May 13, 2013

Things To Do in the East Kootenay 2013

What's in this guide

Y O U R G U I D E T O T H E E A S T K O O T E N A Y 2 0 1 3 3

Distributed to every home and business in the East Kootenay plus select Tourist Information

Centres throughout B.C.1510 - 2nd St N, Cranbrook, BC V1C 3L2

Telephone (250)489-3455 Fax (250)489-3743Toll Free 1-800-665-2382

[email protected] comments to:

[email protected]

For a full line up of British Columbia tourism guides,

check www.getawaybc.comPUBLISHER/SALES MANAGER: Darcy Wiebe

PRODUCTION : Bridget FixEDITOR: Brian Coombs

Published by

Cover photo of Fort Steeleis taken by

Darcy Wiebe

Thanks to all photo

contributors

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time resident of the East Kootenay, there are plenty of things to discover. It seems we sometimes forget there are just as many adventures to be had in our own backyard as when we jet off on vacation to an exotic destination. Only when people come to visit, do we stop to take a closer look at the things to do in our region. Every community has a story, so get out and explore them all. Get to know your neighbours or new friends, playing a round of golf at one of the many world-class courses or huddled around that secret fishing hole.

Cranbrook & AreaPage 4 City of CranbrookPage 5 Serviced sites vs. dry campingPage 7 Cranbrook CelebrationsPage 9 Gold Panning College of the RockiesPage 10 WatersportsPage 12 Kootenay Children’s FestivalPage 13 Museum of Rail TravelPage 14 Harvest Time International AirportPage 16 Key City Theatre Fort SteelePage 17 Heritage Walking Tour Bird WatchingPage 18 Cranbrook Pro Rodeo

Columbia ValleyPage 19 City of Golden Edgewater The Golden Museum Bugaboo BoogalooPage 20 Lake Windermere Radium Hot Springs Show and Shine Fairmont Hot Springs Invermere on the Lake Canal Flats

Elk Valley & Area Page 21 City of Fernie A Taste of Fernie Explore Heritage TransRockies Challenge Page 22 The Elk River

Page 23 City of Sparwood Murals Elk Lakes Provincial ParkPage 24 Elkford Elk Valley EventsPage 15 Lake Windermere Wings over the Rockies Pioneer Museum Pynelogs Canal Flats

South CountryPage 25 Kootenay Trout Hatchery Farmer’s Market Lake Koocanusa

Creston ValleyPage 27 City of Creston Festivals in the Creston ValleyPage 28 Wildlife Management Area The Glass House Creston Museum Crawford Bay

Kimberley & AreaPage 29 City of Kimberley0 Festivals in Kimberley Marysville Golfing at St. Eugene

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City of CranbrookWith its motto - Mountains of Opportunity - the City

of Cranbrook shows the spirit of its community and of its residents who will seek the moment to help it prosper. Cranbrook has its roots in railway history. It came into existence with the arrival of the Crowsnest Railway in 1898. Cranbrook was incorporated in 1905 and in 2005 the community celebrated its centennial. Today, Cranbrook has evolved into the service hub for the East Kootenay region, with a population of around 20,000 people. The history is, however, still very much alive. A walk through the city - especially the Baker Hill Heritage Residential Area - will reveal the hidden gems. Cranbrook Heritage Walking Tour maps are available free of charge at the Chamber of Commerce tourist info kiosks and the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel. These maps iden-tify the various points of interest, including the grand house that the Canadian Pacific Railway built for its regional superintendents in 1900. More information is available at www.cranbrook.ca

4 YOUR GU I DE TO THE E A ST KOOTENAY 2013

Cranbrook and area

EXPLORE YESTERDAY, TODAY! Located 16km northeast of Cranbrook in the heart of the Kootenay region you will find an amazing piece of Canadian History! Leap back into the 1890s and experience the vibrant restored pioneer boomtown of Fort Steele. Rewind and get set to meet the streets, lifestyles and excitement of over a century ago. Open daily. Call for current schedules and a list of special events or visit us online.

250.417.6000 | fortsteele.ca

A Cranbrook street in full bloomPicture by Gayle Etmanski-Slobodian

YOUR GU IDE TO THE EAST KOOTENAY 2013 5

The Scoop on Serviced Sites versus Dry CampingFull service sites allow trailers to hook up directly to

water, electrical and sewer (and may include cable and internet) and are typically found in private and city owned campgrounds. Dry camping, meaning no hook ups on the camp site, are standard in provincial and federal campgrounds (although you can find some with limited hook ups). Full service is deluxe camping…unlimited use of water,

heat (possibly AC), lights, media centre, and the ability to plug in your electronics. Even though you may be hooked up to sewer, the recommendation is to leave the sewer and water outlet “gates” on the trailer shut. If the sewer (toilet) gate is open and “black water” is continually draining there is a risk that solids will build up in the hold-ing tank making it impossible to drain the tank without using an external flush system. When the “black water” gauge shows two thirds full, open the gate to drain, and then close. Follow up with draining the “grey water” tank to help flush the sewer line. Check that you’ve closed both gates. Although your trailer has its own toilet, use sparingly as

water and power is used every time you flush and hold-ing tanks have limits. At night use head lamps or give the kids their own glow sticks and a flashlight. www.fisherpeakrvrentals.com

Good Food Country!

1601 Cranbrook St. N., Cranbrook, BC250-426-4111

Ukranian bu� et (Tuesdays)

Brunch bu� et (Sundays)

Downtown Cranbrook

250-489-1165

Dorr Road Forestry CampPicture by Christie Dueck


Open Mon.-Sat. 9am-4pm, Closed Sun.#13-9th Ave. S. 250-426-6516

Great Food!Delicious breakfasts & lunches

Homestyle cooking at its best • Cozy atmosphere • Local art displays

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Frank’sSteak & Schnitzel Haus

250-489-33621617 Cranbrook St., Cranbrook

Satisfy your hunger

DALE ELIUKOwner/Technician

KATHY ELIUKOwner/Service Manager

Tel: (250)426-4157

1019 Kootenay Street N., Cranbrook, BC V1C 3V5Email: [email protected] / Fax: (250)426-2438

Brothers Insurance Agency Car ShowPicture by Gayle Etmanski-Slobodian

Open noon to dusk#2104C - 2nd St. S.

Cranbrook B.C.(250) 489-8482

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ICE CREAM PARLOR• Cones (reg., homemade waffle, sugar, child) • Litres • Banana splits • Milkshakes • Shack

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Mon-Fri 8:30am - 9pm Sat 8:30am - 6pm

Sun 9am - 5pm

Fishing tackle, gear & accessories, camping supplies, sports & seasonal,

automotive parts & service.

Your adventure starts here.

#101 425 Victoria Ave. N. Cranbrook, B.C.

310-0001

Comfortable, casual atmosphere with one of the largest selections of books in the Kootenays.

• Used books • New Magazines • Gaming Cards • Games • Puzzles • Comics • Newspapers

1011 Baker Street, CranbrookPh: 250-489-3262 Fax: 250-489-4758

Hours: Open Mon.-Thurs. & Sat. 9:00-5:30, Friday 9:00-7:00

PAGESBOOKEMPORIUM


Cranbrook CelebrationsEach May, the Kinsmen Home & Recreation Show is

the one event in Cranbrook that brings the commu-nity together and gets people excited for all the fun the summer is going to bring. The show is the place to find out about new trends for home and garden, the best new toys for outdoor recreation and it is a great place to connect with professional services from around the region. Great presentations, quality products and knowledgeable vendors attract a loyal group of visitors each year, and the show is a won-derful place to meet with friends and family, browse the booths, meet local businesses and get inspired for the summer season. Contact the Kootenay News Advertiser at 1-800-665-2382 if you want to get involved.Every summer, the City of Cranbrook is abuzz with

celebrations to honour one man who played an important role in the city’s history. From June 13 to 16 this year, you can catch a parade, enjoy a kid’s fun zone, strongman competition and much more activity around Cranbrook’s Spirit Square during Sam Steele Days. During the festival, every day starts with a pan-cake breakfast in the downtown area and the best burgers in town are to be had all day at the EK Corral barbeque. The Sam Steele Days Ball Tournament and Youth Soccer Tournament run from Friday to Sunday. Bring your chair and enjoy the Sam Steele Days parade along the city’s streets on Saturday. The Sam Steele Sweetheart, a youth ambassador, will be crowned on Friday night and all candidates as well

as visiting royalty will be visiting the celebration all weekend. For those who like a little heft with their festival, check out the Strongman Competition at Spirit Square. For more details on the Sam Steele Days celebrations, see www.samsteeledays.org.The Brothers Insurance Agency Charity Car Show

is causing a lot of interest and is sure to be the highlight of the summer for any car fan. On July 19 and 20, there are events and activities for all ages and this show is open to all makes and models. The Show and Shine is held at Western Financial Place with a great view of the Rocky Mountains. Friday night, the activities kick off with a pre-show registration. Out of town visitors can just cruise right over when they arrive to get registered, and look at the many classic muscle cars that will be out on a Friday night cruise. Participants are also encouraged to bring some spare parts for the Junk in the Trunk swap meet. The drive-in movie will also be held Friday night. Relive the days of enjoying a classic movie from the comfort of your own car. On Saturday, enjoy the Blues Brothers Too tribute act while you hang out with the cars. You can register right now for this show to make sure that you and your sweet ride will have pole position at this event.Just go to www.brothersinsurancecarshow.ca and

follow the links to registration.


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www.golfmissionhills.ca (250)489-3009

Golf for the entire family• Family oriented course• Play 3, 9 or 18 holes• Reasonable rates• Kitchen offers a full

food and beverage menu

CranbrookNapa Auto Parts

1001 Industrial Rd. 2

426-828233-10th Ave. S., Cranbrook, BC(Opposite City Hall)

Rosie welcomes you to CranbrookCheck out our selection of � ction, mystery, suspense, local history, picture books, current a� airs, gifts and cards, and so much more.a� airs, gifts and cards,

Sam Steele Sweethearts thrilling the crowd during the Sam Steele Days parade.Picture by Kerstin Renner

ages and abilities. The climbing wall is also a great place to host a birthday party as the staff is able to accommodate small or large groups and everyone has an opportunity to be successful on the wall. To find out about programs, go to www.cotr.bc.ca.

Gold panningThe activity that first put the site of Fort Steele on

the map in the 1860s, gold panning is once again experiencing a boom in popularity. Fort Steele hosted its first annual Gold Panning Championships in August 2006 - a popular event with an unprecedented crowd of greenhorns and sourdoughs alike. There will be another gold panning event this year on June 16. People who want to look for their fortune right in the hills that once drew so many fortune seekers from across the continent can give panning a try further up on the Wildhorse River and Boulder Creek. After first opening to the public last summer, the Nip & Tuck placer gold mine, situated near the junction of the two streams, is once again welcoming amateur gold panners this summer. Made famous by the discovery of a 36 ounce nugget, this area continues to give up its treasures to those willing to look. Owner and operator of the mine, Stephen Lathem, has a lot of experience in the busi-ness. He was the top Canadian male at the World Gold Panning Championships in Dawson City in 2007 and again in Navelgas, Spain in 2008.

College of the Rockies The College of the Rockies gym in Cranbrook is a

great place for some fun indoor activity including the Peaks Climbing Wall. The friendly and knowledgeable staff can help visitors learn the exciting sport of indoor climbing, which provides challenges to people of all


22-14th Ave. S., Cranbrook, BC V1C 2W8

Ph: 426-7016 or 421-1537

Worlds of wonder await

1212 2nd St. N., Cranbrook, BCSun. 12pm to 5pm • Mon. Closed

Tues., Wed., Thurs. 9am-8pm • Fri. & Sat. 10am-6pmwww.cranbrookpubliclibrary.ca

250-426-4063

Books, DVDs, Audio Books, Ebooks, Internet Access, Programs and more...

Fully licensed mechanic now 7 days a week200 N.Van Horne St., Cranbrook, BC • 250.426.2844

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KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE ON OUR FORESTRY ROADS Mobile 2-way radios keep you informed of logging truck locations.

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Watersports in the East Kootenay regionWith an abundance of pristine lakes with majestic

views in the East Kootenay Region it is not shocking that many local families and travellers and vacation-ers who love watersports have made this area home or their home away from home for this very reason. After all, there are very few places on the planet where a person can waterski, wakeboard, kayak, tube and scuba dive all in one day in one geographical region. The East Kootenay is truly a mecca for watersport en-thusiasts.

1 0 YOUR G U I DE TO THE E AST KOOTENAY 2013

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River rafting is a great family eventPicture by Darcy Wiebe


Creston#2-1809 Highway 3A

250.428.8826

Good Things Happenat Ricky 's!

Cranbrook1417 Cranbrook St N

250.426.3501

Wasa LakePicture by Shannon Stewart

Wakeboarding Waterski and Wake SurfThis region is home to many professional wakeboard,

wake surf and waterski athletes who use these lakes as their training grounds. Whether pulling huge airs and unreal trick combinations either wakeboarding or wake-surfing or laying it down ripping through a slalom course these athletes are pushing the limits of their sports. Thanks to these and many more enthusiasts many of our lakes now have slalom courses, rail parks and even a few jumps set up for training!Competitions In August check out “The Koocanusa Wakesurfing

Challenge”. Western Canada’s national qualifier event will be held from August 9 to 11, at Sunshine House-

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KiteBoarding in this area. Scuba DiveIt is obvious why many enthusiasts have been scuba

diving exploring the fresh water lakes in this region for years. In the East Kootenay you can find ship wrecks, abandon mines, caves, fresh water coral, stunning aquatic life and so much more. Whether you are an avid Diver looking to meet and dive with fellow enthu-siasts or a newbie interested in learning to Scuba Dive in the East Kootenay region, it has never been easier. Contact the local divers on Facebook “Cranbrook Scu-ba Divers” or the local dive outfitter Just Liquid Sports and begin your underwater adventures today.River TubingFor those who do not wish to Kayak, canoe, SUP or

Scuba Dive down a river there is River Tubing. River Tubing in the Kootenays is a great way to get out with friends, soak up the sun and get wet! With a few easy class 2 rivers you will surely find safe and fun River tubing in this region. Running rivers in a tube is less efficient than paddlesports and you will have very little control of where the tube will go so be prepared before you float any river. Please make sure you “know before you go” walk/scout the river section that you plan to tube and look for hazards before you run it! Remember moving water is powerful so learn some basic river safety skills before you head out for a splash in the river.Safety First: Know Before you go & wear your PFD

Children’s festivalThe Kootenay Children’s Festival offers a full day of

activities, entertainment and education – all for one low price – Free! This year’s festival will take place on May 11 and is a great event not only for the young, but also for the young ‘at heart’. Every year profes-sional children’s musicians perform on a large main stage under a big tent and activities are organized under smaller tents, just in case the weather doesn’t perform according to plan. There is face and t-shirt painting, storytelling and craft making, and people can also just watch, listen and be entertained. There are also few festivals that can boast the level of city par-ticipation as this one. Numerous local businesses, as well as the city and a host of volunteers work together

boats (Newgate, BC) on the majestic Lake Koocanu-sa. This is the 6th stop of the World Series of wake Surfing. Make sure to mark this on your calendar and watch both pros and amateur’s rip it up. Kiteboarding & Wind SurfingCatching big air and ripping across Premier Lake,

Lake Koocanusa, Columbia Lake, Moyie Lake, Sum-mit Lake or a few others is where you’ll find die hard watersport enthusiasts on the windy days. Check out our local Kiteboard manufacturer Decosse Customs or the local outfitter Just Liquid sports for more info on

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Dewar Hot SpringsPicture by Michelle Miller

the 1929 Trans Canada Limited and the 1907 Soo-Spokane Train Deluxe. The Royal Alexandra Hall is the centrepiece of the actual museum building. This magnificent 1906 room, a Heritage Canada national award recipient, has been completely restored with all new services such as heating and air condition-ing for modern conveniences. The hall was the grand cafe of the Canada Pacific Railway’s Royal Alexandra Hotel in Winnipeg. The museum is constantly evolving and expanding. In recent years, it has added a new gift shop, archival space and a space for the arrival of excursions trains at the back - particularly the high superb “Royal Canadian Pacific” operated by the rail-way out of Calgary. Get detailed information at www.trainsdeluxe.com.

to make sure that the festival is a hit with those who matter most—the children. The festival is held in the green space next to Mount

Baker High School in Cranbrook, and the calendar tim-ing usually allows for a warm spring day.

Museum of rail travelWhat you see at the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel

are not simply rail cars, they are deluxe ‘hotels on wheels’ of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Passenger rail cars are displayed in sets to illustrate the glory days of North American rail travel. The cars feature stained glass windows, inlaid wood panelling and delicate bone china dishes. The collection includes


12-10th Ave. S., Downtown Cranbrook, BC • 250-919-5660Fully Licensed Pub

All you can eat Wing Wednesday

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Steak Sandwich* with all the trimmings

$4.75Dewey’s Caesars

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• Mon-Wed 11:30-2:30/4:30-9:00 • Thur-Sat 11:30-2:30/4:30-10:00 • Sunday 4:30-9:00

Sam Steele Sweethearts at the Canadian Museum of Rail TravelPicture by Gayle Etmanski-Slobodian

Harvest timeOnce the heat of summer begins to pass and autumn

starts to show in the trees, the agricultural clubs and craft guilds of the East Kootenay gather to put on their fall fairs. The Kootenay Country Fair at Fort Steele Heritage Town on September 8 is the largest of its kind. Beside exhibits of produce, baked goods, artwork and flower arrangements, this fair is also a showcase for the cottage industries and rural artisans of the area. Their offerings make the fairs just as much of a shopping trip as they do a show.

International airportThe Canadian Rockies International Airport provides a

quick link to the rest of the world. It is located on Airport Access Road, a short distance off Highway 95A, approxi-


Harvest time at Fort SteelePicture by Darcy Wiebe

Stongman competition at Sam Steele Days Picture by Gayle Etmanski-Slobodian


Chambers of Commerce in the East Kootenay

Columbia Valley651 Hwy 93/95 Invermere250-342-2844Fax [email protected]

Cranbrook2279 Cranbrook St N250-426-5914 or 1-800-222-6174Fax [email protected]

Creston Valley121 Northwest Blvd (Hwy 3)250-428-4342 or 1-866-528-4342Fax 250-428-9411info@crestonvalleychamber.comwww.crestonvalleychamber.com

Elkford250-425-5725info@elkfordchamberofcommerce.comwww.elkfordchamberofcommerce.com

Fernie102 Highway 3250-423-6868Fax [email protected]

Kimberley & District253 Wallinger Ave250-427-3666manager@kimberleychamber.comwww.kimberleychamber.com Julyfest July [email protected]

Radium Hot Springs7556 Main St E250-347-9331 or 1-888-347-9331Fax [email protected] www.radiumhotsprings.com

Sparwood141a Aspen Drive, Sparwood250-425-2423 or 1-877-485-8185Fax 250-425-7130administrator@sparwoodchamber.bc.cawww.sparwoodchamber.bc.ca

Fort Steele Fort Steele is a restored 1890’s pioneer boomtown

located in the southeast corner of BC. With over 60 heri-tage shops, display buildings, and diverse programming, it is a popular year round destination for our region. Featuring living history street dramas, the Wildhorse Theatre stage production, a steam railway, horse-drawn wagon rides, heritage trades, educational programming, and domestic interpretation. The Curatorial artifact col-lection is estimated at over 40,000 pieces. In addition, we house and maintain a significant archival library that is a tremendous resource to Fort Steele staff and volun-teers, students, historians and all the people of British Columbia.The Friends of Fort Steele Society is a not for profit

and a registered charity that operates and manages all aspects of the townsite including a variety of business-es, visitor services, contracts, curatorial and restoration activities at Fort Steele Heritage Town. Since its incor-poration, the Friends have worked to ensure that our visitors and members receive the best possible cultural heritage experience Fort Steele has to offer. For more information, check www.fortsteele.ca.

mately half way between Cranbrook and Kimberley. At this time, there are two airlines, Air Canada Jazz and Pacific Coastal, providing non-stop flights to Vancouver and Air Canada Jazz also provides daily flights to Calgary. The airport has had a major expansion project that saw the runway extended to 8,000 feet and the terminal building upgraded. With the new facility the airport was able to attract Integra Air. For flight information see www.flycanadianrockies.com.

Key City TheatreThe Key City Theatre is an intimate 600 seat the-

atre at the heart of Cranbrook and the East Kootenay region. The theatre is bustling more than 150 days each season with music, dance, and theatre. The Key City Theatre fosters appreciation of art and community involvement in the arts.This is a first-class performing arts, conference, and cultural centre for the people of the East Kootenays. This professional facility stimu-lates creativity, enhances communication and learning, and provides a comfortable setting for quality entertain-ment. Visit www.keycitytheatre.com or call 250-426-7006 to find out about the latest performances.

1 6 YOUR GU I DE TO THE E AST KOOTENAY 2013

Take a step back to the days of the pioneers at Fort SteelePicture by Darcy Wiebe

Heritage Walking TourThe Cranbrook Heritage Walking Tour is a trip into the

storied past of this economic hub of the East Kootenay region. Situated throughout the community are homes built by the earliest pioneers, some of which go back as far as the days of Colonel Baker, the founder of the city. Of interest is the unique woodwork that is on the few stately estates still around as well as some of the more modest homes. Good for a full day of hiking, this tour is one you have to take your camera for as you’ll want to remember this look at a rougher and yet refined age. Maps are available free of charge at the museum and the Chamber of Commerce tourist info kiosks.

Bird watchingFor birdwatchers, Elizabeth Lake, a wetland on the

way out of town on Highway 3, is the perfect place to observe birds of all kinds, from little ducklings to giant


Kootenay Boundary

Mother goose and her goslingsPicture by Gayle Etmanski-Slobodian

Rodeo has been a stop on the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association roster for over twenty years. The rodeo features exciting action with performances fea-turing top cowboys and cowgirls from all over North America. A professional rodeo clown and trick riders entertain the crowds during breaks, Cranbrook Rodeo is part of both the Duane Daines Saddle Bronc Series and the Kenton Randle Bareback Series. Check www.cranbrookrodeo.com for the full schedule.

geese. The wildlife area also provides prime habitat for muskrats, turtles, reptiles, elk, moose and white-tailed deer. Make sure to also stop by Elizabeth Lake Lodge to have a look at the impressive self-guided mural tour.

Cranbrook Pro RodeoThere are several great rodeo events in this region

during the summer months. The biggest one is the Cranbrook Pro Rodeo at the Wycliffe Exhibition Grounds from August 16 - 18. The Cranbrook Pro


EK Lutheran ParishWebsite: www.eklutheran.ca • Phone: 1-866-426-7564

Pastor Fraser Coltman & Pastor Dave MortonMt. Zion Cranbrook 920-11th St. S. Sunday Worship 10 am, Thursday Worship 7 pmHoly Cross Kimberley 105 Howard Sunday Worship 10 amTrinity Fernie 691 - 4th Ave. Sunday Worship 1:30 pmImmanuel Elkford 2700 Balmer Dr. Sunday Worship 4 pmSt. Peter’s Invermere 110-7th Ave. Sunday Worship 1:30 pm

First Baptist ChurchPastor Kevin EwaskowSunday morning worship at 10:30am Children’s ministries at 10:30am334 14th Ave S • 250-426-4319www.fbccranbrook.org • Summer Service starts June 30, 10am

Calvary Chapel CranbrookHear it, Live it, Share itThe Studio Stage Door, 11 Ave S.Sunday Service - 10:30 amFor more info: 421-1822www.calvarychapelcranbrook.com

Cranbrook United Church#2 - 12 Ave. S. on the corner of Baker & 12th Phone: 250-426-2022 Fax: 250-426-2085Rev. Frank LewisSunday Worship .......................... 10:00 amSunday School ............................ 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month

Non-stop excitement at the Cranbrook Pro RodeoPicture by Gayle Etmanski-Slobodian

serves not only the history of Golden but also of the neighbouring communities. The collection includes newspapers, maps and plans, old phone books and school annuals, official records, photographs, artifacts and personal histories. There are changing current exhibits on specific topics. Unique is the cemetary walk the museum organizes. This is a short walk through the Golden Cemetery, highlighting the burial sites of several of Golden’s early residents. Historical information is pro-vided as to the lifestyles and careers of these people. The walk takes approximatly 30 minutes, info is avali-able at the Golden Museum. More information at www.goldenbcmuseum.com.

Bugaboo BoogalooAt Brisco, a gravel road turns off Highway 95, lead-

ing to Bugaboo Provincial Park. Situated in the Purcell Mountains, the park continues to draw climbers from around the world to its airy, glacier-sculpted granite spires. With many peaks over 3,000 metres in eleva-tion the Bugaboo’s offer awe inspiring mountain and glacier terrain. The Conrad Kain Hut is maintained by BC Parks and the Alpine Club of Canada. This base camp for climbers operates to reduce visitor impacts on the fragile timberline area below Snowpatch Spire. Road access to the park is relatively easy via logging roads

City of GoldenThe City of Golden is right in the heart of some of the

most pristine wilderness to be found in the Canadian Rockies. Only a short drive to the east takes you to Yoho National Park, famous for its canyons, spectacular glaciers, craggy mountains, and the cascading Takakkaw Falls. One of the most precious natural resources in Yoho National Park is its deposits of fossils. West of Golden is Glacier National Park, offering wilderness camping, hiking, mountaineering, and skiing. More infor-mation at www.tourismgolden.com.

EdgewaterContinuing to drive south on Highway 95, you get to the

hamlet of Edgewater. This is one of the oldest communi-ties in the Columbia Valley. It was originally settled in the 1880s by Dr. Gaddes, a cattle rancher and veterinary surgeon. During the summer, every Saturday morning, the Legion building is home to the Edgewater Open Market, a great place to score some deals on locally produced arts, crafts and produce.

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Show and ShineThe Columbia Valley Classics Show & Shine in Radium

is on Saturday, September 21. The event will kick off on Friday night with vehicle registration at the Radium Seniors Hall. On Saturday, the Show & Shine portion of the event will take place at the Radium Springs Golf Course driving range. Don’t forget to shine up your danc-ing shoes as well for the dance on Saturday night! For more information see www.radiumcarshow.com.

Fairmont Hot SpringsThe first European settler in the Fairmont Hot Springs

area was George Geary, an Englishman, who came to the area in 1887 and homesteaded a vast tract of land that included the hot springs. His home still stands at the south end of the Mountainside Golf Course, but today, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers four and a half star accomodation, spa services, golf, skiing and other rec-reational activities. The centrepiece, however, is still the hot spring. Every night the pools are drained, scrubbed, and refilled by morning with fresh, mineral-rich natural hot springs water.

Invermere on the LakeEstablished in 1810 as a trading post, Invermere on

the Lake still offers travellers everything they need to enjoy their stay. It is the economic hub of the valley community, offering a wide variety of retail stores, pro-fessional services, restaurants and cafés of all variety, accommodations and more. Lake Windermere provides plenty of opportunity fo activities to relish especially those hot summer months. Besides windsurfing, vol-leyball on the beach is always a favourite pastime and after a cool dip in the lake and some time relaxing on a beach towel, visitors can head up the slope and see the historic Pynelogs gallery. North of the town is one of the finest examples of a wetlands ecosystem in the world. The Upper Columbia River Wetlands are internationally recognized, having received Ramsar status in 2004.

Canal FlatsCanal Flats is the newest municipality in the East

Kootenay. The inaugural meeting of the newly incorpo-rated Village of Canal Flats was held on June 29, 2004. Before that the area was under the jurisdiction of the Regional District. Ranching, hunting and fishing in the adjacent mountains and valleys provided the community with options for employment and recreation. Canal Days is an annual event that celebrates the community’s his-tory. Held in June, Canal Days has a talent show, a spe-cial bingo, parades, tournaments and a family dance at the Community Hall. The Canal Flats Citizen of the Year is also named during Canal Days.


but hiking trails are few. Inexperienced or ill-equipped climbers and hikers should forego a visit here in favour of less demanding areas of the province.

Lake WindermereLake Windermere has many other activities and attrac-

tions to offer. Windsurfing is one of the things you can try on a hot summer day. Launch off the beach of James Chabot Provincial Park in Invermere where strong winds arise with regularity on the afternoons. The lake also has good trout fishing. Other popular activities are canoeing, boating, wakeboarding, and the annual winter ice fishing derby.

Radium Hot SpringsThe Village of Radium Hot Springs is nestled into the

mountains where Highway 95 meets up with Highway 93. The village is the gateway to Kootenay National Park and was incorporated in 1990. Radium is most famous for which it is named - the healing, hot water springing from the earth and captured in a huge soak-ing pool. First Nations people found the hot and odour-less mineral water issuing from the rocks at the base of Redstreak Mountain to be soothing and healing for their aches and pains. First development started in 1914. See www.radiumhotsprings.com for more.

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Knox Presbyterian Church. In 1945, Mr. Sidney Crookes, then the principal of the Fernie School, investigated the possibility of forming a community library. The library moved into two rooms above the Fernie Post Office in 1952. Years later, the building would undergo an exten-sive renovation and become the Fernie Heritage Library. The building is a monument to Fernie community spirit. Many hours of volunteer labour have turned this building into a legacy for future generations of Fernieites.

TransRockies ChallengeFernie will host the TransRockies Challenge this year

on July 27 to August 2. The Challenge is one of the toughest mountain bike races in the world and hundreds of riders will cover more than 600 kilometres of wilder-ness trails. First run in 2002 as the cousin to the leg-endary TransAlp Challenge held annually in Europe, the TransRockies has quickly established itself as the one true epic adventure for mountain bikers. Riders from all over the World come every August to test themselves against the terrain, weather and trails of the Rocky Mountains. This year features a new stop at Fernie Alpine Resort and a new stage into the finish at Island Lake Lodge on July 29. The race, in its entirety, finishes in Canmore, Alberta. For more race information, check out www.transrockies.com.

City of FernieThe City of Fernie is based on a history of survival. It

is named after William Fernie who, alongside Colonel James Baker, was the driving force behind the coal mines. Enthusiastic residents pioneered the second big business in Fernie and opened the ski hill at its present site in January 1963. Fernie’s bid for the 1968 Winter Olympics helped lay the foundation for the Fernie Alpine Resort. Today, photographers regularly descend upon Fernie after a major snowfall to take those great magazine cover shots and more and more people realize every year that Fernie is a must-ski on British Columbia’s powder circuit. The hundreds of miles of beautiful riding terrain for mountain bikers, incredible array of scenic hiking trails and pristine rivers and lakes complete the city’s year-round appeal.

A Taste of FernieDo you love food, but have a hard time deciding what

to order, because everything looks so great? Every September, the best chefs in Fernie gather for the Taste of Fernie at CP Station Square, next to the Arts Station downtown, and showcase samples of their culinary skill. Local performers including musicians, singers, danc-ers and comedians present their talents on stage. The Fernie and District Arts Council and the Rotary Club of Fernie are the driving forces behind this festival. The event itself is free for everyone, but if you’d like to buy food or beverages, or if you’d just like to support the event, you need to buy a wrist band. Food tickets are needed to buy the many delicacies.

Explore heritageIn downtown Fernie there are several impressive heri-

tage buildings, including the court house, city hall and the Fernie Public Library on 3rd Avenue. The library start-ed back in 1899. In 1911, plans were made to secure a better library facility. It was set up in the basement of the


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Elk Valley

The Elk RiverThe raging Elk River is a large to medium volume river

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The Terex Titan at Sparwood

Visitor Information Centre, across from the Titan, and ask about the historical walking tour. Along the Tour is the Michel-Natal Historical Museum where you will see pictures and artifacts of things and the people that lived in the mining towns of Michel, Natal and Middletown. See www.sparwoodchamber.bc.ca for more details or call 1-877-485-8185.

Elk Lakes Provincial ParkFifty kilometres north of Elkford is the Elk Lakes

Provincial Park, bordering the south side of Alberta’s Kananaskis Park, nestled above the tree line in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The scenery is breath-taking. Elk Lakes Provincial Park is an easily accessible wilderness park characterized by outstanding sub-alpine landscapes, remnant glaciers, rugged peaks and pro-ductive lakes and offers a variety of hiking experiences including some maintained trails that are appropriate for all family members with some experience in back-coun-try hiking. People visiting Elk Lake Provincial Park are reminded that the park is a wilderness area, without sup-plies or equipment of any kind. Wilderness, back country or walk-in camping is allowed. Facility descriptions are provided in the camping information. Camping is permit-ted in five separate areas, and interesting hiking trails connect Elk Lakes with the adjoining Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Alberta. Fishing in Elk Lakes Provincial Park is often rewarding; species found are Dolly Varden, Rocky Mountain whitefish and Cutthroat trout.

on the Elk and other nearby rivers, go to www.raftfernie.com.

City of SparwoodSparwood is the last stop in British Columbia on

Highway 3 and acts as the South-Eastern gateway to the province. It is a town that pays its respects to its heri-tage. Right after you see the large brick archway welcom-ing you to the community you can’t help but notice the largest tandem axle truck in the world; the Terex Titan. This 65 foot long giant was used in the local open pit coal mine. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just a beginner, Sparwood offers you a challenging nine hole course with affordable fees. The Mountain Shadows Campground offers visitors an inviting and friendly place to stay while exploring all that Sparwood has to offer. Hiking and biking are favourite pastimes of many locals and visitors. There are numerous trails located in and around town with the Mountain Shadows Loop as one of the most popular.

MuralsIf you continue into the heart of the town of Sparwood,

you will be able to find larger-than-life murals depicting the history of the community. The murals tell a story of coal, the people who mined it and their families. Footprints mark the trail for the artwork that was painted by local and other BC artists. Stop at the Sparwood


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One of the many murals in Sparwood

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 1-877-433-7643 for more information.The long history with the coal mines made its way

into the festivals of Sparwood. In the summer, the community celebrates Coal Miner Days. From June 7 to 9, events will include children’s activities, street market, centre stage performances, the parade and a ball hockey tournament. People can also measure their skills at golf, beach volleyball and crib tournaments. Back by popular demand are the bed races and the Sparwood Classic Run/Walk. See www.coalminerdays.co for more details.Wildcat Days in Elkford on the Canada Day long week-

end, June 28 to 29, feature numerous sporting events, a street parade, and other games for everybody. It is a family festival of games and activities, including a parade, that celebrates one of the first pioneers in the Elkford area, “Wildcat Charlie” Weigert. Weigert was said to be a solitary, but cheerful German rancher who owned the lands of the Sulphur Springs. There will be a ball tournament that runs all weekend long. The Elkford Chamber of Commerce has more information at www.tourismelkford.ca.

Elkford - Wild at HeartThe just under 3,000 residents of the District of Elkford

are proud to say their community is “Wild at Heart”. Situated in the Rocky Mountains at the highest elevation for a community in Canada (1,300 metres), the pictur-esque community owes its existence to the discovery of coal. The Height of the Rockies Wilderness Area to the north of Elkford is a new, undeveloped site. One of its key characteristics is its variation of elevation, from 1,310 to 3,474 metres. It’s a great place for hiking and horseback riding, but should be attempted by experi-enced hikers and mountaineers only. See www.elkford.ca for more information.

Elk Valley EventsEach one of the Elk Valley municipalities hosts its own

celebration of community spirit and fun each year and Fernie starts off the festival season in March with Griz Days. At the end of every winter season, the citizens of Fernie throw a party to celebrate the heaps of snow that blankets their town and fuels their growth. Named after their hearty mountain man mascot ‘Griz’, this party not only encompasses the parade and festivals you’d expect but also the more eccentric tests like the Dummy Downhill race or the Powder-Pedal-Paddle relay. Join in one of British Columbia’s most famed local fes-tivals and embrace winter just as it gives way to spring.


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Plenty to see and do during Wildcat Days in ElkfordPicture by Candace Hicks

A unique farmers’ marketIn the heart of the South Country, as the area

around Lake Koocanusa is called, just a little ways off the highway you find an institution in Kootenay outdoor shopping opportunities. What makes the Jaffray-Baynes Lake Farmers’ Market unique is that about 40 percent of the vendors offer produce, and the rest are artisans. With a combination like this, there’s lots to see and buy. Depending on the sea-son, you can find anything from fresh organic fruits and veggies, West Coast oysters, bedding plants, hand-made soap, pottery, tinctures and more. There is a café on-site and live music to entertain all. The market is open from June 18 to September 3 on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Lake KoocanusaBack at Highway 3, visitors will encounter another

lake with long, sandy beaches and warm shallow water. Lake Koocanusa was created by the comple-tion of the hydro/electric dam at Libby Montana in the early 1970’s. There are 75 km of navigatible waters from the US-Canada border north to Wardner. Lake Koocanusa was named in a contest won by Alice Beers of Rexford, Montana. The name is made from the first three letters of the Kootenay (alternately, Kootenai) River, Canada, and USA. There are a variety of ecologi-cal and environmental areas along the shoreline. The north end of the lake’s shore is surrounded by forests with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. As you journey south, the shoreline becomes more arid and sandy beaches abound. The beaches are wonderful for picnicking, swimming, and overnighting as they are well protected from windy conditions. This also makes the lake ideal for water-skiing and other water sports. Water temperatures in the summer can be very warm. Fed by the waters of the Kootenay River, Elk River and streams from the Flathead and Kootenay drainage systems, fishing abounds from early spring to late fall


Kootenay Trout HatcheryWhen travelling on Highway 3 from the Elk Valley,

you come to the turnoff to Fort Steele-Wardner Road. It is worth taking the short drive down to the Kootenay Trout Hatchery in Bull River. The facility offers programs to teach children how to fish, view sturgeon, trout and char displays, take a guided tour of the hatchery and to view their impressive grounds. The hatchery is open seven days per week from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and there is no admission charge. Check out the scenic children’s fishing pond where youngsters (and oldsters) are taught how to fish. Last year, the hatchery team received fantastic feedback from participants of the first fly fishing seminar and are pleased to announce that they will be hosting a fly fishing workshop this summer. Participants spend the first half of the day at the hatchery learning about basic technique, conservation and proper fish handling. Then they try out their newly acquired skills at the hatchery ponds and on the Bull River. Program dates and details coming soon! More information is available at www.gofishbc.com/kth/default.htm or at 250-429-3214.

South Country

The Kootenay Trout Hatchery is always a hit with the kids

with Dolly Varden, Kokanee and Rainbow Trout. A num-ber of forestry campgrounds exist on both the east and west shorelines, as well as several private camp-grounds, and Kikomun Creek Provincial Park. Stores with camping supplies, fuel and fast food facilities are available at several of the private campgrounds. Houseboat operations exist on the lake - these offer perfect conditions for visiting the numerous beaches. This summer Lake Koocanusa is the perfect spot for your next family get-together or just a place to idle away the hot days by one of the area’s largest bodies of water.

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Festivals in the Creston ValleyWith its close connection to the growing season, it is

not surprising that Creston kicks off its season of cel-ebration with the annual Creston Blossom Festival. On the May long weekend, May 17 to 20, the region will see the 72nd installment of the event. Music is an important part of the festival and this year, with a friday night kick off concert featuring Al Simmons. The town will also crown the Citizen of the Year. Enjoy the Go Go Grannies 50 + Men’s Challenge Pageant and on the other end, children can get creative at KidaPalooza and people can bring all the interesting items they dug out from attics and basements over the years to the antiques and fine arts appraisal. For more details, see www.blossomfes-tival.ca.The people of Crawford Bay have come together to put

on the party of the year and they call it the Starbelly Jam. The intent is simple: to bring diverse and quality music to the East Shore of Kootenay Lake and use it to celebrate the friendships there. Starbelly Jam is a spe-cial festival with great entertainment, great food, great people, lots of happy kids and room to play. It is neither too big, nor too crowded and offers a safe and secure environment. This festival is designed to be open and 100 percent kid friendly with music, workshops, and food for all ages. This year, the festival runs July 19 to 21. For more info on the individual performers, check www.starbellyjam.org.The community of Riondel takes the August long week-

end to host its annual community celebration. Riondel was once the mining capital of the Lake Country and home of the historic Bluebell Mine, named after the flower that can still be found throughout the area. The mine had a thick vein of galena ore, rich in lead zinc and silver. It was the reason a smelter was built at nearby Pilot Bay.On August 10, the community of Yahk will celebrate its

Summerfest and 106th homecoming. It will be a day full of entertainment and fun, from the pancake breakfast to outdoor games, vendor booths, comic poetry, music and an evening dance. Most activities are hosted around the Community Hall, which despite the small size of the

City of CrestonWith the delicate combination of low elevation, lake

effect humidity and ideal sun exposure matched with the hard work of its farmers, the Creston Valley has managed to remain one of British Columbia’s only three commercial farming areas. Every year, many Kootenay residents celebrate this gem by making a special trip to one of Erickson’s many produce stands for fresh apples, pears, cherries, plums and peaches. Fresh local fruit is available as early as June for berries right up to late September for apples and pears and you can even hand-pick the family’s pumpkin for Halloween. Creston also has several festivals celebrating all the great gifts Mother Nature has to offer. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Creston’s scenic hiking, biking and naturalist trails. Exciting changes are currently happening in Creston. The town is in the process of a five-year downtown revitaliza-tion project that will make the town core more attractive and pedestrian-friendly. Major upgrades have been made at the Community Complex, including the construction of an indoor aquatic facility for all Creston Valley residents and visitors to enjoy. Creston is also a tour stop on the International Selkirk Loop, a route encircling the breath-taking Selkirk Mountains in Northeast Washington, North Idaho and Southeast British Columbia. See www.crestonbc.com.


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embalming fluid bottles Brown collected during his time in the funeral business. Although Mr. Brown only lived there for a short time, his mark on Kootenay Lake has endured, as this eccentric structure has been open to the public and has been amazing curious travellers ever since.

Creston MuseumFrom its humble beginnings in 1971, the Creston and

District Historical and Museum Society has become the main institution in Creston to make the history of the Creston area accessible to everyone and serve as a resource for researchers, community leaders and organizations, teachers, and the public. The Creston Museum provides fully-guided tours, temporary and permanent exhibits, in-house and outreach school pro-grams, bus and group tour programs, a gift shop and special exhibits for community events. Visit www.cres-ton.museum.bc.ca.

Crawford BayOver the years the hamlet of Crawford Bay has attract-

ed a rather eclectic group of artisans to their quiet east shore. Products vary from custom iron work to textile art or handmade brooms and artisan bread. Among these varied shops a visitor is sure to find something that is truly unique and useful for their home.

community has full access to the internet via broad-band. For a little time-out, take a stroll down to the river or have a picnic in the park.

Wildlife management areaOne of British Columbia’s greatest natural gems is

located at the western end of Creston. On 17,000 acres of wetland, the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area is home to over 280 different species of birds as well as 80 other wetland animals and is open to the public for all forms of “self propelled” recreation. The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area attracts over 35,000 visitors per year from around the world. Bird watchers marvel at the huge diversity of species found here from American white pelicans to six species of grebes and the rare Forster’s tern. It is designated as a wetland of international significance (Ramsar site) as well as an internationally Important Bird Area and a nationally Important Amphibian and Reptile Area. Recently, the area was chosen as a 2009 Rand McNally ‘Best of the Road’ Editor’s Pick along the International Selkirk Loop.

The Glass HouseLocated on the east shore of Kootenay Lake, the Glass

House is one of British Columbia’s most enduring tourist attractions. Started in 1952 by David H. Brown with the intent of it being his retirement home, the Glass House is built entirely from over half a million square discarded


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City of KimberleyThe second highest city in Canada, at 1,120 metres,

Kimberley is the classic mining town of the Rockies region. Its origins go back to the early 1890s when prospectors found chicamon stones, or money rock, on Sullivan Hill. This prospect resulted in the under-ground Sullivan Mine being developed. It produced lead and zinc ore for almost one hundred years. Named in 1896 after the famous South African dia-mond mine, Kimberley was incorporated as a city in 1968 and became the “Bavarian City of the Rockies” in the early 1970’s. After the mine’s closure in 2001 Kimberley’s natural beauty and amenities keep attract-ing people from all over the world to stay and play. Kimberley provides a mountain lifestyle that is hard to beat. At the heart of the community is the Platzl, a pedestrian area in the downtown core. Surrounded by quaint shops and restaurants in Bavarian-themed buildings, it is the focal point for the many festivals this city hosts. From Julyfest to the Arts on the Edge, there is hardly a week in Kimberley without a celebra-tion of some kind. In recent years, the city has also put immense efforts into upgrading its infrastructure - especially sports facilities - to be inclusive of people with disabilities. For more information, see www.www.city.kimberley.bc.ca.


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The JulyFest parade in KimberleyPicture by Gayle Etmanski-Slobodian

Festival on the August long weekend at Coronation Park. Besides music, the festival boasts a growing children’s area (with prizes for all kids), a refreshment garden, great food and local vendors showcasing their products. On the second weekend in August, Kimberley is hosting the culture festival Arts on the Edge. The event strives to support and promote the Kimberley arts community and to offer opportunities for artists and performers from across our region to interact with and learn from one another. This year’s festival will once again include a fabulous Opening Gala at Centre 64, including great food, live entertainment and a silent auction, and a full day of live entertainment at Coronation Park. Check www.artsontheedge.ca for details on the program.

Take a stroll in MarysvilleDon’t forget your camera when you make a trip up

Highway 95A to Marysville. This suburb of Kimberley is located just ten minutes south of the downtown Platzl. You can also stroll the forested paths of the Lions and Rotary Trail along Mark Creek, leading from Kimberley to Marysville. The main street offers one-of-a-kind shops and cafes, but the hidden gem is located at the north end of Marysville, just off the main highway. On one side of the road, the newly created Eco Park gives travellers a chance to sit and relax in a wonder-fully crafted place. It features sculptures of Westslope Cutthroat Trout, celebrating the return of this native fish species to Mark Creek. On the other side, a path leads to the spectacular Marysville Falls. The wooden walkway follows Mark Creek for about 10 minutes through the forest to the waterfall displaying nature’s magnificence and beauty. Green moss clings to the side of the gorge and a frothy white mist rises up from the cascade. This breath-taking water feature is over 30 metres high and displays natures raw power.

Golfing the St. EugeneA little bit of everything is what the St. Eugene Golf

Resort Casino has to offer visitors. Visitors can play golf or a round of blackjack, get pampered at the spa facilities, enjoy a delicious meal and spend the night in a modern hotel. The building is located on the land of the St. Mary’s Band, a member of the Ktunaxa First Nation. It originally served as a school and residence with 5,000 children from the Okanagan, Shuswap and Blackfoot Nations going through the doors. The school was closed in 1970. The Ktunaxa First Nation decided to turn this icon of a sad period of its history into a powerful economic engine. It also operates an interpre-tive centre within the resort which displays artifacts and details of the history and mythology of their people.


Festivals in KimberleyTo kick off the festival season, go to Kimberley’s “sub-

urb” and join the fun at the 52nd annual Marysville Daze on June 1 to 2, hosted by the Mark Creek Lions. There’s a ball tournament all weekend at Central Park. Saturday begins with a pancake breakfast at the Marysville Arena and continues with the Main Street parade. Other activities such as kids festival, food booths, bingo, flea market are all hosted at the arena. Also at the arena is the evening’s dance and entertainment. The Marysville Heritage School will be open on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm. Also in June, it is a good time to relax and fill up on lobster at the Rotary Club’s Lobster Festival happening on June 15. On Saturday, June 22nd, you can take part in the Round the Mountain Festival. This spectacular annual event showcases Kimberley’s beau-tiful and diverse trail network featuring the recently opened Round the Mountain Trail at the Kimberley Nordic Centre.On July 1, the annual Food Bank duck race on Canada

Day is the major summer fundraisers for the Food Bank. The ducks start their race in Mark Creek by B&B Glass and swim down to the Civic Centre where the Marysville Fly Fishers scoop them out of the water. Spectators line the course and are gathered with volunteers for a barbecue at the arena. The 2,500 ducks take about half an hour to complete the race and amazingly, they come in one at a time. In the Bavarian City of the Rockies one would expect to

see an Octoberfest, but Kimberley is ahead of the times and people get together in July for the biggest party of the year. For three hot summer days and two hot sum-mer nights, July 19 to 21, there will be refreshment gardens, dances, soccer and tennis tournaments and KidsFest in the Platzl. Adrenalin is pumping when the athletes burn rubber at the extreme skateboard race. Having fun and dressing up are just as important as get-ting high scores in the Canadian Bocce Championships. Last year, over 180 Ladies, Mens and Mixed Teams vied for the coveted Canadian Bocce Championship ‘Golden Balls’ and for cash prizes. See more about Julyfest and the different activities at www.kimberleyjulyfest.com.The Kootenays have an incredible wealth of untapped

local musicians and artisans and the city is thrilled to showcase such amazing talent at the Kimberley Music

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May 13, 2013

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