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The Kootenays: Nelson to Golden – Route Guide

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Kootenay Lake ferry — The Kootenays: Nelson to Golden
Photo: Murray Foubister · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Nelson’s silver-rush heritage, Kootenay Lake and the mountain towns of Kaslo, Revelstoke and Golden shape this four-day drive. The car crosses Upper Arrow Lake by vehicle ferry before continuing over Rogers Pass. Ainsworth hot-spring visits are a separate, optional stop.

The Kootenays: Nelson to Golden is a 415 km one-way journey (mixed transport). It works best as a 4-day trip; the plan below is the 4-day version for July, built from 159 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

4
days
415km
distance
4
Stops
159
curated stops

View ready-made plans 4-day plan · best time to go

The route

Nelson→ 69 kmKaslo→ 197 kmRevelstoke→ 149 kmGolden & Rogers Pass

What you'll see

Pulpit Rock Trail
Hike to panoramic city views and continue to mountain vistas.
Nelson
Kaslo River Trail
Stroll along the river on a scenic, well-maintained loop.
Kaslo
Revelstoke Railway Museum
Explore fascinating exhibits on railway construction, workers, and current operations.
Revelstoke
Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge
Walk across Canada's longest covered timber-frame pedestrian bridge over the scenic Kicking Horse River.
Golden & Rogers Pass
Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery
Explore local art and history in this engaging museum.
Nelson
SS Moyie National Historic Site
Discover a beautifully restored sternwheeler by the lake.
Kaslo
Meadows in the Sky Parkway and summit
Explore lush forests and enjoy panoramic mountain views in this serene national park.
Revelstoke
Golden and District Museum
Explore local history through exhibits on the railway, Swiss mountaineering guides, and early settlers.
Golden & Rogers Pass

Choose your length

4-day plan14 stops · 8.8 h transit3.5 stops/day · 2.2 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: June, July, August, September

The Nelson streetcar and SS Moyie normally operate from mid-May to mid-October. The Meadows in the Sky summit road usually opens only from mid-July to mid-October; the planner includes each visit only in its supported months, and you should check exact dates and live parkway status.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

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View ready-made plans