Your Next Adventure is This Way
Getting to the South Kootenay is part of the adventure. The region is closer than you might think, with scenic highways, regional airports and shuttle options connecting you to its mountain towns, river valleys and outdoor playgrounds. Drive in for a road trip, fly in and pick up a rental car, or let someone else handle the winding roads while you enjoy the view. Whether you’re here for a ski weekend, a summer escape or a little of everything, getting here is easier when you know your options. Here’s how to make your way to the South Kootenay.
Tucked into the mountains, packed with adventure and well worth the trip.
Road Trip
The South Kootenay is made for a road trip. Follow the scenic highways through B.C., wind your way into Rossland and Trail, then continue on your way through Montrose and Fruitvale. During the winter, you can make the region a stop on a bigger Powder Highway adventure or visit during Spring, Summer or Fall to explore the mountain biking networks with Kootenay Dirt. Coming from the Okanagan, the Lower Mainland or across the U.S. border? The drive brings mountain views, small-town stops and plenty of excuses to pull over. If you are travelling in winter, be sure to put on your winter tires, check DriveBC for current road conditions and give yourself extra time — mountain weather can change quickly.
Fly
Want to skip some of the driving? The South Kootenay has two regional airports, making it easy to get close to the action. Trail Regional Airport and West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar both have daily service to and from Vancouver, as well as other hubs. Kelowna International Airport offers another option, with more flight connections and a short scenic drive into the region (about 3.5 hours). Travelling from the U.S.? Spokane International Airport is also within driving distance, only 2 hours away. Once you land, arrange a rental car or shuttle to get you the rest of the way!
Shuttles
Rather leave the driving to someone else? Shuttle services connect the South Kootenay with regional airports and other destinations, making it possible to get here without bringing your own wheels. Kootenay Transit offers airport shuttle and private charter services, including routes between Rossland and Kelowna International Airport, while Kootenay Charters offers options for travellers coming from Spokane. Once you’re here, local ski buses and shuttles can help you get between Rossland, RED Mountain and town without worrying about parking. If you prefer travelling by bus, Silver City Stagelines offers scheduled service connecting the West Kootenay with Kelowna, with stops in Trail, Castlegar and Nelson. There are also local buses that can get your from point A to B. Check out your route options with BC Transit.
FAQs
The Paterson–Frontier crossing, south of Rossland on Highway 22, connects the region with northeastern Washington and operates 24/7. The Waneta–Boundary crossing, near Trail, connects with the Northport area via Highway 22A and has more limited operating hours. Both offer scenic routes into the region, making the South Kootenay an easy addition to a Pacific Northwest road trip.
Your best bet is to book a rental car at the airport, where vehicles are available for pickup on arrival. If you’re already in the region, Practicar Car & Truck Rentals has a location in Trail, making it easy to get behind the wheel and explore at your own pace.
Uber and other app-based ride services aren’t currently available locally, so don’t count on tapping a button for a last-minute lift. In Trail, Trail Taxi is your best bet. Service availability can be limited, particularly during busy periods, so it’s worth booking ahead for airport transfers, evenings out or trips between communities.
Getting around the South Kootenay by public transit is possible, with BC Transit’s West Kootenay system connecting communities including Rossland, Warfield, Trail, Fruitvale and Castlegar. Route 46 links Rossland and Trail, making it a handy option for getting between the mountain town and the valley. Other routes serve surrounding communities, with schedules varying by route and day. Visit BC Transit’s West Kootenay schedules and maps to plan your trip.
