Kootenay Rockies
East Ale Trail
If enjoying a beer along with spectacular wilderness vistas is your idea of a good time, then you have come to the right place. Explore Cranbrook, Creston, Fernie, Golden, Invermere, Kimberley, Radium Hot Springs, and Revelstoke.
Home to majestic mountains and panoramic valleys, the East Kootenays region features spectacular parks, hot springs and hiking trails, as well as several alpine resorts along the “Powder Highway.”
In Cranbrook, Creston, Fernie, Golden, Invermere, Kimberley, Radium Hot Springs, and Revelstoke, you can explore a network of adventurous and creative craft breweries, each one connected to its own unique, local community, making it a pleasure to explore and discover the diversity of stories and people here. This is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers, foodies, and craft beer lovers.
Biking in Revelstoke, BC (photo: See Revelstoke)
Whitetooth Brewing Co in Golden, BC
Grist and Mash Brewery in Kimberley, BC
Radium Brewing in Radium Hot Springs, BC
Over Time Beer Works in Kimberley, BC
Wild North Brewing Co in Creston, BC
Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, BC
Hiking in Golden, BC (photo: Tourism Golden)
Over Time Beer Works in Kimberley, BC
Radium Hot Springs, BC
Arrowhead Brewing Company in Invermere, BC
Fernie Brewing Co in Fernie, BC
Arrowhead Brewing Company in Invermere, BC
Fisher Peak Brewing at the Heid-Out Restaurant in Cranbrook, BC
Columbia Lake Provincial Park
Downtown Fernie, BC
Over Time Beer Works in Kimberley, BC
Kicking Horse Bridge in Golden, BC (photo: Tourism Golden)
The Village of Radium Hot Springs, BC (photo: Tourism Radium)
Whitetooth Brewing Co in Golden, BC
Fire Hall Kitchen and Tap in Cranbrook, BC (photo provided)
Rumpus Beer Co. in Revelstoke, BC
Copper Point Resort in Invermere, BC
Wild North Brewing Co in Creston, BC
Encore Brewing Company in Cranbrook, BC (photo provided)
Grist and Mash Brewery in Kimberley, BC
Disc Golf in Golden, BC
Fernie Brewing Co in Fernie, BC
Rumpus Beer Co in Revelstoke, BC
Fisher Peak Brewing at the Heid-Out restaurant in Cranbrook, BC
Mt. Begbie Brewing in Revelstoke, BC
Fisher Peak Brewing at the Heid-Out restaurant in Cranbrook, BC
Radium Brewing in Radium Hot Springs, BC
Whitetooth Brewing Co in Golden, BC
Mt. Begbie Brewing in Revelstoke, BC
Rumpus Beer Co in Revelstoke, BC
Radium Brewing in Radium Hot Springs, BC
Encore Brewing Company in Cranbrook, BC (photo provided)
Grist and Mash Brewery in Kimberley, BC
Arrowhead Brewing Company in Invermere, BC
Fernie Brewing Co. in Fernie, BC
Mt. Begbie Brewing in Revelstoke, BC
Day 1
Creston
Travel Info
Start your East Kootenay adventure in Creston, located on the #3 – Crowsnest Highway. The closest airport is the Canadian Rockies Internation airport (YXC), near Cranbrook, a 90 minute drive away.
Taste some of the most enjoyable meals in town, made with the highest quality ingredients, and prepared with experience. Stop in for fresh crepes and delicious coffee.
Go for a walk and do some wildlife viewing along the Corn Creek Marsh area trails in the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. There are loop trails of various lengths and two multi-level viewing towers for impressive view of the surrounding ponds and mountains.
From the forestry, mining, and agriculture of the pioneer years; to the people who continue to build our communities today; and the connections between Creston and the rest of the Kootenays - if you've got questions, we've got answers.
Down to earth wholesome Goodness! Locally inspired menu, dog friendly patio, vegetarian and GF options.
The Creston Valley Golf Club is known as one of the finest competitive venues in golf and has carried a storied history since its inception in 1954. It is surrounded by farmlands and forest. The course is playable for every level of golfer, from novice to expert.
The brewery’s mission is to bring an authentic craft beer culture to the founders’ hometown of Creston in a way that honours local tastes while offering a platform into a new, adventurous world of craft beer.
Delicious Western & Greek food and signature cocktails to enjoy on our patio.
From tenting sites and RV parks to charming bed-and-breakfasts to a major brand new hotel, whatever your taste in accommodations, Creston has got a comfortable place for you.
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Stop at the Creston Valley Visitor Centre to pick up the Creston Valley Hiking Map & Downtown Walking Tour Map. Pick up some fresh fruit and veggies at one of the many fruit stands or the Creston Valley Farmers Market.
Do a wine-tasting at Baillie-Grohmann Estate Winery, or Skimmerhorn Winery and enjoy the stunning vistas of the Skimmerhorn mountains.
Drive up Kootenay Pass and go for a short 2 km hike through the Ka Papa Cedars Loop Trail and see the magnificent old-growth Cedar grove.
Check out some of the local artisans and purchase some great memories of the area from Kunze Gallery, Pridham Pottery and Yahk Soap Company. And right next door to Kunze Gallery is one of the original grain elevators getting a full reno!
Day 2
Fernie
Travel Info
Drive east on the #3 – Crowsnest Highway to Fernie, a 2.5 hour drive.
The heart of Fernie's vibrant community is the small but perfectly formed Historic Downtown. Soak up the charming atmosphere while enjoying spectacular mountain views.
Open in the summer, enjoy 7000 acres of pristine wilderness and countless hiking opportunities with something for everyone.
A full-service family-friendly restaurant serving delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sitting on the bank of the majestic Elk River and boasting a sizeable patio with stunning views of the Lizard Range.
Explore stunning scenery and wildlife on adventures for everyone: Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Kayaking, Supsquatch, Stand-up Paddleboarding, and Scenic Floats.
BC’s easternmost brewery is a family-run operation with a strong connection to its local community.
Historical building in downtown Fernie boasting a culinary and nightlife experience. An old feel with a new twist.
For over 20 years, the Pub Bar & Grill in Fernie has proudly served up great food, fine ales, and fun times.
Canada's first tiny home hotel - unique, cozy accommodation options with exceptional extras!
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Fernie boasts small-town charm and big mountain adventure – a huge network of trails to explore as well as fly fishing. Hit the peaks of the Fernie Alpine Resort, or spend a day on the greens at the scenic Fernie Golf Club.
The brick and stone facades of Fernie’s historic downtown are nestled below the jagged peaks of the Lizard Range. Enjoy an easy hike to Fairy Creek Falls from the Visitor Centre for a wonderful outing.
Up for an adventure? Try Fernie Brewing Company’s Trail to Ale Challenge!
There are plentiful accommodation options in Fernie – find your perfect fit.
- Hotels, Resorts & Motels
- Condos & Townhomes
- Private Lodges, Chalets & Homes
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Camping & RV
- Tiny Homes, Cabins, PODS & Yurts
Day 3
Cranbrook
A specialty, small-batch coffee roasting company located in the beautiful mountains of Fernie.
Drive to Cranbrook, BC approximately 1 hour.
Visit the restored 1890’s pioneer boomtown, with over 60 heritage shops and display buildings. Be sure to check online before arriving as their programming is seasonal and changes throughout the year.
With over 200 kilometers of trails in a handful of riding areas, the mountain biking opportunities in Cranbrook are extensive. The variety, from scary-steep blacks to walk-in-the-park greens, is exceptional.
Featuring food and ales fresh from the Kootenays, Heid Out sources local, fresh ingredients for all their dishes.
The Heid Out serves its own craft beers produced by Fisher Peak on-site.
Cranbrook is home to some of the finest mountain golf courses in British Columbia, offering golfers stunning views. Not surprisingly, every one of the great courses in the area; Wildstone, St. Eugene, Shadow Mountain, and the Cranbrook Golf Club – has a couple of holes where the “wow” factor is off-the-charts. Such is the nature of mountain golf!
Founded by local folks who love to celebrate all the adventures life has to offer, Encore Brewing is a place where adults can be kids with a craft brewery, arcade, bowling centre, and tasting room along with a full kitchen.
This family-friendly pub is located in a 1929 heritage red brick Firehall, complete with roll-up truck doors, a fire pole, and a bell.
Conveniently located and offers a host of amenities, including two restaurants, a spa, a hair salon, a pool, and an athletic centre.
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Alternate Accommodation Option:
Additional Activities:
- The Cranbrook History Centre showcases the largest collection of luxury travel cars in North America, including the restored Soo-Spokane Train and TransCanada Limited.
- Hike to one of eight stunning waterfalls near Cranbrook.
- Grab your fishing licence and gear and head out for a day of fly fishing – enjoyable at any age!
- Explore the delicious world food culinary offerings Cranbrook has to offer.
- Hit the road for a scenic drive on one of 5 road trip loops.
While you’re in the area, you can also sample Naito Beer – a local brewery that is dedicated to gluten-free brewing! They don’t have a tasting room or retail store just yet, but you can find them at local liquor stores and on tap at several local restaurants and pubs. Check out their website or Instagram for a current list of where to find them.
Looking for more? Visit the Cranbrook Tourism website for a comprehensive list of the many activities available.
Day 4
Kimberley
Drive to Kimberley, BC, approximately 30 minutes.
Kimberley Fly Fishing provides incredible dry fly fishing on glacial-fed freestone rivers. The St. Mary, Bull, Elk and Skookumchuck Rivers are full of Cutthroat, Rainbow and Bull Trout.
Named after the Sullivan Mine which operated in Kimberley for over 100 years, they've been operating since 1925. Affectionately known by the locals as The Sully, its a small-town Pub known for its great homemade food including breakfast. They also have a convenient liquor store so you can grab some craft beer to go.
Wander the pedestrian-only brick streets of Downtown Kimberley, lined with shops, boutiques, water fountains, giant chess pieces, a climbing wall and restaurants.
No visit is complete without sticking a coin in the world’s largest cuckoo clock and then witnessing the emergence of Happy Hans, a yodelling, mustachioed man clad in short leather shorts, hoisting a beer stein.
This brewery is putting in extra hours to produce its quality, time-themed craft beer.
Located inside the City of Kimberley in the foothills of the Purcell Mountain range, the 840-hectare nature park and the adjacent 200-hectare Horse Barn Valley Interpretive Forest contain more than 50 kilometres of trails linking forested hillsides, panoramic viewpoints, pockets of old-growth cedar, rugged talus slopes and numerous small ponds and streams.
Using mainly local, wild gathered, and organic ingredients, Grist & Mash aims to produce hyper-local bottle conditioned farmhouse styles for limited distribution across BC, while serving up a copious array of new school and seasonal favourites at its tap room in downtown Kimberley.
Pedal & Tap is a restaurant & lounge that features a seasonally inspired menu rich in local ingredients and high in quality. All of our sauces, dressings and original menu items have been created by the talented team of chefs. P&T has an authentic selection of BC craft beer, wine & spirits; not to mention an extensive scotch menu.
From rental homes to cabins to cozy ski-condos, Kimberley has an array of accommodation choices. Find modest mountain accommodations, luxury chalets, ski-in/ski-out rentals, central downtown hotels and many more places to hang your toque or towel.
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Enjoy a ride on Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway through the Mark Creek Valley and check out the theatre, mining school house and powerhouse.
For seasonal activities in winter, like downhill and cross country skiing and snowmobiling visit tourismkimberley.com/winter.
Day 5
Invermere
Travel Info
Drive from Kimberley to Invermere, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes
The Columbia Valley is home to the communities of Brisco, Radium Hot Springs, Invermere, Panorama, Windermere, Fairmont Hot Springs, and Canal Flats.
Over 25 years ago, Kicking Horse started roasting coffee. Now, they offer an amazing café that goes beyond great beans to offer a tasty breakfast and lunch menu as well.
Panorama is "where the wild meets warmth and welcome." It’s a mountain resort and an alpine village, tucked into Canada’s oldest mountains. In the winter, hit the slopes for skiing, snowboarding, fat biking or Nordic skiing. In the summer months, explore those same hills on a hike, or take the lift to the top and mountain bike down. If mountain sports don't appeal, how about a round of golf surrounded by epic mountain scenery.
Come for the amazing views of Kinsmen Beach, stay for the Columbia Valley's largest draught beer selection and tasty comfort food. The Station Pub is also known to serve one of Canada's top three caesars, according to the experts at Motts Clamato Canada.
The pub is home to local distillery Taynton Bay Distillery, and uses their spirits for their signature cocktails.
After lunch, head down to enjoy the beach: Lake Windermere is known for it's picturesque Rocky Mountain backdrop, warm waters, and wide range of recreational activities including swimming, paddling, boating, and fishing. The popular Kinsmen Beach offers greenspace, a splash park, playground, and walking trails. In the winter, Lake Windermere has the world’s longest skating path, the Lake Windermere Whiteway. This multi-sport track offers skating, Nordic ski, skate ski, and walking paths.
Drop in for a brew in the 1950s gastown themed taproom, or sit and sip on the dog-friendly all-season patio. Arrowhead's goal is to change the way people view and drink beer; valuing quality and experimenting with different styles, so there is gauranteed to be a brew on tap to satisfy every palate.
Birchwood Restaurant is a mountain casual adult dining experience with a unique and relaxing outdoor patio in the summer & outside atrium in the winter. They offer a variety of seasonal menu options and cater to dietary requirements.
Choose from wide variety of accommodation options, from family-friendly Invermere Inn & Suites hotel in the centre of Invermere to resort-style lodging at Panorama Mountain Resort. Regardless of what you are looking for in a hotel, you’ll find a great variety to suite every travel style.
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Be sure to stop by the Columbia Valley Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
Looking for more tasty dining recommendations? Try one of these:
- Stolen Church Gelato & Coffee
- The Invermere Bakery
- Begginings Restaurant
- Fuze Food
- Cliffhanger Restaurant
- ULLR Bar
Find more and explore the entire Columbia Valley!
The Columbia Valley is home to the communities of Brisco, Radium Hot Springs, Invermere, Panorama, Windermere, Fairmont Hot Springs, and Canal Flats. There are so many activities and adventures to discover in the Columbia Valley – from ATV excursions in the alpine, perusing locally-owned shops on Main Streets, hiking in the nearby Kootenay National Park, paddling the Columbia River, and so much more! Choose your next experience and plan your road trip for any season.
Annual event highlights:
- Snowflake Festival – Every January, enjoy the bonspiel, fireworks, and skating on Lake Windermere
- Wings over the Rockies Nature Festival – includes over 100 events celebrating birds, nature and the Columbia Valley. This weeklong festival runs during mid May
- Columbia Valley Market Trail – Discover the makers, bakers and growers at farmers markets all season long, from June – September
Day 6
Radium Hot Springs
Travel Info
Radium Hot Springs is an idyllic mountain town nestled between the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies and Purcell Mountains, with the Columbia River running down its spine. Visitors enter the Village of Radium through the iconic Sinclair Canyon where they are immediately greeted with pristine views and vistas. At the crossroads of highways 93 and 95, Radium Hot Springs is also at the crossroads of adventure and relaxation.
Whether you are seeking a journey of heart-pumping adventure or a quiet weekend to recharge in nature, you will find it here. With our friendly faces and open spaces, you’ll be treated like a local in this small mountain village.
Drive to Radium Hot Springs, approximately 15 minutes.
Big Horn Café on Radium’s Main Street is the perfect spot for a great coffee and grab-and-go breakfast. Don’t miss out on the housemade pastries and pies!
There is nothing like heading out for a paddle on the Columbia River. Tranquil views of the mountain and valley await throughout a gentle paddle down the Columbia River, with amazing birdwatching opportunities! This trip is great on a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe. Gear rentals or guided experiences available.
Enjoy pub classics and daily specials at the Horsethief Creek Pub. Pair your meal with a BC beer on tap!
Experience the beautiful Sinclair Canyon Trails just within Kootenay National Park to get a birds-eye view of the Village and the Purcell Mountains. Take the short jaunt down to the stunning Sinclair Falls, head out for a longer jaunt to the top of the Sinclair Canyon, or explore the full loop trail to the Parks Canada Red Chairs and the Radium Hot Springs pools.
Head to the local’s favourite brewery new to the Village of Radium! Pick up takeout from The Snack Bar next door, specializing in Montreal-style poutine and fish & chips. Enjoy your meal with a tasty flight or pint from Radium Brewing’s rotating selection of ales.
It’s time for a soak in the namesake Radium Hot Springs pools! Relax in naturally-heated water beneath a beautiful rock face.
Enjoy traditional Austrian fare such as schnitzel, spaetzle, and more, in this cozy lodge-like space with unique decor.
There’s a variety of great places to stay in Radium! From cozy motels to beautiful hotels and resorts, you’ll find the perfect place to stay in the Village.
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Radium is packed full of winter activities. Explore the trails and beauty of Nipika Mountain Resort and the Toby Creek Nordic Trail System, perfect for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, skate skiing, and fat biking. Check out Lake Windermere Whiteway, the world’s longest skating path just 15 minutes south of Invermere. During the holiday season, the Village comes alive with beautiful displays of lights on businesses and houses, and special events feature activities such as sleigh rides, fireworks, and a festive tour of decorated selfie spots.
Join in celebrating the variety of ecosystems in the Columbia Wetlands at the Wings Over The Rockies Nature Festival. From guided tours to educational presentations from wildlife experts, there are over 100 events to choose from over the 7 days of the festival. Or, time your visit for the annual Columbia Valley Classics Show & Shine the third weekend in September.
Spring and Summer offer plenty of outdoor activities. Discover one-of-a-kind opportunities for easily accessible adventure in the Village of Radium.
Day 7
Golden
Drive to Golden, BC, approximately 1 hour.
If you want a bite to eat and a good coffee - this is the place! Bluebird Cafe offers a great homemade grab n' go breakfast and lunch menu.
While exploring downtown Golden, take a trip over the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge - the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada.
Golden is situated in the middle of six national parks granting you access to more gorgeous hiking trails than you'll know what to do with.
From twisty single-track and plunging DH descents, to lung-busting cross-country tracks and gentle family-oriented descents, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has a two-wheeled story for everyone! Visit in the spring and summer for your hit of adrenaline.
The Wolf's Den is a full-service restaurant specializing in homemade food that is prepared fresh and from scratch every day.
Immerse yourself in the history of the settlement of Golden and the Columbia Valley, and uncover some very interesting and surprising stories about this historic region.
Whitetooth Brewing Company crafts small-batch Belgian-inspired and West Coast influenced beers. Their goal is to combine the best experiences that our expansive mountain playground has to offer with the perfect beverage afterward.
Legendary delicious homemade pub food, friendly service, and an excellent selection of craft beers, all in the heart of Golden.
Whether you're looking to camp or RV, stay in a quaint BnB, or treat yourself to a more luxurious stay - Golden hosts the ideal accommodations for every type of traveller.
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Looking to earn your beer? Golden has you thrill-seekers covered – there’s no shortage of endorphins here! For Whitewater Rafting enthusiasts, Golden is home to one of the wildest and most intense recreational waterways in Canada, the Kicking Horse River. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has something for everyone – mountain biking, hiking, sightseeing, Canada’s highest Restaurant and a Grizzly Bear Refuge. Head to Mount 7 for a gorgeous sunset view from the paragliding launch.
The Columbia River & Wetlands is located just south of Golden and is home to the longest protected wetlands in North America – this is a fantastic place to go canoeing, kayaking, and bird watching.
Plan your stay in Golden using the resources below:
Hotels & Motels
Cabins & Cottages
Lodges
Vacation Rentals
Bed & Breakfasts
Hostels
Camping & RV
Day 8
Revelstoke
For those on the go this is the place to go. It is a mobile coffee shop the specializes in making the best coffee in Golden with a small selection of baked goods. You'll have to check out their Instagram page (@wanderingferncafe) to see where she is parked that day. Keep in mind that she is only open From May to October.
Drive to Revelstoke, BC, approximately 90 minutes.
Stop by this creative and inspiring cafe serving coffee and delicious local food.
Wind 26 kilometres uphill, through forests of cedar and hemlock, spruce and fir to the renowned subalpine wildflower meadows of Mount Revelstoke National Park.
Revelstoke is an alpine mountain biking paradise and Frisby Ridge is an epic adventure. Riders can opt for a 24 kilometre out and back, add on the 5.7 kilometre Frisby Vistas Extension, the Ultimate Frisby Connector, and Ultimate Frisby (a challenging downhill trail),and you've completed 'The Whole Teriyaki", Revelstoke's answer to Moab'sWhole Enchilada.
A small brewery and lounge in the thirsty playground of Revelstoke, BC. You can expect beers to match the Revy experience- fun, full of character, and a little bit wild!
This funky family-friendly restaurant in the heart of Revelstoke - be sure to enjoy a meal on one of their two patios.
Make sure your camera is ready as you hike to three stunning waterfall vistas.
Experience craft beer amid the rugged beauty of mountainous Revelstoke.
Home to the biggest selection of craft beer in Revelstoke.
Stay at this hotel, cafe, restaurant, pub and lounge all under one roof, located in downtown Revelstoke.
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Revelstoke’s historic downtown includes the Grizzly Plaza, and a number of museums, such as the Revelstoke Railway Museum and the Revelstoke Museum and Archives. Check out Big Eddy Glassworks where you can watch live glass blowing, shop around for the perfect glass blown cup for your next craft beer, or take a workshop to make a cup of your own (Saturdays only). The Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers gondola sightseeing and a mountain coaster.
Revelstoke offers top-notch accommodations for every type of traveler – explore your options and book a stay here.
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Where small town charm meets adventure in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
At the tip of Southeastern BC, Cranbrook is literally on the edge of your next discovery.
Sitting in the Canadian Rockies, Golden B.C. is surrounded by six of Canada’s most stunning national parks; Yoho, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Mount Revelstoke.
Use Golden as your base from which to experience the spectacular scenery, iconic hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes and heritage sites of the national parks.
Welcome to a still, spectacular scene. To sun-drenched, fertile fields and sweeping mountain vistas. To velvety, star-strewn night skies and warm, gentle breezes. From the emerald cliffs of the Skimmerhorn to the diamond surface of Kootenay Lake, across orchards and vineyards, through wetland and wilderness teeming with life – this is the Creston Valley.
WILD SPACES.
Small town charm. Big mountain adventure.
THIS IS REVELSTOKE.
Come fuel your fire within, and experience #TheRealStoke for yourself.
Radium Hot Springs is an idyllic mountain town nestled between the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies and Purcell Mountains, with the Columbia River running down its spine. Visitors enter the Village of Radium through the iconic Sinclair Canyon where they are immediately greeted with pristine views and vistas. At the crossroads of highways 93 and 95, Radium Hot Springs is also at the crossroads of adventure and relaxation.
Whether you are seeking a journey of heart-pumping adventure or a quiet weekend to recharge in nature, you will find it here. With our friendly faces and open spaces, you’ll be treated like a local in this small mountain village.
From arts and culture to feasts, flavours, and festivity, Kimberley is a place to soak up magic moments with every turn. With consistent Purcell powder in the winter, vibrant pops of colour in the fall, and plenty of bluebird days all year long, we’re a true four-season destination with a little something for everyone.
The Birthplace of Adventure
In the southeast corner of British Columbia, the jagged peaks of the Rockies rise in parallel with those of the Purcell, Selkirk and Monashee ranges. In between are valleys, rivers and lakes that have enabled human existence for thousands of years. With incomparable scenic beauty around every turn, this is British Columbia’s Mountain Playground.
Flights To This Area:
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