Adventure 16: Outdoor and Travel Outfitters - Since 1963

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Kootenay Rockies Multisport

Multisport in Canada with R.O.A.M.

Highlights

  • Exhilarating whitewater, towering canyons and cascading waterfalls are part of the many superlatives of our class III-IV descent on the Salmo Rive
  • Hike in emerald green forests amidst a backdrop of snow-capped peaks
  • Hike the Valhallas, Stag Leap, or Kokanee, cast a line for trout, watch for wildlife
  • Learn to kayak then head out on the 90-mile long lake, watch osprey fish for kokanee
  • Mountain bike the Galena Trail or rock climb the Slocan Bluffs

Full Description

Paddle the pristine waters of Kootenay Lake, raft the mighty Salmo River, mountain bike, and hike through endless wilderness from the comfort of heritage homes and country inns on this exceptional BC adventure.

In one incredible week, we'll touch on as many adventure disciplines as humanly possible. Paddle the northern end of Kootenay Lake beneath the impressive peaks of the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains. Raft the exciting Salmo River as it blasts through canyons en route to the 49th parallel, hike in glacial terrain, mountain bike on undulating single track that winds through endless wilderness or take an afternoon to regroup on the patio deck of your quaint lakeside lodge as we soak up vistas of the Purcell and Selkirk mountain ranges. Guests are pampered in the beautiful Smith House executive retreat while larger groups utilize a variety of heritage homes and country inns. In any case, your days filled with adventure will build up a healthy appetitie as we serve up delicious meals and endless gourmet treats.

Includes:

  • 2 or 5 nights lodging at various inns
  • Professional guide services
  • All meals from dinner Day 1 through breakfast on your final day of the trip
  • All necessary expedition equipment for kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, hiking and fishing
  • All park fees and necessary permits

Excludes:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Items of a personal nature and equipment outlined in personal equipment list
  • Fishing license
  • Gratuities

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Today we will meet in Nelson and shuttle to our lodging. The Smith House accommodates 3 couples so for larger groups or lodge-to-lodge itineraries we will also utilize, Wedgwood Manor, Retallack Lodge or Willow Point Lodge. Upon arrival, we will check into your rooms, go over last minute trip details and enjoy a cocktail before dinner.

Days 2 - 5

You have a variety of options available to you....

Hiking

There are a plethora of options available for every fitness level. The Valhallas, Stag Leap, Kokanee - the options are endless. We may hike the Joker Mill site to Slocan Chief Cabin Trail for outstanding glacier views, and a look at a historic cabin. Some trails may be closed during berry season (mid-August to early October) to allow grizzly bears to feed. No matter what option we choose, we will return at the end of the day to your deluxe accommodations. Tonight, soak your tired muscles in a hot tub before another gourmet night of dining and reflecting on your recent accomplishments.

Sea Kayaking

A lesson introduces us to kayaking gear, paddling techniques and safety procedures. Proper ocean kayaking techniques are learned quickly and the boats are easily maneuvered. Each participant is outfitted with a kayak spray skirt to keep the boats dry and separate cargo holds to allow you to store cameras, binoculars – whatever you might want to take with you - on daily outings. After becoming comfortable with our kayaks, we head out across the lake toward the slopes of the Purcell Mountains. We may see an osprey or eagle circling above us looking for Kokanee. Fry Creek offers us a great kayaking outing with a scenic hike up a gorgeous box canyon.

Mountain Biking

The Kootenays are a mountain biking mecca with everything from cruisy single track to mind blowing stunts to scenic trips up gentle railroad grades. No matter where we bike, the scenery and wildflowers will be dramatic. Whatever the choice, on our way back to civilization, we’ll stop for a relaxing soak at Ainsworth Hot springs.

Rafting

Raft or inflatable kayak the Salmo, Slocan or Duncan rivers. The Salmo is an early season run featuring exhilarating whitewater and towering canyons. The upper section of the trip provides a scenic and relaxing float that allows you to become accustomed to your craft, while the lower 12 miles will treat you to a roller coaster ride of waves, crashing holes and breathtaking scenery. The Duncan is harder to get to but offers emerald green forests and wildlife amidst a backdrop of snow-capped peaks making suitable whether beginner or expert. The volume of these undammed rivers can fluctuate considerably, depending on snow melt and temperature. Inflatable kayaking on the Slocan is a leisurely affair perfect for families or those not seeking too much excitement. The warm and friendly waters makes for a great day complete with a beach lunch at a swimming hole. Don’t be fooled though as there are some long stretches of whitewater that seem pretty intense when steering your own boat!

Art Walk

The nearest town is Nelson. It has a bustling downtown on historic Baker Street with interesting shops and artisans. Nelson also has a great program called Art Walk where one can travel from location to location to look at local artists works. Others may choose to hangout at Lakeside Park or one of the many beach areas surrounding the lake.

Yoga & Spa Services

Nelson and the surrounding area is known as a “wellness centre”. There are more choices than possibly imaginable for yoga, massage and spa treatments. Therapists and technicians will come to the house or you can visit a selection of days spas, ashrams, yoga studios or Chinese medicine clinics. The choice is yours!

Day 6

After your last of many gourmet breakfasts, we’ll back up our belongings and prepare for departures home.

About The Operator:

R.O.A.M.

Headquarters:

Nelson, BC, Canada

Established:

January 1986

After working the rivers and coastlines in Canada, United States, New Zealand and Australia, we founded a wilderness rafting and kayaking operation called Rivers & Oceans Unlimited. For more than 15 years R&O facilitated first class expeditions throughout Western Canada and Alaska.  In 1999, we changed to the R.O.A.M. umbrella, which better reflects the mountainous nature of our travel and began to carefully develop a variety of international locales.

Although we are still a small family-owned operation, ROAM has facilitated trips for O.A.R.S., Mountain Travel Sobek, GORP, American Express, World Wildlife Fund, Butterfield & Robinson and Virtuoso, to name a few. Our style of trips has revolutionized the adventure industry in a positive manner as we’ve continually raised the bar for levels of service and creativity.  

From the inception of R&O to the foundation of R.O.A.M., we have been the industry leader in providing the best guides, gear, and highest level of service and comfort without compromising the integrity of the locales we visit. We encourage you to contact about our trips so you can make a date for an adventure of a lifetime.

We are committed to the preservation of North America’s wilderness habitat. Our excursions are designed to promote an understanding of the delicate ecosystems that make our province unique while preserving their fundamental integrity. We ask participants to share our concern for the environment by practicing low impact touring in this sensitive area. ROAM operates on a “no trace” policy meaning we travel in a self-contained manner, carrying in what we require and carrying out all garbage and human waste. We believe the survival of the natural environment and the wildlife it supports depends on establishing an economy beyond simple resource harvesting. Our goal is to immerse our clients in vast natural beauty that, in turn, supports eco-tourism as a viable, economic choice.