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2025 Selkirk Loop Tour

Welcome to the Selkirk Loop Tour! 

Embark on an unforgettable journey through one of North America’s most stunning scenic drives: the International Selkirk Loop Tour! Prepare for picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and unforgettable moments as we traverse the majestic Selkirk Mountains.

Acknowledging the Dedicated Hands Behind the Scenes 

Bringing an event of this scale to life requires the dedication and effort of many individuals. We extend our deepest gratitude to the following: 

  • Curtis and Samantha Broderson – Your Dedicated Organizers and Gracious Tour Hosts

  • Tim and Sue Hagner – Our Invaluable Co-Organizers

  • Lori Worden – Porsche Spokane Parts Manager

  • The International Selkirk Loop Association

  • Nelson, BC Chamber of Commerce

We thank these dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make the International Selkirk Loop Tour a resounding success. On behalf of the organizing team, we wish you happy and safe motoring! May the roads ahead be filled with joy, camaraderie, and the thrill of driving through spectacular scenery.

Let the International Selkirk Loop Tour commence!

Schedule Overview: 

 

Day 1, Monday 

Welcome! Coeur d’Alene Resort event room 115 S 2nd St, Coeur d’Alene, ID, 83814 

4 – 5 PM: Meet and greet for check-in and waiver signing.

5 PM: Drivers meeting.

6 PM: Boat departs for a cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene, with appetizers and a no-host bar.

Day 2, Tuesday 

Travel to Creston, BC

Ramada by Wyndham 1809 BC-3A #1, Creston, BC V0B 1G8, Canada 

There are no planned events for today; simply arrive at the Ramada in Creston. Dinner is on your own. This route takes you through North Idaho, into Sandpoint, and then briefly into Montana. This segment is part of the “Lake Pend Oreille Kootenai River Super Side Trip” described in the Selkirk Loop brochure and map. Remember to download the app! You’ll then cross the Canadian border north at the Eastport Border Crossing, taking the “Orchards Galore Super Side Trip”.

Dining Options:

Breakfast: Downtown Coeur d’Alene has many options within walking distance of the resort. 

  • Le Peep Cafe, 1884 Bellerive Lane, Coeur d’Alene (2 miles from downtown): Located on the Spokane River waterfront, offering great views and a hearty breakfast menu.


  • Belle’s Brunch House, 324 W Lancaster Rd, Hayden, ID (8.5 miles from downtown, on Hwy 95): A cozy, family-owned spot with creative seasonal dishes and excellent Bloody Marys.

  • Back Pocket Bakery, 311 E Coeur d’Alene Ave, CDA, ID (.3 miles from the resort). Opens at 10 AM, amazing croissants and bread.

Lunch: Along the way in Sandpoint, ID, Hope, ID, or Troy, MT. 

  • Spuds Waterfront Grill, 102 N First Ave, Sandpoint, ID: A Sandpoint staple with a large patio overlooking the marina, offering outdoor seating, vegetarian options, and quick service.

  • The Pie Hut, 108 N First Ave, Sandpoint, ID: A hidden lunch gem with soup/salad combos and homemade pie!

  • Second Avenue Pizza, 215 S Second Ave, Sandpoint, ID 83864: Serving pizza, calzones, sandwiches, and microbrews.

  • Hope Market Cafe, 620 Wellington Pl, Hope, ID: Offers sandwiches, homemade pastries, and coffee.

  • R Place Restaurant, 210 E Missoula Ave, Troy, MT: An American diner with surprisingly good food and friendly service.

  • Silver Spur Restaurant, 13891 US-2, Troy, MT: Conveniently located on US-2, offering home-cooked meals and excellent service.

  • Halfway House Bar and Grill, 14891 Bull Lake Rd, Troy, MT: American pub food in a lakeside setting. It’s a bit of a detour but offers a nice, relaxed lunch with great views.

Dinner/Breakfast – Creston, BC: 

  • Jimmy’s Pub & Grill, 1418 Canyon Street, Creston, BC: Features local wines, a patio, Canadian pub food, and Greek-inspired dishes.

  • Real Food Cafe, 1431 Northwest Blvd, Creston, BC: Offers local farm-to-table options, soups, paninis, crepes, and is open for breakfast and lunch.

  • Basasak Chicken Brunch & Dinner, 1821 Canyon St, Creston, BC: Specializes in Korean fried chicken.

  • Tim’s Fish & Chips, 1415 Canyon St, Creston, BC: Offers fish and chips.

  • Frisky Whisky Tapas Lounge, 1710 Canyon St, Creston, BC: Serves signature cocktails and a diverse menu in a lively ambiance.

  • Chatka Family Restaurant, 2808 Hwy 3 BR 1, Creston, BC: Authentic Polish dishes, including goulash and potato pancakes.

What to do along the way:

Kootenai River Super Side Trip:

  • Enjoy scenic vistas along Lake Pend Oreille (Idaho 200, Sandpoint to Hope): Drive the Pend Oreille National Scenic Byway with multiple pullouts for stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille and the Selkirk Mountains. Wayside exhibits are easily accessible from the road or with a few steps. This is ideal for early June, as the lake sparkles, wildflowers add color, and the weather is pleasant for open-air views, with snow typically gone. 

    • Walking Required: None to minimal (steps to view markers).

    • Appeal: Perfect for all ages, photographers, and those seeking scenic beauty without effort.

  • View Moyie River Canyon (Hwy 56, 8 miles east of Bonners Ferry, ID): Stop at the scenic overlook just before the Moyie River Bridge for panoramic views of Moyie River Canyon, Moyie Dam, and the Kootenai River. The viewpoint is directly accessible from the parking area. Early June is good here, with lush greenery and strong river flow from spring runoff enhancing the dramatic scenery. Mild weather makes for comfortable quick stops. 

    • Walking Required: None (view from parking turnout).

    • Appeal: Ideal for a quick, breathtaking photo op with no physical exertion.

  • Visit Yaak River Campground and Yaak Falls (Hwy 2, west of Troy, MT): Drive to Yaak Falls by a 0.3-mile detour from Hwy 2, where a turnout allows you to view the cascades from your car or with a short walk. The nearby Yaak River Campground requires minimal walking to enjoy river confluence views. Early June is good for this, as the falls are robust from spring runoff, the forested area is vibrant, and the campground is open. 

    • Walking Required: None for falls (view from turnout); minimal (a few steps) for campground views.

    • Appeal: Great for families and those seeking dramatic water features with little effort.

Orchards Galore Super Side Trip:

  • Stop at the Scenic Overlook (Mile 1 from US 95/Idaho 1 Junction): Pause at the new scenic overlook for panoramic views of the Selkirk Mountains and Kootenai Valley. This area features three newly constructed wildlife crossing tunnels, ideal for photos and soaking in the landscape. Watch for migratory elk and deer.

  • Wildlife Viewing (Along the Route): Look for mountain goats and moose, especially near the top of the grade where wetlands are common. The route is also a migratory path for elk and deer. Bring binoculars for a closer look.

  • Visit Fruit Stands and U-Pick Farms: Stop at quaint fruit and vegetable stands along the route to purchase fresh, locally grown produce from the Creston Valley’s fertile orchards. For a hands-on experience, book a U-Pick session (cherries, apples, or berries, depending on the season). Check with the Creston Valley Visitors Centre (121 NW Boulevard, Creston; 250-428-4342) for recommendations.

  • Tour a Brewery, Distillery, or Winery: Experience Creston’s craft beverage scene with a tasting. The Columbia Brewery, home of Kokanee Beer, is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. Book a tour or tasting through the Creston Valley Visitors Centre or directly with establishments. (Closes at 4 PM).

  • Search for Wildflowers on Lady’s Slipper Trail: Near Creston, find the Lady’s Slipper Trail to spot wild orchids and other wildflowers en route to Goat Mountain. This is an excellent stop for nature lovers and photographers. Check local guides or the Creston Valley Visitors Centre for trail access details.

Day 3, Wednesday 

Travel to Nelson, BC

Prestige Lakeside Resort 701 Lakeside Dr, Nelson, BC V1L 6G3, Canada 

The road along Kootenay Lake is a blast to drive! At the end of this road, you’ll board a ferry to cross Kootenay Lake to Balfour. Boarding could be a challenge for lowered cars, but the scenery and driving break are well worth it! If you’re up for more driving, continue north, taking the North Kootenay Lake Silvery Slocan Super Side Trip. Otherwise, take the shorter trip on 3A into Nelson and call it a day!

Dining Options:

Lunch: Along the way in Crawford, Balfour, Ainsworth Hot Springs, Kaslo, or Nelson. 

  • Gray Creek Store (1978 Gray Creek Store Rd, Crawford Bay, BC): A charming general store with sandwiches, soups, and baked goods. Located 47 miles, 90 minutes outside of Creston.

  • Osprey Snack Bar (On the Kootenay Lake Ferry, Balfour, BC): Offers quick bites, burgers, and breakfast sandwiches.

  • Ktunaxa Grill (8214 Hwy 3A, Balfour, BC): Features a Canadian and indigenous-inspired menu with local ingredients and lake views, just off the Balfour ferry.

  • Refresh Kitchen and Bar (1034 Hwy 31, Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC, at the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort): Canadian, health-conscious menu, locally sourced, with scenic views. Located 61 miles from Creston, 2.5 hours.

  • Bluebelle Bistro (419 Front St, Kaslo, BC): Offers Canadian fusion elevated comfort food.

  • Rockwood Cafe (417 4th St, Kaslo, BC): Breakfast and lunch in a cozy cafe, with a fresh, simple menu. Located 71 miles from Creston, 2.75 hours.

  • Twisted Tomato (303 Baker St, Nelson, BC): Italian, Canadian, pizza, a great place to end the drive. Located in Downtown Nelson, 110 miles from Creston, 3.75 hours including the ferry.

Dinner – Nelson, BC: 

  • Pitchfork Eatery (518 Hall St, Nelson, BC): French/Canadian, farm-to-table, seasonal, locally sourced menu, with fabulous cocktail and wine selections.

  • Marzano (901 Front St, Nelson, BC): Modern Italian, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and homemade chicken sausage campanelle.

  • Louie’s Steakhouse & Lounge (616 Vernon St, Nelson, BC): Serves premium steaks, seafood, and pasta.

  • Cantina Del Centro (561 Baker St, Nelson, BC): Mexican, Latin American cuisine, with a tequila selection, house-made hot sauces, and tacos.

  • Broken Hill (479 Baker St, Nelson, BC): Texas-style barbecue, gastropub, craft beer, and whiskey bar.

  • Red Light Ramen Bar (308 Herridge Ln, Nelson, BC): Japanese ramen, using locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.

What to do along the way:

  • Soak in Ainsworth Hot Springs (3609 Hwy 31, Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC): Relax in mineral-rich hot springs at Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, featuring a large hot pool, icy plunge pool, and unique caves with waist-high hot water and stalagmites. Enjoy bird’s-eye views of Kootenay Lake from the outdoor pool. 

    • Highlights: Cave exploration, scenic views, and family-friendly. Book ahead for peak times (250-229-4212).

  • Visit the SS Moyie in Kaslo (324 Front St, Kaslo, BC): Tour the SS Moyie, the world’s oldest intact passenger sternwheeler, berthed in Kaslo. This National Historic Site offers insights into Kootenay Lake’s sternwheeler history. The Kootenay Lake Historical Society maintains archives with photos and stories. 

    • Highlights: Historical exhibits, kid-friendly. Open May–September, 10 AM–5 PM.

  • Visit the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre (306 Josephine St, New Denver, BC): Learn about the internment of Japanese Canadians during WWII at this National Historic Site. Features original buildings, artifacts, and stories of 22,000 displaced people. The nearby Kohan Reflection Garden offers a serene Japanese-style setting. 

    • Highlights: Educational, reflective. Open May–September, 10 AM–5 PM.

  • Stroll Silverton’s Outdoor Mining Museum (108 Main St, Silverton, BC): Explore Silverton’s open-air mining museum, featuring the Fingland Cabin, Blacksmith Shop, and Historical Interpretive Centre. Learn about the late 1800s silver rush in this quaint village by Slocan Lake. 

    • Highlights: Free access, historical insights. Combine with a lakeside picnic.

  • Bike or Walk the Slocan Valley Rail Trail (Multiple access points, Example: Slocan Beach or Winlaw): Enjoy the 52-km Slocan Valley Heritage Trail, a non-motorized path from South Slocan to Slocan Lake. Pass scenic river bends, swimming holes, and historic Sinixt pit house sites. Ideal for biking or walking. 

    • Highlights: Flat trail, family-friendly. Rent bikes in Nelson or Slocan.

  • Relax at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park (Hwy 3A, 5 km from Balfour, BC): Stop at this provincial park for a sandy beach, hiking trails through old-growth cedars, or a picnic by Kootenay Lake. The park’s visitor centre offers interpretive programs about local wildlife and Kokanee salmon spawning. 

    • Highlights: Beach access, kid-friendly. Best in summer/fall for salmon viewing.

Day 4, Thursday 

Spend the day in Nelson, BC 

6:00 PM: Group dinner at the resort.

Dining Options:

Breakfast: 

  • Oso Negro Café (604 Ward St, Nelson, BC): Offers locally roasted coffee, breakfast sandwiches (e.g., croissant with banana peppers), scones, and baked goods.

  • Pitchfork Eatery (518 Hall St, Nelson, BC): A farmer-owned French-Canadian restaurant with a seasonal menu, including poutine and egg benedict options.

  • Full Circle Cafe (402 Baker St, Nelson, BC): Serves hearty breakfasts and crepes made with local ingredients.

  • The Kootenay Bakery Cafe (377 Baker St, Nelson, BC): A worker-owned co-op offering organic baked goods, including croissants, cinnamon buns, and Lemongrass Grilled Chicken Banh Mi sandwiches.

  • Main Street Diner (616 Baker St, Nelson, BC): Classic breakfast fare, cozy vibe, including eggs, bacon, and breakfast sandwiches.

Lunch: 

  • Cantina Del Centro (561 Baker St, Nelson, BC): Mexican, tacos, burritos, and nachos, with an outdoor patio.

  • The Outer Clove Restaurant (536 Stanley St, Nelson, BC): Emphasizes garlic! Local and Eastern European influence. Soups, sandwiches, cookies.

  • Relish (301 Baker St, Nelson, BC): Creative lunch dishes like peanut lime bowls and Mayan burgers.

  • Finley’s Bar & Grill (705 Vernon St, Nelson, BC): Pub-style lunch with burgers, breakfast sandwiches, and local craft beers. Features Nelson’s largest patio.

  • Dinner: A group dinner is planned at the resort starting at 6:00 PM. Dinner is included in your registration fee, but the bar is no-host.

What to do in Nelson:

  • Soak in Ainsworth Hot Springs (3609 Hwy 31, Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC): Relax in mineral-rich hot springs at Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, featuring a large hot pool, icy plunge pool, and unique caves with waist-high hot water and stalagmites. Enjoy bird’s-eye views of Kootenay Lake from the outdoor pool. 

    • Highlights: Cave exploration, scenic views, and family-friendly. Book ahead for peak times (250-229-4212).

    • Drive Time from Nelson: ~45 minutes one way.

  • Visit Kaslo and the SS Moyie (324 Front St, Kaslo, BC): Visit the charming historic mining town of Kaslo, known as the “Little Switzerland” of Canada. Tour the SS Moyie, the world’s oldest intact sternwheeler and a National Historic Site, to explore Kootenay Lake’s history. Stroll the heritage main street, visit the Langham Cultural Centre for art and Japanese internment history, or relax on Kaslo’s beach. 

    • Highlights: Historical insights, scenic lake views, and kid-friendly. SS Moyie opens May–September, 10 AM–5 PM. Combine with a stop at Fletcher Falls.

    • Drive Time from Nelson: ~1 hour one way.

  • Kokanee Creek Provincial Park and Paddle Sports (19 km (12 miles) east of Nelson, Hwy 3A): Explore Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, offering sandy beaches, hiking trails through old-growth cedars, and a visitor centre with interpretive programs on Kokanee salmon spawning (best in August). Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards from Kokanee Creek Paddle Sports for a scenic lake adventure. Picnic by the lake or hike the 1.5-km Sproule Creek Trail. 

    • Duration: 3–5 hours (1–2 hours paddling, 1–2 hours hiking/beach, plus drive).

    • Highlights: Water sports, wildlife viewing, family-friendly. Rentals available at park’s day-use area.

    • Drive Time from Nelson: ~20 minutes one way.

  • Pulpit Rock and Flagpole Trail Hike (Pulpit Rock Trailhead, north side of Kootenay Lake, Nelson): Hike the popular 3.6-km round-trip Pulpit Rock Trail (325 m elevation gain) for panoramic views of Nelson, Kootenay Lake, and the Selkirk Mountains. Extend the adventure with the 2-km Flagpole Trail loop for more vistas. The trail is steep but manageable for most fitness levels, with walking sticks available at the base. 

    • Duration: 2–3 hours (75–90 minutes hiking, plus time at viewpoints).

    • Highlights: Epic views, moderate hike, free. Bring water and sturdy shoes; avoid after heavy rain due to slippery sections.

    • Drive Time from Nelson: ~10 minutes to trailhead.

  • Sandon Ghost Town (Sandon, 60 km (37 miles) north of Nelson, off Hwy 31A): Explore Sandon, the “Heart of the Silvery Slocan,” a historic silver mining boomtown turned ghost town. Visit the Sandon Museum, restored City Hall (1900), and Silversmith Power & Light, BC’s first hydropower station (1897), still operational. See vintage trolley buses and a 1908 CPR steam train. Once home to 5,000, it housed 953 Japanese Canadian internees during WWII. 

    • Duration: 3–5 hours (1–2 hours museum/powerhouse, 1–2 hours exploring, plus drive).

    • Highlights: Rich mining history, eerie vibe, free to walk (museum donation-based). Open May–September. Gravel road accessible; Prospector’s Pick Café open seasonally.

    • Drive Time from Nelson: ~1.5 hours one way via Hwy 6 and 31A.

  • Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre (306 Josephine St, New Denver, 75 km (47 miles) north of Nelson, Hwy 6): A National Historic Site dedicated to over 22,000 Japanese Canadians forcibly relocated during WWII. Located at “The Orchard” internment camp, it features original shacks, artifacts, and the Heiwa Teien Peace Garden by Roy Sumi. Learn about the resilience of internees like Kyujiro Domai, who faced harsh conditions in nearby Sandon. 

    • Duration: 3–4 hours (1–2 hours tour, 1 hour garden, plus drive).

    • Highlights: Educational, reflective, $9 adult admission. Open May–September, 10 AM–5 PM. Combine with New Denver’s Silvery Slocan Museum.

    • Drive Time from Nelson: ~1.5 hours one way via Hwy 6.

  • Silverton Mining Museum (408 4th St, Hwy 6, Silverton, 70 km (43 miles) north of Nelson): Discover Silverton’s silver mining heritage at this outdoor museum, featuring the Fingland Cabin, Blacksmith Shop, and mining equipment from the 1890s boom. Learn about claims like the “Echo” and “Standard” that fueled Silverton’s growth. The nearby Silverton Gallery showcases local art, and Slocan Lake offers scenic walks. 

    • Duration: 3–4 hours (1–2 hours museum/gallery, 1 hour lake stroll, plus drive).

    • Highlights: Free outdoor access, historical insights, serene lake views. Open year-round; indoor gallery seasonal. Combine with a stop in New Denver.

    • Drive Time from Nelson: ~1.25 hours one way via Hwy 6

Tips:

  • Plan 3–7 hours per trip.

  • Start early for hikes or Sandon to maximize time.

  • Sandon and Nikkei Centre are seasonal (May–September); confirm hours at sandonmuseum.ca or nikkeimemorial.ca. Silverton’s outdoor museum is accessible year-round.

  • Sandon’s gravel road is manageable for most vehicles; check conditions after rain. Nikkei Centre and Silverton are easily accessible via Hwy 6.

  • Pack a picnic for Silverton’s lakeside or Sandon’s Prospector’s Pick Café (seasonal).

  • Bring a camera for Sandon’s eerie relics and Pulpit Rock’s views.

Day 5, Friday 

Travel to Spokane, WA

Davenport Grand 333 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201 

Today’s route takes you south on the “Rivers, Dams & Mines Super Side Trip”. From there, the route continues south across the Metaline Border Crossing. The drive ends in Spokane at the Davenport Grand Hotel. The Spokane Festival of Speed is returning to downtown Spokane! SOVREN is bringing the excitement of race cars back to the Spokane streets on Friday evening, between 4 and 8 PM at River Park Square, on Main Street between Lincoln and Wall. To celebrate, downtown streets will be closed off for car parking and displays. Let’s ensure the Porsche marque has a strong showing!

Dining Options:

Lunch: 

  • The Colander Restaurant (1475 Cedar Ave, Trail, Hwy 22A, near Teck Cominco): An Italian institution since 1973, serving homemade pasta and Italian comfort food. Approximately 40 minutes from Nelson via Hwy 3A/22A (30 km).

  • The Flying Steamshovel Gastropub (2003 2nd Ave, Rossland, BC, Hwy 3B, near Rossland Museum): A gastropub offering poutine, local craft beer, and an outdoor patio in a historic 1906 building. Approximately 45 minutes from Nelson via Hwy 3A/3B (37 km).

  • The Lions Pub at Prestige Lakeside Resort (701 Lakeside Dr, Castlegar, BC, Hwy 3A, near Zuckerberg Island): Pub fare overlooking Kootenay Lake. A good stop before crossing the border. Approximately 50 minutes via Hwy 3A (45 km).

  • Metaline Falls Café (209 E 5th Ave, Metaline Falls, WA 99153, Hwy 31, post-border): Classic American diner fare, a quick lunch after crossing the border. Approximately 2 hours via Hwy 3A/31 (130 km, including border crossing).

  • Clinkerdagger (621 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99201, end of route, near Spokane River): An old-school American steakhouse that will take you back in time! Offers great Spokane River views. Approximately 3.5 hours via Hwy 3A/31/US-2 (240 km).

Tips:

  • Reservations are suggested at Clinkerdagger’s or The Lions Pub for groups. Full Circle and Metaline Falls Café are walk-in friendly but busy at peak lunch (12–1 PM).

  • Check Nelway border hours (closes 8 PM); carry passports or enhanced IDs for smooth crossing. Avoid fresh produce/firearms to prevent delays.

  • Pair lunch with nearby sights: Full Circle with Nelson’s Baker Street, The Colander with Teck Cominco tours, or Clinkerdagger with Spokane’s Riverfront Park.

What to do along the way:

  • Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre and LeRoi Gold Mine (1100 Hwy 3B, Rossland, BC, 37 km/23 miles from Nelson): Explore Rossland’s mining history at the Rossland Museum, featuring exhibits on the LeRoi Gold Mine, which produced vast amounts of gold in the late 1800s, earning Rossland the nickname “Golden City”. Watch a short video of an underground mine tour and view mining artifacts. The outdoor Discovery Centre includes historic equipment and geological displays. 

    • Duration: 2–3 hours (1–2 hours museum, 30–60 minutes exploring grounds).

    • Highlights: Historical exhibits, kid-friendly, $12 adult admission. Open May–September, 10 AM–5 PM; check rosslandmuseum.ca for off-season hours. Combine with a stroll through Rossland’s Victorian-era downtown.

    • Drive Time from Nelson: ~45 minutes one way via Hwy 3A/3B.

  • Teck Cominco Interpretive Centre and Smelter Tour (2150 Airport Lane, Trail, BC, 30 km/19 miles from Nelson): Visit the world’s largest zinc and lead smelter at Teck Cominco, producing 700,000 tonnes of concentrates annually. The Interpretive Centre offers free 2-hour guided tours (Monday–Friday, 10 AM) of the smelting operations, showcasing industrial processes and Trail’s mining heritage. Learn about the region’s Italian immigrant history, evident in Trail’s “Little Italy” neighborhood. 

    • Duration: 2.5–3 hours (2-hour tour, 30 minutes exploring centre).

    • Highlights: Educational, free tours, industrial history. Book tours at teck.com; closed-toe shoes required. Combine with a heritage walking tour of Trail’s false-front buildings and covered stairways.

    • Drive Time from Nelson: ~40 minutes one way via Hwy 3A/22A.

  • Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park and Suspension Bridge (905 Sugarman Ave, Castlegar, BC, 45 km/28 miles from Nelson): Walk across the suspension bridge to Zuckerberg Island, a heritage park featuring a Russian Orthodox chapel, a traditional Doukhobor homestead, and walking trails along the Columbia River. Learn about the Doukhobor community, a pacifist sect from Russia, through interpretive signs and a replica log cabin. 

    • Duration: 1–2 hours (30–60 minutes park, 30 minutes bridge/river views).

    • Highlights: Free, family-friendly, cultural history. Open year-round; best in summer for guided tours. Pair with a visit to Castlegar’s Sculpturewalk in downtown.

    • Drive Time from Nelson: ~50 minutes one way via Hwy 3A.

  • Salmo Stone Murals and Great Northern Rail Trail (Salmo, BC, start of route, Hwy 6/3): Discover Salmo’s vibrant arts scene and Gold Rush history through its famous stone murals, depicting logging and mining heritage. For active travelers, bike or hike the Great Northern Rail Trail (Salmo-Troupe Trail, 48 km/29 miles), a gentle rail bed connecting Salmo to Nelson, offering scenic views of the Salmo River and forested valleys. 

    • Duration: 1–3 hours (1 hour murals, 1–2 hours trail segment).

    • Highlights: Free, cultural history, beginner-friendly trail. Trail maps at Salmo Visitor Centre (250-357-2277). Best in summer/fall; combine with a coffee at Dragonfly Café.

  • Teck Cominco Interpretive Centre and Smelter Tour (2150 Airport Lane, Trail, BC, 25 km/16 miles from Salmo, Hwy 3B): Tour the world’s largest zinc and lead smelter at Teck Cominco, producing 700,000 tonnes annually. The free 2-hour guided tours (Monday–Friday, 10 AM) explore industrial processes and Trail’s mining heritage, complemented by exhibits on the region’s Italian immigrant community. 

    • Duration: 2.5–3 hours (2-hour tour, 30 minutes centre).

    • Highlights: Educational, free, industrial history. Book at teck.com; closed-toe shoes required. Pair with Trail’s heritage walking tour of false-front buildings.

  • Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre and LeRoi Gold Mine (1100 Hwy 3B, Rossland, BC, 35 km/22 miles from Salmo, Hwy 3B): Dive into Rossland’s “Golden City” history at the Rossland Museum, featuring exhibits on the LeRoi Gold Mine, a major gold producer in the 1890s. The outdoor Discovery Centre showcases mining equipment and geological displays. A short video simulates an underground mine tour. 

    • Duration: 2–3 hours (1–2 hours museum, 30–60 minutes grounds).

    • Highlights: Historical exhibits, $12 adult admission, kid-friendly. Open May–September, 10 AM–5 PM; check rosslandmuseum.ca for hours. Stroll Rossland’s Victorian downtown afterward.

  • Doukhobor Discovery Centre (112 Heritage Way, Castlegar, BC, 50 km/31 miles from Salmo, Hwy 3A): Explore the cultural heritage of the Doukhobor community, a pacifist Russian sect, at this centre with 10 restored buildings, including a communal house and barn. Exhibits highlight their textile arts and contributions to the Kootenays, set amid orchards and gardens. 

    • Duration: 2–3 hours (1–2 hours tour, 30–60 minutes gardens).

    • Highlights: Cultural history, $10 adult admission, guided tours. Open May–September, 10 AM–5 PM; check doukhobor-museum.org. Combine with Zuckerberg Island’s suspension bridge.

  • Gardner Cave at Crawford State Park (Metaline Falls, WA, 90 km/56 miles from Salmo, Hwy 31): Tour Gardner Cave, Washington’s second-largest limestone cavern, formed 500 million years ago, with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Guided 0.25-mile tours offer insights into its geology. The surrounding park includes hiking trails and views of the Pend Oreille River. 

    • Duration: 1.5–2 hours (1-hour cave tour, 30–60 minutes trails).

    • Highlights: Free tours (donations appreciated), family-friendly, reservations required at wa-crawfordstatepark@outlook.com. Open May–September. Pair with Metaline Falls’ historic architecture.

    • Drive Time from Salmo: ~1.5 hours one way via Hwy 6/31, crossing at Nelway.

    • Note: Check website for tour times (limited options available).

  • Pend Oreille County Historical Museum (402 S 2nd St, Newport, WA, 130 km/81 miles from Salmo, Hwy 20): Located near the Selkirk Loop’s southern gateway, this museum showcases Newport’s milling, mining, and agricultural heritage through artifacts, a pioneer village, and a historic train. Outdoor exhibits include a 1907 schoolhouse and Kalispel Tribe displays. 

    • Duration: 1–2 hours (1–1.5 hours museum, 30 minutes grounds).

    • Highlights: $5 suggested donation, kid-friendly, open June–September, 10 AM–4 PM.

    • Combine with Newport’s Lions Club Visitor Center for river access.

    • Drive Time from Salmo: ~2 hours one way via Hwy 6/31/20, crossing at Nelway.

Day 6 

Festival of Speed at Qlispe 

Tour apps and guides:

 

 

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