Skookumchuck is a lovely village along the Kootenay River. It features overnight accommodation, a service centre (a host of friendly ducks reside here and wait to be fed), outdoor activities and it's the gateway to provincial parks and natural hot springs. The name Skookumchuck originates from the aboriginal language of the Chinook People; Skookum meaning 'strong' or 'powerful' and chuck meaning 'water'. The Chinook Northwest Coast people lived along the lower Columbia River and were famous as traders, with connections stretching as far as the Great Plains. They traded dried salmon, canoes, shells and slaves. Chinook Jargon, the trade language of the Northwest Coast, was a combination of Chinook with Nootka and other Indian, English, and French terms. It should be noted that today's Skookumchuck was originally called Springbrook. The land on which the businesses sit today was preempted from the Crown during the late 1890s. Log cabins and a large log building were built which served as an office, grocery store, lunch counter and post office. A crank-style telephone was even available for use by the public.

In 1806, David Thompson journeyed into the Rocky Mountain region. Thompson continued to trade, explore and survey the area from 1807 to 1811, covering all trade sources in the southeastern portion of British Columbia. Prospecting and mineral exploration later populated this area and gold was discovered on Skookumchuck Creek around 1864. The large expanse of land known as Skookumchuck Prairies was settled in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when people came to homestead and ranch. In the 1950s Bud Amy was commissioned to carve the 'Skookumchuck Indian' which has served as a landmark since that time. The carving is called 'Old Crow' in honour of a native and friend of Willy Roberge who lived up the Skookumchuck River.

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