Without a doubt, springtime in North Idaho can be wet and this spring of 2010 is proving to be an exteme case.  The beauty of this area beckons visitors to play outdoors so finding appropriate activities during this “rainy season” is still possible.  Below are a few of my favorite activities whether the sun is shining or not.

Silvermountain in Kellogg, Idaho offers visitors breathtaking gondola rides from downtown straight up the mountain 3.1 miles to the Mountain Haus.  From here you can access over 30 miles of downhill mountain bike trails, interpretive nature trails, disc golf and occassionaly, mountain top concerts.  If the weather doesn’t suite you, lets the kids burn some energy in the jump castle and enjoy lunch indoors with fantastic views.  Every friday from July-September you can enjoy a delicious bar-b-que that’s sure to be a hit with everyone.  After a quick ride back down the mountain, take the family to the Silver Rapids  Water Park where it’s always a balmy 84 degrees.   Enjoy waterslides, hot tubs, wet adventure games, the lazy river,  toddler pools and a simulated surfing wave  all indoors and connected to a luxury condominum for overnight guests.

Quinns Hot Springs in Paradise, Montana provides comfortable accomodations, a fun lounge, full service restaurant and  sparkling clean, hot mineral pools.  This quaint resort sits on the banks of the Clark Fork River so guests can enjoy swimming from the beach, flyfishing, hiking, horseback riding or soaking in the chemical-free hot pools.  This is also a great starting place for whitewater raft trips on the Clark Fork River during the summer months.

Scenic Lake Coeur d’Alene cruises are always popular regardless of the weather.  These beautiful boats have large, warm enclosed areas with plenty of windows and  seating.   Leaving daily from downtown Coeur d’Alene, there are several itineraries to choose from.  The St. Joe River, Sunset Dinner or Sunday Brunch cruises all serve scrumptious meals while touring the lake and rivers around Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.   Private parties can rent a luxury houseboat by the day complete with a captain and preplanned itinerary.  This is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, family reuion or company meeting while cruising the lake in style.

TMI Tours of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho can help you plan a fun-filled vacation to North Idaho at any time of the year.  Contact us a 1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com.

On Lake Coeur d’Alene, lakefront home rentals provide the perfect option for family vacations whether you are staying  for a week, a month or longer.   With 190 miles of pristine, wooded shoreline and 40 intimate bays, Lake Coeur d’Alene is  the Pacific Northwests most famous summer playground and resort destination.  The surrounding area offers camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, watersports, beaches, parks and just about kind of outdoor activity you can think of.

Vacation homes and cabins on the lake come equipt with private docks, beaches, canoes or paddleboats, waterview decks with bar-b-ques and plenty of clean, fresh air.   Most homes are within a 20 minute drive from Coeur d’Alene or Harrison, Idaho and there are several lakefront resorts offering dining and social activites for all ages. 

Of course the best way to explore Lake Coeur d’Alene is from the water.  Local companies will deliver a boat fully loaded with ski equiptment, lifevests, tubes and wakeboards.  Rentals can run anywhere from 1/2 day to weekly, delivered to the lake for your convienience.  Public docks are located at Coeur d’Alene, Harrison, Post Falls and at the great restaurants dotted around Lake Coeur d’Alene as well as State Parks and major points of interest.

Mountain bike rentals can take you on several historical sightseeing routes around the Coeur d’Alene area.  Schweitzer and Silver Mountain whisk riders to the peaks for easy access to alpine mountain bike trails during the summer months.   The Route of the Hiawatha combines easy riding trails with vintage railroad trestles and tunnels through the mountains of the famous Silver Valley.

Any vacation in North Idaho wouldn’t be complete without a day or two at our  famous theme-park, Silverwood.  Located between the resort town of Sandpoint, Idaho and Coeur d’Alene, this is an attraction that will keep the whole family busily entertained.  Silverwood offers over 65 rides, shows and attractions from raging roller coasters plunging at 65 mph to carnival rides perfect for the little ones.  Boulder Beach Water Park will keep you cool with wavepools, high velocity tubes and slides, toddlers attractions with fountains and geysers as well as a family-fun raft ride down a twisting mountain.

TMI Tours of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho has the latest listings of luxurious homes and cabins for rent on Lake Coeur d’Alene this summer as well as action packed activities taylored to your family.  Call Rhonda or Linda at 1-800-975-7775 or email us at info@tmitours.com and let us plan your perfect family summer getaway at Lake Coeur d’Alene.

One of the best ways to experience the culture and history that made American great is to explore her inland waterways.  The most famous  river on the west coast of the United States is known as the Mighty Columbia, the gateway to the Pacific Ocean.  Imagine the thrill of the Lewis & Clark expedition in 1805 when they made their way down the Columbia River and established Ft. Clatsop at the edge of that ocean.  Today, small  luxury cruiseships make this same voyage roundtrip from the fascinating city of Portland, Oregon.  Weekly departures begin in May, continue through October and by planning in advance, you can save up to $1200.00 per cabin for bookings by December 11, 2009.

Small ship cruising has become increasingly popular over the past few years providing guests with a more intimate experience onboard and off.    Shore excursion visit quaint museums,  family-owned wineries, historic forts and native american villages and are included in the price of the cruise for every passenger.   Passengers are also encouraged to participate in a jet-boat trip into Hell’s Canyon on the Snake River or to explore the shoreline via kayak or zodiaks and enjoy the pristine beauty of these rivers up close.

Discounts are offered on all cruises for 2010 but bookings must be confirmed and under deposit by December 11, 2009  for you to qualify and bookings paid in full will get the highest discounts.  Call Rhonda or Linda at TMI Tours for full details and to reserve your week long journey through the Columbia River Gorge. 1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com

TMI Tours is offering early-bird packages for the winter season, starting December 26, 2009-March 15, 2010. Reservations purchased before October 1st will save 10% off the regular season rates. Whether you are a seasoned sledder or trying this sport for the first time, we have packages that are perfect for you.

For beginners or those who prefer a guided tour, we offer 4 days/3 nights including meals, lodging and Polaris snowmobile rental. Your rocky mountain guide will take you on three fun-filled days of snowmobiling right from your cabin door with a trail lunch provided. Each morning and evening you will be treated to hearty ranch-style meals in the main lodge. In the evening, relax in the outdoor hot tub or warm up beside a roaring fire in the main lodge or your private cabin.

For the seasoned rider we offer a 4 day/3 night package including meals, lodging and a map of the Seeley Lake Groomed Trail system. Snowmobile rentals can be added or you can bring your own but you’ll still enjoy a trail lunch daily with ranch-style breakfast and dinner in the main lodge and the same great accomodations.

Call Linda or Rhonda at TMI Tours for prices and availability on these and other great snowmobile packages for the 2009/2010 winter season in Idaho and Montana. 1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com