Every great road trip has a few key criteria; great scenery, awesome activities, tasty meals, and a memorable place to stay.
You’ll find all these and just the right place to settle down after a day of travelling in the Kootenays. Whether you’re going for boutique or budget, comfort and ambiance come standard.
The remoteness of the region means you won’t find towering monoculture hotels. Our vibrant and independent culture is reflected in the range of lodging options, from historic hotels to modern slopeside resorts, and from waterfront campgrounds to eclectic vacation rentals. Take your time on a road trip to discover the highly rated accommodations in the region.
Rossland
mountain views come as standard
Dreaming of skiing legendary powder or riding flowy singletrack at Red Mountain? Check out the Josie Hotel, the newest boutique hotel in Western Canada on the slopes. Blending modern design with an unbeatable ski-in ski-out location and on-site dining, it’s the hippest joint in the Kootenays. Comfortable and well-appointed inns and hostels are also located at the base of Red Mountain, while the Prestige Mountain Resort and Flying Steamshovel Inn are just a short drive away in the heart of Rossland. Mountain lodges are abundant around town and up the mountain, with a unique upscale hostels.
Castlegar
bring the whole family
The hotels in Castlegar boast a wide range of amenities from pools where kids can play and spas where adults can relax. Most have breakfast included in their offerings and some are pet friendly. There are also plenty of “Stay and Play” packages so if you’re skiing in the winter or golfing in the summer, you can book your adventure and save. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find the right fit in Castlegar.
Discover the natural sites while sleeping in the great outdoors. There are many different Castlegar campgrounds and camping spots located beside the flowing waterways and near mountain trails. You can set up alongside Arrow Lake or fall asleep to the sounds of Pass Creek or the Columbia River. Or you can pull your RV into a fully serviced site and take advantage of the wifi. Whatever your preference, whether it’s remote tent camping in the mountains or fully-serviced car and RV camping on a site by the river and near downtown, Castlegar has what you need for your next camping getaway.
Nelson
find your boutique hotel
Nelson’s vibrancy boasts an impressive roster of accommodations that reflects its unique combination of heritage and mountain culture. The historic Hume Hotel & Spa anchors the heart of the city. It lives up to its claim of being “antique, chic and boutique” with tastefully updated rooms and multiple dining establishments on site. A block over is the Adventure Hotel, which lives up to its name by featuring a fun, lively and modern vibe. Don’t miss their iconic café with its airy solarium.
If prime waterfront is your scene, reserve a room at the Prestige Lakeside Resort, and enjoy epic views of Kootenay Lake from your room or one of the best patios in town. Looking for a bit more space? The Alpine Inn and nearby Savoy Hotel, and Kokanee Glacier Resort all feature rooms with kitchenettes, while the Dancing Bear Inn is a cozy and communal option on historic Baker Street. If you prefer to live like a local, you’ll find a variety of licensed vacation rentals in Nelson.
Arrow Slocan
discover our unique charm
If it’s one of kind that you are after, Arrow Slocan has what you are looking for. The newly renovated historic Slocan City Hotel has turn of the century charm with modern stylings. Check out the one a kind Adventure Domes in New Denver or one of the lakeside retreats such as Kootenay Lakehouse. In Nakusp, find larger hotels such as The Lodge at Arrow Lakes, Selkirk Inn or the oldest running hotel in British Columbia, The Leland. If you are looking for a private hot spring with luxury accommodations, look no further than Private Hot Springs Escape.
communities around Kootenay Lake
relax at a remote resort
With some of the most spectacular drives in the country along Kootenay Lake, it’s worth spending a few nights at one of the many resorts or high-end hotels. The Kaslo Hotel is an intimate experience with majestic views of the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains. Wing Creek Resort and The Sentinel, near Kaslo, both offer retreat-like experiences and private beach getaways. Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is a hot spot for visitors with rooms, pools and dining on site. On the East Shore, Kokanee Chalets near Crawford Bay provides a down to earth, in nature experience, while Destiny Bay in Boswell is remote, waterfront and cozy.
Prime campgrounds along the Columbia River, Slocan Lake, Arrow Lakes, and Kootenay Lake offer quiet, remote options where the reward goes to those looking to travel further afield.
Finding the right place to settle down after a day of travelling is an essential part of a road trip. Comfort and ambience are key, and we have both. Book your accommodation early to ensure you stay in the right experience, and make the most of your valuable holiday time.
