Kootenay Pass — Highway 3 Summit Viewpoint

Kootenay Pass on Highway 3 between Creston and Salmo sits at 1774 m, which makes it the highest paved highway pass in Canada — and the first thing most rigs cross when transitioning between the Boundary Country trails around Beaverdell-Conkle Lake and the Elk Valley runs near Sparwood. There’s a pullout and viewpoint at the summit with interpretive signage and room for multiple rigs. Subalpine meadows, old-growth hemlock, and legitimate high-country views in every direction. Sasquatch Brewing has nothing to do with this but the vibe checks out.

Road is paved all the way — no clearance issue. In winter this pass gets hammered with snow and avalanche control is active; summer and early fall is when you want to be here. Cell service is essentially zero at the summit. Fuel up in Creston or Salmo before the climb — there’s nothing at the top.

Highest paved pass in Canada. Worth the stop.