Want some ideas for twisted roads?
Here are a couple day trip area maps to enjoy.
Nelson - Creston - Crawford Bay - Balfour - Nelson
Enjoy the scenery of the Salmo pass on your way into the quaint city of Creston. If you feel like stopping for a bite, the Creston Valley Bakery is a great little spot with fresh baking, an assortment of tasty sandwiches and don't forget to pick up some delicious cookies for the ferry ride coming up. The Creston Valley Bakery is located at 113 10the Avenue North. Their building has a blue awning and is located right on a corner where the road bends and is across from the RBC.
As you head out from Creston, remember to head straight on 3A instead of returning the way you just came. This section is one of the top rated motorcycle highways in Canada and you are treated to the longest ferry free ferry ride once you reach the end. This road is 80km of pure bliss full of twists and turns which challenges even the most experienced riders at times. Be warned of wildlife that can pop out of anywhere and drivers that sometimes make questionable moves.
Aboard the ferry, relax and take in all the beauty around you while you travel across the Kootenay Lake to Balfour. Once off the ferry, take a left and head back in to Nelson for a cold beer.
This loop is approximately 247km and takes about 3 hours and 52 minutes with no stops.
As you head out from Creston, remember to head straight on 3A instead of returning the way you just came. This section is one of the top rated motorcycle highways in Canada and you are treated to the longest ferry free ferry ride once you reach the end. This road is 80km of pure bliss full of twists and turns which challenges even the most experienced riders at times. Be warned of wildlife that can pop out of anywhere and drivers that sometimes make questionable moves.
Aboard the ferry, relax and take in all the beauty around you while you travel across the Kootenay Lake to Balfour. Once off the ferry, take a left and head back in to Nelson for a cold beer.
This loop is approximately 247km and takes about 3 hours and 52 minutes with no stops.
Nelson - Kaslo - New Denver - Slocan - Nelson
One of the most boasted roads in the Kootenay area is the road that runs from Kaslo to New Denver. About the only road that tops it is running it from New Denver to Kaslo! Head out of Nelson on the 3A highway like you would go to Balfour but instead of turning to get on the ferry, go straight up to Kaslo. You will need to wind your way through town to get out the other side. One of the great sites in Kaslo is the hotel. Depending on your time of day, you may want to consider having a beverage on their deck. The view is spectacular.
From Kaslo, make your way towards New Denver on 46km of the most twisted road. Some warnings on this one are a couple of really tight hairpins and 2 wooden bridges. Depending on your time of day and the condensation in the area, those wooden bridges have been known to be slick when even the slightest drop of dew or water are on them. There are no warning signs they are there, so please watch. New Denver has a couple spots where you can enjoy a quick meal and reflect on that most amazing road you were just on.
From New Denver, continue on highway 6 over the Slocan pass which offers even more stunning views from its heights. As you wind your way around, you will find yourself back on the road into Nelson.
This loop is approximately 216km and takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes with no stops.
From Kaslo, make your way towards New Denver on 46km of the most twisted road. Some warnings on this one are a couple of really tight hairpins and 2 wooden bridges. Depending on your time of day and the condensation in the area, those wooden bridges have been known to be slick when even the slightest drop of dew or water are on them. There are no warning signs they are there, so please watch. New Denver has a couple spots where you can enjoy a quick meal and reflect on that most amazing road you were just on.
From New Denver, continue on highway 6 over the Slocan pass which offers even more stunning views from its heights. As you wind your way around, you will find yourself back on the road into Nelson.
This loop is approximately 216km and takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes with no stops.
Selkirk Loop - Passport Required
From Nelson, head south on Highway 6 to the border crossing at Nelway, following the picturesque Salmo River, a great option for a dip on the return trip on a sweltering summer day. Not far after the US border crossing, take the very short side trip to the Boundary Dam at the East Access Road sign. Be prepared for a remarkable sight if the spillway is open as the diverted water is deflected up in a massive arc with its concurrent rainbow.
The Pend Orielle River Canyon itself is worth the side trip. Continue south on US 31 and then Highway 20 East, enjoying the companionship of the Pend Orielle River and the opening up of the topography to the junction with Highway 2 at Newport. Then follow Highway 2 east through the center of Sandpoint, with a bit of shopping and great options for food such as a deep friend bacon sandwich!
Stay on highway 2 North crossing at Porthill, then on to Creston where you can make a decision to either take the Salmo pass back or 3A to the ferry. Both routes are the same distance but you will need to add about an hour to include waiting for a travelling across the Kootenay Lake on the ferry.
Note: At the very south of the loop, a nice side trip to Priest Lake is possible east of Newport by turning north at Priest River (well marked). Make sure you take the turn off to Coolin to get the best views of the lake north of the town. It is a longer side trip than the mileage to the lake itself says.
This loop is approximately 462km and takes about 5 hours and 50 minutes with no stops and 6 hours and 40 minutes if you take the ferry on the way back.
Nelson - Cruiser's Biker Bar, Idaho - Nelson
This day trip requires a passport to cross the border with a destination in Idaho. Heading south out of Nelson, going over the Salmo pass, continue on and cross over into Washington State.
As you continue southbound, enjoy the winding roads that take you through the Colville National Forrest and past the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge. Don't be surprised as you exit the park area that you will soon cross into Idaho. When you arrive in the town of Post Falls, make your way to 6105 W, Seltice Way where you will find Cruiser's Bike Bar. Enjoy a great meal, a cold beverage and stories with friends of riding your bike through this bar! Total round trip is approximately 504km and takes about 6 hours and 26 minutes without stops. |
Cruiser's Biker BarFrom their website, www.cruisersstateline.com, Cruiser's is one of the most unique bar and grill's around, dedicated to the motorcycle and hot rod community. It boasts a weekly gathering of motorcycle and hot rod enthusiasts who enjoy the comradery of fellow riders and drivers of various walks of life throughout the US and Canada.
Cruiser's Bar & Grill has made a commitment to ensuring you have a fun and enjoyable time there. It is known for being able to ride your bike or drive your hot rod right through the center of the bar. That's right, you will ride right through the bar while patrons are inside enjoying a meal and a beverage watching you come through. That is taking drive-thru service to a whole new level! Visit Exit 69, Cruiser's very own boutique, and pick up your very own swag to remember your trip there. With tons of apparel and other collectibles, you are sure to find something worth bringing home. If that's not enough, for any daredevils, there is Dirty Harry's Tattooing and Piercing Studio located right beside. Plan for a full day if you take this day trip and add in some extra events. |
