Fresh from the Kootenays: Top agritourism destinations
Roll up your sleeves and explore the region’s farms, orchards, and local flavours
Tour these farms, apiaries and orchards, and get in touch with local agriculture. — Photo courtesy of Kootenay Meadows
The Kootenays have long been known for mountains, lakes and outdoor adventure, but the region’s farms and orchards are increasingly becoming destinations in their own right. Across the West and East Kootenays, farmers are welcoming visitors to experience life on the land through U-pick orchards, farm tours, honey tastings, educational programs and overnight stays.
Agritourism allows visitors to connect directly with the region’s food culture—meeting farmers, learning how crops and livestock are raised and often tasting products right where they are produced. From dairy farms and apiaries to orchards and regenerative farms, the Kootenays offer a wide range of agricultural experiences.
Here are some notable agritourism destinations throughout the region.
— Photo courtesy of Dreamcatcher Farm
An Indigenous-owned regenerative farm producing vegetables and traditional foods such as camas. Visitors can arrange farm tours and purchase produce through local markets and farm stands.
— Photo courtesy of BioBio Guest House and Suite
BioBio Guest House and Suite at Arrowhead Farm, near Nelson
Visitors can stay at eco-accommodations located on this organic farm while learning about permaculture and sustainable growing practices through tours and workshops.
— Photo courtesy of Kootenay Acres Farm Sanctuary
Kootenay Acres Farm Sanctuary, Castlegar
This farm sanctuary offers guided tours where visitors can meet rescued animals and learn about animal care and welfare in a working farm environment.
— Photo courtesy of Honey Bee Zen
Honey Bee Zen offers raw, sustainably harvested honey and other bee‑made goods. Guests can learn about beekeeping and take home jars of honey, candles, and beeswax products.
— Photo courtesy of Treasure Life Flour Mills
Treasure Life Flour Mills, Creston
Treasure Life Flour Mills grows and mills organic heirloom grains right in the Creston Valley. Visitors can see traditional milling in action and pick up fresh stone‑ground flours and mixes straight from the farm.
— Photo courtesy of Kootenay Meadows
Kootenay Meadows, Lister/Creston
An organic grass-fed dairy farm offering self-guided tours where visitors can see the milking barn, meet the cows and learn about small-scale dairy production.
— Photo courtesy of Lloyd's Backyard
Visitors can pick raspberries, blueberries and blackberries in season while browsing bedding plants, vegetables and garden items.
— Photo courtesy of Marar Orchards
One of several fruit stands along Highway 3 offering fresh cherries, apples and other seasonal produce from local orchards.
— Photo courtesy of Wloka Farms
Wloka Farms Fruit Stand, Erickson
Known locally for pumpkins and squash in the fall as well as fresh fruits and vegetables through the growing season.
— Photo courtesy of J&B Smagh Orchard & Fruit Stand
J&B Smagh Orchard & Fruit Stand, Erickson
Another long-running orchard stand where visitors can purchase fresh fruit directly from growers during harvest season.
— Photo courtesy of Serenity Farm
This family-run farm offers seasonal visits where guests can meet animals, pick produce from the garden and participate in family-friendly farm activities.
— Photo courtesy of Jerseyland Organics
Jerseyland Organics, Grand Forks
A certified organic dairy producing yogurt, cheese and other products from its herd of Jersey cows. The farm welcomes visitors for tours and has a small petting zoo where guests can meet farm animals.
A growing part of Kootenay tourism
Agritourism continues to expand across the Kootenays as travellers look for experiences that connect them more closely to the land and local food systems. Farm tours, U-pick orchards and agricultural workshops give visitors a chance to slow down and experience the region beyond its outdoor recreation.
For farmers, opening the gates to visitors can provide an additional income stream while helping build stronger relationships between growers and the communities they feed.
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