Stories

Go with a Pro! Guided Adventures in the Columbia Valley

By Tourism Radium on July 30, 2021

You don’t have to go it alone in Radium Hot Springs. From fully-guided experiences to friendly words of advice, we’ve got professionals from every industry to make your excursion enjoyable and safe. Check out your options to get out there and go with a pro!

Get Going in the Backcountry

Want to hike on some of Radium’s most sought after backcountry trails? There is no better way to experience the mountains than with an ACMG Guide. Playwest Mountain Experience offers fully-guided interpretive hiking and backpacking trips.

You can feel safe on these trips with experienced guides knowledgeable in wildlife, first aid, and the local geography.

Don’t worry about packing lunch, either! Playwest guided trips are catered with fresh food from Kootenay Coffee Works.

Horseback Riding in the Mountains

If you’ve always wanted to try horseback riding in the mountains, A Bar Z Mountain Adventures has you covered. Choose from one hour rides in Fairmont Hot Springs, multi-day excursions in the backcountry, ladies retreats, or specialized skill-building camps.

Further north, Luxor Corrals offers scenic rides ranging from one hour to full days on the trail.

It’s as Easy as Riding a Bike

Want to learn how to mountain bike? Nipika Mountain Resort is offering mountain bike lessons this summer.

The lesson will be two hours. You can learn specific skills or the fundamentals of mountain biking. Lessons will be geared to riders skills and comfort level. Additionally, the instructor will be PMBIA certified.

To learn more or to register visit Nipika Mountain Resort website.

Photo: Nipika Mountain Resort

Ride the River

Want to get out on an epic whitewater rafting trip? Kootenay River Runners has got you covered! Get out on the river for a full or half day to let your guide paddle you through some rowdy currents, and take in the scenery along the way.

Trip options include the ferocious Kicking Horse River, the tumbling Toby Creek, and the stunning Kootenay River.

Fly High with Aerial Adventures

Are you a challenge seeker? Then look no further than  Valley Zipline Adventures. Featuring not only a zipline course but also a 3-level aerial adventure challenge. 

The aerial course features 33 different challenges from hanging buckets to spinning beams, ensuring that users will have to use critical thinking skills.

Valley Zipline Adventures has many fun activities to experience! Try the jump tower, rock climbing wall and the big horn bounce. 

Climb Your Mountain

Have you ever wanted to try rock climbing? Scrambling to the top of a majestic peak on your bucket list? Don’t try it alone! Learn techniques and safety fundamentals from ACMG guides.

East Kootenay Mountain Guides is a team of Columbia Valley-based professionals ready to lead your venture into big country. Looking forward to the winter? Check out a guided ski touring trip!

Try Forest Bathing

Forest bathing is an amazing way to unwind in nature. Guide Pat Bavin has over 45 years of outdoor recreation and forest bathing practices.

Tours range in length from a few hours to a full day. Participants will go through exercises to connect with nature and fully immerse in the experience.

Learn Survival Skills

Want to learn more about backcountry safety? Looking to become certified in wilderness first aid? Back40 Outdoor Events offers beginner-friendly programming for getting you out into the great outdoors.

Cap off your day with a cozy place to sleep in the gorgeous canvas tents overlooking the Purcell Mountains.

View the Valley in a Helicopter

Glacier Helicopters offers a new way to adventure! Instead of sightseeing from the trail see the beautiful views of the Valley from the sky!

Located in Invermere Glacier Helicopters offers many services in the summer. Do a sightseeing tour or a heli-picnics. Glacier Helicopters offers many unique experiences in the summer.

Photo: Glacier Helicopters

Discover Ancient Fossils

Calling all history buffs and fossil lovers! Experience an interpretive hike with Kootenay National Park and discover Burgess Shale fossils over 500 million years old.


The amazingly detailed preservation shows us a complete marine ecosystem that existed long before the dinosaurs. To this day, scientists are still making discoveries of new animals in the Burgess Shale fossils!

Photo: Parks Canada / Zoya Lynch

Explore on Four

Ever driven an ATV? Here’s your chance! Toby Creek Adventures offers unique guided tours, where no car can access!

Choose your trip, with options ranging from a rocky waterfall to an abandoned mine site. Whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to have a great time testing out a new way to explore.

Paddle the Columbia River

The Columbia River is a must-see for visitors to Radium Hot Springs. Take a guided tour with one of the two great operators in the area!

If you’re looking for a fully guided trip with an expert, you’ll find fun facts and bird identification tips with Columbia River Paddle.

Prefer to have someone else look after the transportation and explore the Columbia Valley waterways independently? We think you’ll love Far Out Adventure Hub. Just name a time and place, and the Far Out team will load up and transport your gear for you. 

Need help finding the perfect way to spend your day? Check out Kootenay Adventure Collective for trip planning and package deals.

No matter your adventure, you’ll find it in Radium Hot Springs. After your excursion, make sure to check out the Radium Hot Springs pools or other ways to kick back and relax.

Leave a comment