Silvery Slocan Tour |
|
| Featuring the Kootenay Rockies - British Columbia's Mountain Playground | |
The Arrow Lakes played a crucial role in the Silvery Slocan mining boom of the late 1800's --- dreamers and schemers flocked to the area. Today, people come for the hot springs, to explore the historic mining memorabilia and for the relaxed ambience.
Day
1: From Highway #1 - Revelstoke, head south on highway #23 to the community of Nakusp. At Shelter Bay a ferry ride is required to cross the Upper Arrow Lake. The ferry departs Shelter Bay daily, every hour on the hour from 5:00 am to 12:00 am (a 30-minute transfer to Galena Bay).
|
|
The village of Nakusp is set on the shores of the Upper Arrow Lake in the Columbia Mountain range. Take a walk along the waterfront pathway and check out an exquisite Japanese Garden or learn about the town's history at the Nakusp Museum. High in the mountains, Nakusp Hot Springs occupies a beautiful setting, with hot and warm pools, cabins and camping facilities. You may like to visit Halcyon Hot Springs, just a short distance north of Nakusp or enjoy a side trip along Hwy #6 and the Lower Arrow Lake. Or visit one of the un-developed and secluded hot springs in the area, such as Octopus Creek (south of Fauquier). |
|
Day
2: Across
the magnificent Valhalla mountain range and the New Denver glacier, the small towns of
New Denver and Silverton are
situated along the shoreline of Slocan Lake. You'll discover artisan
shops and galleries along the way, and the Nikkei Intenment Memorial
Centre, located in New Denver, tells the tragic story of the internment of thousands of
Canadians of Japanese descent during
the World War II. The Silvery Slocan Museum displays a
great selection of memorabilia too. |
|
|
|
Discover British Columbia's legendary ghost city - Sandon, a short drive from New Denver, and experience the silver rush of the 1800s. Historical treasures include the City Hall and Interpretive Centre, Generating Station, Prospector's Pick gift shop and much more. A great 'family' bike ride is the Galena Trail (which starts at the Three Forks - Hwy #31/Sandon Junction). The interpretive trail (6.5 km) follows the Canadian Pacific Railway line past historic artifacts and glides across Carpenter Creek on a cable car. |
|
|
Follow the Slocan River and Hwy #6 to the 'Queen City' Nelson. Nelson's boom came when two prospectors accidentally discovered a rich silver outcrop. Their 'find' attracted a number of miners increasing its population, making Nelson the oldest city on the west side of the Kootenay Rockies region. Nelson is home to many fine heritage buildings, from elegant mansions to elaborate commercial structures. The Nelson Brewing Company is located in the same historic building as Nelson's original brewery was and offers tours each Friday. The Nelson Museum has changing exhibits of the area's history and art. The community's annual Art Walk (July & August) showcases the local artisans' incredible work. |
|
Carry-on in a northerly direction on Hwy #3A along the west arm of Kootenay Lake to Ainsworth Hot Springs where you'll want to rejuvenate in the hot, natural, mineral springs water. The resort also offers dining, a lounge, overnight accommodation and massage therapy. Just minutes away, discover the Cody Caves Provincial Park by spelunking on a guided underground tour. You'll view a spectacular array of formations such as stalactites, soda straws and waterfalls. Also nearby, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, is one of the oldest parks in the provinical system and comprises of a picturesque mosaic of high peaks, snowfields, cirques and colourful lake basins.
|
|
|
|
The village of Kaslo is set at the highway junctions of #31/#31A. The restored SS Moyie, the world's oldest sternwheeler and proud symbol of Kaslo's heritage, sits on the shores of Kootenay Lake. Kaslo's
19'th century buildings have also benefited from this community's commitment to its
heritage such as the Langham Cultural Centre built in 1896. And, if you like music,
come for the Jazz Festival - showcasing the world's
best on a floating stage each August holiday weekend. |
Continue travelling north on Hwy #31 along Kootenay Lake. Past the village of Howser, and along Trout Lake and the Goat Range Park, Highway #31 turns into a gravel road. In the village of Trout Lake, check out the Windsor Hotel for historical adventure. It was established in 1892. You'll want to venture into this wilderness area and explore the friendly, small communities for a while before you conclude the Silvery Slocan Tour !
|
|
Additional Information |
|
| Accommodation | |
| Additional Contact Information | |
Kootenay
Rockies Tourism Ph: 250 427 4838 |
|
| SILVERY SLOCAN TOUR | |
