Skookumchuck

Travel Guide

Skookumchuck which includes a lake or waterhole, mountains and tranquil scenes
Skookumchuck which includes a lake or waterhole, mountains and tranquil scenes
Skookumchuck showing tranquil scenes, mountains and a lake or waterhole
Skookumchuck which includes a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Skookumchuck showing a lake or waterhole, mountains and tranquil scenes

Visit this small pulp milling town along the Kootenay River before swimming, hiking and boating in the surrounding provincial parks.

Skookumchuck means “strong water” in the Chinook language, a reference to the large rapids on the Kootenay River, where it is joined by the Lussier and Skookumchuck rivers. Skookumchuck is a small pulp milling town in British Columbia, not to be confused with the unrelated sights of Skookumchuck Narrows, River, Creek, Hot Springs and Rapids.

The Skookumchuck prairies were settled when grants of land were handed out to early European loggers and farmers at the end of the 19th century. Today, still very few people call Skookumchuck home. From here, you can explore the natural wonders of the rest of the East Kootenay region

Premier Lake Provincial Park, just to the east, is flanked by the Canadian RockiesOpens in a new window. Hike to the park’s emerald green lakes and go fishing or spot birds such as ospreys, herons, eagles, fowl and king fishers.

Enjoy the views of the Rocky Mountains from the Tilley Memorial Park north of Skookumchuck and try windsurfing or go boating on Columbia Lake.

To the east, discover the archeological treasures within Top of the World Provincial Park, the traditional home of the Upper Kootenay First Nation people. Look for alpine flowers on the plateau and spot the birds around Fish Lake.

Drive south to the TaTa Creek area. In Wasa Lake Provincial Park, hike or bike along an easy lakeside trail or go swimming and camping in summer. Follow a self-guided interpretation trail to learn about the park’s unique ecosystem of wheatgrass and ponderosa pines.

Visit Fort Steele to step back in time to the days of the gold rush. Now a national heritage site, the town preserves its late 19th-century buildings and steam train for all to enjoy.

Skookumchuck is located directly south of Columbia Lake, along the Kootenay Highway, some 34 miles (54 kilometers) north of Cranbrook. The biggest nearby airport is in CalgaryOpens in a new window to the northeast.

To get to Skookumchuck, you’ll be driving into the Rocky Mountain Trench, a unique geological setting. Bears, badgers, deer and birds of prey roam this part of the Kootenays, so keep your binoculars and camera handy at all times.

Fairmont Mountain Bungalows

Fairmont Mountain Bungalows

3.5 out of 5
4869 HIGHWAY 93 & 95, Fairmont Hot Springs, BC
The price is ¥13,947 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
¥13,947
¥16,179 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Fairmont Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (853 reviews)
"We enjoyed the privacy of the bungalows set in the woods off the highway. A group of elk were munching just off the property as we entered. Embracing the beauty and access to pool, restaurants, and the convenience of a clean bed and safe space helped melt into nature and peace. Thanks!!"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

Fairmont Mountain Bungalows
St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino

St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino

3.5 out of 5
7777 Mission Road, Cranbrook, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥16,318 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥16,318
¥20,618 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf resort in Cranbrook. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,067 reviews)
"Lovely room. Casino was a lot of fun. The landscaping is gorgeous! The complex is in a quiet valley not far off the highway. Golf course was very well maintained."

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2025

St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino
The Larix Hotel

The Larix Hotel

2.5 out of 5
78 Howard St, Kimberley, BC
The price is ¥16,414 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥16,414
¥18,876 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kimberley. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,031 reviews)
"This hotel is beautiful…cozy sitting rooms…lovely outdoor area and the room was so comfortable and cozy..will return on our next visit to Kimberley"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

The Larix Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Alpine Retreat: 2BR Ski-In/Ski-Out Condo with Private Hot Tub

Alpine Retreat: 2BR Ski-In/Ski-Out Condo with Private Hot Tub

Kimberley
Book a stay at this ski condo in Kimberley. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions North Star Express and Trickle Creek Golf ...
10/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"Property was as advertised. Clean well kept and stocked with everything we needed"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Alpine Retreat: 2BR Ski-In/Ski-Out Condo with Private Hot Tub
Cozy alpine retreat minutes from the ski hill and golf course

Cozy alpine retreat minutes from the ski hill and golf course

Kimberley, BC
Book a stay at this ski vacation home in Kimberley. Enjoy a water park, ski-in/ski-out access, and a hot tub. Popular attractions North Star Express and Owl ...
"Very lovely place to stay for a short trip or longer. Host very easy to communicate with, checked in with us to ensure we were settled and supplied us with what we needed. Nice attention to details from the welcome drinks and chocolate to the cozy spa feel with robes and beauty samples to try. Books ..."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

Cozy alpine retreat minutes from the ski hill and golf course
Rocky Mountain Getaway, Beautiful Cabin, Hidden Gem in Kimberley, BC

Rocky Mountain Getaway, Beautiful Cabin, Hidden Gem in Kimberley, BC

Kimberley
Stay at this cabin in Kimberley. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Kimberley Nature Park and Kimberley Golf Club are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (192 reviews)
"This was a wonderful place to stay if you are looking to get away to a quiet neighbourhood. We enjoyed the space very much. Booking and talking with the owner was so pleasant and easy. The home was fully stocked with all the “at home” amenities plus extras! If we travel here again we will forsure ..."

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2025

Rocky Mountain Getaway, Beautiful Cabin, Hidden Gem in Kimberley, BC
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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