After their scream-filled, white-knuckled plunge down the Revelstoke Pipe Coaster – the new, wildly popular roller-coaster ride at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort – the Penner boys’ excitement couldn’t be contained. “Let’s do it again, dad!,” they bellowed, bouncing up and down like kids high on sugar. But my kids were not high on sugar. (That would come later.) They were high on the Kootenay Rockies…and all the cool and crazy adventures that they found there.

Thanks to roller coasters, caves, ziplines, mine tours, hot springs, and much more, there is no shortage of thrills for kids (and big kids) in the Kootenays. The region, blessed with mountains, lakes, rushing rivers, and plenty of beautiful backroads to explore, makes for an awesome late-summer road trip.

Yes, true, we’re down to the dog days of summer, however, it’s never too late to get out to the mountains and experience some of the best, family-friendly adventures in the Kootenay Rockies. Here are my top ten activities for kids — big and small – in the region.

White-Water Rafting on the Kicking Horse River

Not all rivers are created equal! The Kicking Horse River, which tumbles into town (Golden, that is), is an absolute blast to raft. The upper part of the journey is tame and offers a chance to acclimatize. But then, when the rapids really begin in the middle section, it’s a chaotic, thrill-a-second feast of the finest order. www.glacierraft.com.

Golden Eagle Express

“Stunning” hardly does it justice when describing the views from the Eagle’s Eye summit at the Kicking Horse Resort. After the 15-minute gondola ride, traipse along soaring ridgelines and just soak in the splendour…and, of course, dine at the legendary Eagle’s Eye Restaurant. www.kickinghorseresort.com.   

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