Where to Experience Your First Snowshoe in the Kootenays

When us hikers face snow, there’s only one thing we can do: Keep hiking.

Shoes become no longer an option though. Snowshoeing is a great winter activity that offers the closest experience to hiking.

But, where do you go for your first snowshoe in the Kootenays?

You’ll need a place to test some out before you’re ready to brave the mountains.

You don’t want to head out to climb a peak without giving snowshoes a go first.

A snowshoe trail in the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area

A great place for your first snowshoe experience in the Kootenays is the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area.

The Wildlife Centre is located at the West end of the flats, in West Creston. There are endless trails and tracks to explore during any season.

The Creston Valley Wildlife Centre in winter (Looking towards Kootenay Lake)

The Creston Valley Wildlife Centre in the summer (Looking towards Kootenay Lake)

 This is a great place to harness your snowshoeing skills. There are usually tracks already made by other snowshoes or by skis.

The actual Wildlife Centre is closed in the winter, but you can walk around it and use the trails.

There are small loops, such as the Songbird Stroll, that are no more than 2km. There are also longer trails such as the Wood Duck Walk, which is around a 2.5 to 3 hour walk. Everything will take a little longer if you’re snowshoeing.

Snowshoeing the Wood Duck Walk in West Creston

The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area’s trails are also quite diverse. There are single-lane trails, boardwalks, open grass trails, and tree covered trails.

There are also several lookout towers in the Wildlife Centre. These offer views of the whole surrounding wetlands and Kootenay Mountains. Whether in the winter or summer its still an amazing sight.

When you feel comfortable walking on the trails, take the snowshoes off-road. You want to try walking in some deeper powder too. If you plan on going on a longer snowshoe in the Kootenays, you’re going to be walking through powder.

Snowshoeing in the Kootenays (Creston Wildlife Centre)

 Poles are optional when you’re snowshoeing. In the Wildlife Centre you won’t need them. Outside of Creston though, you’ll be thankful for the extra support. Especially when you’re attempting to summit Cornice Ridge on Kootenay Pass.

The Wildlife Centre in Creston, BC, is where to go for your first snowshoe in the Kootenays.

Don’t wander into the marsh. Happy snowshoeing, Kootenay hikers.