Spend a full day hiking through Kootenay National Park’s glaciers, peaks, and alpine meadows with Playwest Mountain Experiences. This moderate trek offers breathtaking views, expert guides, and a scenic lunch in the Canadian Rockies.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness recommended due to varied terrain and elevation gain.
Wildlife
History
Kootenay National Park, established in 1920, protects diverse landscapes shaped by ancient glaciers.
Conservation
Playwest emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to preserve fragile alpine habitats and minimize visitor impact.
Playwest Mountain Experiences
Spend a full day hiking through Kootenay National Park’s glaciers, peaks, and alpine meadows with Playwest Mountain Experiences. This moderate trek offers breathtaking views, expert guides, and a scenic lunch in the Canadian Rockies.
Playwest Mountain Experiences is a guided outdoor company based in Invermere, British Columbia, offering a range of day hikes, multi-day trips, skills courses, and seasonal experiences across the Purcell Mountains and Kootenay National Park. Guided programming includes recreational hikes like Glacier View and The Lookout, seasonal highlights such as Chasing Golden Larch and Mountain Sunsets & Savoury Fondue, and skill-focused offerings including Avalanche Skills Training - 1 (AST-1) in partnership with Avalanche Canada and the Companion Rescue Refresher.
Trips are designed for small groups and emphasize safety, trip planning, and practical skills. Backpacking for Beginners - Ladies Edition provides a pre-trip information session and hands-on instruction covering gear, navigation, trip planning, and Leave No Trace principles. The 2 Nighter features on-trail meals and guided exploration of glaciers, alpine lakes, and backcountry terrain. Short family-friendly options, such as Wild Wetlands Adventure, focus on local ecosystems and wildlife viewing along the Columbia River bluffs.
Playwest Mountain Experiences lists courses and guided hikes with clear trip summaries and logistical planning to help participants prepare for each outing. The company’s programming spans introductory movement skills and moderate full-day treks, aiming to combine outdoor education with exploratory experiences in the Columbia Valley. All descriptions and course formats reflect the trip information and partnerships provided for each offering.
Base Location
Invermere, BC
Located in the Columbia Valley
Trails & Parks
Purcell Mountains
Operating near Kootenay National Park
Group Style
Small groups
Personalized guiding and safety
AST-1 Partner
Avalanche Canada
Certified avalanche training partner
Reserve a hike, course, or seasonal experience in Invermere — view trip details and availability before you go.
Pack layers for alpine weather
Temperatures can drop suddenly in the mountains, especially during breaks—bring a warm layer even in summer.
Bring at least 1.5 liters of water
Hydration is key on this full-day hike; water sources are scarce along the trail.
Wear sturdy hiking boots
Expect diverse terrain including rocky slopes and possibly wet or snowy patches early season.
Carry a camera with extra batteries
The route offers spectacular views of glaciers and alpine meadows, perfect for landscape photography.
Hiking boots
Provide traction and ankle support on rocky and variable terrain.
Water bottle or hydration pack
Necessary to maintain hydration on a full-day trek.
Warm insulating layer
To stay comfortable during breaks and at higher elevations.
all
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
UV exposure increases with elevation and reflected light from snow or rocks.
spring|summer|fall