I am currently planning a road trip through the Kootenays for mid-May, looking for input. Anyone here live in the Castlegar/Nelson/Creston/Cranbrook area? Need advice on everything; what sights to see, where to stay (for cheap, I'm guessing it'll be too cold to camp), what routes to take, which areas I can pass over.
Ideally I would like to take the Crowsnest Highway all the way to Cranbrook, work my way up through the Rockies and then come back down the #1. Though I fear that will be too much driving for 7-8 days, not leaving enough time to see the sights. Am I better off heading north up Kootenay Lake and coming back through Vernon? Would leave more time to explore each area.
I'm looking for ideas about outdoor activities, which golf courses to play, which trails to hike, which lookouts to check out. Don't care much for the arts & culture scene, except maybe some breweries along the way.