When you visit the North Idaho Boat Show, you are certainly dreaming and planning for upcoming summer adventures, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of everything winter has to offer in the beautiful Coeur d’Alene area. Make this boat show season something fun for the whole family with our ultimate boat show road trip.
Visiting from the other boat shows
With four shows in late January and early February, the 2024 Idaho boat show season has something to offer everyone. Be sure to check out our article on Maximizing Your Boat Show Season for an in-depth guide to the North Idaho Boat Show, Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo, Spokane Boat Show, and Boise Boat Show.Â
Since boat shows offer customers the unique opportunity to compare different boat manufacturers and dealerships, it’s a great idea to plan on visiting as many boat shows as possible in order to find your dream boat! And why not make an adventure out of it! Here are some ways to turn your boat show season into a fun and unique winter getaway.
Boise to Coeur d’Alene
The Boise Boat Show is hosted at Expo Idaho from January 26-28. From this show, it is a nine hour drive (depending on the route you choose to take) to the North Idaho Boat Show. Some things to do along the way:
Stop and soak in one of Idaho’s famous hot springs. For a few along your route, check out Gold Fork, Burgdorf, and Zims hot springs.
Plan a ski or snowboard day at one of the Boise, Spokane, or Coeur d’Alene area resorts.
Cheer on Idaho’s professional hockey team at a Idaho Steelheads game.
Spokane to Coeur d’Alene
The Spokane Boat Show is hosted at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center from January 25-28. From this show, it is a 45-minute drive to the North Idaho Boat Show. Some things to do along the way include:
Stop for a day of skiing or snowboarding at one of the Spokane area resorts.Â
Visit the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, which preserves and cultivates the heritage of the Inland Northwest people through collections, exhibitions, and programs that bring their stories to life.
Enjoy wine tasting in the Cork District. Spokane has a vibrant wine scene with more than 23 wineries, wine cellars, and tasting rooms in three areas.
Things to do in the Coeur d’Alene area
Between two world-class boat shows and a plethora of local activities, the Coeur d’Alene area has all the makings for a memorable winter getaway. The North Idaho Boat Show is hosted at Tobler Marina and runs from January 26 to February 4 from 9am-7pm daily. From our show, it’s an easy 20 minute drive to visit the Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo hosted by Hagadone Marine Group. Both shows are excellent and overlap the weekend of February 2-4–making visiting both simple.
After you’ve gotten all the best deals the boat show has to offer in order to create an epic summer, be sure to check out some of the other Coeur d’Alene highlights.
Food
Whether you’re looking for a casual snack or craving a nice meal out, Coeur d’Alene prides itself on having a wide variety of dining options. Make sure to ask about hidden local favorites!
Shopping
With a vibrant downtown area, Coeur d’Alene has an array of boutiques, specialty stores, and local artisans. Be sure to check out Sherman Avenue, which is the main hub for shopping in downtown.
Skiing and Snowboarding
With three- to four-hundred inches of annual snowpack and a refreshing lack of crowds, the Inland Northwest is a hidden gem when it comes to skiing and snowboarding. Be sure to check out some of the region's best ski areas–Schweitzer Mountain, Silver Mountain Resort, Lookout Pass Ski Area, and Mt. Spokane Ski Area–all within an hour’s drive of Coeur d’Alene.Â
Winter Hiking
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the region's outdoor spaces. Bring a pair of boots and some warm clothes and enjoy some time outside. Mineral Ridge is a popular trail in winter months. Be sure to check conditions to ensure you’re traveling with the right gear.
Ice Skating
Every year, Coeur d’Alene hosts a beautiful outdoor skating rink that boasts views of the lake, Tubbs Hills and the Coeur d’Alene Resort. This year, the season has been extended through February 4, so be sure to stop by, grab some hot cocoa, and skate to your heart’s content!
Indoor Water Parks
If you can’t quite get onboard with the whole winter thing, why not pretend summer is already here by visiting one of the local indoor water parks. Ride the waves, enjoy the slides, and get your fill of the water at Raptor Reef or Silver Rapids.
Boat show season in Coeur d’Alene allows you to take advantage of everything winter has to offer while preparing for the warmer months ahead. Don’t miss out on your chance to get the best deals of the year and create memories for you and the people you love! See you at the North Idaho Boat Show!