Activities

In the West Kootenays, there is no better place to relax than in Galena Bay, a picturesque setting at the foot of the Selkirk Mountains, on the east shore of the Arrow Lakes. Ringed by the Selkirk Mountains to the east, the Valhallas to the south and the Monashee Mountains to the west, Galena Bay offers 3 hot springs (Halcyon Hot Springs 15 minutes, St. Leon Hot Springs (wild) , Nakusp Hot Springs 35 minutes) and a host of outdoor recreational opportunities (for a map click here).

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Arrow Lakes is a feast of mountain and rock climbing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, great canoeing, kayaking, golfing, swimming, water skiing, tubing, and fishing.  The closest commercial centre is Nakusp, a rare Kootenay Gem, of 2,000 people. Witness the silly, August long weekend Nakusp Build, Bail and Sail, where teams build a boat in three hours and then race them - there's always a sinker or two.

Winter

This area is a veritable playground for skiers, snowmobilers and even ice fishermen on Box and Trout Lakes.  Most communities in the area offer cross-country skiing; Barnes Creek between Fauquier and Edgewood, Wensley Creek Ski Trails closer to Nakusp, Mt. MacPherson (South of Revelstoke), and the Upper Brouse Road area Southeast of Nakusp are but a few that offer trails.

For those seeking more of a challenge, local helicopter skiing companies will whisk you and your guide high into the backcountry, where the finest virgin powder snow lies.