The Nelson / Kootenay Lake area brims with mountain culture. Nelson got its start in silver mining, but is now known as one of the best small arts communities in North America.
Explore Nelson and its vivid past of Victorian architecture, cultural histories and vibrant art scene. These qualities are complemented by world-class outdoor adventures.
Spend a day or two in Nelson – here’s some of the city’s highlights:
ARTS & HERITAGE |
BOAT AND PADDLE |
| Touchstones Nelson: Museum of Art & History celebrates the city’s creativity and vibe. | Spend the day on beautiful Kootenay Lake – one of the largest lakes in British Columbia. |
| Touchstones is part of the City Heritage Tour. Take the self-guided walking tour; maps are available at the Visitor Centre. |
Nelson Paddle Board and Kayak offer board, kayak and canoe rentals – a great way to experience the lake and suitable for beginners too. |
| Nelson’s largest selection of local art is displayed at the Craft Connection & Gallery. | Or, take a sunset sail with Sail Nelson followed by a dinner at Sage Tapas. |
Along the way:
Kaslo is one of British Columbia’s prettiest villages. The wide tree-lined downtown and stately old houses exude charm. It is home to the world’s oldest passenger sternwheeler, the SS Moyie, an international treasure.
Here’s some suggestions of how to spend a day or two in the village:
ARTS & HERITAGE |
FUN ON KOOTENAY LAKE |
| The SS Moyie, a National Historic Site, is set along the shore of Kootenay Lake. Sept back in time onboard the oldest sternwheeler in the world. | The Kaslo Kayaking and Adventure Centre offers tours, lessons and rentals on Kootenay Lake. Your choice includes kayaking, paddleboards, explorer trips and much more. |
| The Kootenay Star Museum displays hundreds of tools from the boomtown years as well as mining machines, samples and gear. | The Kaslo Jazz Festival takes place every August long weekend. The unique floating stage transforms Kaslo Bay Park into a natural green amphitheatre and sends live music reverberating out over Kootenay Lake. |
| The Langham Cultural Centre was first constructed in 1896 and is a thriving arts centre with a theatre, 2 art galleries and also houses the Japanese Canadian Museum with archival display on Kaslo’s internment years during WWII. | Kaslo Bay Park is nestled in a protected bay and offers a sandy beach and large grass area. The Kaslo Waterfront Trail Regional Park is lovely and also provides trail access to Kaslo River. |
KASLO TO NEW DENVER in the SLOCAN VALLEY IS 46 KM / 28 MI.
TAKE HIGHWAY 31A WEST.
One of North America’s top motorcycle rides, this stretch of picturesque highway winds along the mountains of the Goat Range and Kaslo River. Along the way, you will see wildlife, fishing spots and very few cars or riders. This portion of highway is a riders dream, with open skies, views of glaciers and snow peaked mountains.
Along the way:
New Denver has a lovely setting alongside Slocan Lake with roots in the silver rush of the late 1800s. The downtown is quaint and the village is a hub of outdoor opportunities including hiking, biking, water and winter sports.
Spend a day to two in New Denver:
ARTS & HERITAGE |
FUN AT SLOCAN LAKE |
| The Silvery Slocan Museum is located in a heritage building and the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre tells the story of the internment of thousands of Canadians of Japanese descent during WWII.
The Kohan Reflection Garden is a sereme Japanese-style lakefront ground in honour of the Japanese Canadians relocated to the BC interior in 1942. |
This area has some outstanding trails for hiking and biking: Kaslo & Sandon Railway Loop, Slocan Valley Rail Trail and the Galena Trail.
Paddle Slocan Lake – it’s a paddler’s paradise. There are numerous places to explore and camp along the west shore. |
| The Hidden Garden Gallery presents a summer season of art shows and musical receptions during July and August to early-Sept. Local and regional artists are showcased in the intimate gallery. | Valhalla Provincial Park is a dramatically diverse area encompassing 30 kms (19 mi) along the west shore of Slocan Lake. Some popular hikes in the park include Gimli, Gwillam Lakes and Drinnon Pass. |
Along the way:
Enjoy exploring the rest of the spectacularly beautiful Slocan Valley.
