This unique and scenic tour wanders through two countries, the U.S. and Canada, and connects the Pend Oreille Valley with the Kootenay Rockies. The tour enables visitors to explore the majestic Selkirk Mountains; home to a wide variety of wildlife and outdoor adventure activities.  The international gateway airport is Spokane, Washington and the regional airport gateways are Castlegar and Cranbrook in Canada.

From Spokane, begin heading north on Hwy #2 which connects with Hwy #20 at Newport to Metaline and Metaline Falls.  This section of highway passes through several communities, including Usk, Cusick, Tiger and Ione, Washington.

The Tiger Historical Centre & Museum is the doorway to the past and is also the southern gateway to the North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway #31.  This former general store was built in 1912 and features displays depicting the community's history and the works of local artisans. 

The town of Metaline Falls is known as one of America's 'Top 100 Best Small Arts Towns'.  It is also home to the Cutter Theatre, a 1912 restored schoolhouse.  Popular area attractions include the Mill Pond Historic Trail and Gardner Caves.

From Metaline Falls, head north on Hwy #31 to the U.S./ Canadian border at Nelway and along Hwy #6 to the communities of Salmo and Ymir (pronounced Why-Mur); then on to Nelson.  In Salmo, seven elaborate stone murals paint a picture of the communities' heritage in mining and forestry.

Nelson's brick and stone downtown core is the centrepiece of a small city that boasts over 450 heritage buildings.  The city's two self-guided tour brochures can be extremely helpful, but be warned: there are many distractions including sidewalk cafes and specialty shops.

Your drive on Hwy #3A along West Arm Provincial Park leads you to the Balfour ferry landing.  You'll love the 45 minute ferry ride across beautiful Kootenay Lake.  Just a short drive from the ferry terminal is Crawford Bay, home to many unique artisan shops and galleries.

Follow scenic Hwy #3A south along Kootenay Lake to Creston.  Along the way, take some time to tour the Glass House in Boswell.  This construction was started in 1952 and was created out of over 500,000 square embalming fluid bottles.  Another fun place to stop is at the Sirdar General Store - they've celebrated 100 years of service - enjoy a bit of history and browse through the local handicrafts.

Upon your arrival to Creston, watch for signs to the Creston Wildlife Management Area.  Lush wetland habitat stretches 17,000 acres from the southeast tip of Kootenay Lake to the USA.  An estimated 265 species of birds call this area home.  One more interesting place to tour is the Columbia Brewery - home to Canada's Kokanee Beer.

It's a very short drive from Creston to the international border at Rykerts and you'll be back in the United States again.  Follow Hwy #1 until it reaches Hwy #95 and then head south to Bonners Ferry, Idaho.  When gold was discovered near Fort Steele in Canada, thousands of prospectors needed transportation across the Kootenai River.  So, in 1864, a local merchant, Edwin Bonner, established his own ferry crossing and the community of Bonners Ferry boomed.  Just west of Bonners is the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge.  The refuge hosts more than 230 species of birds, 45 species of mammals and 22 species of fish.

Continue south on Hwy #95 to the city of Sandpoint situated on Lake Pend Oreille.  Water sports of all types explore this vast aquatic playground.  In the winter, Schweitzer Mountain Resort offers world-class skiing.  Cultural activities are also plentiful; the restored, historic spanish-styled Panida Theatre is a vibrant centre for the performing arts.

From Sandpoint take Hwy #2 west to Priest River.  The Keyser House Museum & Info Centre displays historical artifacts from the logging industry, as well as earlier pioneer family furnishings.  A short drive north on Hwy #57 is the resort community of Priest Lake - spend a couple days stretched out on a white sand beach and swimming in crystalline waters.  Priest Lake is also known for their premier season of huckleberries and mushrooms.  Many of the area restaurants offer delectable dishes featuring these woodland treats.

Once you're back on Hwy #2, continue west to Newport, Washington.  This city's heritage is rich in timber, mineral and agriculture which visitors can relive by visiting original structures, such as the Northern Railway Depot (1908), which houses the Pend Oreille County Historical Museum.  From Newport and Hwy #2, you may head south towards Spokane again, only 72 km (45 mi) away.