Hike, ski or ride on horseback through magnificent sub-alpine forest to spot birds and mountain wildflowers in the traditional home of the Upper Kutenai Indians.
The Top of the World Provincial Park is a soaring region that encircles the mountaintops of the Kootenay Range in the Canadian Rockies. Explore pristine landscapes on hiking, biking or cross-country skiing trails or spend a while angling by the tranquil lakeside. Camp overnight amid alpine meadows and make the most of the network of exciting day walks.
Pick from a wide selection of hiking and mountain biking trails, from gentle family-friendly walks to challenging ridge-top climbs. A popular choice is the pretty trail that leads to the broad shores of Fish Lake. Traverse over log bridges and through dense forest, keeping watch for the flowers that bloom alongside the track in summer. See the pristine karst water bubbling out of Crazy River. At Fish Lake, a scenic lakeside trail presents awe-inspiring views from the foreshore across the surrounding mountain ranges. Cool off with a swim in the clear lake waters.
From Fish Lake, you can embark on the Summer Pass Trail and explore blooming alpine meadows or clamber up to the top of Wildhorse Ridge. The ridge top has magnificent views of Mount Doolan and Dolomite Lake. More panoramic views can be seen from Alpine Viewpoint and the summit of Sugarloaf.
Along your travels you’ll see alpine fir and Engelmann spruce, as well as lodgepole pine and sitka alder. On the alpine plateau, spot glacier lilies and mountain forget-me-nots, with yellow columbines and broad-flowers sprinkling color into the lower elevations. Spy bighorn sheep, mountain goats, marmots and deer around the ridges and meadows. Keen birdwatchers might catch a glimpse of the diverse jays, thrushes and waterfowl that live in the park.
Anglers can try their luck at catching cutthroat or Dolly Varden at any time of the year in Fish Lake. You can cross-country ski to Fish Lake by following the Lussier River from Nicole Creek Crossing. Contact the park service to find out about road closures, horseback riding guidelines and hunting or fishing licences. Campsites and bunks in the campers’ cabin at Fish Lake are available on a first-come, first-served basis and there are fees per night for both accommodations options.
