Driving the International Selkirk Loop: Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia
Not yet published by Connie Motz, Writer
Country: Canada 
The Experience
The International Selkirk Loop is the only multi-country scenic loop in North America that comprises the beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery of both Canada and the U.S. It’s also been designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation as “one of the top 10 scenic destinations in the Northern Rockies.”
Following a total of 280 miles of scenic byways, the International Selkirk Loop travels through Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia. It doesn’t really matter where you start or where you stop, you’ll find a variety of natural beauty and outdoor activities along the way.
Visitors can start this trip from the “West’s Best Small Town,” Sandpoint, ID, located about 1 ½ hours from the nearest international airport in Spokane, WA. This charming town of only eight thousand residents has been described as a “Norman Rockwell meets Ansel Adams classic” by USA Today. Sandpoint sits on the edge of Lake Pend Oreille, which offers a spectacular summer lifestyle including swimming at City Beach Park, 12 miles of paved biking trails, fishing, boating, and water sports galore.
Just a few minutes outside of Sandpoint is the largest ski resort in the northwest, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, which offers amazing year-round views of Canada, Idaho, and Montana from high atop their 6,400-foot summit.
From Sandpoint, continue west to Priest River where you can view the historical downtown area dating back to its sawmill heydays of the early 1920’s. Only a few miles outside of Priest River is the Albeni Falls Dam Visitor Center where you can enjoy a tour of the dam during the summer months. Travel along through Oldtown, home to the summer Pend Oreille Valley Lavender Festival, and Newport, featuring their historic main street along Washington Avenue.
From Newport, continue travelling north to Usk and Cusick, which are known for their abundance of eagles, ospreys, and tundra swan migration in the late winter. The only building left in the once bustling town of Tiger is now the General Store, but it deserves a stop to visit its mining museum display.
Next, is the tiny town of Lone where, in the fall, you can take a breathtaking Lions Club Excursion Train Ride. Upon leaving Lone you’ll come across the Box Canyon Dam, which is a perfect stop for an afternoon swim or picnic. Follow this route through Metaline and Metaline Falls, named as part of the 100 Best Small Art Towns in America. There are several notable historic buildings including the 1912 Cutter Theatre.
The U.S./Canada Border Crossing at Metaline/Nelway will take you through Salmo and then onto Ymir where you can stop to refresh yourself at the historic 1896 Hotel Ymir. From there, the next stop on the International Selkirk Loop is the beautiful town of Nelson, BC.
Named as the “#1 Arts Town in Canada,” Nelson is set along the scenic shores of Kootenay Lake. Nelson is a funky melting pot of different cultures, which also translates into great food, endless outdoor activities, and a general zest for life. Offering a number of historic buildings downtown, this Queen City is also widely known for its stunning selection of historical homes standing majestically on the city's hillside. Enjoy a ride on a restored streetcar, choose a restaurant along Baker Street, or take advantage of the gorgeous natural setting by going boating, golfing, mountain biking, fishing, or just relaxing and enjoying the lake views.
From Nelson, the loop continues north to Balfour where you’ll pass Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, known for its scenic hiking and backpacking trails. Drive further north to Balfour where you’ll board the ferry to enjoy the longest free ferry ride in the world, taking you across the water to Crawford Bay.
As you make your way south along the winding lakeshore, stop at Boswell to view the glass house made from over half a million discarded bottles. As you approach Creston, there are many wonderful stops to enjoy canoeing, boating, fishing, and camping.
Known for its wealth of fresh fruits throughout the seasons, Creston offers some unique attractions, including the Columbia Brewery where Kokanee beer is produced, and the 17,000-acre Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area & Interpretive Centre. Visitors here can see over 250 species of birds, go canoeing, or possibly view white tailed deer, or even moose.
Visitors will cross the back into the U.S. at the Rykerts/Porthill border crossing, which will take them to the historic town of Bonners Ferry situated on the edge of the Kootenay River. Here you can enjoy abundant fishing, cycling, or even take a chance at the casino owned by the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho.
As you make your way south back to Sandpoint, you’ll pass by McArthur Lake Wildlife Management Area where you can take advantage of the views or enjoy an afternoon of fishing. Once in Sandpoint, this completes the International Selkirk Loop.
Following a total of 280 miles of scenic byways, the International Selkirk Loop travels through Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia. It doesn’t really matter where you start or where you stop, you’ll find a variety of natural beauty and outdoor activities along the way.
Visitors can start this trip from the “West’s Best Small Town,” Sandpoint, ID, located about 1 ½ hours from the nearest international airport in Spokane, WA. This charming town of only eight thousand residents has been described as a “Norman Rockwell meets Ansel Adams classic” by USA Today. Sandpoint sits on the edge of Lake Pend Oreille, which offers a spectacular summer lifestyle including swimming at City Beach Park, 12 miles of paved biking trails, fishing, boating, and water sports galore.
Just a few minutes outside of Sandpoint is the largest ski resort in the northwest, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, which offers amazing year-round views of Canada, Idaho, and Montana from high atop their 6,400-foot summit.
From Sandpoint, continue west to Priest River where you can view the historical downtown area dating back to its sawmill heydays of the early 1920’s. Only a few miles outside of Priest River is the Albeni Falls Dam Visitor Center where you can enjoy a tour of the dam during the summer months. Travel along through Oldtown, home to the summer Pend Oreille Valley Lavender Festival, and Newport, featuring their historic main street along Washington Avenue.
From Newport, continue travelling north to Usk and Cusick, which are known for their abundance of eagles, ospreys, and tundra swan migration in the late winter. The only building left in the once bustling town of Tiger is now the General Store, but it deserves a stop to visit its mining museum display.
Next, is the tiny town of Lone where, in the fall, you can take a breathtaking Lions Club Excursion Train Ride. Upon leaving Lone you’ll come across the Box Canyon Dam, which is a perfect stop for an afternoon swim or picnic. Follow this route through Metaline and Metaline Falls, named as part of the 100 Best Small Art Towns in America. There are several notable historic buildings including the 1912 Cutter Theatre.
The U.S./Canada Border Crossing at Metaline/Nelway will take you through Salmo and then onto Ymir where you can stop to refresh yourself at the historic 1896 Hotel Ymir. From there, the next stop on the International Selkirk Loop is the beautiful town of Nelson, BC.
Named as the “#1 Arts Town in Canada,” Nelson is set along the scenic shores of Kootenay Lake. Nelson is a funky melting pot of different cultures, which also translates into great food, endless outdoor activities, and a general zest for life. Offering a number of historic buildings downtown, this Queen City is also widely known for its stunning selection of historical homes standing majestically on the city's hillside. Enjoy a ride on a restored streetcar, choose a restaurant along Baker Street, or take advantage of the gorgeous natural setting by going boating, golfing, mountain biking, fishing, or just relaxing and enjoying the lake views.
From Nelson, the loop continues north to Balfour where you’ll pass Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, known for its scenic hiking and backpacking trails. Drive further north to Balfour where you’ll board the ferry to enjoy the longest free ferry ride in the world, taking you across the water to Crawford Bay.
As you make your way south along the winding lakeshore, stop at Boswell to view the glass house made from over half a million discarded bottles. As you approach Creston, there are many wonderful stops to enjoy canoeing, boating, fishing, and camping.
Known for its wealth of fresh fruits throughout the seasons, Creston offers some unique attractions, including the Columbia Brewery where Kokanee beer is produced, and the 17,000-acre Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area & Interpretive Centre. Visitors here can see over 250 species of birds, go canoeing, or possibly view white tailed deer, or even moose.
Visitors will cross the back into the U.S. at the Rykerts/Porthill border crossing, which will take them to the historic town of Bonners Ferry situated on the edge of the Kootenay River. Here you can enjoy abundant fishing, cycling, or even take a chance at the casino owned by the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho.
As you make your way south back to Sandpoint, you’ll pass by McArthur Lake Wildlife Management Area where you can take advantage of the views or enjoy an afternoon of fishing. Once in Sandpoint, this completes the International Selkirk Loop.
When to Go
You can visit the “Forgotten Corner" during any season, and every season has its own unique blend of colour and verve to offer. The lush green of spring and summers contrasts with the many autumn colours and the gloss white snowy winters. There are so many wonderful recreational aspects of this beautiful area, so plan accordingly in the right season.
At present, the U.S./Canada border crossing times are:
Metaline, WA 8:00 a.m. to midnight
Nelway, BC 8:00 a.m. to midnight
Rykerts, BC 8:00 a.m. to midnight
Porthill, WA 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
At present, the U.S./Canada border crossing times are:
Metaline, WA 8:00 a.m. to midnight
Nelway, BC 8:00 a.m. to midnight
Rykerts, BC 8:00 a.m. to midnight
Porthill, WA 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Odds n' Ends
There are various festivals and events throughout the Selkirk Loop.
Sandpoint, ID
•May – Lost in the '50s Weekend
•July – Sandpoint Wooden Boat Festival
•August – Festival at Sandpoint
•September – Schweitzer Fall Fest
•October – Oktoberfest and Harvestfest
Nelson, BC
•April – Summit to Summer Multisport Event & Festival
•May – Garden Festival; May to October – Cottonwood Market
•July – Art Walk; World Midsummer Curling Bonspiel; Kootenay Fat Tire Festival
•August – Nelson Summer Song Fest
•September – Road Kings Classic Car Show
Creston, BC
•April – Home & Garden Trade Fair
•May – Creston Valley Blossom Festival; Lower Kootenai Band Yaqan Nuki Powwow
•July – Goat Style Bike Jam
•August – Creston Valley Fest
•September – Creston Valley Fall Fair
Bonners Ferry, ID
•June – Jamboree Rod Benders Car Show
•July – Huckleberry Festival & Logging Competition Events; Kootenai River Rodeo
•August – Boundary County Fair
•September – Lions Club Demolition Derby
Sandpoint, ID
•May – Lost in the '50s Weekend
•July – Sandpoint Wooden Boat Festival
•August – Festival at Sandpoint
•September – Schweitzer Fall Fest
•October – Oktoberfest and Harvestfest
Nelson, BC
•April – Summit to Summer Multisport Event & Festival
•May – Garden Festival; May to October – Cottonwood Market
•July – Art Walk; World Midsummer Curling Bonspiel; Kootenay Fat Tire Festival
•August – Nelson Summer Song Fest
•September – Road Kings Classic Car Show
Creston, BC
•April – Home & Garden Trade Fair
•May – Creston Valley Blossom Festival; Lower Kootenai Band Yaqan Nuki Powwow
•July – Goat Style Bike Jam
•August – Creston Valley Fest
•September – Creston Valley Fall Fair
Bonners Ferry, ID
•June – Jamboree Rod Benders Car Show
•July – Huckleberry Festival & Logging Competition Events; Kootenai River Rodeo
•August – Boundary County Fair
•September – Lions Club Demolition Derby
Want a Guide?
Places to Eat
- Di Luna's Cafe - Sandpoint, ID
- Dish Home Cooking - Sandpoint, ID
- Max & Irma's Kitchen - Nelson, BC
- a former funeral parlor!
- All Seasons Cafe - Nelson, BC
- Nelson's fine dining gourmet restaurant
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