International Selkirk Loop
Places to Visit
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Creston Wildlife Management Area (BC)
The 7,000 hectares (17,000 acres) of the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area include a lake, 17 marshes, a major river, a self-guided boardwalk tour, and three-story viewing tower.
Distance from byway: 4 mi / 6.4 km Directions: At the junction of Highways 21, 3 and 3A, which is 1 mile north of Creston, turn west onto Highway 3. Travel approximately 4 miles to the main entrance to the Wildlife Management Area, which is on the south side of the highway. There is an entrance fee.
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Kokanee Creek Provincial Park (BC)
On the north shore of Kootenay Lake, Kokanee Creek Provincial Park is known for its half mile of gorgeous sandy beach and its Kokanee Salmon channels, where visitors can watch the salmon spawn in August.
Location: Kokanee Creek Provincial Park is located 9 miles west of the Balfour Ferry Landing, and 11 miles (19 km) east of Nelson, on Highway 3A. It is directly across from the access road to Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.
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Kootenay Lake is the largest natural lake in the Kootenay Rockies. The lake water is pure enough to drink, and is home to Kokanee salmon, sturgeon, Dolly Varden and rainbow trout, including the world's largest, the Gerrard rainbow.
Location: Kootenay Bay on the east side of the Lake, and Balfour on the west side of the Lake.
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Nestled on the west shore of Kootenay Lake, Nelson’s storybook charm comes to life in its vibrant downtown and 350 heritage buildings. It is the hub of all things outdoors, surrounded by Selkirk Mountains’ snow capped peaks.
Location: Nelson is located on the west arm of Kootenay Lake along Highway 3A, where the Kootenay River flows west toward Castlegar.
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Slow down and take time to notice the stone murals on the sides of the buildings of Salmo. There are seven murals celebrating the history and natural beauty of the area.
Location: Salmo, B.C.
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Albeni Falls Dam Visitor Center (ID)
The Albeni Falls Dam was built in the early 1950s at the site of a natural falls to produce electricity and control flooding, and the visitor center offers information about local attractions, hydropower, and natural resources and wildlife.
Location: Albeni Falls Dam Visitor Center is located between Newport, Washington, and Priest River, Idaho on US 2 (Milepost 2.5).
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Bonner's Ferry/Ferry Crossing Interpretive Site (ID)
Located at the north end of the Kootenai River Bridge, these two Idaho Historical Markers are two important elements of the region’s heritage.
Location: Kootenai River Bridge.
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Idaho Panhandle National Forests (ID)
Home to over 300 species, a carpet of pines, and miles of rivers, the national forests of Idaho's panhandle (St. Joe, Coeur d'Alene, and Kaniksu) invite visitors everywhere to experience this playground.
Location: Northern Idaho - the panhandle.
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Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge (ID)
Located five miles west of Bonners Ferry is an exceptionally scenic refuge that offers a key resting and feeding area along the Pacific Flyway and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Distance from byway: 6 mi / 9.7 km Travel time: 10 minutes Directions: From the intersection of US 95 and Main Street in downtown Bonners Ferry, follow Riverside Road west along the Kootenai River for 6 miles to the Refuge, which is clearly signed.
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The lake is 43 miles long, six miles wide, and reaches depths of more than 1,000 feet.
Location: The Idaho Panhandle
