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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaCanadaWest CanadaBritish ColumbiaKootenays
Scenery at Galena Bay - Upper Arrow Lake - West Kootenays … | Flickr

Kootenays Road Trip

Revelstoke - Golden - Radium Hot Springs - Cranbrook - Nelson

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Security Security
Road conditions Road conditions
Wildlife Wildlife
Comfort Comfort
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Kootenays Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages5 km897 h/stage2.5

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Kootenays Road Trip in British Columbia?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 180EUR drive & more 125EUR sleep & more 473EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 886EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,066EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 216EUR drive & more 163EUR sleep & more 737EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,332EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,548EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 288EUR drive & more 213EUR sleep & more 1,056EUR eat & more 576EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,845EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,133EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 900EUR drive & more 238EUR sleep & more 220EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 746EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,646EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Kootenays Road Trip Itinerary

Experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies on the Kootenays Road Trip! Starting in Revelstoke, you'll make your way through Golden, Radium Hot Springs, Cranbrook, and Nelson, with a total distance of 897 km. It's recommended to allow four days to complete the journey, and the best time of year to drive is between late spring and early fall. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning landscapes and nature, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. The roads are in excellent condition, though be aware that seasonal closures due to weather conditions may occur, and some portions of the route are curvy. This road trip will provide you with a high level of experience and memories, and it is suitable for any driver, though it may be best managed with a higher budget.
number of days 4 number of days
route length 897 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Revelstoke

Distance 897 km Driving time 12.6 h Pace: fast 269.1 kWh Airports YRV
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Revelstoke is a stunning mountain town in British Columbia, Canada, and is a great starting point for the Kootenays Road Trip. Revelstoke is situated in the Columbia River Valley and is surrounded by some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country. Whether you're looking to explore the majestic Selkirk and Monashee Mountains, or just want to relax in the local hot springs, Revelstoke has something for everyone. The area's most popular attractions are the Revelstoke Mountain Resort, which offers world-class skiing and snowboarding, and the Revelstoke Dam, which is the tallest hydroelectric dam in North America. Other popular activities in the area include kayaking, biking, hiking, and fishing. The closest international airport to Revelstoke is the Kelowna International Airport (YLW). Car rentals are available at the airport and are the best way to explore the area. Revelstoke is an ideal starting point for the Kootenays Road Trip, with plenty of activities and attractions to explore. Whether you're looking for an outdoor adventure or just want to relax and take in the scenery, you'll find what you're looking for in Revelstoke.

1 Revelstoke - Golden

Distance 149 km Driving time 1.8 h Pace: fast 44.6 kWh View map Itinerary
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Get ready for an incredible road trip starting in Revelstoke, Canada! This 149 km stretch of road will take you less than two hours to complete and you'll be rewarded with some of the most stunning views of the Canadian Rockies. As you drive through Glacier National Park, you'll experience a variety of landscapes, from rolling hills to majestic mountains. Along the way, you'll also have the opportunity to visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Be aware that some sections of the road may be closed seasonally, so plan accordingly. As you make your way through the winding roads of the park, be sure to take plenty of photos of the picturesque views. When you arrive in Golden, you'll have the chance to explore the area further and find out more about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. For more information, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage of the road trip.

2 Golden - Radium Hot Springs

Distance 106 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: fast 31.7 kWh View map Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip through Golden, Canada, and the breathtaking Yoho National Park, all the way to Radium Hot Springs! This 106 km drive will take you fewer than 2 hours, and you'll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular scenery in the area. As you drive, be sure to keep an eye out for the picturesque landscapes and scenic roads, as well as some of the amazing attractions along the way. In Golden, take time to explore the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, a unique suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the Kicking Horse River. As you drive through Yoho National Park, take in the beauty of Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and the Natural Bridge. Please note that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally. Finally, the drive ends in Radium Hot Springs, where you can relax in the mineral-rich waters of the hot springs. During the summer, the town also hosts a variety of festivals, including the Radium Days Festival and the Radium Hot Springs Music Festival. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

3 Radium Hot Springs - Cranbrook

Distance 162 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: fast 48.6 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! stretches of winding road junction of road trips attractive landscape interesting cultural site accommodation options
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip through the majestic Canadian Rockies? Starting in Radium Hot Springs, your journey will take you through Kootenay National Park and end in Cranbrook, a distance of 162 km that can be covered in under two hours. Along the way, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, with plenty of opportunities to take in the sights and sounds of nature. Some sections of the road may be closed seasonally, so please be sure to check road conditions before you depart. In some sections, the road is winding, so please drive with caution. You'll be able to explore the unique beauty of Kootenay National Park, with its lush forests and stunning mountain views. There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch, or just take in the scenery. Once you arrive in Cranbrook, you'll be able to find plenty of attractions, accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites. For more information, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

4 Cranbrook - Nelson

Distance 232 km Driving time 3.8 h Pace: fast 69.5 kWh View map Itinerary
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Start your road trip in Cranbrook, Canada and explore the beauty of Kootenay Bay! This 232 km route will take you less than 4 hours to complete, but you'll want to take your time to appreciate the stunning scenery. Along the way, you'll pass through Kootenay Bay, where you can take a ferry crossing to get to Nelson. Be aware that some sections of the road are very winding, and some may be closed seasonally. You'll want to take your time and enjoy the scenic views! Don't forget to check out the Itinerary for this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip!

5 Nelson - Revelstoke

Distance 249 km Driving time 3.8 h Pace: fast 74.6 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! stretches of winding road UNESCO World Heritage Site attractive landscape
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Embark on a 249km journey from Nelson to Revelstoke and enjoy the picturesque landscapes, scenic roads and UNESCO Heritage sites along the way. The driving time of fewer than 4 hours will fly by as you enjoy the breathtaking views. Some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so make sure to check local road conditions before setting off. The winding roads of this route will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of Canada, so make sure to take some time to appreciate the scenery. As this is one of the stages of a larger tour, you can find more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready for an unforgettable experience and enjoy the road trip from Nelson to Revelstoke!

  Revelstoke

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Revelstoke is the perfect ending point for the Kootenays Road Trip in Canada. Located in the southeastern corner of the province of British Columbia, Revelstoke is one of the most popular destinations for road-trippers. Revelstoke offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and the Selkirk Mountain Range. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and golfing, fishing, and hiking in the summer. Revelstoke is also home to the Revelstoke Dam, one of the largest dams in Canada. For those who are looking for a bit of culture, the Revelstoke Museum and Archives is a must-see. This museum has a variety of artifacts and photographs that tell the story of the city's history. There are also several art galleries, such as the Revelstoke Art Gallery and the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre. For an outdoor adventure, why not try out snowmobiling or heli-skiing? Or, if you're looking for a slower pace, take a stroll around the River Walk, which is a great place to relax and take in the scenery. Finally, for those travelling by air, the closest international airport is Kelowna International Airport (YLW). Revelstoke is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of British Columbia. With its stunning scenery, plenty of activities, and a rich history, Revelstoke is the ideal end point for the Kootenays Road Trip.

Kootenays Road Trip at a glance

Facts for safer driving in British Columbia

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 80 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 100 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 120 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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