Kootenay Lake, British Columbia
Our trip to British Columbia in Canada
One of our dreams has always been to take a trip into Canada. Well we finally made our trip on a three day weekend the last weekend in September, and it was incredible.
We went into Canada from Idaho, after driving the some pretty gorgeous country in Idaho, by Lake Pend Oreille and entered just north of Bonners Ferry into British Columbia in the Kootenay Rocky area. The Kootenay Lake, incredibly beautiful and right in view most all the time.
Come experience British Columbia, and the beauty of the Kootenay Rockies and Lake.
The Mountain you pass just before the border of Nelway, British Columbia - In Northern Idaho
The above image of the mountain you pass in Northern Idaho just before you get to the border at Nelway, British Columbia, Canada. This is in Idaho in what they call the Panhandle. Do you know why it is called the Panhandle? If you look at a map of Idaho you can see why, shaped like a pan, northern Idaho is the handle.
Arriving at the Canadian Border - We are so excited, it is just around the corner
Almost there, only 1500 feet to the border of Canada. We were so excited, finally going to see Canada. Something I have wanted to do as long as I can remember.
We can see Customs - Almost to Canada
We can see customs.
We arrived in Canada, British Columbia.
We arrived in Canada, British Columbia.
Thinkmetric - 50 mph = 80 kph - Watch out for "fast children"
We have to change our speed to metric, it is a good thing our odometer has metric reading too. I love the clever way they made their sign too. Notice how the "km" stands out, so clever!
I found a sign that I thought was kind of funny, sorry I didn't get a picture of it. But is said, Maximum speed 50 kph when "children are on road".
Their children must run fast!
Spectacular views along the drive - Untouched Mountains tall above us, with lush valleys below
The views were just spectacular along the drive. There is high mountains, that seem untouched by man, with lush valleys below.
The Lake is held back by a series of man made dikes - The story about how they came to be
The Lake is held back by a series of man made dikes. This sign told the story about how they came to be.
Another view of the lush valley below.
Another view of the lush valley below.
Mount Hooknose - Along the Kootenay in British Columbia
Above is Mount Hooknose, appropriately named don't you think?
This is a small marina we stopped at on - Kootenay Lake.
This is a small marina we stopped at on Kootenay Lake. It was a nice rest area, with a gazebo for picnics, and probably weddings too.
The views along the drive were just spectacular - Driving along the Kootenay
The views along the drive were just spectacular. We both enjoyed the beauty so much, just stopping to get out and just enjoy the beautiful views.
The Mountain that took our breath away - The photo does not do it justice
We came up over a small hill and this view opened up. Everything had just been so lush and green, this spectacular sheer granite mountain so tall that it still had snow on it, was just incredible when it came into view. The photo does not do it justice at all as it literally took our breath away!
Readers: Have you been there before?
I'm in love with British Columbia in Canada, gorgeous and uncrowded. The traffic was pretty much none existent, just a few cars along the way. The fall colors were amazing!
Have you ever been to Canada?
Is it a place you would like to visit?
Have you been to Canada, if so where?
Never been there but might like to go.
Never been there but might like to go.
Sadly, I live so close but have never been. I really wanted to go when the Olympics were there!
Never, but I have to visit this beautiful place in my life time.
I have not been there. I have been to the southern Cascades but that is the closest. What a great lens. I have two cascade lenses about Mt Shasta and Mt Lassen the southernmost Cascade mountain. Gary
I didn't make it all the way to Canada. My husband and I took a trip to Maine one year. During that trip I was trying to use my cell phone and could not understand WHY I couldn't make a call. It was at that time I saw a sign that said "Canadian Border 5 miles." We were so close that we could no long get and American phone signal.
Wish,Wish to go.Someday.Lovely pictures.
No I have never been there but I hope I get to see some of the beautiful place from the pictures
I have never been there. I almost made it to Canada once, but it was one of those moments and we turned the car to go some place else.
No, not yet... :)
looks ineresting enough =]
I really want to go to Canada and explore. To be honest, I never have been out of the U.S.
Someone send me the plane ticket please! I've never seen such colours in trees
I would love to go, Dad was from Canada.
I have not been there, but it sure looks beautiful.
No I have never been there,but I'd love to. Your pictures are great. I need to get a Canadian visa which is not easy from this of the world. Is it true that CANADA means ACA? NADA: Here? there is nothing.
Personally have never been there but my wife has many years ago.
Not yet, but who could resist?
Never been there...I'd like to visit for a hunting or fishing trip!
I would love to visit Canada. The mountains and wide open spaces are my kind of terrain.
i want to go to Kootenay Lake!!!
I've never been to Canada but would like to go to Glacier National Park.
Yes, been there and we went to...
Vancouver
I've lived in BC all my life and feel so blessed to live in this Beautiful Country.
You must have passed through my neighbourhood. It's fun to see your pictures and recognize the place.
Yes, I've been to BC and I LOVE it! I made a lens with some of my favorite places at http://www.squidoo.com/vancouver-bc-beautiful-plac... :-)
I've been across Ontario from Detroit into Vermont. There was a lovely provincial park on Lake Ontario just east of Toronto that we camped in overnight. I love Canada!
I live in British Columbia on Vancouver Island. The Kootenay area is gorgeous.
I've been to Quebec several times. I love the peacefulness and the wide open spaces. Quebec city reminded me of small cities in Europe. Montreal is too big for me. I'd love to go to British Columbia some day.
I've been to Vancouver & Victoria in B.C., two of the most beautiful & cleanest cities I've ever seen. I've also been through Banff & Lake Louise, two very beautiful places. I've been through Calgary and stayed in Edmonton, Alberta for three weeks. This was many years ago, but I remember only good things of all I saw in Canada. It is truly a kind of paradise of it's own. I would love to live there myself.
Was born in Canada and now live in Wisconsin. Really nice pics. BC and Southern Alberta are my favs (even though I was one of those stinkin' easterner's from Ottawa/Toronto.
When you go back, I suggest you head toward Calgary (great place) take a trip up to the Glaciers at Jasper, and then head back toward BC along the Trans Canada. Absolutely spectacular! You can bare-knuckle it along the Fraser River or head toward Vancouver thru a tunnel. I've done both.
BC offers something at every turn. And by the way...while in Alberta and BC...buy some Purdy's chocolates. Best in North America!
I've been a few times. Once I drove in at Niagara Falls and drove mostly around Lake Ontario and came back to the US in Maine, and an other time I drove in at Port Huron in MI and came out at Niagara Falls. Both trips were amazing on different levels. One was done with a few buddies and the other one was done with my Wife and kids. I cherish both memories! To darn cold up there, give me Florida or give me.... Some place farther south! LOL
Drove up along the coast of British Colombia in the moonlight, looking out toward the islands. It was just gorgeous, breath-taking. Then across the Rockies near Banff and on to Toronto. It was a great trip, and I hope to return someday.
Great photos, it's been a long time but the charm is still there. Gene
I have been but it was more of a gambling and "alcoholic beverages" trip. Ha ha ha! My brother and I went to the huge casino on the river and stayed in Montreal most of the time. Ah, the younger days!
I've been to Vancouver and Victoria, BC. They're both just lovely cities.
just came back from a three week honeymoon taking in the Rockies (Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper National Park) and a drive through BC to Vancouver for three nights then on to Quebec, Montreal and Toronto.
Canaga is an amazing place... we came across some of the most beautiful scenery we have ever and probably ever will see. We came across some wildlife too, the suicidal kind just jumping out in front of the car and nearly walking into us! Don't put it off, make your next holiday in Canada. Either go in the heat of summer or depths of winter. The transitional period between summer and winter means that the summer activities have closed down and the winter ones haven't yet started up... ENjoy
I've been in Canada, first around Niagara Falls a few times. Later I drove through from there to the Detroit area, but that was mainly a shortcut to the West from New England. My best trips were a couple of forays to the Maritimes in 1994 and 1999, with Cape Breton Island being the highlight of both trips. Since moving to Portland, I've only made one brief trip to Vancouver, BC. I'd love to see more of British Columbia.
I grew up in the Creston valley (Pictures 6-8). I always thought that the "Flats," as we called the reclaimed land between the mountains, is like a patchwork quilt. I've always loved that area and visit my family there often. An artist uncle of mine painted a picture of the mountains while visiting us. When he showed his friends and family in Manitoba the painting they laughed and said, "Blue mountains .. who ever heard of blue mountains!!" They really do look blue though don't they!
Thank you for enjoying our country and writing about it. Congrats!
We wen to Vancouver and loved it a bunch! We are planning to go back soon...
I have been to Toronto, it was one of the funnest and most beautiful vacations I've ever taken.
I camped at a Canadian National Park and it was the most quiet place I've ever been. I also got pursued by an grouchy moose!
The Ferry Schedule - in British Columbia, Canada
We were pleasantly surprised to find out that all inland ferries in British Columbia are free! What a great country!
This was the ferry schedule. (photo below) They say the traffic is a lot heavier in the summer time, so there may be a bit of a wait. But when we went we got right on when the ferry arrived.
The Bench - I absolutely love this photo!
The following pictures were the view from the dock where the ferry comes in. I'm not sure that waiting in such a beautiful place could be much of an inconvenience if you do go during the summer.
The Bench overlooking the Kootenay Bay
The snow covered Mountain Peaks. - Overlooking Kootenay Bay
The snow covered peaks.
As you can see from the scenery, the ferry wait is just not long enough!
The ferry as it arrives.
The ferry as it arrives.
Driving onto the ferry. - I think the ferry holds approximately 60 cars
Driving onto the ferry. I think the ferry holds approximately 60 cars. There was a semi truck that crossed that unloaded too.
Incredible views - Along the Kootenay
The views of Kootenay bay as you cross on the ferry were just incredible.
A sailboat crossing the Kootenay - Doesn't that look fun?
A sailboat crossing the Kootenay Bay. Wouldn't that be fun to do!
Another view of the mountains. - Of Kootenay Bay
Another view of the mountains.
I love the sailboats.
I love the sailboats.
They just look like they would be so peaceful to ride in one. No motor sounds, just the silence and sounds of nature.
The fall colors were so beautiful here. - On Kootenay Bay
The fall colors were so beautiful here.
A large boat and our dock awaiting us on the west side of Kootenay Bay.
A large boat and our dock awaiting us on the west side of Kootenay Bay.
Entering Nelson British Columbia - A beautiful fountain, in front of the fall colors.
Nelson was a beautiful city, that is not too far from the west dock we de-boarded at. There is a gorgeous bridge as you come into the town, but I didn't catch a picture of it. The whole town is set in the depths of those tree covered mountains, with the river running along it. What a incredible place it must be to live there.
These are some of the views in the city or township, and the drive along the way from the dock.
A beautiful fountain, in front of the fall colors.
This was a beautiful house, look at the colors in those trees. - In Nelson BC
This was a beautiful house, look at the colors in those trees.
How about a House shaped like a ship? - Isn't that unique?
How about a House shaped like a ship? Isn't that unique?
Or is it a ship that is now a house?
I loved this old building with the castle towers, - Canadian flag flying proudly from the steeple.
I loved this old building with the castle towers, and the Canadian flag flying proudly from the steeple.
The Ivy House - So pretty and green
This granite building was covered in ivy.
The falls colors as you drive south - towards the Washington border
As we left Nelson and headed south, there was a lot of beautiful country we drove through.
The fall colors were just amazing.
Rock Climbers - enjoying their sport
These were some rock climbers along the drive. There is a lot of steep, and rocky mountains to climb in this area.
There was a parachuter that we saw too. - Recreation abounds in British Columbia
There was a parachuter that we saw too. We were wondering just where he planned on landing as there is nothing but trees as far as you can see in the area he was falling into!
After we left Canada and entered the state of Washington, the beautiful scenery did not stop. The pictures below are Boundry Lake, in Washington.
The US Border - Welcoming us back home
The border coming out of Canada was a lot stricter that the border coming into Canada. Which is probably a good thing for our security.
I appreciate you stopping by and checking out our Canada Trip.
Please leave a message so I know you were here.
Linda
Related
I hope you enjoyed our trip through British Columbia, Canada - Hotels in Canada
Once again, gorgeous pictures. Fortunately, Nature does not recognize boundaries set by man!
Beautiful pictures. Makes me want to plan a visit!
Great lens.
Beautiful photos! We live near the border so we travel into BC quite a bit. Love to explore up there. 5*.
Gorgeous lens, I love your photography, excellent pictures.
The lake pictures are breath taking! Truly stunning!
Incredible looking place, I'd love to see it someday. Nice work.
A beautifully done lens. Welcome to Canada!
Brenda
Great photos of exquisite scenery, and a very well done lens! You get 5* and a fav from me! Very enjoyable lens.
Wow, lot of photos. Great work, you got 5* from me :)
Congratulations on making LOTD - well deserved.
Congrats of LOTD!
Congratulations on LOTD!
Stunning lens and Congratulations on LOTD! We went to Canada a few years ago and it was just amazing, we loved it. You took some really beautiful photos. We intend to go back there again one day. One of our best times ever :)
Beautiful pictures, congratulations on LOTD!
Thanks for the road trip -- it was great --- Congrads on Lens of the Day
Beautiful trip! It's as though you brought me along. Come to think of it...bring me with next time! :)
I feel like I've been there with your great pictures. Beautiful lens! Congrats on LOTD!
Gorgeous photos and a great lens...5 stars and congrats on LOTD!
Have been to Washington State too - Mount Ranier, Mount Hood and Mount St Helens! Fabulous pictorial lens Linda and well done on getting LOTD.
- Author
Wow! I'm so honored that this lens was chosen for LOTD, the strange thing is that you don't realize it is, until you are looking at all of your comments here! :-)
Thank you all for taking the time to come and congratulate me, each and every one of your comments truly means so much to me! I appreciate you all!
Linda
your lens is beautiful! Love the photography, the maps, the layout, the colors of it (very inviting). very nice job.
Beautiful pick for LOTD! Amazing pictures.
Gratz on LOTD! Hope people take the time to check out your other great Lenses!
fantastique! Love the photos, certainly gets me in the mood to travel. Congrats on LotD! This lens would make a fine addition to my best family vacation ideas lens..
Beautiful photographs and stunning scenery. Congrats on LOTD!!
Absolutely beautiful pictures! Great lens! I enjoyed seeing a part of the world I have never seen before!
Wow great lens with beautiful pictures. I love BC it really is one of the most beautiful places in the world. 5* fan:)
Congrats on LOTD and so glad you had such a nice trip in our fine country, I enjoyed your visit! B.C. is definitely a beautiful province, lived on Vancouver Island for a couple of years.
Congrats on LOTD. Your photos are beautiful. The whole lens is gorgeous. I love the lay out.
wow... nice pictures..... i wished i could go there!!!
Congrats on your LOTD xxx
Love your lens when I see lens like this it makes want to back to being a truck driver miss all these places
thanks, Linda, for the colorful pics and commentary! congrats on LotD :) here's the post: http://blogs.squidoo.com/lensoftheday/?p=485 -- Megan
- Author
[in reply to MeganCasey]
Thank you Megan Casey, you have just made my day! I really appreciate you choosing this lens for LOTD, and I appreciate all the hard work that YOU do for all of Squidoo! Thank you! :)
Linda
Congratulations, Linda! What a beautiful LotD! Blessed by a Squid Angel today.
Gorgeous photos, enjoyed my visit very much!
Congratulations on LofD and on being able to fulfil your dream of visiting Canada!
Love the lens. Our favorite place in the summer is Christina Lake just north of Kettle Falls. Great camping if you have a boat as the sites are on the back side of the lake with no roads. Complete with bears and lots of wild life.
Congratulations on LOTD. Nice lens and lots of great pictures. Sounds like you had a great trip. 5*****
Beautiful photos.
Congratulations, Linda! You create beautiful travel lenses, and I'm so happy about your LOTD honor.
Congrats on LOTD!! I am so happy as this lens deserves it. I love this part of the world and your lens really shows the beauty of it.
Congrats on Lens of the Day. You deserve it . These pictures are beautiful.
Your lens certainly deserves this lotd award! I noticed you have quite an eye for photography, the pictures are beautiful! Makes me want to take a deep breath and see if I can get some fresh air!
Very cool Photoblog
Never been to canada before infact never left Africa would love to one of these days, but i believe there are some places in africa that is some how like canada, congratulations on LOTD.
Never been to canada before infact never left Africa would love to one of these days, but i believe there are some places in africa that is some how like canada, congratulations on LOTD.
Awesome job with this lens! Thank you for the great pictures! - Marty
Beautiful lens and pictures, congratulations.
wow - so beautiful. can't wait to take our next trip!
A big Canuck Congrats on making LOTD!
Beautiful lens. Very well done. 5 stars and favorite. Congrats on the LotD award. Bear hugs, Frankster
Wow! What a beautiful photo-travelogue! Makes me want to go there right now. Congratulations on LOTD. You deserve it. 5*'s.
Yes I live in Ontario but do get out to BC on business sometimes. Usually in the Vancouver area. I have not been into the interior of BC.
Walt AKA All Sports on the Web
All Sports on the Web
Lots of great pictures!
Beautiful photos and a great story! I'm glad to hear that you had this opportunity. Congratulations on winning Lens of the Day!
I grew up beautiful BC Interior, specifically Kamloops and Vernon - not as far north in BC as the Kootenays but equally as beautiful. When I toured my latest CD last year back home, I did get an interview by Kootenay Co-op Radio though. ;) I currently live in Toronto, Ontario Canada, a far stretch from the vast mountainous beauty of the land I call my true home.
I LOVE that land more than anything. Thank you for posting such a beautiful appreciative lens about your visit there.
Hi Linda,
May I say you have a great talent when it comes to taking pictures. They are absolutely beautiful. I love photography and I am very critical of picture content and quality. Yours, in my opinion, could not be more beautiful. I'm curious what kind of camera do you use.
Thanks.
Hi Linda,
May I say you have a great talent when it comes to taking pictures. They are absolutely beautiful. I love photography and I am very critical of picture content and quality. Yours, in my opinion, could not be more beautiful. I'm curious what kind of camera do you use.
Thanks.
Congrats on LOTD. Gorgeous photos!
A wondeful and restful lens to vsit, great photos. Thanks for taking us all on a lttle trip with you! :)
gorgeous pictures!
Excellent lens and wonderful photography.
Great trip into Canada. I loved the photos. Thanks.
Hi Linda - Yet again you have produced a work of art.
Congratulations from marywilson - have a look at my new lens please when you have time http:/squidoo.com/hackysackshack
Boy what a lovely journey
Superb! Breathtaking! Stunning! Magnificent!
Wow this is perhaps the best put together picture lens I've come across, beautiful.
could there be a bluer blue, so beautiful. Great lens, thank you for sharing it with us.
Wow! Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos. I had no idea how beautiful Canada is and I'm inspired to visit our Northern neighbors. God bless you!
Terry
www.squidoo.com/DoesGodAdvocateTheSecret
- Author
[in reply to cphillips]
Thank you everyone for your kind comments and support, I think I have made it to one lens of each of yours and left a little thank you for each of you in return! Bless you all! Linda
cphillips, Thank you for your kindness about my photo's, I'm an amateur photographer and usually take pictures on the fly from the passenger seat. I'm thrilled when my co-pilot stops so I can really get a photo I desire. On our Canada trip it was so beautiful we stopped quite often to take in the gorgeous views! My camera I use is a Canon Digital EOS, most of those were taken with a 55 mm lens. I am no expert on camera's but for the amatuer I could definately recommend it, I use the 55 mm for distance and bought a 300 mm lens for zooming in animals. But thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, I really appreciate it!
We are planning to go In January up To Alaska, despite the lady in Charge.
The accorss canada by train. We love trains.
Great lens
Hello Linda,
Breathtaking Lens! You really took some excellent pictures on this lens. Professional quality. You should think about submitting some of these pictures to the professionals. You may get some money for them. They are superb. Thank you for your hard work in presenting this lens. I am grateful for that.
jdpugsle
Super!!
Great lens. Beautiful photography!!
Well deserved, I felt like I was there.. All those fantastic photos :)
You have captured the beauty of the Kootenays! Next trip .. Okanagan Valley? Truly beautiful also! Let me know when you're coming ... I'll be your tour guide.
Congratulations on LOTD. Well deserved! 5*s, favorite, fan already - lensrolled.
I love Canada. Thank you for the beautiful photographs.
Awesome lens. Congratulations on Lens of the Day. Very well deserved.
I've traveled to Victoria, BC by ferry from Port Angeles, WA and up to Vancouver by car. I have a sister who lives in Port Angeles and another sister in Mt. Vernon, WA which is probably less than two hours from Vancouver. Both cities are gorgeous.
Brilliant lens, breathtaking photos and congrats on LOTD!!!
I really enjoy visiting new places and this surely has been an awesome trip - thanks to you... :)
Another really beautful lens from you. The pictures are really great.I sooo want to go there now!
Congratulations on LOTD!!
Beautiful lens, great pictures..thank you for taking us there!
Beautiful lens and congrats on LOTD!
Wonderful lens! The photographs and descriptions of your trip are lovely. Congratulations on making LOTD! :D
Great pictures - keep up the good work - you've created a great lens.
Congratulations LTD!!!! What a beautiful pictures. My aunt lives in Vancouver!! I want to go someday :).
Hi ArtbyLinda,
What a great lens! 5 stars for you! I've also created a lens based on the world's man made marvels at http://www.squidoo.com/man-made-marvels. Hope you can visit it and give me your feedback :)
Your lenses are always wonderful. And congrats on LOTD!
Awesome lens, beautiful pictures. Congratulations on LOTD! It was well-deserved. I was in BC many years ago in the summertime, and was shocked to see people in ski clothes and with ski racks! Best of both worlds I guess, the ocean and the mountains. 5 stars and a favorite!*****
Wow, that was an awesome trip, thanks so much. Now I have to find the time to do the western side of Canada in the future, those pics are fantastic. Thanks again, and I really loved the house shaped like a ship, that was just to much, lol.
What an absolutly wonderful place. I hope I'll get to see it one day
Thank you for the tour of British Columbia.
Wonderful lens of a very beautiful area. Love your pictures!
Great way to use a lens as a scrapbook!
Your trip looks like a lot of fun and the scenery is breathtaking! I was born in canada 22 years ago and have lived in the UK ever since. I've never had the money to "go home" but your pictures have inspired me again. about to book my one-way ticket to canada from england to start a new life. wish me luck!..
- Author
[in reply to al] Al, I am honored to have inspired you with the photographs of your beautiful homeland and wish you the best of luck on your new life, may it bring you all the happiness you seek! Enjoy, Linda
Outstanding lens and photo's. Blessed by an Angel.
@jolou: THANKS MEN really is nice place
family vacation
~ Blessed by a Squidoo Angel of the Travel Canada neighbourhood ~
Your pictures make me want to go, thank you!
Great photos of the lake and towns in the area. I love it there.
It is one of my dreams to visit Canada some say, the gorgeous pictures you have put in the lens are stunning and they strengthen my determination to make this dream come true.
Happy April Fools Day, blessed by a Squid Angel!
WOW! Blown away by this lens, the pictures and the way you've presented them are really beautiful to behold. Squid Angel blessed. Thanks again!!
Beautiful lens. A wonderful way to document your travels. Blessed
Another PERFECT Lens! Great Pics!
I live in Wynndel BC (just up the road from Kootenay Lake)... Some of your photographs in your lens of the flats could have been taken from my back yard! You captured the beauty and wonder of Kootenay Lake and area... Thank you!!
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