Weddings & Groups

A Place For Every Occasion

Planning a wedding, organizing a sports tournament, bringing your team together for a conference or gathering everyone for a group getaway? The South Kootenay has space for it. Say your vows beneath the mountains at RED, celebrate among the vines at Mountain Soul, book a boutique hotel for a full wedding weekend or bring your hockey team for a tournament at Trail’s legendary Cominco Arena. From meeting rooms and conference facilities to ice rinks, sports fields, gymnasiums and outdoor event spaces, there are options for different group sizes, budgets and occasions. And with trails, lakes, golf, skiing, wineries and small-town exploring close by, the event doesn’t have to end when the schedule does.

Celebrate, compete or connect in the Kootenays

Weddings & Celebrations

Say “I do” or “happy day” with a mountain backdrop, celebrate among the vines or gather your favourite people in a historic hall. The South Kootenay offers wedding venues for every style, from RED Mountain Resort or boutique hotel celebrations like the Ram’s Head Inn, The Josie Hotel or The Prestige, to vineyard weddings at Mountain Soul Winery and intimate gatherings in unique local spaces like the Miners Hall or Columbo Lodge. Explore options in Rossland, Trail, Montrose and Fruitvale, with settings to suit everything from an intimate celebration to a full wedding weekend. Add local accommodation, great food, outdoor adventures and small-town charm, and you have the makings of a celebration that feels like more than just one day.

Sports Teams & Tournaments

From hockey tournaments and baseball championships to soccer, downhill and cross-country skiing, biathlon and track and field, the South Kootenay has the facilities and experience to host competitions of all kinds. Trail’s iconic Cominco Arena, Butler Park and Andy Bilesky Ball Park, Rossland’s Centennial Field and Cooke Field, Fruitvale’s Beaver Valley Arena and Ball Park, and Warfield’s Haley Park, with its track and athletic facilities, offer plenty of options for bringing teams together. The region recently welcomed athletes from across the province for the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games, hosting 15 sports and demonstrating its ability to deliver a major multi-sport event. Bring your team for the competition, then stick around to explore everything the South Kootenay has to offer.

Meetings, Conferences & Retreats

Bring your team together – this is where business meetings, conferences, workshops and retreats come with a change of scenery. In Rossland, choose from mountain-view meeting spaces at RED Mountain Resort and The Josie, conference facilities at Prestige Mountain Resort or a distinctive setting at Black Jack Ski Club. In Trail, the Best Western Hotel offers more than 3,000 square feet of meeting space for groups of up to 150, while the Trail Memorial Centre has meeting rooms and larger spaces for conferences and conventions. For smaller gatherings, the South Kootenay Business Centre in Trail offers a presentation-ready boardroom, while community venues in Fruitvale, Montrose and Warfield provide additional options. Between sessions, make time for mountain adventures, local dining and exploring the region — because the best team gatherings offer more than just a meeting room.

Group Getaways

Planning a ski club weekend, a bachelor or bachelorette getaway, a family reunion or a group trip just because? The South Kootenay makes it easy to bring everyone together, with mountain adventures, riverfront exploring, golf, wineries, local breweries, great food and activities for a range of ages and interests. Hit the slopes at RED Mountain, explore Black Jack’s cross-country ski trails, ride Rossland’s legendary singletrack, cast a line in the Columbia River or spend a relaxed afternoon discovering the shops, cafés and attractions in Trail and the surrounding communities. Whether you’re organizing an active adventure, a milestone celebration, a seniors’ outing or a weekend away with friends, you can build a getaway around your group’s pace, interests and budget.

FAQs

Who should we contact to help plan a group visit or wedding in the South Kootenay?

We recommend contacting your preferred venue or event organization directly to discuss availability, bookings and planning details. If you need additional assistance finding the right options for your group or wedding, email [email protected] and we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.

Can we arrange group transportation between accommodation, venues and activities?

Yes, there are some group transportation options in the South Kootenay, although availability depends on your group size, destination and timing. Some hotels offer private shuttle services, and local shuttle operators may be able to help with transportation between accommodation, venues and activities. Visit our Shuttles & Transportation page to explore available options, and be sure to arrange transportation in advance.

Can we book venues, catering and accommodations together?

Yes! Many hotels and conference venues offer on-site catering or have a restaurant attached, making it easier to coordinate your event, meals and accommodation in one place (and is often cheaper when booked together). If you’re looking for additional catering options, local providers can help with everything from wedding receptions and corporate functions to casual group gatherings.

Explore a few options below and contact providers directly to discuss your event, menu and guest count:

Premier Chef Services — Full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, luncheons and private celebrations.

Big Mike’s Catering — Fruitvale-based catering for weddings, corporate events, BBQs and group gatherings.

Kootenay Kabab — Catering packages for parties, weddings and office events, with delivery options in the area.

The Flying Steamshovel — Offers event catering in the Rossland and Trail area.

Café Michael — A Trail restaurant that accommodates larger groups and offers catering, delivery and pre-orders.

The Rustic Crust — Trail-based catering offering artisan sandwiches, pizza, salads, desserts and more for group gatherings and events.

The Colander Restaurant — A Trail favourite known for family-style Italian food, with catering and private or semi-private spaces for functions.

Are there local event planners, caterers, photographers and other event vendors?

Yes! There are a range of local professionals who can help bring your event together. Here are a few options to get you started. Contact providers directly to discuss your event, availability and service area.

Event planning, décor and rentals

  • Kootenay Wedding Company — Fruitvale-based wedding planning, co-ordination, florals, décor and event rentals.
  • Wild Smile Events — Event planning, design and co-ordination for weddings, corporate functions, retreats and celebrations.
  • Kootenay Event Rentals — Tents, tables, chairs, dance floors, sound equipment and DJ services.

Photography

Florals and flowers

Music and entertainment

What activities can guests enjoy between games, meetings or wedding events?

Get outside for hiking, mountain biking, golf, fishing or a visit to the lakes, or head into town to explore local shops, cafés, breweries, museums and restaurants. In winter, guests can hit the slopes at RED Mountain Resort, explore the groomed trails at Black Jack or catch a Trail Smoke Eaters hockey game.

For a more relaxed outing, take a scenic walk along the Columbia River near Gyro Park or enjoy a round of golf at Redstone or Birchbank. With outdoor adventures, local culture and great food across Rossland, Trail, Warfield, Montrose and Fruitvale, it’s easy to turn your event into a full South Kootenay getaway.

Are there indoor activities for groups if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

Absolutely! Rain or shine, the South Kootenay has plenty of indoor options to keep your group entertained. Go bowling, challenge your friends to arcade games at Nonno’s in Trail, catch a show at the Royal Theatre, or explore local history at the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre or Trail Museum & Archives. For something more active, head to Trail’s Aquatic & Leisure Centre for swimming and waterslides, try indoor bouldering at Flux Climbing in Rossland, or check out skating, curling and other recreation options at local facilities.

Can we arrange group activities, guided experiences or team-building?

Yes! Book a guided mountain biking tour or trail shuttle in Rossland, hit the slopes with a group at RED Mountain Resort, explore local trails together, or plan a golf outing at one of the region’s courses. For something more relaxed, consider a winery visit or brewery stop, a local history tour or a group experience on the water in the warmer months. Contact local operators directly to discuss group bookings and custom experiences.

Getting Around

There are several options for getting your group around the South Kootenay, depending on your numbers and plans. For larger groups, Kootenay Charters offers private charter buses and minibuses for events, tournaments and group outings. Kootenay Transit can arrange private transportation and airport transfers, while scheduled shuttle services connect the region with destinations such as Spokane International Airport during the winter season.

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