About us
Kootenay Wilds is based in Golden, B.C. Canada, a small town nestled between the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges. We are committed to operating a sustainable adventure travel company based here in Golden, and continuing on with Darcy’s mission and vision. All guides have Advanced Wilderness First Aid training, Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) professional certifications, good communication skills, well-developed backcountry leadership qualities, and professional driving skills.
Kootenay Wilds Backcountry Adventures carries above industry standard insurance, provides high levels of risk management procedures and provides safe and clean vehicles with trained drivers providing transportation for adventure travelers, skiers and hikers to & from Golden and their backcountry destination and/ or helicopter staging area.
Brian has been involved with the outdoor recreation & adventure travel industry for over 10 years. He is a certified Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) hiking guide and currently working towards becoming an ACMG ski guide. Has Wilderness Emergency Response advanced first Aid, and a Degree in Recreation Management. He balances his passion and motivation for the mountains through work & play. Brian has been working as an outdoor educator providing wilderness experiential education programs for young offenders and youth with challenges. Brian’s background and focus towards providing leadership & teambuilding programs and risk management expertise is an essential asset for Kootenay Wilds.
“Recreation is not about building roads into beautiful country side, but about instilling receptivity into the still unloving human mind.” Aldo Leopold, Sand County Almanac
Rene’s background in climbing and skiing and passion for the mountains is balanced with his business and management skills and expertise. When the books are balanced Rene is the first one out the door for some fun mountain adventure. Kootenay Wilds' Philosophy
Our main goal is to encourage enjoyment and appreciation of natural environment through self-propelled wilderness & adventure travel. Every day in the mountains is a journey of discovery. While exploring, it is important to admire the breathtaking landscapes and find a deeper connection with the natural world that surrounds us. Our passion for the mountains is expressed in everything we do. Take only pictures leave only footprints.
"Kootenay" The name Kootenay originates from the Kutenai Indians and means "water people". The Kutenai tribe lived on the West side of the Rocky Mountains for centuries before David Thompson and friends discovered the Columbia Valley in 1807. The Kootenay River collects water from countless drainage in the Rockies and Purcells. Golden is on the Trans Canada Highway. Driving Distances to Golden:
Calgary: 280 kms (3 hours)
Banff: 140 kms (2 hours)
Vancouver: 720 kms (8 1/2 hours)
Kamloops: 360 kms (4 1/2 hours)
Cranbrook: 250 kms (3 hours)
