Road trippin’ from the Kootenays to the Shuswap region

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If everyone behaves themselves, Canadians should be able to resume travel to British Columbia after July 1. And despite what you may have heard, the Trans-Canada Highway will be open for road trippers.

Near Kicking Horse, a five-kilometre stretch of the highway is undergoing significant construction. Fortunately, daytime highway traffic shouldn’t be impeded. That’s good news because there’s a wide range of roadside attractions plus recreational opportunities to be savoured along the Trans-Canada Highway between Golden and Salmon Arm. Here’s a game plan for your summer road trip.

Golden bridges and mountains

You’ll want to stop and admire the vistas spanning two iconic mountain ranges at the newly opened Golden Skybridge. Here, a three-km nature walk weaves through the forest and across two expansive suspension bridges — the highest in Canada. Later this summer, look for a tandem bungee swing and 1,200-metre zipline to open.

No need to make tough decisions at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Book in for a night or two and sample it all. High octane adventure is found on one of three assisted mountaineering Via Ferrata routes. Certified guides lead you up the mountain along a series of iron rungs, bridges and ladders — all while you’re connected via your climbing harness to cables bolted into the rock face.

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Additionally, outdoor adventurers can score mountain bike rentals and explore over 50 km of bike park terrain. There’s disc golf and gondola-assisted hiking, too. Refuel while feasting upon sweeping views and Rocky Mountain cuisine served up at Eagle’s Eye, Canada’s most elevated (literally) restaurant.

Lower your adrenaline by meeting Boo the bear at Grizzly Bear Refuge. Boo’s 20-acre home is the largest enclosed and protected grizzly bear habitat in the world. A visit here provides a rare opportunity to observe an adult grizzly exploring his habitat.

Those interested in glamping can bed down on a queen-size bed inside a private tent at the spanking new Camp Moose Trail. They provide the linens, bedding, cooking and eating utensils, plus there’s a seasonal shower and wood-burning hot tub.

Forest adventures around Revelstoke

A spot to stop and stretch your legs, the 0.5-km Giant Cedar Boardwalk delivers you into the heart of Mount Revelstoke National Park’s old-growth forest. Interpretive signage along the route delves into the importance of functioning ecosystems and points out cedars half a millennium old. Find the trailhead at the Giant Cedars Picnic Area, along the Trans-Canada Highway.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort quickly sheds its winter skin, morphing into summer’s ultimate playground, with lift-access sightseeing, hiking and mountain biking on Canada’s longest downhill ride. If that doesn’t get the adrenaline pumping, surely a swing through the Aerial Adventure Park or a ride down the legendary Pipe Mountain Coaster will.

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Nearby SkyTrek is another adventure park comprised of treetop zip lines, suspension bridges and ropes courses, geared to all ages with varying levels of abilities. For those who prefer their feet firmly on the ground, the Enchanted Forest is situated beside SkyTrek and features B.C.’s tallest treehouse, a boardwalk, plus fairytale figurines.

Rest your head at three newly opened properties in the Revelstoke region. The Copeland is a heritage bed and breakfast situated in the heart of Revelstoke. Basecamp is a boutique hotel with kitchen space and rooftop hot tubs overlooking the Columbia River.

Those wanting to stay within their bubble can do so with style at the Flying Moose Chalet. This swish property sports eight guest suites, comes with a two-storey climbing wall, dry sauna and hot tub. Private chef and butler services can be included.

Longing for water and wineries

If there was an award for notable highway rest stops that scream Canadiana, the Last Spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway would surely win it. Situated at Craigellachie, this where on Nov. 7, 1885, CPR railroad financier Donald Smith marked the end of an era by driving in the ceremonial final spike of Canada’s first transcontinental railroad.

On your way towards the Shuswap, you’ll want to dive into the outdoor, geothermal hot pools at Crazy Creek Resort. Four pools of varying temperatures soothe any lingering driving tension, but if you’re keen to get behind the wheel again, you’ll have access to 165 acres of resort lands for ATV adventure. Don’t leave before traipsing across the 73-metre suspension bridge to take in the spectacular Crazy Creek Waterfalls.

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You’re sure to reflect on how a trip as adventurous and picturesque as this is is more about the journey than the destination. Still, you’ll have earned your pint of craft brew at the Barley Station as you pull into Salmon Arm. Let the kiddies cool off at a waterslide or go for a dip at Canoe Beach, while the adults map out which wineries to visit first.

Before you go

Jody Robbins is a Calgary-based freelance travel and lifestyles writer. Follower her adventures on her blog: Travels with Baggage or on Instagram @TravelswBaggage.