Driving the International Selkirk Loop (Stops + Itinerary)

The International Selkirk Loop is scenic drive through British Columbia, Idaho, and Montana and it’s one of the most underrated road trips in North America. It combines mountain views, small towns, lake crossings, and unique stops that are surprisingly family-friendly.

We did this road trip as a family, not knowing exactly what to expect. What we found was one of the best family road trip.

In this guide, you’ll find a day-by-day itinerary for driving the International Selkirk Loop, the best stops along this scenic drive, and practical tips to help you plan your trip with kids.

👉 P.S. If you’re new to planning road trips, start with my step-by-step guide for planning a road trip. You can also check my Canada road trip budget guide to estimate costs

What Is the International Selkirk Loop?

The International Selkirk Loop is a scenic 450 km road trip that takes you through southeastern British Columbia, northern Idaho, and eastern Washington.

It’s one of the only international road loops in North America, which means you’ll cross the Canada–US border twice during the drive.

The route is known for its mix of mountain scenery, lakes, small towns, and quiet roads. You’ll drive along Kootenay Lake, take a free ferry between Balfour and Kootenay Bay, and pass through places like Nelson, Kaslo, Sandpoint, and Bonners Ferry.

What makes the Selkirk Loop especially interesting for families is the variety. One day you’re soaking in hot springs, the next you’re exploring a small mountain town or taking a short, easy walk by the lake.

It’s not a fast-paced road trip. And that’s exactly why it’s perfect with kids.

How Long Does It Take to Drive the Selkirk Loop?

You can technically drive the International Selkirk Loop in one long day, but it’s not the best way to experience it. Instead, plan at least 3 to 5 days. This gives you enough time to enjoy the stops, take breaks, and avoid long driving days.

Keep in mind that this route includes a ferry crossing on Kootenay Lake and two border crossings, which can add time depending on the season.

International Selkirk Loop Itinerary (Day-by-Day)

This International Selkirk Loop itinerary is based on our own family road trip. We kept driving days manageable, added fun stops along the way, and focused on experiences that worked well with kids.

Day 1: Drive to Bonners Ferry

Start your International Selkirk Loop road trip in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, with a stop at the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is a great first stop, especially with kids.

You can park at the Myrtle Falls trailhead or near the refuge office. From there, walk the short Myrtle Falls Trail (0.9 mile out-and-back). It crosses a bridge and leads to a waterfall. You’ll still be a bit far from the falls, but it’s a nice and easy walk.

Back near the visitor area, read the interpretive signs and learn about the wildlife. You can also walk the Chickadee Trail, a gentle path through the forest. The kids loved using the large monocular, even if we didn’t spot much wildlife.

Before leaving, drive the 4.5-mile auto tour road. It winds through wetlands and grasslands, and you might see deer, elk, or birds. We spotted a deer by the creek, which was a highlight.

Downtown Bonners Ferry is small but perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Park near the visitor center and visit the Boundary County Museum. It shares the area’s history and has a fun scavenger hunt for kids.

Afterward, walk along Main Street. We stopped at Bonners Books, then had lunch at Under the Sun, a great local café. To finish the day, we grabbed frozen yogurt at Froyo Mama.

🛏️ Where to stay in Bonners Ferry

We stayed at the Northside School Bed and Breakfast, and it was one of the most unique places to stay of the trip.

This historic 1913 schoolhouse has been turned into a themed B&B, with each room designed around a school subject. We stayed in the chemistry room. There’s also a heated pool, hot tub, and outdoor games, which made it perfect for families.

Day 2: Sandpoint, Idaho

Schweitzer Mountain Resort is one of the best family-friendly stops on the Selkirk Loop.

In summer, the mountain resort offers activities like scenic chairlifts, trampolines, gem panning, playgrounds, and lawn games.

We spent a few hours here. The kids loved gem panning and trampoline jumping (they first tried it on our visit to Panorama Mountain Resort), and we also played giant checker before heading down. You can also buy a day pass for unlimited activities.

Sandpoint has a lively downtown right on Lake Pend Oreille.

Spend time at City Beach and walk the  Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail. You can also stop at the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market for local products and souvenirs.

We had planned to do a sunset cruise on the lake, but it was canceled due to weather. Instead, we walked across the Sagle-Long Bridge while the kids used their roller blades, then headed back downtown for sushi at Thai Nigiri.

🛏️ Where to stay in Sandpoint

We stayed at Springhill Suites Sandpoint, just outside downtown.

It’s a beautiful Marriott hotel with a pool, complimentary breakfast, and a large outdoor courtyard that’s perfect on warm evenings.

Day 3: Drive to Newport, Washington

Priest River and Priest Lake are great for a short nature break.

Walk along the main street or visit the Priest River Museum and Timber Education Center to learn about the region’s logging history.

Then head to Priest Lake and walk the Hanna Flats Cedar Grove Trail, a short interpretive loop through towering cedar trees. It’s an easy and beautiful walk for families.

Downtown Newport is small but has a great local museum.

Visit the Pend Oreille County Museum, which has both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The kids especially loved exploring the outdoor area with historic buildings, a caboose, and even a small church.

Before leaving, stop at Owen Grocery & Deli for ice cream. It’s a great spot for a treat.

🛏️ Where to stay in Newport

We stayed in a cabin at  Kalispel RV Resort.

The cabins are cozy and well-equipped, with a playground and restaurant onsite. Just note that check-in is inside the gas station, which took a minute to figure out.

Day 4: Drive from Newport, WA to Rossland, BC

Sweet Creek Trail is a short and rewarding waterfall hike.

We started with the lower trail to reach the base of the falls, then continued to the upper viewpoint. The full Sweet Creek Trai hike is about 2 miles, and our kids had no problem completing it.

The Gardner Cave tour is one of the most unique experiences on the Selkirk Loop.

This guided underground tour takes you through a limestone cave system. It’s free, but reservations are required. Tours run a few times per day, including a family-friendly option at noon. There is a $10 parking fee for Crawford State Park.

On the way, you can also stop in Metaline Falls to see the waterfall at Falls View Park or grab a coffee.

Then, cross the border back into Canada at Nelway. Make sure to plan your timing, as this crossing closes at 4 pm.

💡 We didn’t stop along the way because we wanted to make the 3 pm guided tour at the museum, but you could stop in Trail or Fruitvale if you have more time.

Rossland Museum is worth planning your day around.

You can visit the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre on your own, but the free guided tour is highly recommended. It includes a visit to the base of a historic mine and a chance to learn about the town’s past. The kids also loved trying gold panning.

Afterward, take some time to walk around downtown Rossland.

🛏️ Where to stay in Rossland

We stayed at The Josie at RED Mountain Resort.

It’s a beautiful hotel right at the base of the mountain. The onsite restaurant, The Velvet, has a great happy hour. We shared appetizers, and the kids loved their drinks while we enjoyed a Mountain Mule.

Day 5: Rossland to Nelson

Zuckerberg Island Park in Castlegar is a quick and easy stop.

Cross a wooden suspension bridge to reach the island, then walk the forest trails and visit the small chapel.

Lakeside Park is one of the best family spots in Nelson.

Once in Nelson (one of our favourite places in Canada), spend the afternoon at Lakeside Park. You can swim, relax on the beach, or rent kayaks and paddleboards.

Don’t miss a ride on Historic Streetcar #23, which runs along the waterfront. It’s a fun and relaxing way to see the area, and the volunteers share interesting stories along the way.

Later, visit Cottonwood Falls Park, just a few minutes from downtown. The waterfall is impressive and very easy to access.

End the day walking along Baker Street, Nelson’s main street, filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants.

🛏️ Where to stay in Nelson

We stayed at the Best Western Plus Baker Street Inn.

It’s centrally located and makes it easy to explore the town on foot.

Day 6: Nelson to Kaslo

Start your day with coffee or hot chocolate from Oso Negro, a local favourite. Then drive from Nelson to Kaslo along Kootenay Lake.

Ainsworth Hot Springs is a must-stop along this stretch.

Ainsworth Hot Springs is a natural hot spring with a unique cave you can swim through. The cave was originally carved to improve water flow, and it adds a fun twist to the experience.

Fletcher Creek Falls is one of the most rewarding short hikes on the trip.

It’s a short trail leading to a beautiful waterfall, with a hidden beach and glacier-fed lake nearby. It’s rated moderate on AllTrails, but our kids had no trouble with it.

Kaslo is a quiet and charming lakeside town.

Walk through downtown, grab a meal, and enjoy the slower pace. Don’t miss the Kaslo River Trai, especially the Hide and Seek section. Kids will love searching for the seven hidden sculptures along the trail.

🛏️ Where to stay in Kaslo

You can stay overnight in Kaslo or return to Nelson for your final night.

Bonus Day 7: Creston and Return to Bonners Ferry

The Kootenay Lake ferry is one of the highlights of the Selkirk Loop.

The Kootenay Lake Ferry the longest free ferry in Canada and offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Check the schedule ahead of time, as departures run every hour or two.

In Creston, stop to see the twin grain elevators, a well-known local landmark. You can also visit local farms to pick fresh produce or meet farm animals.

From there, continue your drive back to Bonners Ferry or onward to your next destination.

Best Stops Along the International Selkirk Loop

There are plenty of scenic towns along the International Selkirk Loop, but these are the experiences we did as a family and would absolutely recommend adding to your itinerary.

Ainsworth Hot Springs (British Columbia)

Ainsworth Hot Springs is one of the best and most unique stops on the Selkirk Loop.
The highlight is the natural cave you can swim through, which feels like a small adventure for kids.

The pools are warm, easy to access, and open year-round. It’s the perfect stop to relax and break up the drive.

Kaslo River Trail (Kaslo, BC)

The Kaslo River Trail is an easy and fun walk that works well with kids.
It’s a short trail through the forest with bridges, river views, and lots of space to explore.

We turned it into a little game of hide and seek along the way, which made it even more fun and kept the kids engaged the whole time.

Historic Streetcar #23 (Nelson, BC)

The historic Streetcar #23 is a simple but memorable activity in Nelson.
It runs along the waterfront and gives you a different view of the town.

It’s short, easy, and perfect if you’re traveling with younger kids who might not want a long activity.

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge (Bonners Ferry, Idaho)

This wildlife refuge is a great stop if your kids enjoy animals and open spaces.
There’s a simple driving loop where you can spot birds, deer, and other wildlife depending on the season.

It’s an easy stop that doesn’t require much planning, but adds a nice change of pace to the road trip.

Gardner Cave (Crawford State Park, Washington)

Gardner Cave is one of the most unexpected stops on the Selkirk Loop.
It’s a limestone cave you can explore on a guided tour, with stairs and impressive rock formations.

For kids, this feels like a real adventure. Just note that tours are seasonal and require a bit of planning.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort (Idaho)

Schweitzer Mountain Resort is worth the short detour for the views alone.
In summer, you can walk around the village, enjoy the scenery, and take in views over Lake Pend Oreille.

It’s a relaxing stop and a nice way to end the Idaho portion of the trip.

Is the Selkirk Loop Worth It for Families?

Yes, the International Selkirk Loop is absolutely worth it for families, especially if you’re looking for a quieter alternative to busier destinations in the Canadian Rockies.

What makes this road trip work so well with kids is the variety. You’re not just driving from one viewpoint to another. You’re stopping at hot springs, exploring a cave, taking a ferry, and walking easy trails along the way.

We found the pace to be just right. Driving distances are manageable, and there are enough stops to keep kids engaged without feeling rushed.

Another big advantage is how uncrowded it feels. Even in summer, it’s much quieter than places like Banff or Lake Louise. That made a huge difference for us. Less waiting, easier parking, and more space for the kids to explore.

It’s also a great option if you’ve already visited the Canadian Rockies and want something different, but still just as scenic.

If you enjoy road trips that mix nature, small towns, and simple outdoor activities, this is one of those routes that really delivers.

Tips for Driving the International Selkirk Loop

Plan for Border Crossings

You’ll cross the Canada–US border twice during this road trip. Make sure everyone has a valid passport and check wait times before you go.

We found the crossings to be straightforward, but timing can vary depending on the season and time of day.

Time Your Ferry Crossing

The Kootenay Lake ferry between Balfour and Kootenay Bay runs regularly and is free, but it can get busy in summer.

Try to arrive a bit early, especially during peak travel times. The crossing takes about 35 minutes and is a fun break from driving.

Book Key Activities in Advance

Some stops, like Gardner Cave tours or hot springs, can have limited availability depending on the season.

If there’s something you really want to do, it’s worth checking hours or booking ahead.

Keep Your Days Flexible

This isn’t a road trip you want to rush. We kept our schedule flexible, which allowed us to stop when we wanted, stay longer in places we enjoyed, and skip anything that didn’t fit our energy that day.

FAQ: International Selkirk Loop Road Trip

Conclusion

The International Selkirk Loop is one of those road trips that doesn’t need to be rushed to be memorable. With short driving distances, unique stops, and a quieter atmosphere than the Canadian Rockies, it’s a great option for families looking for something a little different.

With a bit of planning and a flexible itinerary, it’s an easy and rewarding road trip to do with kids.

Looking for more ideas?
Here are some of the best road trips in Canada. Or explore this Banff to Vancouver road trip for another scenic route