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The Kootenays, British Columbia

A stunning string of peaks that stretch down British Columbia’s beautiful interior, the Kootenay Rockies are among Canada’s most underappreciated warm-weather wonders. While these mountains remain snow-capped even in summer, and attract skiers in the wintertime, there are a number of attractions along the way to keep any spring or summer road-tripper busy.

Start in Golden, where you can see the resident grizzly bear, then dine at Eagle’s Eye-a restaurant atop a 7,700 foot summit-at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Then continue south on Provincial Highway 95, which traces the Kootenay River along a picturesque valley, stopping en route for a relaxing soak at the famous Radium Hot Springs.

At the south end of the trip, make sure to spend some time in Kimberley and Fernie, both charming mountain towns that offer chairlift rides, ridgeline hikes, great pubs, chocolate shops and, in the case of Kimberley, whitewater rafting and a gold mine tour.