Explore Our Trails
Coming soon! Explore local hiking trails right from our property and beyond.
Hiking trails around Back to Base
Open the trail map on your phone, allow location access, and use your live GPS position to see your location on the route. The map is designed for quiet self-guided walks around the house and nearby forest paths.
Open trail mapCommunities
The communities around Back to Base are rich with charm. Nearby Procter is a quiet village with a historic feel, while Nelson and Kaslo, just a short drive away, are vibrant arts and culture hubs. Balfour, with its lakeside charm, and Crawford Bay, with its artisan shops, add even more character—each inviting you to slow down and explore.
Procter Village
Procter Village is a serene, tucked-away community on the west shore of Kootenay Lake, just a short drive from Nelson. Surrounded by towering forests and calm lake views, it offers a slow, welcoming pace.
At its heart, you’ll find the Procter Bakery Cafe, a beloved local spot for coffee, treats, and a cozy atmosphere, along with a corner store and gas station. Just a short drive away, you have access to Sunshine Bay, a peaceful beach ideal for a swim, a paddle, or simply unwinding by the water.
On Sundays, the village buzzes with a local market, full of artisans, farmers, and neighbours. Whether you’re here for a quiet retreat or an adventure, Procter invites you to slow down, connect, and savor each moment.
City of Nelson
Nelson, British Columbia, is a vibrant, artsy town nestled in the Selkirk Mountains along Kootenay Lake. Known for its eclectic charm and Victorian-style architecture, Nelson’s streets are lined with beautifully preserved heritage buildings, alongside boutique shops, cozy cafés, and art galleries.
Steeped in history, the town is surrounded by outdoor adventure—from skiing and hiking to boating on the lake. Whether you're drawn to its elegant Victorian character or its natural beauty, Nelson offers a warm, welcoming escape.
Kaslo
A scenic drive along Kootenay lake brings you to the village of Kaslo, where you can step back in time aboard the SS Moyie, enjoy the lively Kaslo Jazz Festival and Kaslo May days or wander along the lakeside trails.Kaslo’s rich history and artistic vibe offer a perfect day trip to complement your restorative stay at Back to Base.Ainsworth Hot Springs and Fletcher Falls and Cody Caves are on the way to Kaslo if you would like to make it a full day outing..
Crawford Bay
Crawford Bay is a small, scenic village on the east shore of Kootenay Lake in British Columbia. It has a rich history tied to the steamboat era and was named after prospector James Crawford. Today, it’s known for its artisan studios—like broom-making, blacksmithing, and jewelry—as well as beautiful lakeside nature, the Kokanee Springs Golf Resort, and the annual Starbelly Jam music festival.A trip to Crawford Bay from Back to Base includes a scenic 40 min free ferry ride across Kootenay Lake.
Balfour
Balfour, British Columbia, sits on the west arm of Kootenay Lake, about a 25 minute drive from Back to Base. Once known for orchards and hotels, it’s now a peaceful lakeside community with a 18 hole golf course, beaches, cafés, and the Kootenay crafted artisan shop. The highlight is the Kootenay Lake Ferry, a free and scenic 35-minute ride between Balfour and Crawford Bay operating year-round.
Culture
The area around Back to Base is a cultural treasure trove, where the past and present come alive. You’ll find a rich mix of museums preserving local history, artisan studios brimming with craftsmanship, and theaters and cinemas showcasing both classic and contemporary works. From live music and theater to film and fine art, this whole region offers a vibrant, ever-evolving creative landscape to explore.
Touchstones museum Nelson
Touchstones Nelson is Kootenay Lake’s public art gallery and museum of art and history — rotating exhibitions, regional heritage, and a well-curated museum shop in the heart of Nelson.
Parks and Beaches
If you enjoy spending time in nature, there are many hiking trails and several provincial parks near Back to Base:
Kokanee Creek Provincial Park
A scenic 25 min drive from Back to Base
Popular day-use and camping area with creek-side trails and beautiful beaches.
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Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park
Alpine hiking
High-country trails, alpine lakes, and dramatic glacier scenery for experienced hikers.
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Pilot Bay Provincial Park
Pilot Bay Provincial Park is located on the east shore Kootenay Lake, about 10 minutes south of the Kootenay Bay ferry. The park is known for its peaceful setting and has several trails, including the short Lighthouse Walk (about 0.6 kilometers) and the longer Peninsula Trail (about 9 kilometers round-trip).
Lockhart Beach Provincial Park
Kootenay Lake east shoreline
Quiet lakeside park with beach access.
Ideal for picnics and gentle shoreline walks.
Fletcher Falls
Fletcher Falls is a natural site just south of Kaslo. It’s a short 10 to 15 minute walk from the roadside parking, leading to a beautiful waterfall that drops into Kootenay Lake. The trail is mostly downhill and the return is a bit of a climb, so wear good shoes. There are picnic tables, fire pits, and a small beach, making it a lovely half-day outing. Or combine with a visit to Kaslo or Ainsworth Hot Springs
Activities
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, just a half-hour drive from Back to Base, is a must-visit in the Kootenays.
Known for its natural hot springs, the resort features a unique horseshoe-shaped grotto pool where you can soak in warm, mineral-rich waters with stunning lake and mountain views.
To enhance your stay, guests of Back to Base who book a minimum five-night stay receive a complimentary ticket to the hot springs, giving you a chance to immerse yourself in nature’s warmth as a perfect complement to your peaceful retreat. After a day of relaxation, you can return to Back to Base, refreshed and reconnected.
Whitewater Ski Resort
Whitewater Ski Resort, just a scenic 45-minute drive from Back to Base, is a hidden treasure in the Kootenays. Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains, Whitewater is known for its deep powder, rugged terrain, and laid-back vibe.
With slopes for every skill level, from beginner to expert, it offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the region. Beyond the runs, the resort has a cozy day lodge, local eats, and a friendly, welcoming community. Whether you’re carving fresh powder or relaxing by the fire, Whitewater invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and embrace the mountain spirit.
Hiking Trails
Nestled between serene lakes and towering mountains, the West Kootenays offer a rich tapestry of hiking experiences. From gentle lakeside strolls to invigorating hikes, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. Whether you’re gazing across Kootenay Lake or climbing toward a glacier, each step connects you more deeply to this stunning corner of British Columbia.
Mountain Biking Trails
Mountain biking in The west Kootenays offer a natural blend of flow and challenge. Winding through dense forest and opening to sweeping lake views, the trails range from gentle gravel climbs and old rail grades to technical singletrack for more experienced riders. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed ride immersed in nature or an adrenaline-filled descent, the surrounding West Kootenay trail networks invite you to explore at your own pace—always with the mountains and lake close by.
Farmers Markets
Around Procter and the wider West Kootenays, local markets are a vibrant reflection of the region’s creative and agricultural spirit. From the lively Nelson Farmers Market to smaller community markets in Procter, Crawford Bay, and Kaslo, you’ll find fresh organic produce, homemade foods, artisan crafts, and locally made goods.
These markets are more than places to shop—they’re gathering spaces where locals and visitors connect, often with live music, food stalls, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to experience the heart of the community while supporting local growers and makers.
Golf
Golfing in the West Kootenays is as much about the setting as the game itself. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and the waters of Kootenay Lake, the courses in this region offer a relaxed and scenic experience for all levels. From the elevated fairways of Nelson to the lakeside greens of Balfour and the forested resort feel of Crawford Bay, each course invites you to slow down, take in the views, and enjoy the rhythm of the landscape.
Cody Caves
The caves in Cody Caves Provincial Park, are a really cool underground limestone system in the Selkirk Mountains. They have about 800 meters of passages, with incredible stalactites and stalagmites. Inside, it’s always about 6 degrees Celsius, so you definitely need warm layers, and there are guided tours—some short, family-friendly ones, and others for more adventurous explorers.
Kokanee Zip line
Kokanee Mountain Zipline, near Kokanee Creek Provincial Park in the West Kootenays, offers a 1.5 to 2-hour guided tour with multiple ziplines, including one as long as 2,400 feet and platforms up to 90 meters above the creek. It’s a family-friendly, ecotourism-focused adventure built on preserved forest land. The tour is about 25 minutes by car and runs from May to October.
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