Explore legendary terrain across four mountain ranges

The Purcell Range has a beauty all its own. Located on the west side of the Columbia River—which originates in the Purcells and flows north before turning 180 degrees and going all the way to Portland, Oregon and the Pacific Ocean—these mountains are an impressive recreational hub in the summer and a well-known destination for adventurers in the winter. This is the birthplace of heli-skiing, and a beacon for those who like both motorized and self-propelled adventure. ATVs, boats, mountain bikes, heli-hiking adventures, and more are all big draws here.   

As home to some of the most celebrated ski and mountain bike towns in the world, the Selkirk Mountains are a hotspot for outdoor adventure. And the region boasts much more than skiing and cycling. Nelson, Rossland, and Revelstoke are household names, but less obvious destinations like Kaslo, New Denver, and Castlegar are also worth a visit. No matter where you wander in the Selkirks, adventure awaits.

It’s not hard to get to the Monashees, but it is out of the way. The famous mountain town of Rossland has long been a breeding ground for Olympian mountain athletes including Canadian skiing legend Nancy Greene, and the surrounding mountains have become notable worldwide for mountain bike and trail-running routes like the IMBA-certified Epic trail, Seven Summits. This region—also known as the West Kootenays—is uniquely friendly and laidback, and it’s perennially listed as one of the best mountain culture destinations not just in BC but in the world.

The Canadian Rocky Mountains shine especially bright during summer, with jagged peaks and rivers blue-tinged with glacial runoff. This rugged region offers massive opportunities for mountain biking, whitewater rafting, sightseeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Beyond adventure, other hallmarks of the Canadian Rockies include delicious dining options, a wide variety of craft breweries, a flourishing art scene, and jaw-dropping 360-degree views. From Fernie to Golden, this region is stacked with a mountain of options for any adventurer.  

While the mountains of British Columbia are inviting and inclusive, travelling through them can be daunting for the uninitiated. From the wide-ranging and fast-changing spectrum of the alpine seasons to variable driving conditions, one must be prepared for a variety of possible scenarios.  Here are a few planning guidelines.

Driving in the BC mountains—especially in winter—is no joke. Check road reports at DriveBC.ca and make sure your vehicle has suitable tires, a full tank of gas, and up-to-date maps, ideally downloaded or on paper. Cell service can be spotty or non-existent in the mountains.

Reservations are key. While we all love spontaneous exploration, BC is a huge province with only a few highways running through its mountain ranges. Most accommodations along these routes are connected by empty stretches of road—a huge part of the appeal that also requires planning. Make sure you know where you are sleeping each night and where you are fueling up.

Locals are another great resource. People in BC’s mountain towns are friendly and happy to share tips about places to eat or sightsee, shortcuts to take, and other information that gets lost or confusing on the internet. Travel only gets better when you open up to new experiences, and most great experiences start with a conversation.