Lethbridge AB

Well it's been a while since I was in Lethbridge, but the first thing that springs to mind is the Japanese Gardens. On your way from Naramata, you would pass by Pincher creek and the turn-off to Waterton National park. There are a lot of lovely hikes there, I'm not sure how easily you could get last minute accommodation, I would personally stop there if I could.
You would also drive by Fort MacLeod, and there is a world heritage site Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump near there. If you are willing ot keep driving past Lethbridge( I think another hour) you get to Writing on Stone National Park which is very lovely, with coolees, etc. .

Lisa:

Thanks. All the Rockies are and have been in smoke for a while so anything mountain related is out. But I have been to Waterton Lakes on another trip. We’re angling down to Montana (driving) so that petroglyphs place is almost on the way.

Will pick up the buffalo place on the way in.

Wonder if there’s a recommended Indian restaurant in Lethbridge?

Unfortunately can’t get to either the buffalo place or the Japanese garden by closing today. It’s a 7-8 hour drive and we lose an hour. Garden closed Tuesday and not backtracking to the buffalo place tomorrow. At least the petroglyphs place will work out.

Can’t even make out the shapes of mountains in the smokey gloom. Feel sorry for the people headed to Waterton Lakes or Banff, so disappointing for them.

Sorry to hear Toby, I hope it brightens up for the rest of your trip.

Appreciate the sentiment but wildfire smoke is the new summer normal.

Now that I gave some familiarity with the beauty of the Kootenay area, and how arduous it is to reach from Vancouver or Calgary so will never be busy, I’m considering another visit but not in August fire season. Access from US I-90 to Creston is pretty straightforward and the spectacular scenery starts just north of that.