start your adventure in Bonners Ferry, where you’ll visit the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, hike the Myrtle Falls Trail and drive on the scenic auto tour road to spot wildlife. In downtown Bonners Ferry, learn about the area’s history at the Boundary County Museum and grab lunch at Under the Sun before enjoying a frozen yogurt at Froyo Mama.
Next, head to Sandpoint, where you can spend time at Schweitzer Ski Resort. The kids will love activities like gem panning and trampoline jumping. In Downtown Sandpoint, explore the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail, relax at City Beach, or walk across the Sagle-Long Bridge.
Stop at the Pend Oreille County Museum in Newport, WA to learn about the area’s history. Enjoy a refreshing ice cream at Owen Grocery & Deli afterward. Hike the scenic Sweet Creek Trail and explore the Gardner Cave before crossing into Rossland, Canada, for more history and a stroll through Downtown Rossland.
Finish your trip with a scenic drive from Nelson to Kaslo, with stops at Ainsworth Hot Springs and Fletcher Creek Falls before returning to Bonners Ferry.
Day 1: Bonners Ferry
Kick off your International Selkirk Loop road trip in the charming city of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, at the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is located just outside Bonners Ferry. The refuge is home to various birds, mammals, and other wildlife. You can park at the Myrtle Falls trailhead or the refuge office (on the other side of the road).
Then, you’re ready to hike to the short yet really nice Myrtle Falls Trail. This short hike (0.9 mile out-and-back) crosses a bridge and leads to a beautiful waterfall. Note that you’ll still be far from the waterfall at the top of the trail.
Then, back at the trailhead, walk to the Refuge office and read the different interpretive signs to learn more about the wild animals present there.
You can also walk on Chickadee Trail. It’s a gentle and accessible trail perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the forest. The kids loved looking through the huge monocular. They sadly didn’t see any wildlife.
Finally, hop back in the car to take the auto tour road. This 4.5-mile scenic road winds through wetlands and grasslands. You might spot deer, elk, moose, and various birds. We saw a deer by the creek, which was pretty cool.
Next, head to downtown Bonners Ferry.
Downtown Bonners Ferry
Park by the visitor center and head to the Boundary County Museum. You can learn about the area’s rich history, from its Native American roots to its logging and mining past. They also have a fun little scavenger hunt for the kids.
Afterward, walk around Main Street.
During our visit, we browsed through Bonner’s Books, a cozy local bookstore perfect for finding your next great read. Then, we headed to Under the Sun, a welcoming cafe serving fresh, local dishes in a laid-back atmosphere.
To top off your busy day, treat yourselves to a refreshing frozen yogurt at Froyo Mama, a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
🛏️ WHERE TO STAY?
We stayed at the Northside School Bed and Breakfast. It’s a unique B&B housed in a historic schoolhouse from 1913. This multi-generational family owner turned each room into a school subject theme. We were staying in the chemistry room.
They also have a big heated pool, a hot tub and some fun outdoor games (including a swing).
Day 2: Sandpoint, WA
After a delicious and filling breakfast offered at Northside School Bed and Breakfast, drive to Sandpoint, with a first stop in Schweitzer Ski Resort.
Schweitzer Ski Resort
This well-known ski resort offers year-round activities, including
- scenic chairlift rides,
- trampoline jumping,
- gem panning,
- playgrounds, and
- lawn games
It’s a great place for families. You can spend a few hours at the resort. My kids ended up gem panning and trampoline jumping (they first tried it on our visit to the Columbia Valley in BC). We also played giant checker before heading to Sandpoint.
But you can take a day pass for unlimited kids’ activities.
Downtown Sandpoint
Sandpoint has a charming downtown area right next to Pend d’Oreille Lake. Enjoy the City Beach and walk on the new Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail.
We were initially supposed to do a Sunset Lake Pend Oreille Cruises along Lake Pend Oreille, but the weather wasn’t great (wind, rain and thunder were on the forecast), so all cruises were canceled for the day.
Instead, we walked (and the kids used their roller blades) across the iconic Sagle-Long Bridge, which spans the Pend Oreille River. Then, we headed back downtown for a sushi dinner at Thai Nigiri Restaurant.
You can also browse the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market for unique souvenirs and local produce.
🛏️ WHERE TO STAY?
We stayed at the Springhill Suites Sandpoint just outside the city center. It’s a beautiful Marriott hotel with a pool and complimentary breakfast. They also have a beautiful outdoor courtyard to enjoy the warm summer nights.
Day 3: Newport, WA
Wake up early, enjoy a quick hotel breakfast, and start driving toward the state of Washington.
Your first stop of the day is in the town of Priest River.
Priest River & Priest Lake
In Priest River, you can walk on the short main street and visit the Priest River Museum and Timber Education Center. This small museum offers insights into the region’s logging history and timber industry.
Next, head to the beautiful Priest Lake and walk the Hanna Flats Cedar Grove trail, It’s a beautiful short interpretive loop with towering cedar trees and hiking trails.
Then, continue your drive to Newport, WA.
Downtown Newport
In Downtown Newport, make sure to visit the Pend Oreille County Museum. It’s a nice museum with an indoor and outdoor section. Through engaging exhibits, we explored the area’s fascinating history.
The kids loved walking around outside and visiting the different historic building including an old caboose, a fire lookout and a tiny church.
After learning about the local past, treat yourselves to some delicious ice cream at Owen Grocery & Deli. This charming spot is perfect for a sweet break in this quaint town. It’s one of the best ice cream shops in the area.
🛏️ WHERE TO STAY?
We stayed in one of the cabins at Kalispel RV Resort. The little cabins are really cute and comfortable with great amenities for families. There is also a small kids playground and a restaurant.
💡 Note that the check is inside the gas station. It took me a couple of minutes to figure it out.
Day 4: Hiking and Crossing into Canada
Today is a busy day.
Sweet Creek Trail
Start the morning early with a waterfall hike to Sweet Creek Trail.
We started with the lower trail, where we reached the waterfall’s base. We spent some time enjoying the water. Then, we walked to the upper level and had a beautiful view over the waterfall.
I think it’s a total of about 2.0 mile hike. The kids had no problem doing it. It would also be perfect for a toddler.
Gardner Cave Tour
Continue your adventure with an underground tour of the Gardner Cave. Such a unique experience takes you underground into a fascinating cave system.
Reservations are required for this FREE tour. There offer a few tours per day (10AM, 2PM and 4PM). There also have a family tour at noon (best if you have kids under 5 years old).
There is a $10 parking fee for the Crawford State Park.
Next, you can make quick stop in Metaline Falls where there’s a stunning waterfall. You can take a stroll through Falls View Park to admire the falls or grab a coffee in the charming downtown area.
Crossing the Canadian Border
It’s time to cross the border into Canada at the Nelway crossing. Make sure you plan in advance, because this border is only open until 4 pm.
Continue driving to Rossland.
We didn’t make any stops on the way to Rossland because we were trying to get in town in time for the 3 p.m. tour at the museum, but you could check Fruitvale or Trail.
Downtown Rossland
As soon as you get to Rossland, head to the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre. You can take a self-guided tour of the inside of the museum (kids will love the scavenger hunt), but I really recommend taking part in the free guided tour. There are 3 tours by day (10AM, 1PM and 3PM).
Depending on time, you might be able to do the 3PM tour.
This one-hour guided tour brings you outside the museum at the base of an historic mine. We learned about the town’s fascinating history.
You can even try your hand at gold panning, a fun and hands-on way to connect with Rossland’s past.
You can then spend a little time strolling along the main street in Downtown Rossland.
🛏️ WHERE TO STAY?
After an exciting day of hiking and sightseeing, rest your head at The Josie in Rossland. It’s such a cozy accommodation option in the heart of this charming Canadian town.
The Rosie is named after one of the mines that were operating in the RED Mountain. It’s located at the base of the RED Mountain Ski Resort.
There is a restaurant onsite (the Velvet) that has a great happy hour and appetizers to share. It’s what we did. The kids were pretty happy to order a fun drink, a Arnold Palmer Mixed Drink. I got myself a Mountain Mule.
Day 5: Driving to Nelson
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Velvet, the hotel restaurant before starting your day.
The drive from Rossland to Nelson is only over an hour. Nelson is one of the many great stops in the Kootenays. On the way to Nelson, stop in Castlegar.
Castlegar – Zuckerberg Island Park
You can walk around Zuckerberg Island Park in Castlegar. To get to the island, you have to cross a wooden suspension bridge.
The park has easy trails that go through the forest and along the river. You can walk to the small Russian Orthodox-style chapel on the island.
Lakeside Park
Once you arrive in Nelson, spend the afternoon at the Lakeside Park. It’s such a great place for families.
You can enjoy the beach and the water for hours. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the serene waters of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake.
Then, have fun ride on Historic Streetcar #23. This old-fashioned streetcar takes you along the waterfront, giving you beautiful views of the lake and town.
The ride is smooth and relaxing, and it feels like stepping back in time. The friendly volunteers shared stories about the streetcar’s history, making the trip even more interesting.
It’s a great way to see Nelson and learn a little about its past.
Cottonwood Falls Park
At the end of the day, drive to Cottonwood Falls Park. The park is really close the downtown Nelson. You could even walk from the park to the hotel.
It’s a great park to visit and it features a stunning waterfall cascading over a limestone rock face.
Downtown Nelson
Nelson has a vibrant downtown area, known as Baker Street. It’s a heritage district lined with charming buildings housing an array of shops, galleries, and restaurants.
You can spend the rest of the day strolling along the brick-paved streets and exploring the local boutiques and artisan studios.
🛏️ WHERE TO STAY?
The Best Western Plus Baker Street Inn is a great option when visiting Nelson. It’s perfectly located on Baker Street, Nelson’s main street. There is an on-site restaurant and a small whirlpool.
Day 6: Scenic Drive from Nelson to Kaslo, BC
Start the day with hot chocolate and a latte from Oso Negro, a local coffee roaster and café. They have a beautiful cosy outdoor patio.
You will then be fueled for a scenic BC road trip from Nelson to Kaslo.
Ainsworth Hot Springs
Make a first stop visiting the renowned Ainsworth Hot Springs. It’s natural geothermal hot spring with breathtaking views of the Purcell Mountains. It’s a commercial hot pool like you may find in Banff or the Columbia Valley, but it has a really cool feature:
A cave!
It’s a natural 150-foot horseshoe cave. These are old mine tunnels carved by miners to improve the flow of hot water from the springs.
Fletcher Creek Falls
Next, head to Fletcher Creek Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush forest. This is one of the easiest and most satisfying hiking trail we’ve done as a family: short, with an amazing waterfall ending and a hidden beach and glacier-led lake.
Note that it’s marked as “moderate” on AllTrails (there is no railing, but my little boys had no problem with the hike level)
Kaslo
Later in the day, explore the charming town of Kaslo. You can stroll through Downtown Kaslo,, grab a bite at one of the local restaurants and soak in the charming atmosphere of this picturesque town.
But don’t miss the Kaslo River Trail. It’s a beautiful trail along the Kaslo River. But kids will lot the Hide And Seek section of the trail.
Keep an eye out for the seven hidden sculptures along the trail, making it a fun scavenger hunt for the kids.
🛏️ WHERE TO STAY?
You can either stay the night in Kaslo or drive back to Nelson for the last night on the International Selkrik Loop.
Bonus | Day 7: Creston & Return to Bonners Ferry
On the seventh (and last day), you’ll take the scenic route back to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, via the Kootenay Lake Ferry and the town of Creston, British Columbia.
The Kootenay Lake Ferry is a unique experience, allowing you to cross the stunning Kootenay Lake while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s the longest free ferry in Canada.
Make sure you check the schedule. It runs every hour or two, so it’s important to take that into account).
Once you reach Creston, be sure to visit the town’s iconic twin grain elevators, which have become a beloved landmark. These towering structures offer a glimpse into the region’s agricultural heritage.
You can also explore one of the local farms, where you might have the opportunity to pick fresh produce or interact with friendly farm animals. This is a delightful experience for the whole family.
After your adventures in Creston, continue your drive back to Bonners Ferry, where your incredible Selkirk Loop adventure began… or any other road trip you may have planned in Western Canada.
💡Useful Information on the International Selkirk Loop
1. What is the International Selkirk Loop?
The International Selkirk Loop is a scenic 280-mile (450-km) driving route that winds through the Selkirk Mountains of Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia. The main stops are Bonners Ferry, ID, Sandpoint, ID, Newport, WA, and Nelson, BC.
But there are many side loops you can take as well (for example, we did a retour to Rossland, BC).
The loop can be accessed from various points in Canada or the USA, but for this road trip, our starting point was Bonners Ferry, Idaho (just after crossing the Canada-USA border in Eastport).
2. What is the best way to get to the Selkirk Loop?
If you’re traveling by air, the nearest major airport is Spokane International Airport (GEG) in Spokane, Washington. It’s about a two-hour drive from Bonners Ferry. If you arrive in Spokane, the best option is to start the loop in Newport, WA.
Alternatively, you could fly into Kalispell Regional Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana, and make the scenic three-hour drive to the loop’s northern entrance. If time permits, you could also add a quick trip to Glacier National Park before flying back home.
If you’re from Canada, the nearest major airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Calgary, Alberta. It’s about a four-hour drive from Creston, where you would start the loop.
3. How long does it take to drive the International Selkirk Loop?
The International Selkirk Loop is a 450 km (280 miles) scenic drive around the Selkirk Mountains, passing through Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia.
The total driving time for the complete loop can vary depending on your pace and number of stops, but it typically takes around 10-12 hours of driving time when done continuously without stops.
However, to fully experience the scenic beauty and attractions along the way, it’s recommended to take your time and plan for at least 5-7 days to complete the loop comfortably.
Here is an alternative itinerary if you are limited in time. It’s busy schedule, but doable.
Alternative Itinerary – 4 Days
- Day 1: Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint
- Day 2: Newport and Metaline Falls
- Day 3: Castlebar & Nelson
- Day 4: Drive back
Conclusion
The International Selkirk Loop is a breathtaking scenic drive that winds through the rugged mountains and cute towns of Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia.
This 280-mile (450 km) loop offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences.
This 7-day road trip will bring you to Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint in Idaho, Newport and Metaline Falls in Washington as well Rossland and Nelson in British Columbia.
The International Selkirk Loop is a must-visit destination that combines the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
