Where Kimberley locals vacation

Owners and staff at three East Kootenay businesses divulge their weekend getaway secrets—and they are all local

1 of 3For Dr. Cassandra Boon, nothing beats a weekend away outdoors in the beautiful Kootenays. — Matt Thompson photo

2 of 3Kelly Wolf enjoys getting out into the outdoors in the East Kootenay. — Lisa Crane photo

3 of 3(L to R) Stephanie Chale, Diane Manson (owner) and Jennifer Waugh are part of the team at Mountain City Travel. — Lisa Crane photo

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You don't have to go far from Kimberley to find a perfect place for rejuvenation and relaxation. We speak with a few Kimberleyites to find out their getaway spots.

Keeping it simple in her own backyard

Fine + Well in Kimberley is home to chiropractor Dr. Cassandra Boon and registered massage therapists Jennifer Johnston and John Haner. For Boon, exploring the local area is the way to go.

“I've travelled all over the world for work and mountain biking competitions,” said Boon. “I feel so fortunate to be able to say that we have simply one of the best places here right in our Kootenay backyard.”

Boon said that going away for the weekend means staying near home, and likely involves snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing or doing nothing at all in the wilds around home. Shelter: tent. Transportation: human-powered.

“The wilder the better,” said Boon. “There is a certain satisfaction in stepping off the trail.”

Enjoying the outdoors and sunshine

Kelly Wolf, a born-and-raised Kimberley girl, has owned Wolfy's Hair Den in Kimberley for almost 20 years, and she said much the same as Boon about her preferred getaways.

“We love to go camping and to get away in our camper with our kids, maybe to Premier Lake,” said Wolf. “There is so much to do around here—hiking, swimming and kayaking. We just enjoy getting out in the sun.”

Where the travel experts like to travel locally

For the girls at Mountain City Travel, weekends away for the next month or so are already planned. Diane Manson, who has has owned the agency for nine years, loves the diversity of her business—the people, her colleagues, the adventures she plans—and she said she looks forward to getting away sometimes.

Manson is all set to take off with her husband and their dog, Tucker, in their Westfalia camper to do a bit of walking, fly-fishing off their boat and catching some afternoon snoozes.

Consultant Stephanie Chale is heading out on the roads with her husband and a change of clothes to explore the West Kootenay on their motorcycles, taking in the views and stopping at the lake.

Meanwhile her colleague Jennifer Waugh is looking forward to going away for the weekend "glamping," or glamour camping, at her family’s property near Lussier Hot Springs.

“Everything is all set up there with all the bells and whistles, so we just relax and enjoy ourselves,” Waugh said.