Bonners Ferry, ID

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Jerry Pavia
Photo provided by International Selkirk Loop
Photo provided by International Selkirk Loop
Photo provided by International Selkirk Loop
Photo provided by Stan Bousson

Experience the old-world atmosphere of this historic town set within the valley of the Kootenai River and bound by mountain wilderness.

The pretty townscape of Bonners Ferry is strung across the banks of the Kootenai River, which carves its way through a forested valley. Set against a captivatingly beautiful backdrop of mountain peaks, Bonners Ferry has a scenic downtown area where you’ll find busy boutiques and charming diners. Explore the town’s pristine surrounding wilderness and discover some of the Idaho Panhandle’s renowned reserves, rivers and lakes.

Take a stroll through town and get a sense of its history. Bonners Ferry had its beginnings in the 1860s when a ferry service was established to bring gold prospectors across the river and onward to the East Kootenays of British Columbia. Check out the Boundary County Museum to learn about Far North Idaho’s intriguing heritage and the indigenous Kootenai people.

See a local drama production or attend a community event at the Pearl Theater, housed within a charming converted church. At the Kootenai River Brewery, sample delicious seasonal brews and traditional ales made from locally grown hops. Try your luck or enjoy an indulgent retreat at the Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa.

Magnificent wilderness abounds outside of the town, with plenty of exciting activities for any season. Take in the mountain views while you practice your swing at Mirror Lake Municipal Golf Course and explore some of the surrounding nature reserves on foot. Popular hikes include the Katka Peak Trail, West Fork Lake and Mountain, Myrtle Peak and the pretty forests of Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. Go ice-skating or snowmobiling during the snowy wintertime.

Bonners Ferry is located on the northern tip of Idaho. Eckhart International Airport is 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) to the north of the town. Several scenic routes pass nearby Bonners Ferry, making the town a perfect road-trip stopover. Explore the Wild Horse Scenic Byway, the Pend Orielle Scenic Byway and the International Selkirk Loop. Make the most of the region’s warm, dry summers and explore the Selkirk Loop on a bicycle tour.

Shouldering Northwest Montana, Washington and Canada, the town is a pretty gateway to Idaho.

Bonners Ferry Log Inn
Bonners Ferry Log Inn
2.5 out of 5
43 Tobe Way, Bonners Ferry, ID
$150 nightly
The price is $163 total per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
$163 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Bonners Ferry. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
Quiet night
"Quiet. Feel like we found a hidden gem. Friendly staff. We’d definitely stay again"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Bonners Ferry Log Inn
Dodge Peak Lodge
Dodge Peak Lodge
2 out of 5
5952 Main Street, Bonners Ferry, ID
$133 nightly
The price is $143 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$143 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Bonners Ferry. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (393 reviews)
Small rooms. Good breakfast.
"The room was small and a little dark. The ac was noisy. Breakfast was very nice. The breakfast room was bright and cheery."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Dodge Peak Lodge
Kootenai Valley Motel
Kootenai Valley Motel
2 out of 5
6409 US-2, Bonners Ferry, ID
$118 nightly
The price is $129 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$129 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Bonners Ferry. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Mirror Lake Golf Course and Boundary County Fairgrounds ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (205 reviews)
"Staff very friendly and even had a brownie and handmade thank you card in the room upon arrival."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Kootenai Valley Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
North Haven Campground
North Haven Campground
2.5 out of 5
78 Tobe Way, Bonners Ferry, ID
Stay at this cabin in Bonners Ferry. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Boundary County Museum and Casino at Best Western ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
"We stayed in the cutest covered wagons!"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

North Haven Campground
Peaceful Secluded Farmhouse - 10 minutes from Bonner's Ferry
Peaceful Secluded Farmhouse - 10 minutes from Bonner's Ferry
Bonners Ferry
Stay at this vacation home in Bonners Ferry. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Boundary County Museum and Kootenai National ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
Great stay
"The house was perfect for us. Beds were nice! Cozy living room. Loved the formal dining for family breakfast and dinner. Overall a great stay!"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Peaceful Secluded Farmhouse - 10 minutes from Bonner's Ferry
Discover Bonners Ferry charm, steps away from Casino at Best Western
Discover Bonners Ferry charm, steps away from Casino at Best Western
Bonners Ferry
Stay at this vacation home in Bonners Ferry. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Pearl Theater and Casino at Best Western ...
6.4/10 (5 reviews)
Gorgeous
"Excellent and beautiful property. Don’t pass up this gem. I wish I lived here! Tips: bring ear plugs for the trains and if it’s cold out let that hot water run for quite awhile to warm up."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2025

Discover Bonners Ferry charm, steps away from Casino at Best Western
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Bonners Ferry

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
29
5 - Excellent 35%
4 - Good
46
4 - Good 56%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

First time here. Very quite and beautiful. Not a lot to do but we weren’t there long. The locals we talked to were so friendly.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Far North coffee lodge is a must. Breakfast sandwich and Pastries were amazing, but the coffee was outstanding. Plus you can roast your own beans and take them home.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Cute quiet little town. Very friendly

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We went to the Kootenay River Brewing Co and the Rusty Moose for drinks. Enjoyed them both

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

There is a beautiful loop drive from Bonner’s Feery into Montana and back out with wonderful falls, hikes, and small towns.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I got there at 11pm and left in the morning. On my way to Canada for business.

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