Alice Siding

Tucked amid the rolling forests of the Kootenays in southeastern British Columbia, Alice Siding is a tranquil locality brimming with small-town charm and a spirit shaped by the region’s railway history. Set just a short drive north of Creston near the southern tip of Kootenay Lake, Alice Siding offers a glimpse of rural BC life, set against a lush mountain backdrop where the Selkirk and Purcell ranges meet. Nature is never far away here; farm fields and thick stands of cedar and fir create a striking patchwork of greens in every direction, a favourite spot for photographers and birders alike.

The heart of Alice Siding is the historic flag stop station that speaks to the town’s origin as a junction point along the old Canadian Pacific Railway. While trains seldom stop now, the station is lovingly preserved, offering visitors a step back in time and a chance to feel the pulse of a once-bustling rail corridor. Every summer, the Alice Siding Arts and Eats Fair draws locals and visitors together in celebration of food grown and crafted right in the valley, with live music setting the tone and artisan vendors lining the community green.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities, from paddling on the nearby Loon Lake to miles of hiking and cycling trails that weave through the surrounding hillsides. After a day spent exploring, enjoy a relaxed meal at the community-run bistro, where farm-to-table dining is more than a catchphrase, it’s a way of life. Alice Siding may be small, but its warm spirit and close ties to the rhythm of the land leave an impression that lingers long after you leave.