A Six Day Road Trip Through the Breathtaking Scenery of the Okanagan and Kootenay Rockies

Overview – Six Day Road Trip Exploring Canada’s Okanagan and Kootenay Rockies, British Columbia

I love a good road trip. One where you have a plan but leave enough time for serendipitous stops. For me a road trip is about seeing as much as I can in a limited period, so it is not a relaxing vacation as it is so jam packed, but I love that. This is a six-day, five-night itinerary beginning and ending at the U.S. – Canadian Border. The Oroville-Osoyoos Border Crossing is where you will start, and it connects U.S. Route 97 and British Columbia Highway 97. You will finish up at the Porthill-Rykerts Border Crossing following British Columbia Highway 21 to Idaho State Highway 1. Make sure to check border crossing times because not all are open 24 hours.

The best time of year to take this trip is in the late summer so you can enjoy the many lakes on this itinerary as well as all the farm fresh produce and fruit this area is known for. There is a variety of lodging on this trip everything from luxury accommodations to family friendly condos. Enjoy staying in the middle of town as well as a lake front Bed and Breakfast. This itinerary is a quick overview with additional posts going into more depth on the destination.

Day 1 – Osoyoos, British Columbia

This first day is packed with so many fun things to do in Osoyoos, British Columbia. Your first stop is the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre which is just spectacular. Learn about the Okanagan Desert, Canada’s only desert and the rich culture of the Okanagan people. The building is eco-friendly and built into a hillside. Great interpretive exhibits and movies are available indoors and an easy desert hike outside.

Nk’Mip Cellars is North America’s first Aboriginal owned and operated winery. After your desert experience the grounds of the winery overlooking Osoyoos Lake feel like an oasis. Enjoy an alfresco farm to table lunch of locally source ingredients on the patio. The wines are award winning and very good.

Take a break to check into the Safari Beach Resort. This is the type of place families return to year after year. Comfortably furnished condos are older but spotlessly clean with incredible views of beautiful Lake Osoyoos. The resort has a sandy beach and two swimming pools with lots of other amenities.

Head back over to the Nk’Mip Resort and to the campground and rent a watercraft from Wake Pilot Wakeboarding. Their 90-minute Sea Doo experience is super fun and a great way to end the first day.

After a long day I just picked up something quick for dinner. There are places within walking distance of the resort, or you can grab a quick bite at one of the campground’s concessions.

Day 2 – Olivier

Begin your day with the unique Signature Tour at Covert Farms Family Estate. It is unusual because it is a farm, vineyard and winery and the tour covers all three. Make sure to arrive early so you can enjoy all the farm animals. This is a perfect family friendly winery. Enjoy the farm tour in a vintage 1952 Mercury truck and while you taste wine on the patio (included in the tour) children can play on all the games set up in view of the tables.

This area is in the heart of the Okanagan Wine Country. A must visit is Hester Creek estate vineyards with some of the oldest vines in the region. This beautiful estate is a perfect stop for lunch at the lovely Tuscan style restaurant, Terrafina which serves a Mediterranean style menu heavy on locally sourced ingredients.

In the afternoon, its time to get a little exercise. Head to Peachland and the spectacular Deep Creek Canyon to the ZipZone Peachland. Zipline back and forth across the canyon with short hikes between each zipline. Observers can follow a trail into the canyon to a few of the landing platforms for photo opportunities. A fun way to end the day.

Next head into Kelowna to stay at the lovely Hotel Eldorado perched on the banks of Okanagan Lake. From the antique cars that greet your arrival in the parking lot to the vintage features in the hotel it is as if you stepped into The Great Gadsby. Check in and freshen up before heading down to Lakeside Dining, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant for a very memorable meal. Enjoy meals prepared with seasonal and organic local ingredients with AAA Angus beef and an extensive seafood offering. Enjoy a leisurely meal knowing it is only a short walk to your room.

Day 3 – Kelowna

Enjoy breakfast at the Hotel Eldorado before heading to the Myra Canyon Trestles to cycle the Historical Kettle Valley Railway which crosses over 18 trestle bridges and through two tunnels high above Okanagan Lake and Kelowna. A truly special experience and one I really enjoyed. The trail has very little change in elevation, so it is easy to traverse even if you haven’t been on a bike in a while. Myra Canyon Bicycle Rental & Tours Inc., rents bicycles right at the start of the trail head. Make sure to make a reservation as this is a very popular activity.

Next stop is the amazing Home Block at the CedarCreek Estate Winery which is constructed of fieldstone and 100-year-old reclaimed barn wood. During warm weather the restaurant is open air with one side opened to views of the Home Block Vineyard which inspired the name. Further in the distance is Okanagan Lake. Food is fabulous especially anything cooked on the wood-fired grill which uses fruit wood and wine barrel staves that impart a unique flavor.

Settle in for a three hour beautifully scenic drive to the Christina Lake Community. Although “hidden gem” tends to be cliché the Sunflower Inn B & B really is one. Owner Kathleen Smythe is friendly yet knows how to give guests their privacy. Situated right on the banks of Christina Lake, all rooms have lake views. Smythe has kayaks and other lake toys for guests to use. Head into the small town to enjoy dinner at one of the local spots and then just enjoy the relaxing environment at the Sunflower.

Day 4 Rossland

After a yummy homemade breakfast at the Sunflower make the 60-minute drive to Rossland and take some time to explore the town. Grab a coffee and stroll the streets. There are some noteworthy shops and galleries to explore. Make sure to check out the Rossland Museum which is located on the site of the historic Le Roi Gold Mines. In addition to the museum, the five-acre grounds are interesting to explore with mining exhibits spread throughout.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite make your way out of town to the Josie Hotel at Red Mountain Resort for lunch at The Velvet Restaurant and Lounge.  Executive Chef Marc-Andre Choquette, an Iron Chef alum, creates a French inspired seasonal menu that is not pretentious. Good hearty food that fits the bill after hiking local trails. Make sure to try the candied bacon which is so good it could be dessert. The dining room has views of the mountainside and the glass-walled kitchen. Well worth a stop.

On your way to Nelson, your stop for the night you will pass through Castlegar. This is a fun place to get out and stretch your legs. The town is known for its Sculpturewalk. Each year there is a rotating exhibit and the City purchases the People’s Choice Award for the permanent collection.

Once arriving in Nelson check into The Adventure Hotel. This modern hotel has a European aesthetic and is centrally located right downtown making it easy to park once and then explore the town on foot. After you are settled in, walk around the block to Baker Street. There are many sidewalk cafes and restaurants all local favorites.

Day 5 – Nelson

Enjoy breakfast at Oso Negro. Eat indoors in the art gallery filled with the works of local talented artists or outside in the garden. Try one of their more than 20 coffee blends.

After breakfast, make your way to the dock beside the Prestige Lakeside Resort to Nelson Paddleboard and Kayak Rental. Rent a kayak or Standup Paddleboard and explore the west arm of Kootenay Lake. Absolutely gorgeous with views of Nelson from the water.

Spend the rest of the afternoon having lunch in town and exploring Nelson. Make sure to visit the Touchstones Nelson Museum of Arts and History.  Learn about the history and culture of Nelson and the surrounding areas. If you have any energy after kayaking hike the trail to Pulpit Rock. At the summit enjoy spectacular views of Nelson and Kootenay Lake.

Begin a leisurely drive to Ainsworth Hot Springs. The scenery along Highway 31 is just stunning. Along the way stop at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park which has sandy beaches, a visitors center and walking trails. Insider Tip: From the time I arrived in Rossland all the way to Nelson when people knew I was heading north the locals said you must go to Kaslo. This is one of those serendipitous stops not on my scheduled itinerary. It is tucked away in the mountains on the banks of a beautiful lake with a rushing river skirting one side. When you walk this quaint downtown, it is as if you were transported by a time machine. So worth the detour.

Double back to Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort and bed down for the night. The hot springs tends to get pretty crowded but is open in the morning for guests of the hotel before it is open to the public. Instead visit the onsite restaurant Ktunaxa Grill for dinner. There are expansive views of the Kootenay Lake and the hot springs. The indigenous inspired menu is full of fresh local ingredients. Make sure to make reservation because it is very busy in the summer.

Enjoy a morning dip in the hot springs pool and explore the cave. Not for the timid this dimly lit cave is a loop tunnel filled with the hot mineral water of the springs. The cold plunge pool is fed by Munn Creek and will definitely wake you up. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

Day 6 – Last Day

Depart for Balfour to catch the Kootenay Lake ferry to Kootenay Bay. It is the longest free ferry in the world and will take about 35 minutes to cross to the eastern shore of Kootenay Lake. If you must wait, there are a variety of shops, artisans, a gas station, restaurants and a bakery at the ferry landing. With the lake nestled deep in the Kootenay Rockies this is one of the most scenic ferry rides I have ever been on.

Once the ferry arrives at Kootenay Bay you will follow Highway 3A south along the eastern shore of Kootenay Lake towards Bonners Ferry in the U.S. Another beautifully scenic drive will take you to your first stop at Crawford Bay. The small community is filled with unique and quirky studios. A must stop is North Woven Broom Co. which made the brooms for the Bewitched movie. Definitely handcrafting at its best.

Make this a leisurely drive. There are small communities and shops you can stop at and Lockhart Beach is the perfect quiet spot for some photos. Before heading across the border stop make a detour to visit two wineries which are thriving in the unique microclimate of the area. Skimmerhorn Winery & Vineyard has an onsite bistro serving farm to table small plates served family style. The menu lists the local suppliers. I love supporting local small businesses and one lunch supports a variety of businesses. Baillie-Grohman Winery has a lovely tasting room and the grounds provide great photo opportunities.

Cross the border into Idaho and this ends the trip. Bonners Ferry is a cute town to spend the night. You are about a six-hour drive to Seattle, Washington which is a major airline hub.

PRESS TRIP – Thank you to Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Destination Osoyoos, Tourism Kelowna, Kootenay Rockies Tourism