If you’ve come to visit us at Kokanee Mountain Zip Lines, you’ll know that we’re obsessed with our beautiful wilderness backyard and are constantly giving out recommendations for things to do in the Kootenays.
We’ve recently spotlighted Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park and Kokanee Creek Provincial Park Nature Center, but we really want to put the power of enjoying the area into your hands. Our friends over at Nelson and Kootenay Lake Tourism were on the same page, and we wanted to share the good news about their latest development!
App of the Kootenays
Now introducing the Kootenay Lake Road Trip app! This app gives you a new and immersive way of experiencing the Kootenays with fun and informative self-guided audio tours of the area. Available on both Android and Apple devices, these tours showcase the magnificent expanse of the traditional territory of Sinixt, Sylix, and Ktunaxa peoples: the remote, funky communities of Nelson, Kaslo, Balfour, Ainsworth Hot Springs, East Shore, and North Kootenay Lake.
Best of all, the app and all its tours are 100% free and will stay that way! Nelson and Kootenay Lake Tourism have said they’ll be adding future tours and updates to the app that will be free as well – all year round, day or night.
Tour Highlights
Whether you’re out for a hike, taking a bike ride, or enjoying the privacy of your own car, these tours will take you on an informative journey that fits with your travels – begin from anywhere around Kootenay Lake and enjoy the ride.
With over 180km of gorgeous highway driving, close to 100 sights, sounds, and stories, and three different directional routes, there’s certainly a lot to discover. By using the app, you can discover hidden gems of Nelson attractions and recreation (like our zipline course), learn about our geographical formations like mountains, forests, lakes, and glaciers, and be entertained by The Kootenay Road Trip Playlist – curated with songs from amazing local artists to enhance your drive.
Tour Samples
It might feel overwhelming with so many tours available. Never fear! Here are just a few to help you get started and think about things to do in West Kootenays:
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The Mural Tour: In partnership with the Nelson International Mural Festival, this tour highlights nearly 50 of the best murals in Nelson (available in both English and French)
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The Kaslo River Trail Tour: Immersive at its finest; this tour gives you a unique experience to get closer to the forest of Kaslo, BC.
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The Crawford Bay Artisan Tour: Ideal for walking, this tour explores unique artisan studios on the East Shore.
Learn From the Locals
To make the app even better, Nelson and Kootenay Lake Tourism has partnered with a wide variety of locals to make the experience even more personal, including, but not limited to:
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Kaslo musician Diemm adds her musical voice to the app with poetic meditations and ethereal folk harp.
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Kootenay tour guides Ruth and Shelby share their best quips and tips about the East Shore.
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The wonderful individuals behind the Nelson International Mural Festival who helped create an entire tour of Nelson’s local art
So, the next time you’re visiting us locals at your favorite Canadian zipline, make sure to open the Kootenay Lake Road Trip app and “come find awesome”!
Not convinced this app is for you? Let us entice you to come visit and give it a try: 5 Reasons to Visit Nelson, BC.
Kokanee Mountain Ziplines gives kids and their families a bird’s eye perspective of the wilderness around them. Plus, it’s a complete rush for that little adventurer inside of all of us. Visit zipkokanee.com to book a tour.