British Columbia Canada Blog

If you are looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or soothing vacation then Radium Hot Springs is one of the hot spots you must consider. Radium Hot Springs, located in Kootenay National Park of Canada is eastern B.C.’s largest day spa. You can relax in this spacious mineral hot pool while chatting with friends and gazing up at the rock cliffs of Sinclair Canyon.

Radium Hot Springs is a perfect place to heal the soul and to let tension melt away. I love the breathtaking views of the rockies while soaking in mineral rich waters and trying to spot bighorn sheep that makes this canyon home. The heated winterpool entrances, nature trails, picnic areas and space to lounge makes Radium Hot springs a huge hit with the families. I personally enjoy ’Radium Hot Springs Poolside Cafe’ from where I pick snacks and souvenirs. I am sure your kids will enjoy icecreams and pizzas at this poolside cafe.

Radium Hot Springs operate all year around although timing vary from season to season.The facility is maintained to the highest public health and environmental standards. Don’t worry if you forget your towels or swimsuits as these are available for rent at the site.

 Related Links:
Kootenay Rockies
Radium Hot Springs

I did not think much of Kicking Horse until I visited it last week and found out all about it. It is certainly a great place for adventure sports.

Location: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is surrounded by lovely peaks and Canada’s most picturesque National Parks. The resort is located in Golden, British Columbia, just 1.5 hours west of Banff (145 kilometers), 2.5 hours west of Calgary (270 Kilometers) on the Trans-Canada highway,  6 hours from Edmonton (558 kilometers) and about 8.5 hours from Vancouver ( 711 kilometers) .

 Accommodation: There are many lodges and chalets on the mountain but many travellers prefer staying in Golden ( more hotel style properties). If you rent a condo on the hill, you can probably cook yourself and save on eating out everyday.

Activities: Some of the activities you can enjoy while in Kicking Horse include:

Summer Activities: Whitewater rafting on Kicking Horse River, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Golfing, Kayaking, Rock Climbing and Fishing.

Winter Activities:  Winter day time temperatures usually range from - 12 degree Celsius to 2 degree Celsius and sometimes dropping to -20/- 25 degree Celsius.  Heliskiing, Dog-sledding, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, Ice climbing, Ice fishing etc. 

Dining: Try Kicking horse grill for contemporary Canadian cuisine.

Pictures of Kicking Horse:

The Golden Eagle Express Gondola

Kicking Horse  Village View

Advanced Ski runs - Kicking Horse usually has good snow even in the month of April

 Skiers on the top of the mountain- Getting ready to go down on a run

Snow covered peaks in Kicking Horse

View of the village from The Golden Eagle Express Gondola

Related Links
Kootenay Rockies
Skiing BC

I am back from my trip to Fernie and Kimberley and I must say that the trip has been a total rejuvenation of my senses.  It’s quite a drive if you plan to take a road trip from Kelowna to Kimberley but it’s totally worth it because of the amazing scenic beauty.  It takes about six hours to drive from Kelowna to Kimberley via Grandforks, Christina Lake, Castlegar, Nelson, Creston and Cranbrook. The nearest Airport from The Kimberley Alpine resort is Cranbrook.

Although Kimberley is a small ski resort compared to Fernie it offers fun and adventure to all ages. Winter Activities that can be enjoyed here include skiing, snowboarding and skating.  During the summer months mountain biking, hiking, fishing and golfing attracts tourists from all over the world.  In Kimberley I stayed at the Residence Inn, Marriott Trickle Creek which is a gold star property with all the amenities of a modern living.  I was totally impressed with this hotel as it is built with tall, lodge pole pine beams and river rock pillars.  One can relax in the outdoor heated pool, hot tubs or try their fully equipped fitness center. Visitors can also choose to unwind with a nice book in front of the fireplace with wonderful views of the Rocky Mountains and Ski slopes.  Stay at Residence inn includes a complimentary daily hot breakfast buffet which is really mouth watering and hits the spot.

Trickle Creek Golf resort is one of the top ten places to Golf in Canada as per Gold Digest.  After a long day of outdoor adventure one can enjoy a sumptuous meal at Kelsey’s which is located just next to Trickle Creek Marriott.  Other nice places to stay include Polaris Lodge which has some nice spacious units.  If you decide to stay on the slope side you can pick from a number of town homes or condos like Northstar and McGinty’s landing. On the lower mountain which is about 15 minutes walk from the ski runs, you can find reasonable lodging in Mountain Edge and Silver Birch. Visit Kimberley for a wonderful Purcell mountains experience.

Related Links:
Kootenay Rockies
Fernie Hotels
British Columbia Skiing

I found a little treasure to share with you!  It is called An Inn for Two, and that is exactly what it is, a romantic getaway for two.   It’s a place off the beaten path, far from the hustle of everyday life.  A calming place that offers peace and quiet and privacy.  The Inn for two is tucked away in the gorgeous valley of the West Kootenay’s Arrow Lake, not far from the quaint little town of
Fauquier, British Columbia.  If you are coming from Kelowna or Vernon area, you get to experience the Needles Ferry that crosses the Arrow Lake to get you to your destination.  

The view from the private deck of the log faced cabin is spectacular.  It overlooks Arrow Lake and the Monashee Mountains. Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and inviting.  Each cabin has a gas fireplace, a large soaker tub, a stereo, a kitchenette and dining table.  The queen sized bed overlooks the lake and is covered with DOWN filled duvets and fluffy pillows to help you get a good night sleep.

We just went for one night, but you could spend a few days exploring the area.  Nakusp, 55km north of Fauquier, boast shops, culture and recreation. This bustling town is known for its scenic beauty and rich history.  There are many fine 9 hole golf courses that surround Fauquier.  Enjoy relaxing in steaming mineral waters at the geothermal hot springs in Nakusp.  Or, you can go for walks and hikes that start just outside your cabin.  I enjoyed it so much, I will definitely be back!

One of the advantages of working with a travel agency is that you get to travel to different places and next week I am off to Fernie, Kimberly and Panorama.  I am looking forward to my trip and will share my experience with all the readers of this blog. My friends from work who have been to Fernie before are really excited to visit this beautiful place again. Keep reading and I will let you know what I think about it.

Check Out:

Fernie Skiing
Fernie Resorts and Lodges
Kootenay Rockies

If you enjoy the outdoors, look for adventure and appreciate nature then
British Columbia is a perfect holiday destination for you!  The top 3 adventure activities in BC include Whale Watching, Kayaking and White Water Rafting.

Whale Watching:  Vancouver Island is home to some of BC’s best wildlife viewing.  Take in a whale watching tour that leaves from Tofino, Uculetet or Victoria.

Kayaking/Canoeing:  What better way to spend a holiday than on the water, kayaking in and out of untouched bays.   You will be surprised at how much wildlife you will see on this adventure.

White Water Rafting:  If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, than this is for you.   Some of the best white water rafting in BC can be found in the Kootenay Rocky Region.  Check out the tours departing from the town of Golden.

Plan a trip and experience all three adventures.  You will be sure to write home about this BC holiday!

Anyone who has eaten at an East Indian restaurant before knows that Butter Chicken is often one of the tastiest items on the menu.  Luckily, here in British Columbia there are many restaurants throughout the province which make a mean butter chicken.  Here are some of my favorite (not in any particular order):

• Sitar Restaurant - Located on 8 Powell St. in Vancouver, BC
• Dawett - Located on 1435 Ellis Street in Kelowna, BC
• Samosas - (Opened recently) Located in Downtown (426A Bernard Avenue) Kelowna, BC
• Goldie’s Flavours of India - 563 Seymour St Kamloops, BC
• Mannie’s Curry Hut Golden - 10th Ave. S. and 9th St. S Golden, BC

If you need accommodations while in these cities check out:

- Vancouver Accommodations
- Kelowna Accommodations
- Kamloops Accommodations
- Golden Accommodations

My husband and I took a mini-holiday this winter and discovered the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort.  This was my first time experiencing Hot Springs and I enjoyed them very much.  There is nothing more relaxing than soaking in a pool of naturally heated water while looking out over some of BC’s most beautiful scenery. 

Ainsworth is located in the Kootenay Rockies region of British Columbia about 50km from Nelson.  The Ainsworth Resort features three pools, a main soaking pool, 160 foot horseshoe caves and a stream fed cold plunge.  The Hot Water comes in to their systems at about 117 F degrees.  The water is then cooled to an average 42 C, 114 F before it enters the caves.  The springs originate in the Cody Caves area, which is directly above and to the west of Ainsworth Hot Springs.   The Resort also features a dining room that overlooks the Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountain range from their floor to ceiling windows.  This resort is open all year-round and I bet every season has its own unique appeal.  All you need to bring is your hubby, a bathing suit and a good book!

Related Links:
British Columbia Resorts and Lodges
Kootenay Rockies Spas

My home town of Revelstoke British Columbia is a wonderful place to enjoy the true beauty of nature. From snow capped mountains such as Mt. Begbie to the crisp cool waters of the Columbia River, Revelstoke has it all. I was there over the Christmas break and had completely forgot about the wonderful coffee and gift shops downtown where one can spend an afternoon strolling down the streets without a worry in the world.

Situated in the Kootenay Region of British Columbia, Revelstoke is actually located in a perfect location, between Vancouver British Columbia and Calgary Alberta. So for those families looking for a place to rest in the middle of a long journey, they can select one of Revelstoke’s comfortable motels.

There are plenty of activities to keep anyone occupied in Revelstoke including Golfing at Revelstoke’s 18 hole Golf Course, Skiing at Mt. Mackenzie, Touring the Popular Revelstoke Hydro Dam or taking in a movie at the Roxy Theatre.

Related Links:
Revelstoke Hotels
Kootenay Rockies
Kootenay Rockies Golf