FOOTSTEPS ECO ADVENTURES
Fry Creek Canyon Hike (10kms, 4hours) This is a perfect hike for the whole family. Enter into the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy and hike the trail that follows the wild and raging Fry Creek. Steep canyon walls rise up above you as you dip through wave like rock formations. Deep green pools are lovely to fish in and 2 hours takes you to a sweet creek side campground. Spring is the best time to go as the water is really rushing.
Canoe Trip to Evans Creek Campground (4-8hours) Paddle the serene Slocan Lake 2 hours up to Evans Creek Campground. The lake is blissfully quiet and allows you to take in soaring ospreys and eagles flying over the majestic Valhalla's. The west side of the lake is protected by the Valhalla Provincial Park and as you paddle you are rewarded with idyllic shore side scenery. Once at the campground you can kick back, fish for some rainbow trout or take a dip in the clean cool waters. An option for the adventurous is to hike up on the Beatrice Lake trail to a chain of alpine lakes also good for fishing. Camping is an option for this trip.
Full Moon Bannock Point Picnic and Halfway Hot Spring Tour (5-8hours) This tour is the ultimate Kootenay adventure, perfect for groups. Begin by hiking a short trail through nice forest to come out on to the sunny shores of Bannock. Here the smooth rock outcrops are great for sunning, picnicking and cliff diving. Enjoy the wide open lake from all sides. Next we head further down the Slocan Valley past Nakusp. Another short hike takes us down to the gorgeous natural hot springs nestled on the Half way river. Soak in the solitude taking in the magic of the day.
Galena Trail Cross Country Bike Tour (2.5 hours) This is a great family ride perfect for the beginner or intermediate mountain biker. Start from the historical mining towns of Sandon or Three Forks. The trail descends on a gentle grade for 14 kms to end up in the town of Roseberry on the Slocan Lake. The gradual rolling grade takes you through lush forests, dotted with historical artifacts and an exciting ride in a cable car over a rushing river. A smooth open trail allows you enjoy the ride and the scenery.
Nakusp Hot Springs Hike and Soak (10kms, 4hrs) What is more satisfying than hiking through wise old growth forests to reward yourself with a soak in a mineral hot spring. Begin hiking through grand old ceders and hemlocks on a easy rolling grade. This area boasts an array of colourful wildflowers in early summer. Pop out at the springs to soak your day away in the easy going atmosphere. Then day dream all the way home in the cozy Footsteps tour van.
Family Fathers Day Fishing Tour (Day trip or over night) If you dad loves fishing, then this tour is a good opportunity to wow him with out doing all the prep work. Choose from a variety of fishing adventures. Footsteps can connect you with some great guides and charters. Tours can be tailored to your needs. Get into some secret spots, sleep on a floating cabin, have your score cooked up to your delight...the day is yours!
Goose Creek Downhill Bike Tour (2 hours) Check out this tour for some more adventurous riding or to simply check out your own back yard. This Pass creek trail is a super fun rolling, dropping, winding ride. The peekaboo views make you catch your breath as does sections of the trail. Footsteps van will shuttle you to the top and can lead you down this epic trail passing over bluffs, through meadows and forests to wind down cruising beside a refreshing creek. Must have some mountain biking experience.
Kokanee Parks Cedar Grove Hike (2kms, 1.5hours) This lovely hike takes you to the entrance of Kokanee Provincial Park. A short 2 hour hike takes you through some massive virgin cedar forests over 600 years old. The trail envelops you in mossy cool stillness with only gurgling streams and twittering birds to distract you. You get to experience some of the kootenay giants while strolling on a well groomed trail crossing several wooden bridges. Bring the whole family on this inspiring tour.
Valhalla's Gimli Hike (9.7kms 5hours) This is a must do trip in the Kootenays. Riding with Footsteps van, the journey up into the park is an adventure unto itself. The hike winds its way through lush green forests and rushing rivers before popping you out into alpine meadows full of stunning wildflowers. As you climb higher over bubbling brooks the views open up, surrounding you with mountains and valleys. Gimli peak becomes visible as a massive granite shark fin, dramatic against the soft meandering meadows. Eventually you get to feel the power of the mass of rock as you stand directly beneath it. Continue on to scramble up to the saddle to peer into the wide open Mulvey Basin. This is an epic spot to eat lunch and take it all in.
Monica Meadows Hike (8kms, 4-5 hours) This is the land of a thousand glaciers. The scenery here reminds one of something from Lord of the Rings. The country here is full of powerful rivers and towing peaks. A long rough road up offers you solitude, and the uniqueness of a meadow surrounded by mountains is a treat. Wind your way through gentle forests to come out at a vast alpine meadow dotted with streams, flowers and rocky outcrops. Feel free to wander at will you will be awe-stuck by the looming glaciers and peaks.
Valhalla Park's Gwillum Lakes Hike and Camp (11kms, 6 hours- 2 days) Do you ever feel that one day in the pristine wilderness is just not enough? Then join Footsteps on this overnight adventure. A moderate 3 hour hike through awesome landscapes takes you over Drinnon Pass to end up at the glittering site of Gwillum Lakes. The campground is spread out by the lake offering bear proof food caches and tent sites. This area is perfect for kicking back and taking in the view, cooling off in the lake or adventuring further to scramble up the surrounding peaks.
Champion Lakes Cross Country Bike Tour (2 hours) This is a super fun and fast ride around some really nice country. Champion lakes are 3 backcounrty lakes with practically no one around. Enjoy the solitude as you pump through this trails ups and downs, twists and turns. Cross wooden bridges, breathe in the serenity and look for painted turtles hiding in the many coves. Two hours takes you around the loop, just in time for a cool off dip.
Kokanee Parks Kaslo Lake Hike (15kms, 5hours) This day hike is a perfect blissful day. The parks beauty takes on many forms. The hiker will pass glittering lakes, stunning vistas and colourful meadows. Every step offers you something to gaze at, be it big or small. The park hosts a variety of wild life and a idyllic camp ground at the end of the trail on Kalso lake.
Idaho Peak Full Moon Hike (2.8kms 2hours) Full moon or day hike this easy going ridge walk will delight any on-looker. The short walk winds you along an interesting ridge of gnarled trees and the stunning views open all around. Originally a fire look out at the top allows you to see all the surrounding mountain ranges and lakes as far as the eye can see. Wildflower season is out of control as the hills become alive with colour. The Footsteps van does all the work here and can bring the whole family to see the sights.
MacBeth Ice Fields Hike (12kms,9hours) Another trip to the land of glaciers, although on this one you are much closer. This landscape is so powerfully wild. You hike past raging rivers and enter into a quiet mossy forest, enclosed beneath the glacier. This can be quiet wet so bring good boots. The scramble up to the glacier is steep and gnarled through the forest but the alpine views and waterfalls are the greatest reward. One more push over the ridge past the waterfall and you get to feast your eyes on the Mac Beth Ice field while she's still here.
Valhalla Adventure Week Kids Camp (Aug 3-7th 10am-5 pm) This camp is for ages 9-14 co-ed. It is a fun and educational day camp designed to get kids out there adventuring, learning new outdoor skills and learning about the local environment hands on. The camp consists of hiking, mountain biking, canoeing camping and scavenger hunting. It will give the kids confidence and knowledge when recreating in the outdoors.
Kokanee Parks Key Hole Hike (11kms, 6.5 hours) This hike is not for the feint of heart. Although the access is in a melo popular zone of the park, the side trail up to the notch in the rock is definitely a challenge for most. But if you are one of those people who like to get the adrenaline going while rock hopping up and down steep faces this hike won't fail to impress.
Family Jumbo Awareness Tour (8.4kms, 8 hours *including side trip) Visit this majestic area before its too late. The area has a proposed ski resort going in that would drastically affect the ecosystem of the area. Jumbo boasts awesome glacier views and is even more panoramic than Monica Meadows. Giant hemlock forests are home to grizzlies, wolverines and mountain caribou. It boarders on the edge of the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy. The tour will include visiting the Glacier and Howser Creeks and discussing some of the dangers it faces from an independent power projects. This tour is to raise awareness of this special area and a percentage of proceeds will go towards protecting it.
Whitewater Mountain (17kms, 9 hours) Hiking this mountain leaves you with a sense of deep accomplishment and wonder. It is a full day of strenuous hiking but the views make every step worth while. The entire trail delights the senses with its massive canyon walls and deep valleys. The area is home to Grizzly bears so you must be aware. There is a glacial lake at the top the bluest of blues and interesting crystals and stones. This is a great trek for anyone up for a satisfying challenge.
Idaho Peaks Wakefeild Downhill Bike Tour (1hour) This thrilling ride takes you down some skinny but smooth single track winding its way down from the top of Idaho Peak. The trail snakes its way down, opening up to incredible valley views below. Not too techy or rooty this ride can be for many if you dont mind whizzing past steep drop off on one side. The only way is down, to be met with a cold one and the comfy Footsteps van.
Slocan River Float Once again, another Kootenay classic. The mighty Slocan River carves its path down the Slocan Valley from Slocan City to Crescent Valley. The beautiful valley drifts by you enveloping you in shades of green pastures against towering peaks. There are several options for floating this river. Long to short, slow and melo to bumpy rapids and fast water. The perfect activity on a hot summers day. Footsteps will provide tubes boats and shuttles. All you have to do is kick back and enjoy the ride.
Pilot Point Hike (12.8kms, 5hours) This is a great shoulder season hike when the alpine is covered in snow. The trail follows the Kokanee Lake shore winding its way through Ponderosa Pine and Cedar forests. The area is accessed by ferry over to the east shore of the lake. The trails end is at lovely pilot point where the lake stretches out like an ocean. Here there is an interesting tipi camp at the point.
Slocan Lakeshore Trail (16kms, 6hours) This lovely trail follows the shore of the serene Slocan lake. Here there is less traffic on water and land, leaving you to enjoy the lapping of the lake, the gurgling of the many creeks and the bird song of the abundant water fowl. You can hike the full 8 kms to the walk/boat access only campground at Evans Creek, or walk an hour or so and turn around as it is an out and back walk. The trail undulates over rocky bluffs, mossy meadows and thick forests, all the while gracing you with vast vistas of the idyllic Slocan Lake.
Slocan River Paddle (2hours) A day spent on this smooth peaceful stretch of the Slocan river relaxes the soul and entices the senses. The river here winds slowly along it's path allowing you to drink in your surroundings. Ospreys fly and nest overhead, river otters play and burrow into the banks, fish dart in and out of shadows. The current will drift you effortlessly from one bridge to the next where your shuttle will be waiting.