7-Day Golf Road Trip: Kootenay Rockies

The Kootenay Rockies trail anchors itself in two Columbia Valley towns — Invermere and Kimberley — connected by a straightforward drive through the Rocky Mountain Trench. Three distinct courses spread across the region, ranging from a short par-62 ridge layout to a full parkland track in Kimberley. The arc of this trip moves from Invermere's resort cluster to Kimberley's mountain parkland and back, with rest days built in for a second look at standout tracks. Note that MorningStar Golf Club appears in the course roster but is located in Parksville on Vancouver Island and does not fit the road-trip routing; the itinerary is built around the three Columbia Valley courses.

Day 1

Arrive in Invermere in the early afternoon and check into Copper Point Resort, which sits directly adjacent to the Copper Point courses — a practical choice that eliminates any morning commute. After settling in, walk the property and get a feel for the layout. That evening, head into Invermere for dinner at Birchwood Restaurant for a relaxed first night. Pick up a tee time confirmation for the morning. The Columbia Valley light stays long in summer, so an early evening stroll along the waterfront is a reasonable way to close the day before a full round tomorrow.

Day 2

Morning tee time at Copper Point Golf Club- Point, the 18-hole par-71 design by Gary Browning and Wade Horrocks. The Point course is the longer, more demanding of the two Copper Point layouts and rewards an early start before afternoon winds pick up in the valley. Play a full 18 and take time on the back nine to read the terrain carefully. After the round, the Copper Point Resort's own facilities are on hand for a post-round rest. Dinner at The Station Pub in Invermere makes for a low-key evening. Stay again at Copper Point Resort.

Day 3

Tee off mid-morning at Copper Point The Ridge, the par-62 layout also designed by Gary Browning. At par 62 over 18 holes, The Ridge plays shorter but the elevation changes and mountain sightlines make it a distinct experience from the Point course. It is a good track for working on shot-shaping without the full physical demand of a par-71 round. Finish by early afternoon. Consider switching accommodation tonight — Windermere Creek Bed & Breakfast Cabins in nearby Windermere offers a quieter, cabin-style alternative. Dinner at Black Forest Restaurant in Invermere before making the short drive to Windermere.

Day 4

A travel and rest day. Drive north toward Kimberley — the route follows the Rocky Mountain Trench and takes roughly two hours depending on the starting point in the Columbia Valley. Check into Trickle Creek Lodge in Kimberley, a well-positioned base for the Kimberley portion of the trip. The afternoon is free for exploring Kimberley's pedestrian Platzl district. Dinner at The Old Bauernhaus Restaurant, a Kimberley institution in a heritage building, is a strong choice for the first night in town. No golf today — legs and swing both benefit from a full rest before the Purcell round.

Day 5

Morning tee time at Purcell Golf Course, the Les Furber-designed 18-hole par-71 parkland course in Kimberley. Parkland conditions here differ noticeably from the resort-style layouts in Invermere, with tree-lined fairways demanding accuracy off the tee. Book an early slot — parkland courses in mountain climates can move slowly on busy summer days. After the round, grab lunch or a post-round pint at Pedal & Tap in Kimberley, which suits the casual pace of an afternoon winding down. Stay a second night at Trickle Creek Lodge.

Day 6

A second round at Purcell Golf Course rewards the drive to Kimberley. With one round already logged on the course, scoring targets become more realistic and specific holes can be approached with a plan. Tee off late morning. After golf, check out of Trickle Creek and drive back toward Invermere, stopping in if there is time. Check into Headwaters Lodge at Eagle Ranch Resort for a change of scenery on the return leg. Dinner at Traders Lounge at Eagle Ranch Resort is a convenient on-site option after the drive. The valley views from Eagle Ranch make it a fitting penultimate night.

Day 7

A final morning round at Copper Point Golf Club- Point for those with a late departure — the Point course holds up well on a return visit and early tee times are typically available on weekday mornings. Pack and check out of Headwaters Lodge at Eagle Ranch Resort before the round or immediately after. Grab a final meal at Birchwood Restaurant in Invermere before leaving the valley. The drive out follows Highway 93 or 95 depending on the destination, both of which offer a clean exit from the Columbia Valley with the Rockies visible in the rearview.