Kayaking

Kootenay Lake is surrounded by glacial peaks and offers a myriad of secluded beaches, impressive side hikes and first class scenery. From the seat of your sea kayak, Kootenay Lake presents you with glacial fed creeks, lush forests, abundant wildlife, rugged shorelines, and few people. Whoever said paradise had to be tropical has never visited the Kootenays.
A Three Hour Tour…
If you're on a short visit to the West Kootenay or in need of a wild weekend excursion, Kootenay Kayak Company's half day tours are ideal. A three hour paddle-about starts in beautiful Balfour and meanders down Kootenay Lake's idyllic West Arm. You'll be amazed how much you can see in such a short while – wildlife, desolate evergreen shores, the majestic M.V Osprey and M.V. Balfour ferries, pebble beaches and the gorgeous lakeside homes and boat houses of Proctor and Queen's Bay. Instruction is provided too. Rates for this tour including 1 night accommodation at the Alpine motel start at $72.50 CDN per person.
Day Trippin'
Spend a day in awe. Departing from Balfour, the day tour passes by the West Arm bird sanctuary then out into the vast blue of the main lake. Osprey and eagles soar overhead, blue heron and loon bob along side and deer, raccoon and black bears abound on the shore. Along either side of the lake, the Selkirk and Purcell ranges ascend into snowy peaks, as far as your eyes can see.
The day includes an exploratory hike at Irvine Creek and a savory lunch featuring some of the region's most famous foods. A great way for novice and expert paddlers to get a feel for Kootenay Lake's endless adventure. 9 am – 3:30 pm. Rates for this tour including 1 night accommodation at the Alpine motel start at $103.00 CDN per person.
Sunset Spectacular
An evening performance worth a thousand words. Watching a sunset from the lake is an out-of-this-world experience. Starting shortly after the dinner hour, we'll give you a quick lesson, then head out onto the still waters of the West Arm. On a clear, warm summer's night, dusk over the Selkirks is unlike anything you've seen or felt before. Paddling back at twilight is almost as cool. An unparalleled holiday experience for kayakers of all abilities — beginner to expert. 7 - 9 pm. Rates for this tour including 1 night accommodation at the Alpine motel start at $72.50 CDN per person.
Wilderness Getaway
Kayak Camping Tour of Kootenay Lake
After learning the basics of sea kayaking and establishing a standard of safety and comfort, the days will be spent paddling the pristine waters of Kootenay Lake. We'll explore the fabulously rich and rugged shoreline of mountains, lush forests, sheer rock cliffs and secluded beaches. Enjoying gourmet meals, good company and leisurely hikes are only a few of the highlights of our tours. Clean water, majestic peaks, days of paddling and nights of camping on the beach will give you that renowned 'Kootenay feeling'.
Price on requestTrips begin and end in Nelson, BC
Kootenay Multi-sport
Unlimited Adventure in Uncompromising Style
In one incredible week, we'll touch on as many disciplines of adventure as humanly possible. Paddle the northern end of Kootenay Lake beneath the impressive peaks of the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains. Try rafting the mighty Salmo river as it blasts through canyons en route to the 49th parallel. Hike in glacial terrain that makes your senses explode. Mountain bike on undulating single track that winds through endless wilderness or take an afternoon to regroup onboard our sailboat as we soak up vistas of the Purcell and Selkirk mountain ranges. Soak in natural hotsprings, fly fish for record trout or simply kick back and plan your evening on the town. Some claim, the best part of the Multi-sport is coming home at the end of the day. Guests are pampered in beautiful heritage homes and country inns as we serve up delicious meals and endless gourmet treats.
Price on request
Trips begin and end at The Alpine motel in Nelson, BC






