11 Best Things to do in Bonners ferry Idaho for a trip You’ll Love (by a local)

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Are you looking for the best things to do in Bonners Ferry Idaho? Stop looking, you’ve found them! I (Marie) lived in Bonners Ferry for a year, first through the eyes of a tourist and then, as time went on, through the eyes of a full-time resident. I have learned a lot in Bonners Ferry, ID and have such a sweet spot for this picturesque town that became my second home! Bonners Ferry Idaho is a beautiful town to add to a US road trip itinerary in the Northwest. In this post, I share my knowledge with you to ensure that you have the best time in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

What you’ll find in this post

• The budget you need to visit Bonners Ferry Idaho
• How to get to Bonners Ferry Idaho
• All the fun things to do in Idaho Bonners Ferry
• Where to stay in Bonners Ferry
• things to do and see in Idaho beyond Bonners Ferry

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Budget for visiting Bonners Ferry Idaho

Visiting Bonners Ferry Idaho is actually quite a good idea if you are on a budget. We have broken down some of the expense you may encounter during your trip in Bonners Ferry.

• Hotel: Staying in Bonners Ferry costs around $100 per night for either a hotel or a lodge.
• Activities: Some of the coolest things to do in Idaho are located in Bonners Ferry and are actually free! While in Bonners Ferry in the summer, you’ll be able to enjoy a lot of the outdoor attractions for no fees. In the winter, expenses can increase a bit if you decide to go snowshoeing or skiing though they remain reasonable. To rent skis, boots and poles, count around $38 per adult for a full day. 
• Food: In general, you can eat for around $10 per person per meal, sometimes less, sometimes more depending of your choice of restaurant. 
• Rental Car: Renting a car from Spokane International Airport costs around $45 a day in 2022. This is the most convenient way to go to the places in this post. You will need to add the price of gas to that expense. 

All together, a trip to Bonners Ferry and North Idaho can be made cheap which is great if you are a couple traveling on a budget or if you travel with a family.

Is Bonners Ferry Idaho a good romantic getaway?

Bonners Ferry might not be the first town to come to mind when thinking about the romantic things to do Idaho offers. That said, it should be. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, somewhere a bit different from the big name cities, Bonners Ferry might have just what you are looking for. From fun outdoor activities and scenic drives to beautiful waterfalls and brewery tours, visiting Bonners Ferry with your partner is one of the romantic things to do in Idaho. 

How to get to Bonners Ferry, Idaho

Getting to Bonners Ferry by car, train or taxi

Bonners Ferry Idaho is located in North Idaho in Boundary County. The closest international airport is Spokane International Airport located in Washington State. It takes about two hours to drive from Spokane Airport to Bonners Ferry. You will need to rent a car at Spokane Airport as there are no buses or trains that can take you to Bonners Ferry.

That said, there is a train that takes you from Spokane Amtrak station to Sandpoint Amtrak Station. The journey takes about 2 hours and a ticket usually costs around $130. Once in Sandpoint, you will need to rent a car as there are no buses to Bonners Ferry. Alternatively, you can take a taxi  or a Uber though that will cost you around $85.

All together, I recommend renting a car from Spokane as that will be much cheaper, faster and more convenient than going to Bonners Ferry by public transportation. Unfortunately, the USA have a lot of work to do to catch up to Europe when it comes to public transport systems and availability! Note also that you will need a car anyways to get around Bonners Ferry and the surrounding areas. 

If you are coming from Boise, it will be close to a 9 hour drive through the state of Washington. Your other option is to fly from Boise to Kalispell and then drive which definitely brings the number of travel hours down. Boise in the winter is definitely worth checking out so I would recommend stopping by before or after a few days in Bonners Ferry!

Safety when driving to Bonners Ferry

The road to Bonners Ferry is quite safe and mostly a straight line. Thats said, there are a couple of dangers on your way. 

Wildlife hazards around Bonners Ferry

First, moose are quite numerous in North Idaho and they (unfortunately so) love to cross the road and stand in the middle of it! When living in Bonners Ferry, I heard many stories of moose accidents and those can be quite tragic. When driving to Bonners Ferry, especially at night, be very careful and always keep and eye on the sides of the road in case you see one! 

Weather and road conditions

In the winter, Bonners Ferry and its surrounding areas get a lot of snow for long periods of time. I loved it when I was living there but it can be a huge hazard for cars. Between slippery roads and poor visibility, it’s quite easy, especially at night, to get into an accident. If you are visiting Bonners Ferry in the winter, check with the car rental company that your car is equipped for that kind of weather.

How far is Bonners Ferry Idaho from the Canadian border?

Bonners Ferry is about a 36 minute drive from Kingsman on the Canadian Border. North Idaho shares a border with British Columbia and, for having visited both, the landscapes are actually quite similar. When living in Bonners Ferry, I made a couple of trips to Canada as it was very close! I might have even come close to Eric (who was living in British Columbia at the time) back then! 

How many days in Bonners Ferry Idaho?

Visiting Bonners Ferry is one of the fun things to do in North Idaho. The town is picturesque and set in a gorgeous scenery with surrounding mountains and rich wildlife. That said, the best things to do in Idaho Bonners Ferry only take a couple of hours and can all be done in a couple of days. Living in Bonners Ferry was quite fun but I can imagine that after a few days, any tourists would like to move on. All together, I would recommend staying about 3 days in the Bonners Ferry area. This will give you time to:

• Spend a full day in Bonners Ferry, really experiencing the local life
• Spend a day exploring Sandpoint and Schweitzer
• Spend your last morning in Bonners Ferry before heading to Coeur d’Alene, visiting Montana or the Canadian or South Idaho hot springs.

Where to stay in Bonners Ferry Idaho

We recommend the following accommodations for your trip to Bonners Ferry:

• With nice big rooms in a North American style and a private hot tub room, coupes will particularly enjoy this Inn. 
• Do you fancy a unique stay? You can stay at this renovated school! The hotel offers a seasonal outdoor pool and a jacuzzi, which is also perfect for couples looking to relax after a long day exploring the area. You can check if your dates are available here. 

Best things to do in Bonners Ferry Idaho

Although Bonners Ferry is a small town, it is home to a good number of fun things to do in Northern Idaho. Having lives in Bonners Ferry for a year, I got the chance to experience the town, what it has to offer and the surrounding areas. In these section, I selected activities I think are worth it!

1. Town centre & Georgia May Plaza, one of the cutest Bonners Ferry Idaho things to do

One of the best free things to do in Idaho Bonners Ferry is heading to the town centre. Bonners Ferry is quite picturesque and will remind you of the charming towns you see in American Christmas movies. 

If you look at a Bonners Ferry map, the town is sort of split in two parts. The first part is the upper part with most of the residential neighbourhoods and the High School. Though it is part of the town, there isn’t much there for tourists. The second part is the lower part of Bonners Ferry. This is where you will find the town centre, restaurants and cafés and the gazebo. This is much more interesting for tourists.

I recommend walking around downtown and checking out the Georgia May Plaza (gazebo). There are a few shops on Main Street that are owned by locals and sell a mix of goods and crafts. Bonners Ferry is famous for his huckleberry based products like chapstick. A popular spot downtown is caller Under The Sun. 

Budget: free

2. Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, one of the beautiful Idaho things to do in summer

Visiting the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best outdoor things to do in Bonners Ferry in the summer but also during spring, fall and winter. The park is 2,774 acre big and plays an important role in providing refuge for a number of wildlife species. Some of the animals you can observe at the refuge include the following:

• In November: coyotes, mule deer, beavers, bald eagles
• In Winter: hawks, bald eagles, about 150 elk
• In Spring: swans, geese, black bears, moose, elk
• In summer: hawks, herons, geese and ducks

The trail around the refuge is really easy. It first takes you out in the open where you can see large files with the Selkirk mountains in the backdrop. Then, part of the trail takes you through the forest where you can see a waterfall. If you love nature and wildlife, you’ll love this trail! 

Budget: free

3. Pearl Theatre, one of the fun Bonners Ferry things to do

The Pearl Theatre is located on Ash Street, just a couple minutes from downtown Bonners Ferry. It is an old church that was turned into a music and event venue. The theatre is charming and picturesque and everyone is very welcoming. I got to see several shows at the Pearl during my time in Bonners Ferry, including the Shook Twins, an Oregon based-duo and it was great everytime! The Pearl really is where lots of cool musical Bonners Ferry Idaho events happen! Tickets for shows are also quite reasonable in price which is a plus!

Budget: See program here

4. Copper Creek Falls hike for hiking Bonners Ferry

Copper Creek Falls hike is a 1.4 mile/2.3km loop trail that takes you to Copper Falls, a large and impressive waterfall. The trail takes about 40 minute to complete and is usually considered as easy. to get to the start of the trail, follow directions for Copper Creek campground. 

5. Myrtle Falls hike, one of the best things to do in Bonners Ferry Idaho

Myrtle Falls hike is one of the easy trails you can walk around Bonners Ferry. The trail takes you to Myrtle Falls, a large 100 feet tall waterfall that you can see from above. The trail started about 1/10 of a mile northwest of the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge and is 1 mile long. It takes about 30 minutes to complete and you can loop back into the Kootenay National Wildlife Refuge too. 

6. Kootenai River Brewing Company, one of the fun things to do in Bonners Ferry Idaho

From the food to the beer, the Kootenai River Brewing Company is a favourite of numerous tourists in Bonners Ferry. Overlooking the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains, this brewing company serves a range of unique beers and delicious foods. On Fridays and Saturdays, they also organise live music events. Funny enough, one of the featured artists is Paul Bonnell who was also my cross-country coach in High School! The Kootenai River Brewing Company is the perfect place to enjoy good food, good drinks and good music with a stunning view! In the summer, you can even sit outside for a direct view on the mountains!

Budget: You can find more information about the menu and program here. 

7. Boundary County Museum

On a rainy day, Boundary County Museum is a great place to visit to learn more about Boundary County. From exhibits to period rooms and original artifacts, you’ll learn about tribes and will get to see the White Caribou Saloon!

Budget: $2 per visit

8. Wildlife

There is lots of wildlife in Bonners Ferry, some cute, some scary! If you decide to adventure on some of the trails, it is better to be prepared and know what to expect. Cougars, coyotes and black bears are common in the area. Though some can be seen at the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, it is good to remember that they live in the area and are therefore susceptible to show up at any moment. Other large animals include elk and moose which can also be quite aggressive if they feel in danger. As part as smaller-sized wildlife, you’ll also find beavers, geese, ducks, eagles and mule deer.

While I lived in Bonners Ferry, I came across two moose in the backyard which, trust me, was very surprising, and hundreds of deer at my first house! I never saw bears or cougars though I would go running with my cross-country team and were always told to run by pair!

9. Visit boutique shops

Bonners Ferry is known for selling huckleberry based products like chapstick and body creams. You’ll find a number of boutique shops on Main Street including the popular boutique called Under the Sun. The boutique sells clothes, home decor and artisanal goods and also doubles as a café. In Bonners Ferry, you can also do some thrift shopping and see if you can dig any clothing gem!

10. Drive the International Selkirk loop

The International Selkirk Loop is a 280 miles/450km scenic drive across Idaho, Washington State and British Columbia that circles around the Selkirk Mountains. It is one of the national scenic byways in the USA. From visiting Kootenai Lake to picturesque towns like Bonners Ferry and Creston, along with provincial parks and gems like Metaline Falls, the Selkirk loop is a scenic drive anyone should hop on for at leats a couple of hours! You can find more information here.

11. Cool things to do in Idaho Bonners Ferry in the winter

In the winter, Bonners Ferry Idaho turns into a winter wonderland. From November to January, you can be sure that you will get snow, sometimes lots of it! During my time there, we had several snow days where school was cancelled due to the amount of snow, as early as November!

During the winter season, some of the cool things to do in Bonners Ferry include snowshoes and cross-country skiing. A prime spot to do these activities is the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. 

If you are traveling during the Holiday Season, make sure to check the dates for Christmas Choir concerts in Bonners Ferry. I’ve had the chance to attend a couple and they were a lot of fun! 

Restaurants in Bonners Ferry

There are several cafés and restaurants in Bonners Ferry. My favourites are the following:

• Under the Sun: a café that doubles as a craft shop. It’s a cute spot located in Downtown Bonners Ferry that serves a mix of sandwiches and soups and is perfect for lunch.
• Kootenai River Inn at the Bonners Ferry casino hotel: The restaurant is located near the casino and offers a range of foods. It’s a great place for dinner. 
• Three Miles: For an authentic American breakfast, you can head to Three Miles where you’ll have a diner experience!

Things to do near Bonners Ferry Idaho

There are lots of best things to do in Northern Idaho around Bonners Ferry. If you’re willing to drive 30 minutes to 2 hours, you’ll find some gems in North Idaho and beyond!

Best things to do in Sandpoint Idaho

Sandpoint is located only a 30 minute drive from Bonners Ferry and is the closest bigger city to Bonners ferry. From shopping to chilling on the beach, there are a couple things to do in Sandpoint.

Sandpoint City beach, one of the fun things to do in Sandpoint Idaho

Sandpoint City beach is located right off of Sand Creek Byway and just a couple blocks away from Sandpoint downtown. It’s also close to the Windbag Marina. 

At Sandpoint beach, you’ll find a long strand of sand on Lake Pend Oreille. There is an area where you can safely swim and a dock where you can walk or jump from. The beach is also surrounded by grass patches. With the mountains in the backdrop and the lake scenery, it is a popular spot to come to for Bonners Ferry resident, especially on a hot summer day. 

Activities are available at Sandpoint beach and include windsurfing, boating, sailing, swimming, and playing volleyball.

From my experience, it’s a great beach in the summer and it’s really nice to swim in the lake. Don’t forget to bring a book and an umbrella if it’s a hot day! During other seasons, Sandpoint beach is great for a stroll or visiting the mini statue of Liberty at its end. 

Budget: Free

Cedar Street Bridge Public Market

Close to Sandpoint beach, you’ll find Cedar Street Bridge Public Market. The market is a covered building which houses several boutique shops, local artisans and a couple of food shops. It’s a nice stop during your visit of Sandpoint. 

Budget: Free

Schweitzer Mountain, one of the outdoor things to do around Sandpoint Idaho

Schweitzer is part of the Selkirk Mountain range and is located about 50 minutes driving from Bonners Ferry. In the winter, Schweitzer is a bustling hot spot for ski and snowboarding. With powder snow, stunning views on the Selkirk Mountain range, and spa treatment offerings, it is a great outing to immerse yourself in the North Idaho winter lifestyle.

In the summer, the area is great for hikes and great views. Schweitzer Nature Trail is one of the popular hikes. It is a 8.4km there and back hike and is considered of moderate difficulty. It takes about 3h30min to complete so you should plan enough time, especially as it has some steep intense parts. 

Budget: Free

Where to stay in Sandpoint

If you fancy staying one or two nights in Sandpoint, we highly recommend staying on the Lake Pend Oreille. Here are a couple properties you won’t want to miss:

• This stunning cabin offers gorgeous views and features a hot tub right on the lake! You can check if your dates are available here. 
• Do you want a stunning hot tub experience in a luxury wooden cabin right on the lake? Check out this property here. 
• For a budget-friendly stay with a modern room and a hot tub room in Sandpoint centre, check out this hotel here. 

Things to do around Coeur d’Alene Idaho

Coeur d’Alene is only about two hours from Bonners Ferry and offers lots of Idaho things to do and see. Below we have selected a couple of fun things to do in Coeur d’Alene. 

Lake Coeur d’Alene, one of the best things to do around Coeur d’Alene Idaho

Lake Coeur d’Alene is a 25 mile shoreline lake that offers endless possibilities for hiking, boating, kitesurfing, fishing and swimming. There are several marinas all around the lake where you can rent boats and kayaks to get on the lake yourself. From the lake you can also observe a range of wildlife species included salmon and bald eagles. 

Budget: This is one of the free things to do in Coeur d’Alene Idaho

Triple Play, for a fun time in Coeur d’Alene

In case it’s raining and you’re feeling like having a lot of fun, head to Triple Play. Triple Play is a large entertainment centre that offers every activity from huge water slides to bowling and laser tag. I was lucky to go there with my high school and have incredible memories. Now an adult, I would fo back in a heartbeat to have lots of fun! 

Budget: Tickets are around $40 depending on your package. You can find more information here. 

Where to stay in Coeur d’Alene

It’s not impossible that once you step foot in Coeur d’Alene, you’ll want to stay for a couple of days! Here are a couple of accommodations we recommend:

• Stay at a former school house and enjoy professional massages here.
• With an indoor pool, this is a good value hotel. 

Kootenai Falls, Montana

While I lived in Bonners Ferry, I took a couples trips to the Kootenai Falls in Montana and loved it. It honestly looks like British Columbia there with the typical river and mountain landscape. The falls are gorgeous and make for great photos including for elopements! The geology is also quite interesting as the rock formations are square or rectangle shaped with the strides apparent. 

Kootenai Falls are only about 40 minutes from Bonners Ferry so it’s a perfect destination for a day trip. On your way back, you can stop in Troy for a drink!

Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia, Canada

Are you looking to have some relaxing time with your partner while visiting Bonners Ferry? Why not taking a trip to British Columbia? About 3 hours north of Bonners Ferry, you’ll find the Fairmont Hot Springs. There you can bathe in natural mineral hot springs in several pools. The resort also offers other activities such as golfing, and skiing. 

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Any questions on the best things to do in Bonners Ferry Idaho? Drop them in the comments or on insta @twolostexplorers and I will get back to you asap.

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