A really big part of the Kootenay Lifestyle involves exploring the spectacular beauty we are surrounded by. Whether you hike, bike, climb, or stroll, to truly embrace the Kootenay Lifestyle means getting out in nature while appreciating its connection to the Ktunaxa Creation Story. Here are some highlights of things you can do, not just in the summer – but in the spring and fall too:
Experience Spectacular Waterfalls
Waterfalls! Boy do we have waterfalls. Below is just a sampling of the spectacular Falls you can find in the East Kootenay. Some of our waterfalls are easy to access (i.e., Marysville Falls) while others (i.e., Heiko’s Trail) are more of a challenge. Some are a short drive from our regional communities, some require a little bit more travel. All are worth it.
- Fairy Creek Falls
- Moyie/Lumberton Falls
- Josephine Falls
- Jumping Waters (on Heiko’s Trail)
- Matheson Falls
- Findlay Creek Falls
- Perry Creek Falls
- Meachen Creek Falls
- Marysville Falls
- Cherry Creek Falls
- Brisco Falls
- Lower Bugaboo Falls
- Wapta Falls
- Takakkaw Falls (while you’re there be sure to visit the Natural Bridge)
- Thompson Falls
- Williams Creek Waterfall
- Corn Creek Falls
Enjoy a Leisurely Hike – or Challenge Yourself with a Doozy
Once again, there are far more opportunities for hiking in the East Kootenay than I could possibly list, but here’s a highlight reel of some of the most popular. And of course, don’t forget the Trans Canada Trail which is located throughout our region.
Note: You’re likely to encounter pristine lakes, stunning waterfalls, and even some wildlife on these trails. For the ultimate guide for hiking in the East Kootenay, check out Mountain Footsteps Guidebook by Janice Strong.
For those who’d like the stunning scenery to be what leaves them breathless, here are some amazing options:
Cranbrook/Kimberley Area:
- Elizabeth Lake
- Cranbrook Community Forest
- North Star Rails to Trails
- Idlewild Park
- Chief Isadore Trail
- Rotary Way
- Devil’s Hole
- Eager Hill Lookout
- Bee Line
- Cooper Lake
- Padawan Trail
- Mother’s Day Hill
- Bull River Trail
- Sylvan Lake
- Kimberley Nature Park
- Lois Creek Trails
- Mark Creek Nature Trail
Fernie Area: 
- Easy Beaver
- Annex Park
- James White Park
- Maiden Lake
- Dogwood Park
Creston Area:
- Corn Creek Giant Cedar
- Ka Papa Cedars Trail and Ralph’s Grove
Invermere Area:
- Hoodoo Trail (Learn about the Ktunaxa Hoodoo Creation Story)
Golden Area:
- Cedar Lakes
- Confluence Park
- Dawn Mountain Ski Trails
- Edelweiss Slough
- Rotary Trail
- Take It Easy
If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge:
Cranbrook/Kimberley Area:
- Mause Creek
- Wycliffe Buttes
- Silver Spring Lakes
- Premier Lake Provincial Park
- Top of the World Provincial Park
- Hourglass Lake
- Bear Lake
- White Boar Lake
- Mause Creek Tarns to Tanglefoot Lake
- South Star Trails
- Lakit Lookout
- Chewbacca Rocka and Loop Skywalker
- Cranbrook Mountain
- Peak to Platzl
- Bootleg Mountain Trails
- Levirs Ave Trails
- Horse Barn Valley Interpretive Forest
- Alki Creek Recreation Trails
Fernie Area: 
- Island Lake Trails
- Mount Fernie Provincial Park
- Mount Fernie Trail
- Fernie Alpine Resort Trails
- Ancient Cottonwoods Trail
- Fernie Ridge Trail
- Elk Valley Trail
- Coal Creek Heritage Trail
- Elk Lake Provincial Park
- Castle Mountain
- Mad Cow and Swine Flu Loop
Creston Area:
- Balancing Rock Trail
- Fern Forest Trail
- Summit Creek Trail
- Cornice Ridge
- Grey Creek Pass Trails
Invermere Area:
- Panorama Mountain Village Trails
- Old Coach Road Loop
- The Johnson
- Deja View/Old Coach Trail Loop
- Apple Pie Loop
- Hoodoo Trail
- Jumbo Pass Trail
- Mount Swansea Tower
Golden Area: 
- Canyon Creek
- Certainty Mine Upper
- Frenchman’s Ridge
- Gorman Lake
- Holt Repeater
- Mount 7
- T1 (Terminator Peak)
- T2 at KHMR
- Twelve Mile Creek South Fork
- Mummery Glacier
- Wolverine Pass
For those who are looking for a hard-core adventure:
Cranbrook/Kimberley Area:
- Fisher Peak
- Mount Baker
- Mount Evans
- Pyramid Creek Loop
- North Star Trail to Hoodoos
- Lower Bootleg Mountain
- St. Mary’s Alpine Provincial Park
Fernie Area:
- Heiko’s Trail
- Hyperventilation Viewpoint
- Mt. Proctor Trail
- Mt. Hosmer Trail (Ghostrider Mountain)
- Three Sisters
- Lizard Lake Trail
Creston Area:
- Mt. Creston Trail
- Billy Goat Bluffs
- Corn Creek Falls
- Haystack Mountain
- Mount Loki
Invermere Area:
- Conrad Kain Hut Trail
- Mount Swansea Double Peak Loop
- Mount Aeneas
- Mount Nelson Trail
Golden Area:
- Certainty Mine Lower
- Hospital Peak
- T4 at KHMR to Canyon Creek
- Table Mountain
Whew! We’ve covered a lot but there is still so much to do outside in the summer (and spring and fall). Next week we’ll go biking, golfing, and so much more. You can’t say the Kootenay Lifestyle is dull!