things to do
Slocan Valley Rail Trail
It used to be a line of the CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway). With the end of mining and forestry industry this railroad got abandoned in 1993. It is now a 50 kilometre stretch of adventure through one of the most beautiful river valleys in British Columbia. Beatrice Place is just some pedalling away to access this historic trail. Enjoy it by bike or foot. It is non-motorised. I would be delighted to give you more details if you are interested. It is one of my favourite places to be. Bicycles can get rented. Enjoy cross country skiing in the winter, with both track set and open corduroy lanes.
http://slocanvalleyrailtrail.ca/
Beach Day
Some brave ones start swimming in Slocan Lake in June but most wait until the lake’s deep waters warm in July. Slocan Beach is a sandy beach at the end of the main street of the village of Slocan, with a dock and small diving board. There is a boat launch adjacent to the beach area. If you like swimming and beaches i would love to give you more information about other beaches on Slocan Lake.
Sandon Ghost Town
Slocan and it’s neigbouring villages have a rich history in silver mining. Sandon is 45 minutes away and offers its visitors a glimpse how life was around 1890.
http://www.sandoninthekootenays.ca/
Hiking
If you like hiking, you have come to the right place. There are many options from leisure walks, full day hikes to multi-day trips.
– the Slocan Valley Rail Trail – www.slocanvalleyrailtrail.ca
– hike along along Slocan Lake – be it the short hike on east side
or on the west side Slocan – Evans Lake –
westkootenayhiking.ca/slocan-evans-creek
– hike in gorgeous Valhalla Provincial Park –
bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/valhalla
– Slocan Owl Walk – located next to Rail Trail. It is prime habitat for Western Screech Owl
– and many more…
Silvery Slocan Tour
Silvery Slocan Tour, a circle tour which can be completed in one day that will journey through the glory days of mining history. Visit Slocan Valley, Silverton, New Denver, Sandon, Retallack, Kaslo, Ainsworth, Nelson – a journey that also takes you through some exquisitely beautiful country.
Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre
Visit a National Historic Site dedicated to the story of over 22,000 Japanese Canadians who were forcibly relocated during World War II. Located on the site of “The Orchard” internment camp, the NIMC contains original buildings, period artifacts and interpretive displays as well as the Heiwa Teien Peace Garden, designed by the renowned Japanese Canadian gardener, Tomomichi (Roy) Sumi.
Location: New Denver – 30 minutes drive
http://newdenver.ca/nikkei/
Canoeing - Kayaking
Water sports are a ‘Way of Life’ in the Arrow-Slocan region. Paddle boarding, kayaking, tubing and canoeing are great ways to enjoy the water.
Smiling Otter Adventure Tours is only 800 meters away and can set you up with the equipment and advise you need to get on to the water safely.
https://www.smilingotter.com/#tours
Hot Springs
Longing for a little TLC with your trip? There are six hotsprings to discover in the southeast corner of B.C. The following 3 are the closest:
Nakusp Hot Springs – www.nakusphotsprings.com – 70 minutes
Halcyon Hot Springs – www.halcyon-hotsprings.com – 80 minutes
Ainsworth Hot Springs – www.ainsworthhotsprings.com – 90 minutes drive (on the Silvery Slocan Tour)
Valley View Golf Club
This is a picturesque 9-hole golf course with a clubhouse/restaurant.
It’s located in Appledale, a 10minutes drive.
https://www.golfvalleyview.ca/
Nakusp
Nakusp is also a small town one hour drive away. It is nestled on the shores of Upper Arrow Lake. There are some eateries, waterfront walkways and their downtown revitalization project sure shows off … have a stroll and enjoy the beautiful flowerbeds.
Nelson
It is funky, independent, eclectic and has become one of North America’s most unique mountain playgrounds.
Nelson has it all: Shopping, Dining, Arts, Hertage Buildings and more.
Nelson is one hour away