Heritage Towns & Hot Springs

the historic West Kootenays

Photo Credit: Kari Medig

The road less travelled leads to the historic West Kootenays – one of the most scenic areas in the world and a place where you can feel free to be yourself.

 Enjoy the slow pace and friendly nature of small-town Kootenay life on this seven day relaxing tour to some of BC’s heritage towns and soothing hot springs. Come discover the hidden gem of the eclectic town of Nelson, be renewed and rejuvenated in the refreshing mineral hot springs, explore the character of your surroundings and take in the views that can only be seen in the Kootenays.

 

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1 – REVELSTOKE, BC

Enjoy the relaxing pace as we make our way to Revelstoke. Arrive at the Regent Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of downtown. Explore and relish in the town’s wonderful history and culture.

DAY 2 – NELSON, BC

Visit the Revelstoke Railway Museum before continuing our journey. Explore the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre and then follow the picturesque route along Slocan Lake to Nelson.

SPOTLIGHT

The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre is dedicated to telling the story of over 22,000 Japanese Canadians who were forcibly relocated during World War II.

DAY 3 – NELSON

Discover the vibrant preserved downtown core of Nelson before jumping on board Streetcar #23 for a guided tour of “The Queen City”.

DAY 4 – NELSON

Visit the unique community of Kaslo and step onboard the S.S. Moyie, the World’s oldest intact passenger sternwheeler. This is followed by a soothing soak in the restorative mineral waters of Ainsworth Hot Springs.

SPOTLIGHT

The Ainsworth Hot Springs were first visited by the Ktunaxa First Nations. They have been healing people for hundreds of years with their soothing warm waters.

EXPERIENCES & HIGHLIGHTS

Situated in Nelson, BC lies a historical marvel.  Streetcar #23 is a fully functional streetcar that was built in 1906 by the Stephenson Car Company of New Jersey and purchased by the City of Nelson in 1924. Remaining in service until 1949, Streetcar #23 served as a skating rink, dog kennel and craft shop until a group of enthusiasts restored it and put it “back on track” in 1992 making its first revenue run in 43 years!

DAY 5 – FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS, BC

Travelling along the Kootenay Valley and the fertile Creston Valley, we make our way north through Cranbrook and Kimberley on to the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.  Crystal clear and all natural, the Fairmont Hot Springs are Canada’s largest natural hot springs.

DAY 6 – FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS

Today is yours to enjoy the resort and the Fairmont pools on your own. Leave your worries behind as you relax and experience the therapeutic warmth of the mineral spring waters. This evening, we all come together for a group dinner.

DAY 7 – KAMLOOPS, BC

Enjoy your final evening at the Hampton Inn in Kamloops.

DAY 8 – RETURN HOME