I’ve just got back from a road trip through the Kootenay Rockies, the south eastern region of British Columbia and my gosh. If you go where social media tells you to in Canada, you’ll be fighting the crowds of Lake Louise. But if you dare go beyond the boundaries and venture a little further west, you’ll get the chance to experience serenity and nature at its absolute finest.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt more peaceful on a trip, even with the hectic itinerary this job has us on. I’ve never experienced so much stillness, ever. World class destinations and for the majority, hardly a soul in sight.
Some say the Kootenays are on ‘island time’ as if the way they live is unrealistic and in some other world. I can confirm that this slower paced, dream like state is in fact a reality here. I had so many beautiful conversations with locals in the towns we passed through and I completely admire the way of life here. It’s beautiful.
If island time is defined by the action of prioritising fresh air, days out on mountain bikes and basking in local breweries, I think we all need to invest in a little more island time. Check out my full Kootenay Rockies road trip here.
Other blog posts and travel guides on my blog that you may enjoy:
- The best things to do in Canada: The ultimate bucket list
- A guide to planning an epic British Columbia road trip, Canada
- How to budget for a road trip through the Canadian Rockies
- A 7-day Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary
- The best things to do and see on Vancouver Island
- Exploring Vancouver during summer: A complete guide
Top tip: If you’re keen to discover more information about the Kootenay Rockies, you can head to the official tourism website here.
Here are 12 photos that will make you want to visit Kootenay Rockies, British Columbia…
1. Floating down rivers with views of the rockies…
Photo taken: On a Kayak trip from Fairmont Hot Springs resort.

2. Layers on layers of trees, mountains and lakes…
Photo taken: Columbia Lake, BC

3. Hot Springs everywhere!
Photo taken: Halfway Hot Springs, BC

4. Free lakeside campgrounds all to your self
Photo taken: Fletcher Falls, BC
5. Meeting bears in the wild
Photo taken: Driving up to Mount Seven in Golden, BC

6. Thundering waterfalls
Photo taken: Fletcher Falls, BC

7. All the beer, all the breweries.
Photo taken: Whitetooth Brewing Co. Golden, BC
8. Lake side accommodation
Photo taken: The Sentinel, BC

9. Insane vegan / veggie food and health elixirs!
Photo taken: All over BC from our hot springs road trip.
10. Mountain views for days
Photo taken: Driving somewhere!

11. Insanely coloured lakes
Photo taken: Emerald Lake, BC

12. Lake dips, canoeing, floating…
Photo taken: Lockhart Beach, BC

Want to visit the Kootenay Rockies? Check out my guide to planning and budgeting for your British Columbia road trip here.
Have you been to the Kootenay Rockies?
What were your favourite spots? I’d love to know!
Love as always + happy adventuring,
Mollie.
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