Kootenay Country

An idyllic region infused with culture and history

Long before European explorers and settlers arrived, native communities thrived. In the 19th century prospectors arrived and soon found gold at Wild Horse Creek and Rossland, silver in Nelson and coal in the Elk Valley. Shortly after the discovery of precious minerals, the Canadian Pacific Railway arrived and carved rails through the rugged terrain. Soon small towns experienced exponential growth, with settlers arriving from Eastern Canada and the United States, all in search of golden riches. However the boom soon turned to bust with many departing the region for other dreams and opportunities.

Today towns such as Sandon, Kaslo and Fort Steele display an era of the past, steeped in cultural history. Plan a visit and step back in time, in a region of spectacular, natural beauty.