If there truly is a god and he created this world, then the West Kootenays was his masterpiece. I repeatedly hear guests say, “I had no idea this place was so beautiful”. For any hiking enthusiasts who love exploring mountains and the lakeshore this is the worlds best kept secret.
Embraced by the magnificent mountains the wild vastness offers serenity and solitude to daily life.
Imagine hiking through an ancient Cedar and Hemlock forest with a few new friends and your guide. Beneath the dense canopy is a lush green temperate rain forest where boulders are covered by moss, lady ferns and devils club flourishes. As we walk we pass the huge giants some of them more then 600 years old with a girth more then 2.5m or 8.25 ft. Silence surrounds us other then the laughter of our group. We reach the gurgling creek where we rest on smooth rocks carved by the water and eat lunch. The delicious soup and tea is a warm comfort to the cool moist air, but as we pack up and go the air temperature is greatly appreciated for it creates the perfect climate for hiking.
As the temperatures start to rise in the summer the alpine and lake side trails offer a refuge from the heat. There are countless scenic alpine hikes with breathtaking views of glaciers and colourful wild flower meadows. On the lake side trails a cool breeze welcomes hikers to the isolated pebble beaches. While the ponderosa pine forests give shade with glorious views as it follows the lakeshore.
Guests ask if I ever get bored of hiking these trails, but the truth is hiking in the mountains or admiring snow caped peaks from an isolated beach in the most beautiful place on earth makes me feel complete. After all, the outdoors is my religion.
Krista Van Ee
Hiking Guide
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