BONNERS FERRY

Located in a beautiful glacier created valley of northern Idaho about 30 minutes north of Sandpoint and 30 minutes south of the Canadian border, the "gem" community of Bonners Ferry and Boundary County is rich with unspoiled wilderness. The town is full of shops, stores, a casino, and a beautifully restored theatre (the "Rex") if you are in need of a restful distraction. Winding through the county, passing along the edge of downtown is the Kootenai River and valley where rich farm lands produce a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, hay, wheat, barley and Anheuser Busch's hops.

Known as the "gateway" to Canada, Bonners Ferry is the headquarters of the International Selkirk Loop, which is travelled by many vacationers every year. The Loop was featured in Sunset magazine in 2001 and 2002.

Close to downtown Bonners Ferry is the 2,700 acre Kootenai River Wildlife Refuge. Since 1965, the marshlands surrounding this section of the Kootenai River have been labeled protected breeding and nesting grounds for over 2,000 species of birds ranging from Canadian geese to ring-necked pheasants.

You can find more information regarding Bonners Ferry at bonnersferrychamber.com or at (208) 267-5922. The Visitor's Center is located in the downtown area next to the Kootenai River, and is open every spring, summer, and fall.

SANDPOINT

Located on the northern shore of Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced "ponderay") and about 45 minutes north of Coeur d'Alene, this cheerful resort town offers many types of entertainment suitable for the whole family. Many shops, restaurants, and the headquarters of Coldwater Creek are located along the main "drag" of Sandpoint (also known as First Street).

The beauty of the mountains, home of the famous Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, surrounding the immense Lake Pend Oreille (with depths up to 1,100 feet) makes for an unforgettable setting.

There are several art galleries in the downtown area, and the restored old Panida Theatre built in 1927 offers concerts, plays and dance performances throughout the year.

You can find more information regarding Sandpoint at sandpointchamber.org or at (208) 263-2161. The Visitor's Center is located on the east end of town on Hwy. 95, and is open all year.

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