Skookumchuck

Travel Guide

Skookumchuck featuring a lake or waterhole, mountains and tranquil scenes
Skookumchuck showing a lake or waterhole, tranquil scenes and mountains
Skookumchuck
Skookumchuck which includes tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole
Skookumchuck which includes tranquil scenes, a lake or waterhole and mountains

Visit this small pulp milling town along the Kootenay River before swimming, hiking and boating in the surrounding provincial parks.

Skookumchuck means “strong water” in the Chinook language, a reference to the large rapids on the Kootenay River, where it is joined by the Lussier and Skookumchuck rivers. Skookumchuck is a small pulp milling town in British Columbia, not to be confused with the unrelated sights of Skookumchuck Narrows, River, Creek, Hot Springs and Rapids.

The Skookumchuck prairies were settled when grants of land were handed out to early European loggers and farmers at the end of the 19th century. Today, still very few people call Skookumchuck home. From here, you can explore the natural wonders of the rest of the East Kootenay region

Premier Lake Provincial Park, just to the east, is flanked by the Canadian RockiesOpens in a new window. Hike to the park’s emerald green lakes and go fishing or spot birds such as ospreys, herons, eagles, fowl and king fishers.

Enjoy the views of the Rocky Mountains from the Tilley Memorial Park north of Skookumchuck and try windsurfing or go boating on Columbia Lake.

To the east, discover the archeological treasures within Top of the World Provincial Park, the traditional home of the Upper Kootenay First Nation people. Look for alpine flowers on the plateau and spot the birds around Fish Lake.

Drive south to the TaTa Creek area. In Wasa Lake Provincial Park, hike or bike along an easy lakeside trail or go swimming and camping in summer. Follow a self-guided interpretation trail to learn about the park’s unique ecosystem of wheatgrass and ponderosa pines.

Visit Fort Steele to step back in time to the days of the gold rush. Now a national heritage site, the town preserves its late 19th-century buildings and steam train for all to enjoy.

Skookumchuck is located directly south of Columbia Lake, along the Kootenay Highway, some 34 miles (54 kilometers) north of Cranbrook. The biggest nearby airport is in CalgaryOpens in a new window to the northeast.

To get to Skookumchuck, you’ll be driving into the Rocky Mountain Trench, a unique geological setting. Bears, badgers, deer and birds of prey roam this part of the Kootenays, so keep your binoculars and camera handy at all times.

St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino

St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino

3.5 out of 5
7777 Mission Road, Cranbrook, BC
The price is CA $166 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
CA $166
CA $208 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf resort in Cranbrook. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
"Beautiful grounds- lots of flowers-lots of benches on which to sit and read."

Reviewed on Jul. 14, 2025

St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino
The Larix Hotel

The Larix Hotel

2.5 out of 5
78 Howard St, Kimberley, BC
The price is CA $170 per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
CA $170
CA $196 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kimberley. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (940 reviews)
"Super clean, convenient to walk places, very friendly staff/owner, great breakfast, modern rooms, lots of neat common areas. I look forward to my next stay."

Reviewed on Jul. 15, 2025

The Larix Hotel
Fairmont Mountain Bungalows

Fairmont Mountain Bungalows

3.5 out of 5
4869 HIGHWAY 93 & 95, Fairmont Hot Springs, BC
The price is CA $212 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
CA $212
CA $246 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Fairmont Hot Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (761 reviews)
"Super cozy, clean, rustically adorable cabin. Little kitchenette, living room area with real fireplace, little deck with chairs, umbrella and bbq. Just perfect. Really great pool and hot tub area walking distance from cabin with gorgeous mountain views. Wonderfully friendly people, happy family environment ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 14, 2025

Fairmont Mountain Bungalows
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
3BR: Ski, Golf, Bike, Hot Tub, Views & Soak

3BR: Ski, Golf, Bike, Hot Tub, Views & Soak

Kimberley
Book a stay at this ski condo in Kimberley. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and ski-in/ski-out access. Popular attractions North Star Express and Kimberley ...
"The hosts were amazing, the place is very clean. When I had questions and reached out, I got very responsive quick answers.We will be back!"

Reviewed on Jun. 8, 2025

3BR: Ski, Golf, Bike, Hot Tub, Views & Soak
Log cabin in the woods

Log cabin in the woods

Kimberley
Stay at this cabin in Kimberley. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kimberley Nature Park and Kimberley Golf Club are located ...
Your next great vacation getaway!
"The cabin was amazing! The pictures do not do the property justice. Cozy and clean! Immaculate really! The hosts are awesome and made our family feel right at home. If you are looking for a place to stay, you will not be disappointed!"

Reviewed on Nov. 19, 2024

Log cabin in the woods
Rocky Mountain Getaway, Beautiful Cabin, Hidden Gem in Kimberley, BC

Rocky Mountain Getaway, Beautiful Cabin, Hidden Gem in Kimberley, BC

Kimberley
Stay at this cabin in Kimberley. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Kimberley Nature Park and Kimberley Golf Club are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (186 reviews)
Golfing getaway with friends.
"Wonderful cabin, equipped with all the essentials and so conveniently located to town and many golf courses. Quiet, surrounded by trees that smelled so fragrant. Loved our second stay here."

Reviewed on Jun. 28, 2025

Rocky Mountain Getaway, Beautiful Cabin, Hidden Gem in Kimberley, BC
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Skookumchuck

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Top destination
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5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 25%
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