Kootenay Rockies & Hot Springs

Today, head to the town of Osoyoos, which is near the border between the United States and Canada. As the only desert in Canada, this town attracts an endless stream of interested tourists eager for adventure. Learn about the local ecosystem and the research done by visiting the Ecological Research Centre, and while you are there please taste the local famous Windmill ice cream and visit the Orchards. In the evening, arrive at the lake town of Nelson to enjoy the exquisite beauty of the turquoise lakes, vast range of mountains, and the grandeur of the famous Rocky Mountains.

  Accommodation suggestion
Prestige Inn Nelson (3 ) or more selective

Today, head to Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC’s most prestigious hot spring resort. This resort is very special as is it consists of two hot spring areas: one is the outdoor hot spring pool outside of the cave, overlooking the beautiful Kootenay National Park; the other pool is the stalactite natural pool inside of the cave, enjoy this once in a lifetime experience bathing in the natural stalactites pool, as it will sure to give you a new and unforgettable bathing experience (please bring your own bathing suit). After a relaxing hot spring bath, take a ferry across Lake Kootenay to the town of Kimberley. Once you are there, enjoy the German style Bavarian architectures and visit the world’s largest cuckoo clock. After a busy day touring around, wind down the day at the beautiful yet peaceful city of Cranbrook.

  Accommodation suggestion
Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort (3 ) or more selective

Take a relaxing stroll today in the city of Cranbrook. Enjoy the Victorian style architecture and the breathtaking scenery, then continue the day along the Columbia River through Fairmont Hot Springs to Radium Hot Springs, where we recommend that you take a moment and enjoy the colorless and tasteless hot springs. In the afternoon, drive to the grand Banff National Park and visit “Bow Falls”, featured in the movie, River of No Returns. Do not forget to also visit the “Surprised Corner” along the way. You can also take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, overlooking the stunning Bow Valley.

  Accommodation suggestion
Banff Caribou Lodge (3 ) or more selective

Today, drive along the beautiful Icefield Parkway to Columbia Icefield, and take the Snowcoach onto Athabasca Glacier, the largest of six ice sheets of Columbia Icefield. On the way back to Banff, stop at Peyto Lake and Bow Lake for an enormous mountain view with a turquoise lake. You might want to visit Banff Upper Hot Springs and let the water do the magical rejuvenate work.

Leave Banff for the most beautiful “Diamond of the Wilderness”– Lake Louise. There is a walking trail along the lake, I am sure you will enjoy the scene. Nearby Moraine Lake was once printed on the back of the $20 bill. Cross the Great Divide, heading back to B.C., where you will visit Yoho National Park. Highlights include Spiral Tunnels viewpoints, Natural Bridge and Emerald Lake. As you continue you will visit Rogers Pass, Last Spike leading towards Kamloops, and stay the night at Sun Peaks Resort.

  Accommodation suggestion
Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre (4 ) or more selective

This morning, enjoy the relaxing resort recreations and amenities, Hiking up to Mountain or golfing,  later drive to Kamloops. Kamloops, in inland BC, an important transportation hub, was known as a fur trading place in the past time. Ginseng becomes an important output product over decades; you may stopover and tour the Ginseng farms, following highway 1 through Fraser Valley. You can enjoy another short rest in Chilliwack before heading back to modern Vancouver end of the journey.