Endless Adventures Await
The South Kootenay offers a diverse playground for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike, spanning Trail, Rossland, Warfield, Montrose, Fruitvale, and Areas A & B. From the historic streets and vibrant trails of Rossland to the scenic riverfront in Trail and the rolling hills around Warfield and Montrose, the region is packed with adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Hikers, bikers, and paddlers can explore a network of trails, parks, and waterways, while small towns provide charming local shops, eateries, and community events. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline on mountain trails, discovering hidden gems along the Columbia River, or enjoying quiet moments in nature, the South Kootenay offers endless opportunities to explore, play, and connect with the outdoors.
play at any elevation in the South Kootenay
Unspoiled. Uncrowded.
Rossland
Tucked high in the Monashee Mountains near the Canada–US border, Rossland is a small-but-mighty mountain town known for year-round adventure. Home to legendary Red Mountain Resort, epic cross-country skiing at Black Jack, and over 20,000 acres of gladed backcountry skiing with Big Red Cats, Rossland delivers serious outdoor cred. Winter not your thing? No problem. With a trail network of 200km + of singletrack right from your doorstep, it is a hikers, bikers or trail runners dream.
Its compact downtown packs in independent shops, gear stores, cafés, breweries, and restaurants, all just minutes from trailheads and chairlifts. Whether you’re here to ski, bike, hike, or simply soak up the alpine, Rossland is an easygoing basecamp made for people who love to play outside.
The Jewel of the Kootenays
Warfield
Nestled between Rossland and Trail, Warfield is a quiet, family-friendly community. With neighbourhood trail networks like the Wagon Road, linking walkers, runners, and bikers to surrounding forests and viewpoints, it’s an easy place to get outside on a whim. Just minutes away, golfers can tee off at the beautiful Redstone Resort Golf Course, while Red Mountain Resort and downtown Rossland sit a quick drive uphill. Warfield may be small, but its central location and close-to-everything convenience gives you another reason to explore the entire Lower Columbia region.
Explore Your Trail
Trail
Set along the banks of the Columbia River, Trail is the urban heart of the South Kootenay—an energetic city surrounded by mountains, water, and year-round adventure. Home to vibrant neighbourhoods, a lively arts and culture scene, and some of the region’s best sports facilities and fishing, Trail blends small-town friendliness with big-city amenities. Explore riverside paths, hike the Bluffs above Sunningdale, or ride the Miral Heights Trail for wide views over the valley. Downtown, you’ll find great eats, local shops, Tailout brewery, cafés, and the iconic Trail Bridge connecting it all. With the regional airport, access to both Redstone Golf Course & Birchbank Golf Club, and quick links to Rossland and Warfield, Trail is the perfect launchpad for exploring the entire South Kootenay.
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Montrose
Tucked into a sunny mountainside just minutes from Trail, Montrose is a small village with big backyard energy. Known for its quiet streets, and easy access to nature, it’s the kind of place where evening walks, park hangouts, and mountain views are part of daily life. Hike the Montrose Antenna Trail Loop for wide-open views over the valley, or the easier Horse Rodeo Trail. With quick access to amenities in Trail, close proximity to Champion Lakes Provincial Park, and a peaceful setting that feels worlds away, Montrose offers a relaxed atmosphere for exploring the South Kootenay on foot, bike, or with the whole family in tow.
Heart of the Beaver Valley
Fruitvale
Historically known as the prime fruit-growing region for its abundance of sunshine and just minutes from Montrose, Fruitvale is a friendly village with plenty of outdoor charm. Its trails and pathways connect to regional networks perfect for walking, hiking, and biking, while Champion Lakes Provincial Park is a short drive away and offers paddling, swimming, and cross-country skiing for year-round adventure. The village itself features parks, sports fields, and community spaces that host events like the annual Beaver Valley May Days, giving visitors a taste of small-town life.
Where Rural Meets Remarkable
Area A & B
Areas A & B stretch across the rural landscapes surrounding Trail, Montrose, Fruitvale, and Rossland, offering a mix of rolling farmland, forested backroads, lakes, and mountain views that define the South Kootenay experience. These unincorporated communities are dotted with hidden trail networks, peaceful residential pockets, and access points to outdoor favourites. With space to roam, quiet roads to explore, and a lifestyle rooted in nature and community, Areas A & B offer a slower, scenic side of the region—one that ties the whole South Kootenay experience together.
