The West Koot Route can be accessed by three different ferry rides: Upper Arrow Lake, Lower Arrow Lake and Kootenay Lake via Balfour or Kootenay Bay (Hwy #3A).
During the Silvery Slocan mining boom, Nakusp was a major transportation hub. Today the village offers a lovely downtown, great fishing, a range of overnighting options, a waterfront promenade and three wonderful hot springs.
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Side Trip option:
You’ve now connected with the Silvery Slocan Driving Route. Follow its itinerary if you’d like to head south on Highway #6 through the Slocan Valley and back up through Nelson, Ainsworth Hot Springs and Kaslo.
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Spend some time in Kaslo – here’s some of the village’s highlights:
DOWNTOWN |
KOOTENAY LAKE |
| The Kootenay Star Mining Museum is located right downtown on Front Street and celebrates an era when hard work and unimaginable risk, was the norm for most people.
The Langham Cultural Centre recently won the BC Architecture Foundations ‘Best Building Award’. It is a thriving arts centre and also houses the Japanese Canadian Museum. Kaslo is one of BC’s prettiest villages, set on the shores of Kootenay Lake, the Purcell Mountains tower above and the wide tree-lined streets and stately old houses exude charm. |
The Kaslo Kayaking and Adventure Centre offers tours, lessons and rentals. Experienced and knowledgeable guides will help you discover the true magic of the area.
The SS Moyie is a National Historic Site – take a step back in time aboard the oldest sternwheeler in the world. Located at the Kaslo Visitor Centre along the shore of Kootenay Lake. The Kaslo Jazz Festival is an intimate and laid-back world-class music festival which takes place in Kaslo Bay Park each August long weekend. They host big names and newly discovered gems on a unique floating stage on Kootenay Lake. |
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Alongside Trout lake from Gerrard to the village of Trout Lake, the gravel road narrows. It is one lane in places, includes four hairpin turns, has pull out bays and may not be suitable for RVs. Watch for logging trucks.
Travelling south on Highway 31 to the Kootenay Lake Ferry Landing at Balfour – The Kootenay Lake Ferry is Canada’s longest free ferry ride.
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Continue travelling south on Highway #3A towards the city of Nelson and Castlegar.
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The City of Castlegar is situated at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers. This ‘centre of adventure’ is home to an impressive network of trails, where hikers and cyclists enjoy the natural setting of the city. Castlegar also thrives with rich culture and heritage – enjoy the Millennium Walkway & Pond, Heritage Tour and Sculpturewalk.
Spend some time in Castlegar and neighbouring communities of Rossland, Trail & Fruitvale, moments south on Highway #22. Here’s some highlights:
CASTLEGAR |
ROSSLAND |
| World-class fishing, kayaking and climbing are at your fingertips!
The Doukhobor Discovery Centre is a reconstructed communal village and gallery. Discover over 1,600 artifacts, audio / visual galleries, interactive displays and gift shop. The annual and very popular Castlegar Sculpturewalk is a rotating exhibition of sculptures by international and local artists. Take the walking tour and view them all. |
Rossland was the site of Canada’s richest 19th century gold strikes. Today, the mountain-lovers who flock here, strike gold on the stunning hiking and biking trails.
The Rossland Museum and Discovery Centre offers visitors a chance to learn about the mining and skiing history and even try their hand at gold panning. The Gold Fever Follies is a family-friendly musical theatre performance that runs twice daily throughout the summer. |
TRAIL |
NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES |
| The city of Trail offers many wonderful attractions such as the Columbia River Skywalk which is one of the longest suspension bridges of its king in North America.
Historic Rock Wall Tour – Get a taste of Italy with Trail’s Rock Wall Adventure Walking Tour highlighting Trails’ Italian heritage and masonry skills. The Trail Museum & Archives offers a glimpse into Trails long history as a pioneer industrial town and sports haven. |
Fruitvale is a full-service community offering retail, grocery and other services.
Montrose, the gateway to the Beaver Valley, is built on a mountain ledge and offers a lovely Memorial Park. Salmo offers surrounding mountains, pristine lakes, streams & rivers, and a natural haven for a wide variety of wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. |
Stunning backcountry beauty and quaint towns & villages are around every corner on the West Koot Route.
