Tourism South Kootenay

11/06/2024

Looking to add a new trail to your usual repertoire? Today we are taking a look at the new Barclay Creek Trail, located in Fruitvale! https://www.trailforks.com/trails/barclay-creek/

Here's the description from Trail Forks:

A new (as of June 2023) purpose-built dedicated downhill mountain bike trail, Smooth, flowing, pumping, poppy, bermed goodness. Funded by Beaver Valley Recreation Beaver Valley Recreation and the Columbia Basin Trust , and constructed by Alpine Connection and the KCTS

Access Info:
Park at the trail head on South Road. Climb the short (steep) connector to Webster Rd. Climb the Webster Road trail to the summit, and drop in.

🎥 Dane Tudor Shred House Media

02/02/2024

Wave alert! 🤟 The surf is up on on the Columbia River, and it's pure (chilly) magic- just like a powder day.

Warning: This thrill ride is strictly for those who navigate the Columbia River with confidence, master their watercraft, and prioritize safety like pros! 🏄‍♂️💦 Dive in and let the adventure begin!

📸 Dave Heath

20/11/2023

Looking for ways to welcome Winter? The biathlon range Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club in Rossland, BC is groomed and welcoming skiers!

Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club ranks as one of the premier cross-country ski facilities in western Canada because of its variety of trails, excellent grooming, abundant and reliable snowfall, and proximity to Rossland. This nordic facility hosts thousands of day-skier visits per year, and is the training ground for many notable cross country ski athletes!

Some of the amazing features of Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club are:

❄️ 50 km of expertly groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing
❄️ 4 km of dog-friendly trails
❄️ 2.5 km of lit trails for night skiing
❄️ Three warming cabins along the trails
❄️ Trailhead kiosk (see hours) with friendly staff & rentals
❄️ Terrain park for kids
❄️ Trailhead cabin at lower trailhead
❄️ Biathlon range
❄️ Beautiful trails and beautiful views!

Have you skied at Black Jack yet? Let us know what your must-ski trails are!

Plan your visit and learn more at: www.skiblackjack.ca

📸 Ashley Voykin

23/03/2023

Look who made the list!

How many of these unique and surreal places in Canada have you visited?

07/02/2023

Have you explored the Kootenay West Ale Trail yet!? From February 1 to February 28, 2023 visit any of the 11 participating locations in Kaslo, Nelson, Trail, Rossland and Castlegar and ask for your Ale Trail Passport. Sit back, order a beer, start collecting your stamps and enter to win!

At each location ask for a stamp on the Passport when you buy a beer (flight, pint, or packaged product to go). Collect six unique stamps in at least two communities, hand in the Passport at any location to receive a branded beer mug (while supplies last), and you’ll be entered in the draw for a chance to win the GRAND PRIZE package! The winner will be drawn in March 2023.

Explore all the grand prizes and plan your Ale Trail Trip! https://kootenayroadtrip.ca/aletrail


BC Ale Trail Destination Castlegar BC Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism Trail Beer Refinery Taproom Rossland Beer Company

10/02/2022

It's Thursday, which means it's time to start planning your weekend adventures. Get inspired by this view along the Columbia River to Trail B.C and up to Red Mountain and Mt. Roberts, captured by local photographer Don Conway

What are you going to get up to this weekend in the South Kootenay?

19/12/2021

Over 100 people have told us how they would spend an Epic Day in the South Kootenay for a chance to win incredible local prizes! Have you? Visit SouthKootenay.ca/epicday to learn more and tell us about your perfect day in the South Kootenay!

If you are looking for some inspiration for your itinerary, visit https://southkootenay.ca/itineraries and see some of the top itineraries that have been submitted so far!

In order to be entered to win, share your suggestions on how to spend a epic day in Rossland, Warfield, Trail, Montrose, Fruitvale and Area A&B by filling out the form below. The best (and most inclusive) itineraries will be featured on our blog and the social media channels.

09/12/2021

Exciting news! The BC Games Society announced today that Trail-Rossland will co-host the 2026 BC Winter Games!

These cities have a long history of hosting major sport events. The region has successfully hosted the 1982 and 2006 BC Winter Games and the 1996 BC Summer Games as well as the 2011 BC Seniors Games. Numerous Alpine Skiing and Nordic Skiing championships have also been staged in both Trail and Rossland.

Continue Reading: https://www.bcgames.org/News/Latest-News/ArtMID/1810/ArticleID/1977/Trail-and-Rossland-selected-to-co-host-the-2026-BC-Winter-Games

Trail, BC – The BC Games Society announced today that Trail-Rossland will co-host the 2026 BC Winter Games. These cities have a long history of hosting major sport events. The region has successfully hosted the 1982 and 2006 BC Winter Games and the 1996 BC Summer Games as well as the 2011 BC Senio...

09/12/2021

ENTER TO WIN an EPIC DAY in the South Kootenay! Tell us how you would spend a day in the South Kootenay (Rossland, Warfield, Trail, Montrose, Fruitvale and Area A&B) for a chance to win one of three EPIC prize packs! Visit southkootenay.ca/epicday to share your South Kootenay itinerary for a chance to win

Your epic day prize pack will include a combination of items below:
A two night stay at The Josie Hotel
A one night stay at Prestige Hotels & Resorts in Rossland
A two night stay at Rossland Bike Retreat from Tourism Rossland
One of two pairs of lift tickets to RED Mountain Resort
Guided mountain biking and shuttle provided by Kootenay Gateway
$25 Gift Card or 1 Growler with fill from Trail Beer Refinery Taproom
$150 Gift Shop pack, including vintage Smoke Eater merchandise from Trail Visitor Centre and Trail Museum & Archives
One of four pairs of concession packs from the Royal Theatre Trail
One of 2 sets of tickets and one of two pairs of masks from Charles Bailey Theatre
$200 gift card to Revolution Cycles
Four Specials from The Colander Restaurant
4 Ticket Vouchers, 2 drink koozies, $75.00 value from the Trail Smoke Eaters
$50 gift certificate from House of Paws
$200 gift card for Achillea & Co
3 piece pottery set from Pottery by fran
Gift certificates for Hooper's Bakery
One of two $25 gift cards from Nature’s Den Health Store
One of two bags of Seven Summits Coffee Company
Survival kit + $20 Gift Card to Seven Summits Coffee Company from Clear Sky Consulting Ltd.
Outdoor fun kit (rockets, gliders, etc.) from Island Toys & Hobby

Visit southkootenay.ca/epicday to share your South Kootenay itinerary for a chance to win

📸 Ashley Voykin, Dave Heath, Don Conway, Rossland Bike Retreat

08/12/2021

07/12/2021

We know you love our region and now we want you to tell us all about it! Let us know how you would spend an Epic Day in The South Kootenay for a chance to win incredible local prizes from hotel stays, lift tickets, theatre tickets, mountain bike shuttles, gift certificates and MORE!

Visit SouthKootenay.ca/EpicDay to learn more and enter to win.

📸 Ashley Voykin

The South Kootenay Region consists of Rossland, Warfield, Trail, Montrose, Fruitvale and Area A & B. In order to be entered to win, share your suggestions on how to spend a day in the region by filling out the form below. The best (and most inclusive) itineraries will be featured on our blog and the...

15/11/2021

Could this be the last look at Fall in the South Kootenay? When do you think the snow will touch down in the lower valley?

📸 Instagram:

04/11/2021

We're not saying there is a pot of gold in the South Kootenays, but we're also not saying there isn't. Did you capture a rainbow last week?

📸 Instagram: .diaries

25/10/2021

Moody skies, golden folliage and cooler weather has us thinking that sweater weather is better. Grab a pumpkin spice latte and get outside to see why we are falling for Fall in the South Kootenays.

📸 Instagram:

22/10/2021

We don't need rainbows to find gold in the South Kootenays. Instagrammer, captured the region, dressed in its Fall best, from Green Door trail.

📸 Instagram:

21/10/2021

How lucky are we to have have not just one, but two craft breweries in the South Kootenays?

Trail Beer Refinery Taproom Local and visiting craft brew connoisseurs keep this 75-seat tasting room busy on a regular basis. Not only do they serve tasty brews, they also have an incredible menu fit for a foodie.

Rossland Beer Company is an award-winning brewery tucked away in the mountain town of Rossland, BC. Folks come right off the world-class mountain bike trails or ski slopes to sit back, unwind, and enjoy every sip.

📸 Dave Heath and Don Conway

13/10/2021

The South Kootenay skies have been putting on quite the show these past few days. The Northern Lights are a little more rare around here, and we are very appreciative of the night owls that capture them for us. Have you spotted any dancing auroras in the South Kootenays lately?

📸 Dave Heath

12/10/2021

Who else is excited that hockey season is here!? Last year we had the pleasure of hosting Lucas Aykroyd who wrote about South Kootenay hockey history for International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Read about our hockey roots and see what Lucas discovered at the Trail Visitor Centre/Trail Museum & Archives during his visit: https://www.iihf.com/en/news/24832/exploring_hockey_history_in_trail

Legacy of world champion Smoke Eaters lives on in the West Kootenays

06/10/2021

We live for misty mornings on the Columbia River. The South Kootenays is home to the mighty Columba River which is a hub for outdoor recreation. This river, that runs through the City of Trail is a popular fishing spot for trout and an exciting venue for kayakers and river surfers to test their skills. If you aren't into water sports or fishing, enjoy a stroll along the walking paths that run along the river, or cross the Columbia River Skywalk which is one of the longest suspension bridges of it’s kind in North America.

📸 Don Conway

23/09/2021

Here's looking at you, South Kootenay! This stunning and colourful capture was taken by Don Conway and overlooks Warfield, BC and a cloud filled valley.

About Warfield: Bordering the City of Trail to the east and the City of Rossland to the west, the Village of Warfield is encompassed by the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains, making this community an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts year round.

Warfield offers a number of number of amenities: Hiking and biking trails, a community hall, Centennial pool, a running track and baseball fields, several lush parks and the natural beauty of the area which definitely suits the village’s nickname, “The Jewel of the Kootenays”.

Another notable feature of Warfield is the distinguished style of homes, unique trees, beautiful gardens and well-kept properties in Upper Warfield.

In 1938, Cominco developed 316 lots in Upper Warfield and built 150 low-cost homes in this area. The houses built by Cominco at this time shared similar features; bright colors, sharp sloped peaked roofs, small windows and small doors. These homes resembled houses featured in Mickey Mouse cartoons. It is the unique architecture of these early company built homes of Upper Warfield that earned it the nickname “Mickey Mouse Town”.

20/09/2021

SPECIAL EVENT!

The Trail Smoke Eaters are excited to announce a special exhibition game against Canada's National Women's Team on Monday October 4th at 7pm.

📰Full event and ticket details: https://bit.ly/3ArzPZb

Tickets go on sale TODAY at 12pm. Go to tickets.trailsmokeeaters.com to secure your seats.

16/09/2021

While The Bailey Theatre is undergoing some necessary and exciting upgrades, they are bringing a new series of shows to The Rossland Miners’ Hall this October!

Opening the shows with a flourish is the multiple award-winning “Josephine” on October 11 and 12. A one-woman biographical musical that combines cabaret, theatre, and dance to tell the story of the iconic burlesque performer Josephine Baker. “Josephine” shatters stereotypes of race, gender roles and sexuality as it tells the story of the first African American international superstar, and one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century!

Following on “The Comic St*****rs - Fully Clothed” will bring you the stripped down two-person version of The Comic St*****rs improv comedy troupe show on October 13 and 14. Wowing audiences across the globe since 2011, comedy fest faves Roman Danylo and Chris Casillan shed their characters, leave their shirts on, and keep the laughs going as they create spontaneous comedy sketches right before your eyes.

Rounding out the shows the following week is the “Marc Atkinson Trio with Cameron Wilson” on October 20 and 21. The current Trio includes Marc Atkinson, a masterful acoustic guitarist who combines lyricism, rhythmic precision, and technical mastery into a distinctive guitar voice joined by Brett Martens on rhythm guitar and Joey Smith on bass. For this performance they’re joined by genre-crossing violinist and composer Cameron Wilson.

All shows start at 7:30 pm. Upcoming shows will operate under the current Public Health Orders, including the wearing of masks, physical distancing, and proof of vaccinations.

Tickets are available by calling 250-368-9669 or going online to thebailey.ca.

📸 Dave Heath

15/09/2021

Sometimes figuring out what to do with your friends and family is as difficult as herding cats. Lucky enough, the South Kootenays have plenty of attractions, outdoor recreation sites, cultural experiences, shopping and dining venues that will appease the whole crew. Take a hike, bike our trails, try indoor bouldering, visit a museum, arrange a friendly fishing derby or take in a show at the theatre. The possibilities are endless.

What are your favourite things to do in the South Kootenays with your friends and family?

📸 Dave Heath and Ashley Voykin

14/09/2021

When things cool down, the fishing action heats up in the South Kootenays. The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The river rises in the Rocky Mountains, flows northwest and then south into the U.S. state of Washington. It is easily accessible from Trail, BC and offers exceptional Walleye, Kokanee, Bull Trout and Rainbow Trout fishing for spin casters, trollers, and fly fisherman.

What is your favourite spot to fish on the Columbia River?

If you want to try your hand at fishing the mighty Columbia, visit www.WeSportFish.com for news, tips and to hire a guide.

📸 Instagram:

07/09/2021

School is back in session, but Summer weather is hanging on in the South Kootenays. How are you spending the last few days of Summer?

📸 Dave Heath

09/08/2021

Thirsty? You should definitely hop on over to the South Kootenays for some hops and vines. https://www.kootenayrockies.com/craving-the-refreshing-flavours-of-the-kootenays/

The Kootenay Rockies is home to more than 35 craft breweries, wineries, distillers and more for you to sip and savour your way around the region. Try something new this summer! Here's a list of 18 of the most innovative, exciting and new experiences to tickle your tastebuds in the Kootenays.

23/07/2021

May today be the Fridayest Friday that ever Fridayed.. and may your weekend be even better!

📸 Ryan Flett

20/07/2021

The South Kootenay region is the sum of all it's parts. From epic mountain biking trails to world class fishing in the Columbia River. Incredible arts and cultural experiences and signature golf (and disc golf) courses. Dining, shopping, beaches, parks, outdoor pools, skate parks and so much more. What would be a perfect day in the South Kootenays for you?

📸 Instagram: taken from Green Door trail.

15/07/2021

Up in the mountains or down into the valley, there is beauty all around us in the South Kootenays. This view was captured by Don Conway on his drive down the hill from Rossland towards Warfield.

📸 Don Conway

07/07/2021

Guess who's back! The high-kicking, rip-roaring, Gold Fever Follies! The Gold Fever Follies offers a new family-friendly musical comedy every summer with cancan dancing, original music and exciting characters based on Rossland’s gold rush days of the late 1890s. Catch a show in the historic Miner's Hall in Rossland starting on July 8th by booking your advance tickets at: www.goldfeverfollies.com/online-tickets/

📸 Dave Heath