Last Minute Summer Getaways in British Columbia

Still haven’t booked your summer getaway? There’s no need for last minute holiday stress!
Whether you would like to book a lengthy family vacation, or a quick mountain escape for a long weekend, there are plenty of excellent last minute options available at some of the most beautiful destinations in Western Canada.
Here are some of the Rockies’ best-kept secrets for some great last minute summer getaways… and what you can expect to see and do when you get there!
 

KICKING HORSE

Kicking Horse is renowned as a fabulous ski resort in winter, but this scenic mountain area does not receive the same volume of tourists in summer. This makes it an ideal spot for some rest and relaxation in a beautiful nature setting!
 

 
Things to Do
Kicking Horse is the perfect option for those who would like to do lots of day trips to see local attractions. It’s within a short driving distance to Banff, Canmore and the Icefields Parkway – meaning visitors can take great day trips to all of the tourist sites, but enjoy the peace and quiet of staying in a less populous mountain area with great views, hikes, and extremely reasonably-priced accommodations.
In summer, the Kicking Horse River has some of the best white water rafting in the province of BC and the rafting companies run a variety of trips to accommodate all ages.  The nearby Columbia river is gentler, and well-suited to fishing, canoeing, kayaking and gentle wildlife float tours. The Columbia Wetlands is a unique wetlands ecosystem that is home to dozens of bird species and water-based mammals.
Also make sure you pay a visit to Boo, the orphaned grizzly bear who’s a permanent resident at the Grizzly Bear Interpretive Centre at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. For another wonderful wildlife experience, visit the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre.
You can take the gondola to the Summit of Kicking Horse Resort for access to miles of hiking and biking trails. Informative hiking maps are widely available and will guide visitors to some incredibly scenic trails.
Best For: Active families who love to explore.
Unique Experiences: Pay a visit to the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, accessible by gondola and perched at a precarious 7,700 feet at the top of Dogwood Range!
Kicking Horse Accommodation Options
 
 

KIMBERLEY

Kimberley is an four-season destination loved by many. This alpine gem clings tight to its rich cultural history, and offers visitors a vast array of outdoor pursuits, festivals and events, and arts and culture to explore.
 

 
Things to Do
Kimberley is famous for its festivals, and all summer long there’s no shortage of events and celebrations for visitors to enjoy! For those interested in the arts, check out Kimberley’s Kaleidoscope or First Saturdays, while crafty kids will be sure to enjoy Medley Arts Camp.
Kimberley hosts JulyFest every summer, and it’s biggest event of the year. Known as the “best of the fests,” JulyFest highlights are beer gardens, a bocce ball tournament, live music and dancing, and organized sporting events.
Golf lovers will find themselves in absolute paradise in Kimberley, with three courses located only a short drive from one another, each one unique and boasting awards. Prepare for scenic mountain and valley views as you play these courses settled amidst lush forest land.
For activities that take you back to nature, there are great mountain biking, walking and hiking trails in Kimberley Nature Park and by Lois Creek Trails. The area is surrounded with dozens of lakes and rivers, making it the ideal spot for keen fishermen to indulge in some fantastic trout fishing.
For good eats, be sure to stop by the weekly farmers market to stock up on delicious local produce, while downtown Kimberley is alive with restaurants with outdoor seating options for enjoying a cold beer on a sun-soaked evening.
Best For: A mountain getaway with added arts & culture
Unique Experiences: Visit Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway and take a tour at the Underground Mining Interpretive centre to explore the 750 ft long mine and learn about hard rock mining.
Kimberley Accommodation Options
 
 

PANORAMA

Panorama is a true hidden gem, tucked away in the mountains near the town of Invermere and offering guests a wonderful resort-style getaway with fabulous amenities and beautiful untouched nature in equally large helpings!
 

 
Things to Do
Panorama is an absolutely wonderful choice for groups, as there are a multitude of things to do and see at this beautiful resort.
Kids will adore the massive pools and waterslides, and are guaranteed endless hours of fun with new friends playing on the 25 ft bungy apparatus, resort archery range, and FunZone bounce house. There are also resort-organized kids’ clubs to keep your little ones occupied while you have some R&R – sink into an outdoor hot tub for a soak, or visit the sauna or on-site spa.
Greywolf Golf Course is located at Panorama and is rated as one of Canada’s top public courses due to it’s imaginative architecture, beautiful alpine scenery and elevation change.
Hiking and mountain biking are both popular summer activities, and there are many family-friendly and scenic trails for beginners as well as some more challenging terrain for more adventurous hikers and experienced riders. Each guest receives a complimentary sightseeing ticket for the gondola, allowing everyone to take in the beauty of the area with ease.
Panorama also offers nearby stand up paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing, as well as ATV and rafting tours.
Best for: Groups with varied interests – in Panorama, there are tons of options to both be super active or relax by the pool.
Unique Experiences: Panorama offers guests a daily Mountain Yoga class, and guests can also go and explore the wonderful nearby Radium Hot Springs.
Panorama Accommodation Options
 

LOOKING FOR A LAST MINUTE SUMMER GETAWAY?

Come and experience these summer hotspots for yourself with Leavetown! Simply call our Destination Experts at 1.877.902.1616, or browse our wide selection of vacation rentals online if you’d like to consider soaking up some summer sunshine in Kicking Horse, Kimberley, or Panorama!