After an exciting adventure whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River, you may be wondering what other adventure activities are available in the area. Travelling south from Golden, British Columbia into the Columbia Valley (featuring beautiful places such as Radium Hot Springs and Invermere) offers a multitude of adventure activity options. Here are some of our favourites!
1. Ziplining
Surround yourself in scenic views and feel the rush of adrenaline as you zipline through the trees. It’s an awesome activity for kids and adults alike! A few minutes south of Radium Hot Springs you’ll find Valley Zipline Adventures. They not only offer 7 ziplines with stunning views of the famous Columbia Valley Wetlands and Purcell Mountain Range, but also the Aerial Park, Jump Tower, Rock Climbing Wall, and Big Horn Bounce.
As well, further south in Fairmont Hot Springs, you’ll find Mineral Mountain Ziplines, who offer 6 ziplines featuring not only terrific views of the forests, Hoodoos and Columbia Lake, but also the longest and highest lines in the Columbia Valley!
2. ATV Tours
Get away from the crowds and into nature! Explore the off-road trails that take you from the valley bottom all the way up to the alpine. In Panorama BC, near Invermere, Toby Creek Adventures offers ATV and Side-by-Side tours through the mountains, with options to visit a stunning waterfall or their private alpine cabin.
3. Mountain Biking
There is no shortage of bike trails in the Columbia Valley! From gravel to downhill, adaptive and beginner-friendly to expert trails, there is something for everyone. Nipika Mountain Resort, located 30 minutes from Radium, has an extensive network of trails – over 50km of trails ranging from green to black!
Up at Panorama Mountain Resort, bikers have the option to tackle the downhill park, or explore the many cross-country trails. Or, check out the intermediate to advanced downhill trails at Mount Swansea.
4. Hiking
The Columbia Valley is a dream destination for hikers! With the many surrounding provincial parks, as well as Kootenay National Park, there are hikes to suit every level of adventurer, from short, half-day hikes to longer multi-day hikes. No matter the choice, hikers are treated to stunning scenery.
One of our favourite multi-day hikes is located in Kootenay National Park – the iconic Rockwall trail. Spanning about 65km, passing through forests and meadows, featuring beautiful wildflowers and turquoise lakes, the Rockwall Highline trail is a bucket-list hike. Save the trip planning to the experts at Canadian Rockies Hiking by Yamnuska. They offer a guided experience for this hiking trail.
5. Water Sports on Lake Windermere
What’s better on a hot, summer day than spending time on a lake? Hop on a paddleboard or into a canoe to explore the lake. Or, crank up the adrenaline with some boating, waterskiing or wakeboarding.
Choose your own adventure with Pete’s Marina, who offers boat and seadoo rentals. Alternatively, visit Nauti Watersports, who offer a full boat charter service, which includes an NCCP-certified and insured, driver/coach, along with all the surf, waterski and wakeboard gear needed to have an exciting adventure on the lake!
With the variety of activities available, make sure that visiting Radium Hot Springs and the Columbia Valley are on your list. Whichever adventures you choose, you’ll definitely make the most out of your Canadian Rockies holiday! If you need more recommendations, our Sales & Reservations team are happy to help. Send us an email at info@wildwater.com, or give our office a call toll-free at 1-888-647-6444.
