Whew, it has been a hot summer here in North Idaho.  Whitewater or float trips on any of the  rivers that run through this beautiful country are such a great way to spend time with the family and keep everyone cool.  Whether you are visiting us here in Coeur d’Alene or any of the surrounding communities, TMI Tours can find a river trip that is perfect for you.

If you have small children, then a day trip through Alberton Gorge on the Clark Fork River might be just what you are looking for.  The water has calmed down a little and the Clark Fork offers roller-coaster waves with intermittent warm pools that invite you to jump right in.  These trips leave daily through September 2nd  near  Superior, Montana and have you back to your vehicle by dinner time.  Lunch is served picnic style on a big, sandy beach where the kids can splash and explore.  This whitewater experience is suitable for ages 5 years and up.

Also suitable for the younger set,  try a 4 -day family camping whitewater adventure leaving every Sunday and Tuesday through September 13th from Lewiston, Idaho.   Cascading down 60 miles of Idaho’s Salmon “River of No Return”, everyone will love the whitewater excitement, warm water, expansive white sand beaches and historical sites.   This river is famous for it’s rich Native American history and ancient pioneer homesteads tucked into the mountansides and valleys.  Kids will love the “River Jester” who will entertain  with nature hikes and other special activities just for them.  Parents will love camping without the work..let the river guides handle all the details for you.  This camping adventure is also suitable for ages 5 years and up.

Coeur dAlene River

If you are just looking for a gentle float down a river, try the Spokane River, below the falls.  Every afternoon  you can relax and enjoy 3 hours of the beautiful Spokane River, letting your cares drift away.  The scenery is beautiful, the companionship enjoyable and the water is warm and inviting.    Looking for a little longer float trip, then it’s definitely the Coeur d’Alene River you want.  With a minimum group of 6, you can get transportation and floats for 1/2 day or a full day and enjoy the clean mountain air and crystal clear waters of the Coeur d’Alene.  You’ll have plenty of company because all the locals will be there too.

Call Rhonda or Linda at TMI Tours & Cruises for prices, availability and water updates for these and other great whitewater destinations throughout Idaho and Montana.  1-800-975-777 or info@tmitours.com  We are your vacation specialists for the Pacific Northwest.

Explore the city lights of Vancouver, B.C. Canada, float plane over the lush Canadian west coast, explore the bays and inlets amidst B.C.’s rain forest, then tour the resort town of Whistler. Top this off with a first class rail tour back into Vancouver and you have the perfect 4 night/5 day vacation get-away.

The British Columbia coast is a wilderness paradise with lush, intensely green rain forests lining a rugged Pacific coastline teeming with wildlife. Vancouver B.C. is a dynamic, multicultural city set in a spectacular natural environment and Whistler, the ski resort village, was selected for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Highlights of this trip include your first night in Vancouver at the Fairmont, a scenic float-plane flight to the Wilderness Lodge, sightseeing, dining, activities, hiking and a boat tour of Jervis and Princess Louisa Inlets. These incredible fjords are renowned for their 7,000 foot towering cliffs, dozens of cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife, ancient petroglyphs and protected waters surrounded by the lush rain forest. The return float-plane trip flies over glaciers and mountain lakes en route to Whistler B.C., where you’ll enjoy the Fairmont Whistler Resort. Your journey back to Vancouver will be on the famous Rocky Mountaineer, a first class scenic train tour through the mountains and valleys of British Columbia.

TMI Tours and Cruises offers great vacation ideas and extended weekend get-aways to unique areas in the Pacific Northwest. Call Rhonda or Linda at 1-800-975-7775 or email us at info@tmitours.com for more information.

Idaho has more miles of whitewater river than any other state; over 3,000 miles of perfect, raftable adventure.    A whitewater vacation in Idaho can mean anything from 1 day to multi-day trips with overnight campsites along the river.

In the Spring and early Summer, the water is high and the rafting is exciting.  1 day trips on the Moyie River and the St. Joe River are a great way to introduce yourself to river running.  These are true northern Idaho rivers, deep wilderness canyons, lush cedar forests and wild, wild water! In late summer and early fall, 1 day trips on the Clark Fork River in Montana, combine roller-coaster waves with warm pools for swimming and relaxing.

Probably the most quintessential Idaho whitewater experience is the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.  This is one of the 10 top whitewater rivers in the world and it is known for it’s trout fishery, natural hot springs, wildlife, ancient pictographs and class III/IV rapids. Running through the Frank Church-River of No Return-Wilderness (the largest forest wilderness in the lower 48), these trips are lengths of 3, 5 or 6 days, combining whitewater thrills, soothing hot springs and luxury beach camping. 

Drive along any river in Idaho during the summer, and you will see people floating along on inner tubes, inflatable islands, rafts … just about anything they can commandeer to get on the water.  This is the local’s favorite way of travel and a great way to enjoy a warm summer day and see beautiful scenery and wildlife.   There are several companies that will rent you floats, drop you off and pick you up at the end of your trip.  All you have to do is relax and enjoy the ride.

Call us at TMI Tours for rates and information on the best whitewater trips.  Come and experience some of the wildest rivers in the country, right in our backyard.

Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding area has been blessed with the perfect climate for the game of golf.  With summer temperatures usually in the mid 80’s, our golf courses maintain their velvety greens and our abundance of trees provide just the right amount of shade for the avid golfer.  With over 10 local golf courses to choose from, no matter what your budget, TMI Tours can find the perfect golf vacation for you.  Here are a few of our favorites:

Black Rock’s Jim Engh-designed course was voted the Best New Course of 2003 by Golf Digest.  This is genuinely a unique golf experience of dramtic cliffs, cavernous natural bunkers, sparkling lake panoramas with stunning curves and textures.  The 7000 yards of rolling hills include a back 9 holes with waterfalls cascading over black rock cliffs and panoramic views of Lake Coeur dAlene.  Jim says  the best golf hole he ever designed was number 11 on this exclusive course.

Circling Raven, a Gene Bates design golf course, is located on 620 wildly beautiful acres within the Coeur d Alene Indian Reservation lands.  Voted as one of the top 10 Best New Casino courses in America,  this 18- hole beauty winds through natural wetlands, woodlands and native palouse grasses.

The Hayden Lake Country Club is a private, member owned club rich in tradition and historical heritage.  Origonally opened in 1907 by the Spokane & Inland Empire Railroad as a retreat for the wealthy, it became the Hayden Lake Country Club in 1927 and maintains its 18- hole golf course to the highest of standards and quality.  The 6,030 yards of course are nestled along the shores of pristine Hayden Lake.

Master golf course designer Tom Fazio has created Gozzer Ranch’s breathtaking 18- hole championship golf course with spectacular lake views.  This 700 acre course, surrounded by basalt rock bluffs with dramatic spires and cliffs, is so well integrated within its surrounding that it looks like a natural part of the landscape.  The 431 yard, par-5 hole 15 is his favorite for its unimaginable views of Lake Coeurdalene.

Be sure to visit our website at TMI tours and check out our fabulous golf package under the self-drive tours section.  We are offering a limited number of packages that will get you onto some of these member-only courses this summer.  Reserve early, come to Coeur d’Alene and let TMI Tours show you northern Idaho as only we can.

Rhonda Sand, owner of TMI Tours & Cruises, was recently interviewed by a local writer for a series on entrepreneurs. When you have a moment, please check out the entire interview. We are sure you will enjoy reading about Rhonda and her thoughts about TMI.