If you’re planning a Kootenay road trip this year, I have the perfect itinerary for you and your family.
Driving across the Kootenays, a Canadian Rockies hidden gem, is one of the best road trips in British Columbia.
Prepare to embark on a wonderful family adventure through one of British Columbia’s most scenic and diverse regions with our comprehensive Kootenay road trip itinerary.
This itinerary will lead you through breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and hidden gems of the Canadian Rockies, including Golden, Kimberley, Nelson, and Revelstoke.
Get ready to discover the best road trips in British Columbia as we take you through the heart of the Kootenays!
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Kootenay Road Trip Map: Golden, Kimberley, Nelson, Revelstoke
This road trip through the beautiful Kootenay in the Canadian Rockies is 759 km (472 miles) if you drive from Golden to Revelstoke, through Kimberley and Nelson. You’ll have to add 148 km (92 miles ) to complete the entire loop from Revelstoke to Golden.
Day 1 of Your Kootenay Road Trip: Golden
You’ll start your Kootenay road trip in Goden. There are many things to do in Golden, BC, but I recommend you start at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
You can take a gondola ride for panoramic mountain views. The gondola ride is easy and suitable for all ages. It offers a spectacular vista of the Columbia Valley. We visited early in June, and it felt like we expected all season within a few minutes. It was still really wintery at the summit.
💡 PRO-TIP: Don’t forget to look down while you go up. You’ll pass above the Grizzly Bear Refuge and you may be lucky enough to see Boo.
Then, you’ll want to take the chair lifts to visit Boo at the Grizzly Bear Refuge. It’s the largest enclosed and protected grizzly bear habitat in the world. It’s a big enclosure, so you may not see the grizzly bear. But the guided tour is still interesting even if you don’t see Boo.
When you are ready, head into downtown Golden. It’s a pretty small downtown area, but the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge is a must-see. You can walk across the bridge and walk along the river. We used our bikes on our visit.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Golden? The Prestige Inn Hotel for its central location or Basecamp Lodge Golden for a more boutique experience.
Day 2: Golden to Kimberley
The drive to Kimberley takes about 3 hours. It’s a 253-km drive, but there is a lot to see along the way.
Radium Hot Springs is the perfect first spot to unwind. There is a nice kids’ playground. Or you can also hike the Juniper Trail. The trailhead starts near the hot springs. It’s a moderate 2.8-km return hike with some elevation gain.
Then, you can soak in the Fairmont Hot Springs for a little while before hitting the road again. You can go in one of the hot spring pools or try the natural, historic hot spring pools at the top of the little hill (in front of the resort).
A little past Fairmont Hot Springs, you’ll see hoodoos. They are fascinating rock formations like you can find in Drumheller. It’s only a short walk from the parking area.
Once in Kimberley, stroll through the Platzl. It’s an outdoor pedestrian mall. It has a Bavarian-style architecture.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Kimberley? The Larix Hotel
Day 3: Kimberley
Start your morning with a short, easy hike to Marysville Falls. It’s a short hike (less than 1 km) round trip to a beautiful waterfall. You can also try the Sunflower Hill trail. It’s a longer hiking trail at more than 10.5 km, but you can also turn around if the kids need to.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Been Tree in the Kimberley Platz.
In the afternoon, you can explore the Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway. It’s a historical and educational experience. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours. Don’t miss the train tour.
Day 4: Kimberley to Nelson
The drive to Nelson takes a little more than 3 hours. It’s a 260-km drive, but there is a lot to see along the way.
On your way to Nelson, stop at Yahk for a quirky break at the Yahk Soap & Candle Co. where the goat on the roof is a charming attraction.Â
You can also stop in Creston. You can look at the Creston’s iconic twin grain elevators and visit one of the local farms.
💡 NOTE: You must take the ferry (Kootenay Lake Ferry from Kootenay Bay to Balfour). Make sure you check the schedule. It runs every hour or two, so it’s important to take that into account).
If you arrive early for the ferry, you’ll find a nice little beach to relax. The kids will love throwing some rocks in the lake.
Once in Nelson, explore Baker Street’s heritage buildings, shops, and restaurants.Â
🛏️ Where to Stay in Nelson? Best Western Plus Baker Street
Day 5: Nelson
Start your morning with a delicious coffee Oso Negro.
Then, you’re ready for a morning hike. The Pulpit Rock trail in Nelson is a popular local hike. It’s a moderate 3.6-km return trip with a bit of a climb, so wear good shoes and bring water. But the view of worth the effort.
Then, drive back to downtown Nelson and spend the afternoon at Lakeside Park. You can rent a kayak or simply enjoy the beach. The streetcar #23 is a historic trolley that runs along the waterfront. It’s a charming and fun way to see the area and learn history.
End your day with a small stroll to the Cottonwood Falls Park. It’s a short and easy walk to the waterfall and you can walk from the main street.Â
Day 6: Nelson to Kaslo
The drive to Kaslo is short but scenic. You have plenty of time to enjoy all the sights.
💡 PRO-TIP: If you prefer, you can stay an extra day overnight in Nelson and make the round trip. It’s what we did on our trip.
Ainsworth Hot Springs features a unique cave experience and is a must-visit. You can enjoy the hot spring pool and walk in the little cave.
Be warned, though: It can be really busy.
Before or after relaxing in the hot springs, you can hike to the Ainsworth Cemetery and Cedar Creek Trail. It’s a total of 4.9 km to do the entire loop.
Then, you’ll want to drive a bit closer to Kaslo and stop at the Fletcher Falls. It’s one of those hikes that is super short, but so worth it.Â
It’s an easy 10-minute walk to the falls and beach. You’ll see the waterfalls, but then you can also enjoy the quiet beach.
đź’ˇ PRO-TIP: Bring towels and your bathing suit (if you don’t mind a cold plunge).Â
When you arrive In Kaslo, you can walk around the town.
Day 7: Kaslo to Revelstoke
Start your day with a morning hike. The Kaslo River Trail is an easy, family-friendly walk you can’t miss. It features charming sculptures along the way. So, you can turn this hike into a fun scavenger hunt trying to find the eight large reinforced concrete sculptures of playful “Koots”.
When you are ready, it’s time to drive to Revelstoke. The drive to Nelson takes a bit more than 3 hours. It’s a 296-km drive.
You’ll want to stop at Nakusp Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in a peaceful forest setting. The Halfway Hot Springs is a more rustic experience if you’re up for a little adventure. The trail is a short but rugged 0.5-km descent to natural hot springs polls. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes.
Once in Revelstoke, you can explore the local shops and restaurants downtown. You can consider the 112 Restaurant and Lounge for its good food and ambiance.
Day 8 Your Kootenay Road Trip: Revelstoke
Start your day with a visit to the Enchanted Forest. It’s a unique attraction that’s fun for kids and adults. You’ll walk through paths in a fairy-tale setting. You’ll see different fairy-tale exhibitions and you can climb BC’s tallest treehouse.
In the afternoon, head to the Revelstoke Mountain Resort. It offers a variety of summer activities, including hiking trails for all levels, the Pipe Mountain Coaster, and sightseeing gondola rides. The resort’s activities can fill your day with adventure and stunning views.
Final Thoughts: Kootenay Road Trip Itinerary
This itinerary includes relaxation, adventure, and local culture, ensuring a memorable Kootenay road trip experience!
From the vibrant streets of Nelson to the tranquil hot springs of Ainsworth, each day of this itinerary unveils a new facet of the Kootenays’ splendor. You’ll experience the thrill of discovering hidden waterfalls, the joy of scenic hikes, and the serenity of soaking in natural hot springs.
This Kootenay road trip itinerary is not just a route; it’s an unforgettable experience, weaving together nature, adventure, and local culture.
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.