The 3 Best Spots For Views of the Kootenays In Your Toyota
As the second largest city in the West Kootenay region, Castlegar, British Columbia boasts some spectacular views of the Kootenay mountains. This time of year, you can still catch a glimpse of the fall colours against the picturesque backdrops Castlegar is known for. Whether you’re looking for a bit of off-roading adventure in your Toyota Rav4, or simply want to take a day trip in your Toyota Corolla and snap a few photos, we’ve put together the best local spots in the Castlegar, Nelson and Trail areas. See our top 3 picks!
Monica Meadows
If you’ve ever seen The Sound of Music and remember Julie Andrews gleefully bounding through the grassy meadows, this feeling will echo when you bask in the beauty of Monica Meadows. Located in Kaslo, B.C right outside of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, Monica Meadows is home to lush valleys, shallow lakes, an abundance of wildflowers and spectacular views of the Kootenays. Their peaks and ridges can be seen from a clear standing point with nothing blocking your view.
Monica Meadows can be reached eight kilometres into the plateau from the original trail. In order to access this point, you’ll need a reliable vehicle with at least two-wheel drive, which is where a 2017 Toyota Rav4 comes in handy. The new Toyota Rav4 comes with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, as well as a new Dynamic Torque Control system that automatically shifts from two-wheel drive to four depending on driving conditions. Known for its rocky terrain and unstable ground, your Rav4 will have no problem taking you to this perfect postcard setting.
Salmo-Roup Trail
Situated in the West Kootenay region, the Salmo-Troup Rail Trail covers approximately 48 kilometres between Salmo and Nelson. The trail itself is an abandoned railway and eventually leads to Mountain Station. With the shores of Kootenay Lake to the west, the Nelson area is beautiful all year round. You can enjoy a view of the steep mountains from across the lake. The Salmo-Roup Trail is great for solo adventurers or families and features easy to moderate trails, beaches and the river valley. Motorized vehicles are permitted on the trail’s southern half from Salmo to Halls Landing, but off-highway vehicles cannot legally enter the area. Bring your Rav4, but leave the ATV at home for this adventure.
Miral Heights Trail
If you’re not afraid of heights, the Miral Heights Trail is one of the best spots to see a series of views such as the West Trail, Columbia River and the Kootenays. Overlooking the community of Trail, B.C, Miral Heights is a recreational path with a series of bluffs that lets you explore the mountain ridge from above. The journey begins from a subdivision of the same name and eventually leads to spectacular views of the mountains. One of the unique features of this trail is the Canadian flag that was placed at one of the look-out points. The flag can be seen from the town below. Miral Heights Trail is gentle enough for walking and is a multi-purpose trail. If you want to bring your bicycle or a picnic cooler, you can easily store both in the back of your 2017 Toyota Corolla. Its 60/40 split fold-down rear seats and spacious cargo allow for plenty of storage configurations. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon walk to catch some views, or are looking for a new morning jogging spot, Miral Heights Trail is close enough to the community to give you both.
Are you looking to hit the road and explore Castlegar and its surrounding areas this fall? Shop our quality line of new Toyota vehicles. Have something else in mind? Shop our pre-owned Toyota inventory, or try our handy CarFinder tool. Call us today at 1-(877) 969-1929 or contact us online.
