Idaho

"The Gem State"

Idaho is an undiscovered treasure and the last state to be explored by Euro Americans. It is an ideal place for family travellers, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, or those just looking for a relaxing getaway. Whichever part of this magnificent state you choose to discover, you'll find spectacular scenery, fun things to do and friendly, helpful people. You'll also find that Idaho is unhurried, unspoiled and unassuming. A diverse state, Idaho is second only to Alaska in the amount of wilderness and white water rivers it offers – more than 3,000 miles. Hells Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon; Shoshone Falls is higher than Niagara Falls; Bruneau Sand Dunes are larger than the dunes at Death Valley; and Boise is the largest city on the northern tier of states between Minneapolis and Portland.

There is the desolate, yet starkly beautiful Craters of the Moon National Monument, fascinating neighbour of the stunning mountains of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Other natural wonders include the Shoshone ice caves, and the huge granite columns at the City of the Rocks Natural Reserve.

Idaho is ideal for families, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers or those looking for a relaxing getaway. It is a year-round destination that is unhurried, unspoiled and unassuming.

Over 30 Scenic Byways across the state lead the way to adventure, nature, white water rafting, ranching, culture and wineries. Winter offers mountain sports with blue skies, snow and sun.

Land Area: 83,500 sq miles

Population: 1,525,000

Four distinct seasons. Warm summers, moderate winters with plenty of sunshine. Most snowfall December to March confined to higher elevations

22 Park plus 13 National Forests

Idaho’s odd shape allows for diversity in not only temperature and terrain, but also activities and experiences. Travelling from top to bottom, start with a visit to Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene for water recreation, including canoeing, kayaking, boating and lake cruises. Continuing south through the Palouse agricultural region, plan a stop to learn about the Nez Perce American Indians. Then, embark on a thrilling jet boat tour through Hells Canyon on the Snake River – North America’s deepest river-carved gorge – to see striking scenery, historic sites and wildlife. The small town of Riggins in the Salmon River Canyon is well known for river rafting and fishing, while the lakeside community of McCall is a basecamp for more water sports, hiking, hot springs and winter recreation. Boise, in the southwest corner of the state, is packed with locally owned restaurants, craft breweries and wine tasting rooms, as well as arts, culture and entertainment. Turning east, the communities of Ketchum, Sun Valley and Stanley offer skiing, hot springs and fly-fishing, accented by stunning views. Explore ancient lava fields at Craters of the Moon National Monument as your journey continues eastward. Eastern Idaho also has a number of hot springs, trout streams and waterfalls, and is a popular location for snowmobiling in the winter.

Idaho also has more white water than any other state in the continental USA. In the spring and summer, book a half- or full-day adventure on the Payette River just north of Boise, or half-to multi-day trips on the Salmon River in central Idaho. Fall is the ideal season for mountain biking and hiking. Local Idahoans relish the lower temperatures, clear skies and fall colours that signal the coming winter. Idaho’s 18 ski areas offer skiing the way it ought to be – on fresh powder, with short lines and under bluebird skies. Destination resorts such as Schweitzer Mountain, Sun Valley and Grand Targhee, as well as local ski areas, including Lookout Pass, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area and Tamarack Resort, welcome winter travellers. Activities include alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoe trails, tubing hills, fat-tire biking, cat- and heli-skiing, and snowmobile tours. State parks also open their trails in the winter for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. 

Idaho’s beauty doesn’t end when the sun goes down. The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, which includes the communities of Ketchum, Sun Valley and Stanley, and the Sawtooth Mountains, was designated in December 2017 and is one of only 13 Dark Sky Reserves in the world, and the only one in the United States. Idaho’s low population base coupled with its rural landscape and wilderness lands makes it easy to find dark skies. Set up camp in the Dark Sky Reserve, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Bruneau Dunes State Park, or just about anywhere in Idaho’s rural or wilderness areas, and marvel at the unbelievably brilliant, starry sky. Treat yourself to an out-of-this-world experience you won’t soon forget.