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Kootenay Lake, British Columbia

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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 2008, 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.

Kootenay Rockies
Photo (c) by photographer, Linda Hoxie.

The above image of the mountain you pass in Northern Idaho just before you get to the border at Nelway, British Columbia, Canada.

Arriving at the Canadian Border

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.


Photo (c) by photographer, Linda Hoxie.

We can see customs.


Photo (c) by photographer, Linda Hoxie.

We arrived in Canada, British Columbia.


Photo (c) by photographer, Linda Hoxie.

We have to change our speed to metric, it is a good thing our odometer has metric reading too.


Photo (c) by photographer, Linda Hoxie.

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!

The drive along Koontenay Lake

The views were just spectacular along the drive. There is high mountains, that seem untouched by man, with lush valleys below.

Kootenay
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

The Lake is held back by a series of man made dikes. This sign told the story about how they came to be.

Kootenay
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

Another view of the lush valley below.

Kootenay
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

Below is Mount Hooknose, appropriately named don't you think?

Mount Hooknose
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

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.

Marina
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

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.

Kootenay
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

We came up over a small hill and this view opened up. The photo does not do it justice at all as it litterly took our breath away!

Kootenay Rockies
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

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?

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Never been there but might like to go.

SereneSea says:

Never, but I have to visit this beautiful place in my life time.

bgamall says:

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

littlesnowflakes says:

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.

irishblack says:

Wish,Wish to go.Someday.Lovely pictures.

easyforyouebooks says:

No I have never been there but I hope I get to see some of the beautiful place from the pictures

WhiteOak50 says:

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.

daria369 says:

No, not yet... :)

Mayflowerblood says:

looks ineresting enough =]

Number1Athlete says:

I really want to go to Canada and explore. To be honest, I never have been out of the U.S.

susannaduffy says:

Someone send me the plane ticket please! I've never seen such colours in trees

jdionlds says:

I would love to go, Dad was from Canada.

Jewelsofawe says:

I have not been there, but it sure looks beautiful.

supercibor says:

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.

Spook says:

Personally have never been there but my wife has many years ago.

KadabaCo says:

Not yet, but who could resist?

AslanBooks says:

Never been there...I'd like to visit for a hunting or fishing trip!

WhitU4ever says:

I would love to visit Canada. The mountains and wide open spaces are my kind of terrain.

heehaw says:

i want to go to Kootenay Lake!!!

OhMe says:

I've never been to Canada but would like to go to Glacier National Park.

SaraMu says:

You took the same road trip I'd like to take. It's nice to see your pics. I'm even more inspired now.

Margo_Arrowsmith says:

I have never been to Western Canada (although my greatgrandfather was from Alberta) But eastern is wonderful

CCGAL says:

I never thought about it, but looking at these wonderful photos made me want to be there!

CleanerLife says:

No, but I have distant family in Nova Scotia.

Yes, been there and we went to...

darciefrench says:

I've lived in BC all my life and feel so blessed to live in this Beautiful Country.

sheilamarie says:

You must have passed through my neighbourhood. It's fun to see your pictures and recognize the place.

RYPcontent says:

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-places :-)

Intuitive says:

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!

JoanneOtt says:

I live in British Columbia on Vancouver Island. The Kootenay area is gorgeous.

Evelyn_Saenz says:

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.

Hulakow says:

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.

snowman2795 says:

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!

EricStifel says:

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

PattB says:

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.

genefleszar says:

Great photos, it's been a long time but the charm is still there. Gene

celicagts188 says:

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!

CherylK says:

I've been to Vancouver and Victoria, BC. They're both just lovely cities.

selwynf says:

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

MobyD says:

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.

LaraineRose says:

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!

LDWorld says:

We wen to Vancouver and loved it a bunch! We are planning to go back soon...

nightbear says:

I have been to Toronto, it was one of the funnest and most beautiful vacations I've ever taken.

Alex_D says:

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!

glacier4 says:

Some friends and I took a 5 day road trip to Canada. We went to Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. It was so beautiful and we had an amazing time!

DarleneOuimet says:

I live in Southern Alberta Canada, right at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. I never get tired of the beauty, however... I think I am ready to try living by the Ocean in a warm climate for a few years! LOL

fotolady49 says:

Ontario, Quebec, Sault St. Marie and really enjoyed the drive we took along Lake Superior when we were there. Beautiful country!

janices7 says:

Did a huge loop around the north side of Lake Superior down to Sault Ste. Marie to Ottawa to Montreal to Quebec down through NY state and back up to Niagara Falls. It was quite a trek - we absolutely loved Quebec City. Someday we'll definitely do Banff and B.C.

WalterSeward says:

lived there. Travel there. Beauty it is in God's country. Seasons, variety, peaceful. Don't tell anyone, we want to keep it this way.

JasonE says:

I have been to Banff twice and to Lake Louise once. (Both are in Alberta, near Calgary.) I would certainly love to go back again sometime. The mountains and streams there are beautiful. It looks like you had a wonderful trip too!

K_Linda says:

I grew up in northern Vermont. We lived only an hour and a half from Montreal and could actually go out to dinner there. Montreal is a beautiful city and has wonderful restaurants of all kinds. Also, Quebec City is very lovely and is a lot like an old European city. I have never been to western Canada, but I would love to see it.

NatalieC says:

I live in Canada and have had the opportunity to travel to many gorgeous places. What comes to mind the most, Lake Moraine in Alberta, The old growth forests in the Temagami Ontario, Mohone Bay and Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and Quebec City, Quebec.

TerriJo says:

I love the city so I love Vancouver. Since the day we went to the World's fair there, I have loved it. I've been there on one business trip where we stayed in a fabulous hotel overlooking the world's fair site on the water. It had a revolving top floor restaurant, unbelievable scenery from there. But my favorite place in Canada is Victoria, BC. Stay tuned for pics because this great lens gives me an idea!!

OnceUponaBid says:

Yes, I have been right over the border from VT about 20 years ago. Canada is great, as our its people. Great pictures on this lens, definately makes anyone want to head right there! :) - Marty

KentuckyGal says:

I went on a fly/bus tour of Banff and Jasper (along with Glacier Park in Montana) back in the early 90's.

WendyKrick says:

I've been to BC twice and love it. It is gorgeous!

KimGiancaterino says:

I've been to Vancouver and to Niagara Falls. Canada is a beautiful country. I also have family in Windsor, Ontario.

poddys says:

I went across the river from Detroit to Windsor one night for a wedding. That's my experience of being in Canada. Doesn't really count does it...

JessieA says:

Love Canada, I have been all over Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. British Columbia is by far one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been to.

WifeLA says:

Well, I live in Canada...Sooke, BC on Vancouver Island. There's nothing like Island life!!
Great Lens...visit us again :)
LA

AngelsAssets says:

Canada is a great country...from sea to sea to sea. Best if you see it for yourself though.

kmcvay says:

I've lived in Beautiful British Columbia since 1967, primarily on Vancouver Island. I've never found another place I'd rather be.

thesolowriter says:

I've been to Quetico backpacking and fishing. It was soooo beautiful. And after seeing your lens, I want to see more of the country.

aj2008 says:

Yes, we went to Toronto when one of my daughters was only 9 months old. She ensured that we always had the most fantastic service wherever we went and I could have had $5 for every time someone said to us: "Gee, is so cute", then it would have paid for the trip. The highlight had to be Niagara Falls and the ride on The Maid of the Mist - awesome! I would like to go whale watching on the West coast if I went back.

AdriennePetersen says:

We went to Vancouver once when I was a young teen to visit
relatives. I want to go to Alberta, my dad was born there.

cyrusvman says:

ive lived in vancouver canada all my life and its the best city ever it always makes the top 5 cities to live in.

p.s. cant wait till 2010 olimpyics in vancouver

Treasures-By-Brenda says:

I have had the pleasure of living all the way from the east coast of Nova Scotia to the west coast of British Columbia and some of the points in between. We have loved everywhere we have been! Canada is a fantastic place to visit so if you have the chance, make sure you grab it!

GramaBarb says:

I lived in Nelson for 17 years and it is the best places to live EVER! ok, now I'm homesick :( I was living there while Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah were in town filming Roxanne. They became part of the town for the summer of 1987. The movie shows how beautiful Nelson is too.

jeffryv says:

I lived in Nelson for a summer, one of the best little towns in BC.

nightbear says:

We had one of our favorite vacations in Toronto, Not only was it beautiful it was so clean. Even their subway was so clean and you felt safe riding it. Really nice memories

stargazer00 says:

We have traveled quite a bit in Canada and it is such a gorgeous country! We traveled from BC over to Winnipeg a two or three times. Love that trip!

mulberry says:

Quebec, Montreal, Windsor....planned a trip to the Canadian Rockies a few years ago but if fell through :(

lakeerieartists says:

Yes, been there but it has been awhile. Toronto, Montreal, Windsor, and of course, Niagra Falls.

JustBon-Crochet-Designs says:

Yes, I've visited :) The Canadian side of Niagara Falls and then on to Toronto, where I went to the top of the CN Tower. I'm not good with heights..lol...but the views were spectacular.

 

Crossing Koontenay Bay, on the Ferry.

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.

Kootenay ferry
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

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.

Kootenay Bay
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

The snow covered peaks.

Koontenay rockies
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

The ferry as it arrives.

Kootenay Ferry
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

Driving onto the ferry. I think the ferry holds approximately 60 cars. There was a semi truck that crossed that unloaded too.

Kootenay Ferry
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

The views of Kootenay bay as you cross on the ferry were just incredible. This is a view behind us.

Kootenay Bay
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

A sailboat crossing the Kootenay Bay. Wouldn't that be fun to do!

sailboat
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

Another view of the mountains.

Kootenay Rockies
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

I love the sailboats.

Sailboat
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

The fall colors were so beautiful here.

Fall Colors
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

A large boat and our dock awaiting us on the west side of Kootenay Bay.

Boat
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

Nelson, British Columbia

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.

Nelson, British Columbia
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie, all rights reserved.
A beautiful fountain, in front of the fall colors.

Nelson, British Columbia
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie, all rights reserved.
This was a beautiful house, look at the colors in those trees.

House looks like a ship
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie, all rights reserved.
How about a House shaped like a ship? Isn't that unique?

Castle towers Canadian Flag
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie, all rights reserved.
I loved this old building with the castle towers, and the Canadian flag flying proudly from the steeple.

Ivy
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie, all rights reserved.
This granite building was covered in ivy.

The drive south from Nelson to the State of Washington, USA

As we left Nelson and headed south, there was a lot of beautiful country we drove through.

Fall colors in Canada
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

The fall colors were just amazing.

rock climbers
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

These were some rock climbers along the drive. There is a lot of steep, and rocky mountains to climb in this area.

parachute
Photo (c) by photographer Linda Hoxie

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!

Map of British Columbia

Back in the United States. We came out in Washington, US.



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.

welcome to the United states
Photo (c) by photographer, Linda Hoxie
After we left Canada and entered the state of Washington, the beautiful scenery did not stop. The pictures below are Boundry Lake, in Washington.

lake
Photo (c) by photographer, Linda Hoxie
A close up of a log.

reflections on the lake
Photo (c) by photographer, Linda Hoxie
Looking west.

fall colors
Photo (c) by photographer, Linda Hoxie
The view looking east.

fall colors reflecting
Photo (c) by photographer, Linda Hoxie
The reflections of the trees.

fall colors
Photo (c) by photographer, Linda Hoxie
A view a little farther back.

Kootenay Prints and Posters

Photographer Linda Hoxie

Own your own print of poster of the beautiful area of Kootenay Bay, British Columbia in Canada.
Mount Hooknose, Kootenay Rockies - Customized Posters Mount Hooknose, Kootenay Rockies - Customized Posters by Art_By_Linda

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Kootenay Bay, BC Canada Posters Kootenay Bay, BC Canada Posters by Art_By_Linda

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Kootenay Lake, BC Canada (Large Poster) Kootenay Lake, BC Canada (Large Poster) by Art_By_Linda

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Sailboat, Kootenay Bay, British Columbia, CN Poster Sailboat, Kootenay Bay, British Columbia, CN Poster by Art_By_Linda

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The Kootenay Rockies Posters The Kootenay Rockies Posters by Art_By_Linda

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Kuskanook Harbor Print Kuskanook Harbor Print by Art_By_Linda

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Kootenay Area, British Columbia Poster Kootenay Area, British Columbia Poster by Art_By_Linda

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powered by Zazzle.com

I hope you enjoyed our trip through British Columbia, Canada

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I appreciate you stopping by and checking out our Canada Trip.

Please leave a message so I know you were here.

Linda


Stumble It!

tagfoottagfoot rocks my socks

  • jadehorseshoe Dec 30, 2011 @ 1:11 pm | delete
    Another PERFECT Lens! Great Pics!
  • franstan Oct 9, 2011 @ 4:13 pm | delete
    Beautiful lens. A wonderful way to document your travels. Blessed
  • darciefrench May 10, 2011 @ 9:52 pm | delete
    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!!
  • JenOfChicago Apr 1, 2011 @ 12:40 pm | delete
    Happy April Fools Day, blessed by a Squid Angel!
  • SereneSea Mar 17, 2011 @ 9:25 am | delete
    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.
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ArtByLinda

Hello, my name is Linda I live in the beautiful state of Idaho and I love to write lenses about the things that are near and dear to my heart. Most of... more »

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