Near the south end of the campus is a road leading south to the MIR Centre for Peace. At the beginning of this road is the trailhead for the Confluence of Life Interpretive Trail. This "You Are Here" sign is part of the map on the trailhead kiosk.
The trail has two loops, one which loops around to the north along the left bank of the Kootenay at the confluence. The other runs generally south down the left bank of the Columbia. In total, the trails are about 7 kilometres in length.
There is a good sized parking lot just northwest of the trailhead.
Below is the text from the kiosk at the trailhead.
Here at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers exists a landscape rich in culture and embedded in nature. These great rivers have shaped the topography, ecology, culture and history from the heights of the Rocky Mountains to where you stand now and beyond to the Pacific Ocean. After nearly touching one another at Canal Flats, the rivers diverge, each carving their own paths of least resistance before finally merging at this campus.
Trace this remarkable journey on the map at right.
The map at the far right shows the Selkirk College trail system which allows you to explore this landscape. Along the interpretive trail, you are offered glimpses into natural and cultural history that have all, in some way, been influenced by these great rivers. The highlighted portion indicates the two loops which make up the Confluence of Life interpretive trail. Look for the trail symbols (right, below) to help direct your exploration. Throughout the walk, you may encounter signs of wildlife. Stop and discover. Trail signs will help you understand and appreciate this confluence of life.
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