The Kootenays is still very much a place of great wilderness. Vast forests, rivers, mountain ranges and icefields cover much of the land. Mining, trapping and logging opened up the Kootenays - earlier from the South where the terrain proved easier. The newer roads from Revelstoke, Vernon, Creston and Grand Forks connected the Kootenays to the rest of Canada. Mining and Logging created most of the access to the wilderness with a rich history still visible.

Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, Valhalla Provincial Park, Purcell Wilderness Conservancy, Glacier National Park, Nancy Greene Recreation Area, White Goat and Grizzly Wilderness Areas protect quite a sizable wilderness.



Hiking Websites

Trails BC - Kootenay



There are a number of awesome hiking guides in the region that can maximise your enjoyment of the Kootenays.

Leni and her team at Discovery.



There are a number of frontcountry and backcountry lodges that offer wilderness hiking, guiding and accomodation services.



Vehicle Accesible

Ainsworth Retreat

VMT



Helicopter or Hiking Access

Ymir Yurts

Valhalla Lodge



Hiking Club

Kootenay Mountaineering Club



Environmental Stewardship and Advocacy.

Valhalla Wilderness Society

Box 224, New Denver V0G 1S0