Travelling Here is Half the Fun
Rossland isn’t a destination, it’s a decision. Whether you arrive by air, car, or camper, we’re closer than you think and better than you imagined. Approximately a 7-hour drive from both Vancouver and Calgary, or a short flight into Kelowna, Castlegar, or Trail — you’re just a playlist away from fresh tracks, flowy trails, and that irresistible small-mountain-town charm. With plenty of travel options and views that start long before you arrive, getting here is half the adventure. The hardest part? Heading back home… unless, of course, you decide to stay a little longer.
Hard to get to, even harder to leave.
Take the scenic route
Get in, buckle up & hit the gas.
Driving from the USA – Rossland is 10 minutes from the Paterson border crossing, open 24/7. Only a 7 hour drive from Seattle or 8 from Portland, you’ll be here before you know it. Even better? A flight into Spokane International Airport, with a 2.5 hour drive or shuttle to your final destination.
Keep your Canadian adventure rolling – if you’re traveling from within Canada, why not make a real trip of it? Follow the famous Powder Highway, winding through a collection of legendary mountain towns and ski resorts before landing in Rossland. From hot springs to high peaks, jaw-dropping views to roadside snacks, every turn offers something worth pulling over for. By the time you reach Rossland, you’ll already be in full adventure mode — and just getting started.
Let’s Get Air
Fly In, Ski Out
Step into a plane and out into adventure! Depending on your plan, your next move is simple: hit the road, catch a shuttle, or even carpool with fellow thrill-seekers from these local airports:
West Kootenay Regional Airport (Castlegar)
Canadian Rockies International (Cranbrook)
Travelling from the USA? Spokane International Airport puts the Kootenay mountains on your doorstep, with winding roads that build the anticipation for what’s waiting. The journey here is just as exciting as the destination.
FAQs
Point your finger to the bottom-right corner of BC, where the Selkirk Mountains meet the border—that’s us. Rossland is a high-elevation mountain town in the West Kootenays, perched above Trail and moments from Red Mountain Resort, Black Jack Ski Club and Big Red Cats.
Closest Airports
Trail Regional (YZZ) – Daily service to/from Vancouver via Pacific Coastal Airlines. Small, easy, and close to Rossland.
West Kootenay (Castlegar – YCG) – Air Canada/Jazz service to Vancouver; weather can occasionally affect schedules.
Spokane International (GEG) – Best U.S. gateway; 2.5–3 hourr low-pass drive to Rossland. Seasonal winter shuttles operate most days.
Kelowna (YLW) – Major B.C. hub with plentiful flights; the drive to Rossland is 4 hr.
From Vancouver
(Hwy 3) Plan 7 hours across the Crowsnest Highway with plenty of food-and-lake stops en route. Check conditions before you go.
From Calgary
(Hwy 1 → 93/95 → Hwy 3) Allow 7–8 hours via the Crowsnest Pass and south through the Kootenays.
From Spokane, WA
(US-395 → WA-25 → Paterson) A straightforward, low-elevation 2.5–3 hour drive to Rossland with a 24-hr border crossing at Paterson.
From Kelowna
(Hwy 33/97 → Hwy 3 → 3B) Scenic 4-hour drive through Okanagan and Boundary Country to Rossland.
Road & webcams: Use DriveBC for live cams and conditions around Rossland, Strawberry Pass, and Trail.
Yes! Use the free RED ↔ Rossland Ski Bus in winter. Find more information & schedule here.
Yes—fast and Level 2 chargers on Washington Street; more fast-charge sites across the region via BC Hydro’s network.
On most routes in BC, yes (Oct 1–Apr 30). Look for the posted signs and check conditions.
The Paterson/Frontier crossing is the closest to Rossland and is open 24/7 for travellers (commercial hours differ).
The other nearby Canada–US border crossing in the Trail, BC area is the Boundary–Waneta Crossing. This crossing is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Getting Around
While you’re here
Need to move about while you are here visiting? We have a variety of options available to you ranging from custom shuttle services, taxis and Carshare programs. Downtown Rossland is wonderfully walkable, so exploring shops, cafés, restaurants, and local attractions on foot is not only possible — it’s part of the experience.
Heading up to Red Mountain Resort? The base area is just a scenic one hour walk from town, or you can hop on the FREE Red Mountain Express Shuttle (winter only), with many pick up locations to keep you moving effortlessly between the hill and the heart of town. Whether you’re cruising, wandering, or riding up for another lap, getting around Rossland is simple.
