West Kootenay Stay & Play - Spring 2021

YOUR 

Ainsworth • Balfour • Castlegar • Creston • East Shore • Kaslo • Nakusp • Nelson • New Denver • Rossland • Salmo • Sandon • Slocan Valley • Trail 

WEST KOOTENAY 

BC ❤ Canada 

Regional 

Magazine 

stay 

& 

play 

& 

FREE 

For Locals 

& Visitors 

Welcome 

We’ve got space for everyone! 

Retallack Mnt. Bikers. Photo: Kari Medig, Destination BC 

#gokootenays 

Karma Halleran photo credit 

F ind adventures & explore your area! 

West Kootenay Go & Do 

gokootenays.com

INDEX 

WK Map..................18, 19 

Ferries..............................5 

Kaslo.................................7 

Ainsworth ....................10 

Woodbury ...................11 

Balfour ..........................11 

Nakusp..........................13 

Slocan............................14 

Silverton........................14 

New Denver.................15 

Sandon..........................15 

Winlaw...........................16 

Nelson............................21 

Dining Guide...............20 

Campgrounds.............25 

Salmo.............................26 

Castlegar ......................28 

Trail.................................31 

East Shore/Creston ..33 

Farmers Markets........34 

On the cover: Retallack Mountain Bikers Photo: Kari Medig, Destination BC. 

Kootenay Stay-cay Harvest Koot Spots Folk and Skate Park Photo: Karma Halleran, gokootenays.com 

by Barbara Olson 

1 2 3 4 5 

L O C A L 

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6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

A I R P O R T 

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14 15 

I R 

T R I A 17 U N H O R S E 18 O C U 

T A L Y 

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T 

O U C H S T 21 O N E S 

A M S E 23 S I 24 M O E 25 E N A C T 

W I 27 R U S 28 H 

29 A S T R A Y 

A N 31 D O N M U 32 S 

33 E 

34 U M 35 A S P 

36 

I N K 37 38 

G E T H E L P 

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A 

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V O S 47 P 

48 R 

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50 51 

Y T 

E B 

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T 

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A 

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L 

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L 

A U R A 43 A 

44 A 

45 S 

H E G 52 U L C H 

E X A 55 S 

56 P I T Y 

L I G H T 58 S 

59 A 

60 G O 

64 

63 N I K K E I 

C E N 

65 

T 

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R 

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N E E 69 D A 70 E M M A 71 R E V 

74 

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Y L E R 73 S 

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H A P E 

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H O U 80 S E 81 S A M A R 

O N 83 S O A P S U D 84 U R A I L 

O D 86 S S M O Y I E 87 P E N N Y 

Go & Do West Kootenay 

Regional Guide 

Is a collective production by the 

talented staff at Pennywise 

(KS Perry Publishing Ltd) 

ADVERTISING: Larissa Scott 

CONTENT CREATOR: 

Erika Bird 

DESIGNERS & PRODUCTION: 

Gary Schneider, Jeremy Taylor, 

Karma Halleran, Erika Bird 

PUBLISHER: Karma Halleran 

WEBSITE GOKOOTENAYS.COM: 

Zeb Hansell 

Kootenay Stay-cation puzzle solution 

“Nupika Wu’u” 

Spirit Water 

Hot Springs Pools & Cave 

Contemporary Rooms & Suites 

Swimwear & Gift Boutique 

Spirit Water Spa 

Fresh, local, indigenous inspired. 

www.ainsworthhotsprings.com 

ROOFTOP PATIO 

OPENING SUMMER 2021! 

2 Stay & Play in the West Kootenay 2021 #gokootenays - share the adventure! www.gokootenays.com BC Canada

Tired of your own four walls? 

Itching to see something new? We've got space for you. 

As you travel our winding 

roads, on two wheels or 

four within the Kootenay 

Boundary region, we 

promise you majestic views, 

wildlife sightings, one-ofkind 

created living spaces, 

and plenty of unique 

shops and restaurants. 

Even if you are a born and 

bred Kootenay kid, there 

are always new neighbourhoods 

and new activities 

to discover. If you are a 

resident of the Kootenay 

Boundary within the Interior 

Health Region, use this 

guide to plan an endless variety 

of day trips. There are 

so many outdoor activities 

to pursue that will inspire 

you all the while keeping 

yourselves and others safe. 

Come and explore our hills, 

valleys, lakes and rivers – 

and our mountain 

villages and towns too. 

Our main public events 

and festivals won't be 

happening this summer, 

but our natural playground 

is open and waiting for you. 

We are COVID responsible 

hosts! And invite COVID 

responsible guests to come 

and stay and play with us. 

Note: At the time of this 

writing, the latest Public 

Health Order advises: 

(April 23 – May 25) Do not 

go on long trips within your 

region. Now is not the time 

for overnight vacations away 

from your community. Stay 

close to home. Visit your local 

beach, hiking trail or park. 

Let's all stay and play 

safe and make the most 

of our time together 

with those we love! 

~ #gokootenays 

Stay in the loop... 

https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/latest-news 

https://nelsonkootenaylake.com/news 

Nestled along the shores of Kootenay Lake, 

Balfour is a small but vibrant community, 

offering multitudes of opportunity 

for the avid hiker, biker, 

golfer, boater and fisherman. 

Please contact us for more information: 

Balfour & District Business & Historic Association 

contact.balfourcanada@gmail.com 

www.balfourcanada.ca 

Karma Halleran @gokootenays 

WOOD FIRED 

- SAUNA - 

EXPERIENCE 

BACKWOODSSAUNA.CA 

BC Canada www.gokootenays.com Stay & Play in the West Kootenay 2021 3

Kootenay Stay-cation 

Get Food to Go ~ & Dine Outdoors 

Castlegar 

Millennium Park 110 

5 st, Castlegar Rotary 

skate park near the Rec 

Centre 2101 6 Ave, 

Zuckerberg Island 

Access via a suspension 

bridge is found at 

901 7 Ave 

Kinsmen Park at 910 

2nd St 

Brilliant Bridge Reg 

Park 

Waterloo Eddy Reg Park 

Trail 

Jubilee Park along the 

Esplanade, immediately 

behind the Trail Riverfront 

Centre 

Rotary Park just past 

the Columbia River 

Skywalk on Riverside 

Avenue (downtown). 

Gyro Park Take Second 

Avenue (your first left 

after the Victoria Street 

Bridge in East Trail), 

Nelson 

Lakeside Park under 

the Big Orange Bridge 

Lion’s Park upper 

Nelson on Kootenay 

Street 

Cottonwood Falls 

199 Carbonate St 

Cottonwood Lake 

8.4km south towards 

Salmo 

Gyro Park Upper 

Nelson, across from the 

hospital residences 

Kokanee Creek 

Provincial Park 20 km 

NE of Nelson 

Taghum Beach 8.4 km 

west of Nelson. Take 

Hwy 3A and turn left 

on Granite Road 

Slocan 

Village Of Slocan 

Expo Park is at the 

first 4-way stop when 

you enter town off the 

highway, 

Slocan Rail Trail 

Anywhere that you can 

gain access to the trail 

you’re sure to find a 

nice picnic spot along 

the edge. 

Winlaw Regional & 

Nature Park Follow 

Cedar Creek Road, 

cross the bridge over 

the Slocan River and 

turn right. 

Nakusp 

Waterfront Promenade, 

below Broadway 

Avenue 

Nakusp Hot Springs 

there is a beautiful 

wooden covered 

bridge that is just five 

minutes’ walk from the 

parking area of the hot 

springs 

Summit Lake Towards 

Nelson, at Summit 

Lake, is a day area in 

the provincial park 

with picnic tables. 

ACROSS 

1 Within the Kootenays, to 

Kootenayites 

6 CASTLEGAR: Where to take off, 

eh? 

13 Title for John A. Macdonald 

16 Skylit lobbies 

17 Knock off one’s steed, as in jousting 

18 ___-Glo (dog eye care brand) 

19 “The boot”, in Europe 

20 NELSON: Museum, Vernon St. 

22 King of ancient Egypt 

24 He gives Homer Duff 

25 Pass into law 

26 Failed Breathalyzer charge: Abbr. 

27 Geddy Lee’s band 

29 On the wrong path 

30 SILVERY SLOCAN: Antiques site in 

a mining ghost town 

35 Egyptian cobra 

36 Well liquid, once 

37 Call for assistance 

39 “The sheep pig” of film 

42 ___ Secord Chocolates 

43 Smallish Energizers 

46 BALFOUR-KOOTENAY BAY: Heavy 

metal “bird” on the water 

51 TRAIL: Historic Italian 

neighbourhood, Rossland Ave. 

53 Charlotte’s creation 

54 “All My Ex’s Live in ___” (Strait hit) 

56 “Such a shame” 

57 Crop diseases 

59 Reminiscer’s word 

61 The whole shebang 

63 NEW DENVER: Japanese 

internment memorial 

68 “___ stay-cation!” (cry from an 

overworked Kootenayite?) 

70 Stone of “La La Land” 

71 Gun the motor 

72 Actress Mary ___ Moore 

73 Religious deg. 

76 A little mist on the wrist, maybe 

78 CASTLEGAR: Historic dwelling, 


81 Third-largest of the Philippines 

82 Little sweetheart? 

83 Bath bubble 

84 Horseshoe-shaped bar 

85 Tenth Hebrew letter 

86 KASLO: Sternwheeler, Front St. 

87 SALMO: World’s largest ___, Hwy. 6 

Themed Crosswords by Barbara Olson 

DOWN 

1 Scottish landowners of old 

2 Where Senators wear skates 

3 Force to fit 

4 Feels off 

5 Wear one atop the other, as 

sweaters 

6 “Rain Man” condition 

7 Concert finale? 

8 Baba au ___ (boozy French cake) 

9 A little, on sheet music 

10 “What’s Hecuba to him, ___ to 

Hecuba”: Hamlet 

11 Blog feed letters 

12 Heads of France? 

13 Underwater detection systems 

14 It’s on top of the world 

15 ROSSLAND: Horse sculpture, 

Columbia Ave. 

21 Brew pub list heading 

23 Pocketed, as a pool ball 

28 Love letter O 

29 Be ___ shadow of one’s former self 

31 Ceases to be 

32 Shaker next to “poivre” 

33 Coup d’___ 

34 “Not gonna happen” 

38 Skype or Zoom annoyance 

39 Stereotypical yuppie ride 

40 St. crosser 

41 NELSON: Span linking Nelson Ave. 

to Hwy. 3A, for short 

43 “I am the greatest” boxer 

44 Play a part, or play part 

45 Bashful 

47 Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker’s grp. 

48 Spanish for “queen” 

49 Former U.S. soldier 

50 Village on Moyie River 

52 Part of a fairy tale beginning 

55 The S of TSX: Abbr. 

57 Curse cover-up 

58 Match, as a poker bet 

59 Looney Tunes manufacturer 

60 Becomes equipped for 

61 “So, moving right along ....” 

62 NAKUSP: B.C.’s longest-operating 

hotel, 4th Ave. SW 

64 Block, as progress 

65 U.S. President Harry ___ 

66 Anti-Brexit side 

67 “Bye Bye Love” duo The ___ 

Brothers 

68 Having a rash reaction? 

69 ___ rehearsal 

73 Complete fake 

74 “___ the mornin’” (Irish greeting) 

75 With people to see, places to be 

77 Taxi tab 

79 Angeles or Alamos lead-in 

80 ___ generis: unique 

Answers on page 2 


West Kootenay 

Ferries 

Kootenay Lake Ferry 

Connects Highway 3A from 

Balfour on the west side of 

the lake to Kootenay Bay on 

the east side. It is the longest 

free ferry ride in the world at 

approximately 35 minutes. 

See schedule on right. 

Lower Arrow Lake Ferry 

Crossing takes approximately 

5 minutes. Runs every 30 minutes 

on the hour and half hour 

from Fauquier 5 am to 10 pm; 

every 30 minutes at 15 and 45 

minutes past the hour from 

Needles, 5:15 am to 9:45 pm. 

On demand 10 pm to 5 am. 

Upper Arrow Lake Ferry 

Enroute to Revelstoke and 

the TransCanada Highway. 

The free ferry crosses from 

Shelter Bay (west side) 

to Galena Bay (east side) 

once an hour on the hour, 

5 am until 12 midnight; 

and returns from Galena 

Bay to Shelter Bay once 

an hour on the half hour 

from 5:30 am to 12:30 am. 

Arrow Park Ferry 

On demand. 

Important info for 2021 

Public Health Orders affect 

ferry travel. Assume you 

cannot leave your vehicle 

for any reason once you're 

on board. Make it a habit to 

check www.drive.bc for the 

most current information. 

Samantha Marina, @spitfire.diaries 

Kootenay Lake Ferry 

Summer Hours June 18 to September 12 2021 

Vessel 

All Year 

Balfour 

Summer 

Kootenay Bay 

All Year 

BALFOUR 

Summer 

Osprey 2000 6:30 am 6:30 am 7:10 am 7:10 am 

Osprey 2000 8:10 am 8:10 am 9:00 am 9am 

Osprey 2000 9:50 am 9:50 am 10:40 am 10:40 am 

MV Balfour 10:40 am 11:30 am 

Osprey 2000 11:30 am 11:30 am 12:20 pm 12:20 pm 

MV Balfour 12:20 pm 1:10 pm 

Osprey 2000 1:10 pm 1:10 pm 2:00 pm 2pm 

MV Balfour 2pm 2:50 pm 

Osprey 2000 2:50 pm 2:50 pm 3:40 pm 3:40 pm 




Osprey 2000 6:10 pm 6:10 pm 7:00 pm 7pm 



All times are Pacific (Balfour) time. 

Sometimes you need to line up early. Check the ferry cam: 

www.drivebc.ca/mobile/pub/webcams/SouthernInterior3A.html 

Fishing 

at its Best 

• On-board BBQ 

• Heated Boats 

• Bathroom 

Reel Adventures 

Fishing Charters 

Kootenay Lake & Columbia River Charters 

250-505-4963 www.reeladventuresfishing.com 

BC Canada The West Kootenay is COVID compliant, please respect our neighbourhoods. Stay & Play in the West Kootenay 2021 5

Find your match 

KootenayBC.com 

KUL NIJJAR PERSONAL 

REAL ESTATE CORPORATION 

Luxury Rooms In 

Historic Downtown 

Kaslo. 

• Private balconies 

• Lake & mountain views 

• Stunning views from our patio 

• Relax & unwind in the Pub 

with locally crafted beers & 

delicious food 

Check out our website 

& facebook page 

for hours, specials 

and packages 

250-353-7714 

Toll Free: 866-823-1433 

430 Front Street, Kaslo, BC 

info@kaslohotel.com 

www.kaslohotel.com 

Stay with Us! 

• unique • handmade • canadian • 

Since 1986 

250-353-2566 408 Front Street, Kaslo 

www.figmentscanada.com 


KASLO 

Karma Halleran 

@gokootenays 

It’s an easy place to fall in love with; the 

beauty of its setting is almost overwhelming 

at first. Looking across the brilliant clear 

water of Kootenay Lake at the mountains 

opposite, the Purcells appear unmarked 

by roads and man-made structures. The 

forested slopes beckon hikers, mountain 

bikers and backcountry skiers, and provide 

inspiration for musicians and artists. Kaslo 

kids grow up with the lake as their front 

yard and the bush as their back yard. Come 

to Kaslo for a rest, a dose of inspiration, 

or to get your pulse racing on the lake 

or in the back country. Come for a day, 

a week or forever – you’ll be welcome! 

SS Moyie 

The Sweetheart-of-the-Lake is 

embarking on a journey through 

history and you are invited. 

For nearly 60 years, the SS Moyie 

and her sister steamships provided 

a transportation lifeline to the many 

isolated communities on Kootenay 

Lake, literally opening the Kootenay 

region to miners, businesses, farmers 

and pioneer families. When the 

Moyie was launched on October 22, 

1898, there were no roads or trains 

into these remote mountain valleys. 

In 1957 the Village of Kaslo purchased 

her from the CPR for the grand sum 

of $1. Now a designated National 

Historic Site and BC Landmark, the 

sternwheeler is open daily after 

Mother's Day in May. She is also 

home to the Kaslo Visitor Centre. 

Visit her at 324 Front Street, Kaslo. 

The Langham 

Narrowly escaping demolition in the 

1970s, this building on A Avenue and 

5th Street has been re-animated and 

re-purposed a dozen or more times 

in its 123 year history. When it first 

opened its doors as a hotel in 1896, it 

was described in the Sandon Streak as 

“one of the most commodious residential 

quarters in town, having the 

benefits of all modern improvements 

in the way of electric lights, baths, etc.” 

The Langham is now a cultural centre 

that houses artists' studios, meeting 

rooms and two art galleries. Its 

WWII era history – when it served 

as tiny apartments for families of 

Japanese descent who had been 

forcibly displaced to BC’s interior – is 

illuminated in the Japanese Canadian 

Museum on the second and 

third floors. Take a self-guided tour 

any time the building is open. 

Kootenay Star Museum 

The turn of the 19th century was a 

time of dangers, hardships, toil and 

rewards – an era when fortunes were 

made and squandered in a day. Kaslo’s 

turbulent history and its absolute 

determination to survive is embedded 

in the mining and 

forestry artifacts on 

display at the Kootenay 

Star Museum on 

Front Street. Definitely 

worth a look 

– and afterwards 

treat yourself to 

Teresa’s homemade 

pie and a coffee in 

the front room! 

Golf 

At the Kaslo Golf 

Club there is a spectacular 

view at each 

of the nine holes. 

The course has rolling 

hills, well conditioned 

greens and 

defined fairways. 

There is a picturesque 

water hazard 

adjacent to the 9th 

green that has a 

waterfall and an accurate 

scale model 

of the SS Moyie. 

The club also has 

a driving net and 

a practice green. 

After your round, 

relax with a drink 

on the deck of 

the timber frame 

clubhouse. 

At the Kaslo 

Golf Club you do not usually have 

to pre-book tee times – come 

when you want to play, register 

and start in order of arrival. 

Ride, Run, Walk 

Kaslo’s recreational trail system is 

the pride and joy of her residents. 

The trails are so numerous, with so 

many options for access, that you 

rarely bump into other users as you 

walk, ride or run the various routes. 

Kaslo River Trail 

Bracketed by two beet-red bridges, 

this riverside loop can be traversed in 

under an hour. Starting at the south 

LOWEST PRICES IN THE KOOTENAYS 

Name Brand Clothing 

Basics • Swimwear • Beach Towels 

Gifts • Jewellery • Personal Care Products 

One Stop Shopping that’s worth the drive! 

Affordable Luxury 

415 Front St, Kaslo 250-353-9688 


Kaslo 

Come Visit Our Historic 

This campground has 

everything you’ve been 

looking for! 

One of the very first courses in BC, 

established in 1923. 

We are a proud community member, 

providing a fine recreation opportunity 

to residents and visitors. 

250-353-7102 

3 minutes south of Kaslo 

• Box 540, Kaslo, BC V0G 1M0 

www.mirrorlakecampground.com 

Spectacular views from every shot! 

Available at fine 

retailers throughout 

the West Kootenays 

Handmade in Kaslo 

www.honeycandles.com 

The course is challenging to golfers of all ages and skill levels. 

Set on a bench overlooking the town, the lake & mountains, 

the experience of playing here is unparalleled. 

No pre-booked tee times required. 

Ask about the 10 pack and other specials! 

COVID-19 Protocols in practice 

Stop in and dine at Clubhouse Restaurant. 

Relax & enjoy a great golf experience. 

250-353-2262 

KasloGolf.org 

@KasloGolf 

kaslogolf 

418 Pine Street, 

Kaslo, BC V0G 1M0 

“One of the best 

buildings in BC” 

Architecture Foundation 

of BC, 2014 

Gallery Thurs - Sun 1 - 4 

Theatre 

Workshops 

Community Events 

Japanese Canadian 

Museum 

Visit our website 

for schedule of events 

www.thelangham.ca • 447 A Avenue, Kaslo • 250-353-2661 


end of Higashi Way in downtown 

Kaslo, head west along the north side 

of the river towards the Trailblazer 

Bridge. The first section of the north 

side trail is wide, with shallow grades 

and interpretive signage, making it 

family friendly and, for much of the 

way, wheelchair accessible. Halfway 

to the bridge is the Family Pump Park, 

which is lots of fun for mountain bikers 

young and old. 

If you keep going west along the 

riverside after crossing the Trailblazer 

Bridge, you’ll be travelling the Lettrari 

Loop. If it’s a hot summer day, you’ll 

love this section. There are wooden 

boardwalks and a couple of little 

bridges to cross, with deeply shady 

spots where you can stop and cool 

your toes in the icy water. In June the 

Kaslo River is at its wildest, and the 

damp forest floor is spangled with 

the white-petalled Queen’s cup. The 

path eventually leaves the river, and 

climbs steeply to the Kaslo airstrip 

and the True Blue Recreation Area. 

True Blue Recreation Area Take 

Hwy 31 heading south out of Kaslo, 

and turn right on Balfour Avenue. 

Follow Balfour Avenue up the hill 

until you reach the gravel pit on the 

left. Look for the sign indicating 

the True Blue Recreation Area. 

True Blue Trails There is a lot of variety 

on the multi-purpose trails in the 

True Blue Recreation Area, with many 

trails of various difficulty. The Spanish 

Moss trail is one of our favourites to 

walk or mountain bike! If you take 

Straightface you can connect to I’ll Call 

Rusty, a trail which heads west, then 

does a big loop to return you to the 

south side of the River Trail. Wooden 

bridges and boardwalks carry you 

over ephemeral streams, brooks and 

boggy areas, which is fun for the hiker 

or fairly confident mountain biker. 

Wagon Road In the days of horse 

and buggy travel, this was the highway 

to Kaslo from the silver mines 

near New Denver and Sandon. The 

river valley it traverses has long been 

known as the Valley of the Ghosts. 

The trailheads closest to Kaslo are 

at the top of Zwicky Road or about 

3km west of Kaslo on Hwy 3A. Excellent 

for hiking and biking. 

Access Trail You can begin this trail 

from four different 

points: from Wardner 

Street in Kaslo; 

off Hwy 31 north 

of town just before 

the brake check and 

again just past the 

brake check by turning 

left up Branch 7; 

or from the highway 

to New Denver, at 

the intersection of 

Wagon Road and 

Nordic Ski area, 

about 3 km west of 

Kaslo. The trail takes 

about 4 hours to 

hike. A great hiking 

trail and challenging 

for mountain bikers. 

NOTE: Pick up your 

copy of the Visit Kaslo 

& Area Guide at the 

InfoCentre at the S.S. 

Moyie on Front Street, 

or just about anywhere 

around town. It 

has detailed trail maps. 

Store Hours: 9am - 7pm, Mon–Sat; 10am - 6pm, Sunday 

Summer Hours (June 6 - Sept 4) 8am - 8pm 7 days a week including holidays 

Kaslo 

TrailForks.com is a great 

website for trails all over the province! 

Visit Buchanan Fire Lookout 

From the restored lookout tower on 

top of Mt Buchanan the panoramic 

view is breathtaking. There is 

also a 2 km loop trail below the 

lookout that provides access to 

viewpoints on the rock bluffs . 

From Kaslo, head west 11km on 

Hwy #31A to the Blue Ridge Forest 

Services Road, then follow signs. 

Your Community Grocer 

Full In-store Bakery • Produce 

Meat Department • Deli 

411 Front Street, Kaslo • 250-353-2331 

Store Hours: 9am - 7pm, Mon–Sat; 10am - 6pm, Sunday 

Summer Hours (June 6 - Sept 4) 8am - 8pm 7 days a week including holidays 

Sunnyside Naturals 

Solid Health. Happy Heart. 

Come, rest your feet! 

Groceries, supplements & body care that 

sustains you the natural way 

Organic juices, smoothies & specialty 

drinks made to your specs 

Fresh, organic, gluten-free or vegan 

soups & snacks 

Professional advice 

404 Front Street, Kaslo 250-353-9667 


AINSWORTH 

HOT SPRINGS 

Since time immemorial, the Ktunaxa 

people (pronounced K-too-nah-ha) 

have valued the springs as a place for 

healing. After battle, warriors would 

come to soak in the spirit waters 

(nupika wu’u), easing their hearts and 

limbs back from injury and strain. 

The source of the springs lies in the 

mountains above the resort, in the 

Cody Caves area. The water works 

its way down through porous calcareous 

rock to flow through to 

the pools at Ainsworth Hot Springs 

Resort, renewing the water naturally 

approximately six times a day. 

Kaslo & Area 

Vacation 

Accommodations 

The JB Fletcher Store In April of 

1896, a fire raged through Ainsworth 

and burned down most of the community’s 

commercial buildings and 

homes. Mr. Henry Giegerich lost his 

first store to this fire, but rebuilt. John 

Bradley Fletcher J.B. (Pop) managed 

the store, purchsed it in 1929, and 

kept it open until he died in 1972. 

This beautiful heritage building recently 

underwent a restoration that took 

three years. Although there are many 

commercial buildings in BC from this 

time frame, there are only a few with 

intact interiors. The counters, shelving, 

gas lights, string 

holders, paper 

dispensers, cash 

register, weigh 

scale, coffee grinder, 

cheese wheel 

and many other 

Kaslo Manor Lodge 

250-353-8582 www.kaslomanorlodge.com 

Ainsworth Motel 

Offers a unique country setting in Ainsworth, 

with clean, quiet and comfortable rooms. 

Just a 2 minute walk to the relaxing naturally 

hot pools. Kitchenettes and suites available, 

all rooms with a breathtaking view. Coffee, 

satellite TV, Wi-Fi, and shared lawn area 

complete with BBQ. Affordable. 

Kaslo Manor Lodge offers two locations, 

the Lodge, and the Cottage by the River. 

Both locations offer lodging for 2 to 6 

people, most with kitchen facilities. Pet 

friendly. Your friendly and knowledgeable 

hosts can provide trail information, with 

winter/spring shuttle service. 

www.ainsworthmotel.com 250-229-4711 

Sunny Bluffs Chalets 

Our cozy chalets and lodge are 

located above Kaslo Bay. The chalets 

have an open kitchen living room, 

bathroom, upstairs bedroom, deck 

with barbecue and beautiful Selkirk 

Mountain views. TV and Wi-Fi. 

250-353-7728 sunnybluffschalets.com 

items are original 

to the store. 

This venue now 

houses a lovely 

gift shop. Check 

the JB Fletcher 

Store Facebook 

page for opening 

times. 

Cody Caves 

Deep into the 

slope above 

Ainsworth Hot 

Springs, Cody 

Caves was discovered 

in the late 

1800s by Henry 

Cody of Prince 

Edward Island. It 

became a popular 

destination for 

adventurous residents 

of Kootenay 

Lake throughout 

the 1900s 

and was made 

into a Provincial 

Park in 1964. 

https://www.facebook.com/jbfletcherstore 

As the only low elevation cave in 

the West Kootenay, its guided tours 

make an excellent introduction to 

caving. The limestone cave displays 

an impressive array of calcite formations, 

growing at the slow rate of 

one cubic centimetre each century. 

Visitors experience underground 

waterfalls and ancient limestone 

passages carved by flowing water. 

Cody Cave Tours offers caving adventures 

for those ages five and up starting 

May 22nd, Public Health Orders 

permitting. Warm clothes and sturdy 

footwear are important for spelunking 

comfort. Reservations are required. For 

more information about their tours 

and safety precautions that will be 

implemented in light of the Covid-19 

pandemic, visit www.codycavetours. 

com or call 250-359-CAVE (2283). A 

fascinating journey into the fragile 

underworld of Cody Caves awaits you. 

KOOTENAY LAKE 

PARKS 

Kootenay Lake Parks 

For 2021 updates, https://bcparks. 

ca/explore/parkpgs/kootenay_lk/ 

Campbell Bay Just across the lake 

from Kaslo. It has a sandy beach 

and is only accessible by boat. 

Primitive camping facilities. 

Davis Creek & Lost Ledge These two 

parks stretch along the shoreline 

on the west side of the north arm 

of Kootenay Lake and are accessible 

by Hwy 3. From both parks you 

can enjoy spectacular views, fishing, 

boating and lovely wild beaches. 

Coffee Creek is south of Ainsworth 

on Hwy 3. Park at the power substation 

just before the bridge over the 

highway, find the trail and walk down. 

Midge Creek: This boat access only 

park is located on the west shore of 

the main body of Kootenay Lake, 

across from Sanca Creek. It boasts 

more than a kilometre of sandy 

beach and backs onto the Midge 

Creek Wildlife Management Area. 


Photo courtesy of Jones Boys 

It takes less than 5 minutes to drive 

north from Ainsworth to Woodbury 

Resort. The early history of this tiny 

lakeshore community, as with many 

settlements along Kootenay Lake, 

is inextricably linked with mining. 

Today, Woodbury is home to the 

thriving resort and marina, and the 

well-known Jones Boys Boats, which 

offers boat sales and service. 

Woodbury is one of the four 

Kootenay Lake Angling Incentive 

depots, so a great place to 

start and end your fishing day. 

When you arrive, head into JB’s Pub 

and enjoy a meal. Linger over dinner 

and later chat with the locals. 

The resort, a natural playground, is 

open year round. It has everything 

from boat rentals and camping to 

a restaurant, store, chalet rentals, a 

recreation hall and a swimming pool. 

Kootenay Lake is famous for having 

some of the biggest Gerrard rainbow 

trout, reaching phenomenal sizes 

of over 20 pounds, as well as Dolly 

Varden (bull trout) and kokanee. 

Woodbury 

Woodbury Resort sponsors a 

Dolly Tournament at Easter and a 

Rainbow Tournament at Thanksgiving, 

the second Monday in 

October. Fishermen come from 

all over for these fun derbies. 

Woodbury is also a gateway to Kokanee 

Glacier Park and the Silver Spray 

cabin. In the summer you can access 

the park by driving up Woodbury 

Creek Forestry Road for 13 kilometres 

to the trailhead. If you are interested 

in hiking and maybe staying at the 

Silver Spray cabin, contact the Alpine 

Club of Canada through their website 

www.alpineclubofcanada.ca 

Fishing on Kootenay Lake Photo: S Gillis 

BALFOUR 

Drive south from Woodbury 

and Ainsworth and soon you'll 

find yourself in Balfour. The 

main focus of Balfour is the 

Kootenay Lake ferry terminus, 

but the lakeside community is 

much more than a way-station. 

At the ferry terminal you 

can pick up food to eat at 

the restaurants, pubs or the 

bakery, and there are some 

great little shops where you can buy 

everything from all the fishing tackle 

youll ever need, to souvenirs to beautiful 

Kootenay designed clothing. 

At the prestigious Balfour Golf 

Course, designed by Les Furber, 

players will find the front nine 

carved neatly through a forested 

region with sand and water hazards 

strategically placed; the back 

Saint Michael & All Angels Chapel and Performance Centre. 

8551 Busk Road. Photo: balfourcanada.ca 

nine uses the mountains to provide 

elevation from tee to green and has 

a breathtaking view across Kootenay 

Lake to the Purcell Mountains. 

Stroll around the old townsite. 

The original Anglican Church 

(pictured above) is being renovated 

and will be Kootenay Lake's 

newest intimate concert venue 

as soon as gatherings resume. 


Woodbury 

Woodbury Resort 

Marina, 

Kootenay 

Angler 

Incentive 

Program 

Depot. 

Big Prizes! 

& Marina 

Kootenay Lake’s Destination Resort 

Stop in for details. 

KOOTENAY RV 

All motel suites and chalets 

have full kitchens and 

satellite TV 

Free 

Laundromat WiFi 

for guests 

OVERALL 

FAVOURITE 

RESTAURANT 

Ainsworth/Kaslo 

Area 

Fish for Rainbows from your front 

Family friendly 

recreation 

ecreat 

boats available 

a ion 

for 

door! 

2018 

PARK 

(WOODBURY 

RESORT & MARINA) 

Marina: 

Boat Rentals & Tackle 

JB’s Restaurant & Pub 

Registration at store 

and fishing 

rent 

Explore the beautiful 

Selkirk Mountains 

at your back door. 

Hiking/ATV & mountain 

biking trails 

Suites and 

Chalets 

ONLY 

Heated Pool 

IN THE AREA 

Waterfront & treed 

tent sites, fire pits 

RV sites with full 

hookup (30 amp) 

Resort Office & Store • JB’s Restaurant & Pub 

Dine in & takeout available 

Seasonal hours - please check our website 

JB’s Restaurant 

Same owner 

since 1982 

Woodbury Resort 

& Marina, 

4 kms north of Ainsworth Hot Springs 

PO Box 1262, Ainsworth, BC V0G 1A0 

250-353-7717 • JB’s 250-353-7716 

Toll Free 1-877-353-7717 

Email: woodburyresort@netidea.com • www.woodburyresort.com 


NAKUSP 

One of the 

first things 

you can do 

upon arriving 

in Nakusp is take a stroll along the 

paved path that follows the shoreline 

of upper Arrow Lake. The landscaping, 

the view, the beach, the fact that you 

can walk from one end of town to 

the other and feel energized rather 

than tired – this is just the beginning 

of why residents of 

Nakusp love their town. 

Fishing, boating, swimming, 

snorkelling, 

walking, hiking, biking, 

camping and golfing 

are all possible here. 

For a more leisurely 

adventure, check out 

the many downtown 

shops and restaurants, 

or visit the hot springs. 

Barrier Free 

Adventure 

In recent years, the 

efforts to improve and expand the 

number, quality and inclusiveness 

of mountain biking trails has been a 

phenomenon. Find out more about 

Nakusp’s amazing new adaptive 

mountain biking routes, rental and 

riding clinics at https://kootenayadap 

tive.com. Get a ton of local information 

on all the trails from the Visitor 

Centre or from Shon’s bike shop and 

hostel, downtown on Broadway Street. 


Summit Lake Sunset, Photo: 

Lisa Ponto a.moment.in.tyme 

Although the 

village-owned 

and operated 

hotsprings pool 

is closed at least 

until May 28, 2021 

there are still many 

reasons to head up 

to the complex. 

Park your vehicle 

in the parking lot 

and set off on foot 

or on two wheels 

on the trails that 

begin at the resort. 

Check out the 

website www.nakusphotsprings. 

com or call 1-250-265-4528. 

Hot Springs Hikes Starting in the 

Nakusp Hot Springs parking lot, hikers 

can choose trails ranging from short 

to long, level to steep. Begin on the 

pet friendly, wheelchair accessible trail 

leading to the newly built Kuskananx 

foot bridge. On the far side of the 

bridge you can view a spectacular waterfall 

and cathedral cedars, swim in 

an alpine lake or walk along the 8.5 kilometres 

of cross country trails, all the 

way back into the village, if you wish. 

Markets & More 

The Nakusp Farmers Market happens 

every Saturday from 9 am until 

1 pm on the 600 block of Broadway 

(in front of Canada Post) from Victoria 

Day to Thanksgiving. Pick up 

locally grown produce and a bottle 

of cool climate craft wine from the 

Valley of the Springs Winery. 

At the Old Firehall on 5th Avenue, 

another Saturday market runs from 

10 am to 2 pm. And check out the 

Fringe Friday Market, noon to 4 pm 

year-round, which showcases small 

business and non-profit organizations, 

and has garage sale tables, too. 

Whether your idea of fun is 

quiet reflections or late night 

beverages in the bar, The Lodge 

at Arrow Lakes is more than 

happy to accommodate. 

• BAR & TAVERN 

• PET-FRIENDLY ROOMS 

• LIQUOR STORE 

• NEARBY NATURAL HOT SPRINGS 

AND XC/DOWNHILL SKIING 

ARROWLAKESLODGE@CMHHELI.COM 

1.800.663.0100 • 515 BROADWAY ST. WEST, NAKUSP, B.C. • ARROWLAKESLODGE.COM 

FORMERLY KNOWN AS K2 ROTOR LODGE 


SLOCAN 

VALLEY 

Dramatic 

mountain 

vistas, lakes, the 

serene beauty 

of the Slocan River, winding roads and 

friendly villages all combine to make 

the valley an inspiring place to visit. 

The Slocan River was used as a transportation 

route by native people, 

miners and loggers. To this day 

you can still find stretches that feel 

just as it once did when the paddle 

was the most common engine – a 

wild, unspoiled ecosystem. 

The Slocan Valley Rail Trail is a 

beloved local feature developed 

from an old rail line that follows the 

curves of the Slocan River, connecting 

neighbourhoods from Slocan Lake 

downstream to South Slocan, a 52 

km gentle journey. There are several 

trailheads on the way and enough 

amenities, including campgrounds and 

a few excellent eateries, that you could 

make this trail the focus of a multi-day 

trip with barely a footstep to take on 

a paved highway. To plan a trip, go to 

the source: slocanvalleyrailtrail.ca 

The water of the Slocan River is 

crystal clear and by early summer 

becomes warm enough for swimming 

in its many deep pools. 

Floating down the river on a raft or 

inner tube is a popular activity. 

Other popular recreation areas in the 

valley include the Winlaw Nature Park 

and the Walter Clough Wildlife Area. 

Slocan Lake is the source of the Slocan 

River. If you’ve taken the Rail Trail as far 

north as you can go, you’ll find yourself 

in the Village of Slocan on the shores of 

Slocan Lake. The village has a rich and 

varied history as an age-old summer 

encampment of the indigenous 

people, a silver mining town, railway 

terminus, Japanese-Canadian internment 

camp and lumber mill town. 

The village is also one of the easier 

ways to access one of the few remaining 

great undisturbed natural areas 

of the world, Valhalla Provincial Park. 

Valhalla Provincial Park 

is 50,060 hectares of dramatic granite 

peaks and glacier-scraped valleys 

and brilliant blue-green lakes. A 

wellspring of inspiration for hikers 

and climbers, its ruggedness and 

alpine wildlife (including small herds 

of mountain goats that like to follow 

humans along at a discreet distance) 

redefine awesome, not to mention 

your sense of personal scale on earth. 

The eastern boundary of the park 

is 30 km of Slocan Lake shoreline 

which means that much of the park 

is only accessible by boat. There 

are public boat launches in Slocan 

City, New Denver and Silverton. 

Slocan Valley Photo: gokootenays.com 

From the Village of Slocan, the trailhead 

for Valhalla Provincial Park’s 

Slocan Lakeshore Trail is on the west 

side of the river. Nearby, a sandy 

beach on the lake is the best place 

to be on a hot summer’s day. 

A popular hike is the Gwillim Lakes 

Trail. It’s best to plan this one as an 

overnighter. To get to the trailhead 

turn off Highway 6 at either Passmore 

or Slocan City. Follow signs on 

the gravel road for about 44 km. 

Silverton 

With a population of nearly 195 

people, Silverton is British Columbia's 

second smallest municipality. It 

was first settled in 1892 by lead and 

silver miners working the south face 

of Idaho Mountain. The galena ore 

was packed down to Silverton on 

horseback or, in the winter, by “rawhiding”. 

The ore would be loaded 

and lashed into the hide of a steer 

and get pulled by horses downhill 

like a toboggan. That packhorse 

trail is now called the Wakefield Trail 

and it’s a spectacular, demanding 

hike to spectacular Idaho peak. 

Silverton has a 40-site campground 

with boat launch, and an interesting 

museum that is worth a visit 

even when it’s closed, since many 

of the mining artifacts from the 

silver rush days are outside. 

SELKIRK INN 

1-800-661-8007 OR 250-265-3666 

email selkinn@columbiacable.net 

Only a short walk from the shores of Upper Arrow Lake. 

Located close to Nakusp Hot Springs, Halcyon Hot Springs and the Nakusp Golf Course. www.selkirkinn-nakusp.com 

WELCOME 

MOTORCYCLISTS 

210 6th Ave. Northwest 

Box 370, Nakusp, BC V0G 1R0 

• 39 new and 

recently reconditioned spacious units 

• Single and deluxe rooms, 

some with kitchenettes 

• Telephone, fridge, and cable TV 

• Wheelchair accessible unit 

• Meeting room 

• Courtesy coffee with accommodation 

• Air conditioning 

• Wireless internet 


New Denver 

Prospectors arrived in New 

Denver in 1892 and cobbled 

together the beginnings 

of a town. The name they 

gave to what was hardly 

more than a camp with 

only a few wooden buildings 

was El Dorado City. 

Early hopes were that the 

settlement would soon rival 

the boomtown cities that 

had sprung up during the 

California gold rush, but 

the golden moniker, in the 

absence of a major gold 

strike, was soon to change. 

The Silvery Slocan Museum 

in the old Bank of Montreal 

building at the bottom of 

Main Street is the place to 

get an introduction to this 

turbulent early history. 

Nikkei Internment 

Memorial Centre 

During World War II, over 

22,000 Japanese-Canadians 

were forcibly resettled from 

the West Coast into camps 

in the interior of BC; 4000 

of these were resettled in 

New Denver. The Nikkei 

Centre tells their story. 

The centre, open May 

through September, consists 

of five buildings, three 

of which are the original 

huts built in 1942. Inside 

you will see the furnishings 

used in daily life. Exhibits in 

the large central hall display 

the equipment, tents, 

desks and other luggage 

used by the Nikkei – all 

they had been allowed 

to keep or could build. 

The Kohan Reflection 

Garden is a Japanese-style 

garden established in 

honour of the Nikkei. It is 

a serene lakeside spot for 

contemplation and is located 

at the end of lst Avenue, 

New Denver, south of 

Centennial Park and Campground, 

along Slocan Lake. 

From May through October, 

a Kohan Garden Map 

and Plant Key is available 

for a $1.00 donation 

from the campground 

attendant in Site #6. 

Historic Sandon 

Once the capital city of 

the Silvery Slocan, and 

known as the Monte Carlo 

of North America, Sandon 

is located just off Highway 

31A, 15 minutes east 

of New Denver and 45 

minutes west of Kaslo. 

At the turn of the 20th 

century millions of dollars 

and thousands of people 

rolled through its streets 

in the course of slightly 

more than a decade. 

In many ways, the city was 

typical of mining boom 

towns of the 1890s, with 

rough-and-ready construction, 

a red light district, 

social halls, and dozens of 

saloons. In other ways, it 

was decidedly different. By 

1897 Sandon already had 

electric streetlights, and fire 

hydrants on the corners! 

One of the city’s unique 

features was a boardwalk 

built over top of Carpenter 

Creek which was flumed 

right down the middle 

of a downtown street. 

At the peak of the boom, 

nearly 8000 residents lived 

within a three mile radius. It 

was incorporated as a city in 

1898; by 1920 Sandon was 

broke and was de-incorporated. 

Nevertheless, over 

the past 100-odd years, 

over $30 billion worth of 

silver and lead ore has been 

taken from the region, and 

Sandon never truly died. 

Sandon has had some 

unusual years in its history 

and last year will undoubtedly 

be remembered as 

one of those. Rising creek 

levels caused by heavy 

snow packs, heavy rain and 

warm temperatures created 

Slocan Valley 

water volumes in the creeks 

that exceeded the destructive 

washout of 1955. 

Fortunately, all of the 

major historical assets were 

saved with relatively minor 

damage to the roads, creek 

channels and grounds. 

There are outdoor activities 

you can enjoy 

including viewing the 

world famous National 

Brill Trolley Collection and 

the historic CP Steam Train 

provided by the collective 

of the Wright & Pellowski 

families of Sandon. 

Explore the K&S Railway 

grade (hiking and mountain 

biking) and venture up to 

the old town of Cody if you 

have a suitable vehicle. 

Watch for updates on www. 

sandonbc.ca or www. 

facebook.com/sandonbc 

or email sandoninthekootenays@gmail.com 

The Regional District Park at Winlaw 

Photo by Craig Lawrence 

Four Seasons 

Greenhouse & Nursery 

Growers of the finest 

bedding plants, trees & shrubs, 

and perennials. 

5531 SLOCAN RIVER RD, WINLAW 

250-226-7254 OPEN 10-5 DAILY 

Turn left at Mama Sita's Café, 

left off Winlaw bridge 1.5 km 

Invites you to come and see the dramatic improvements 

done by the Kootenay Adaptive Sports Association (KASA) 

The nature park is now more accessible, 

especially for those with mobility issues. 

Enjoy new boardwalks and pathways, picnic tables and 

benches, parking lot and improved washrooms. 

Located on the banks of the beautiful Slocan River 

1 km north of Winlaw Bridge on Slocan River Road. 


Slocan Valley 

Harold Street Café 

717 Harold St., Slocan (centre of town) 

Open 7 days a week • 250-355-2663 

Slocan Valley 

HOME HARDWARE 

Welcome to the 

beautiful 

Slocan Valley 

As well as a large selection of hardware, building 

supplies and paints, we also carry lots of supplies 

and equipment for 

river tubing & swimming 

kayaking & canoeing 

camping & picnicking 

hiking & biking 

Have a wonderful visit! 

5763 Hwy 6, Winlaw 

250-226-7771 

plus toys for the kids, 

food for your pets, 

and much more 

Open 9-5 Mon-Fri, 10-4 Saturdays • Closed Sundays 

Winlaw Regional and Nature Park 

Winlaw Regional and Nature 

Park is a 22.7 acre parcel of 

land located just north of 

the Winlaw Bridge on the 

west shore of the Slocan 

River. Two boardwalks over 

wetland areas are a key 

part of the trail system. The 

rest of the park is beaches, 

forest and wetlands with 

trails meandering along the 

river and into the forest. 

This is where the locals go 

to enjoy the woods and 

river, to see wildlife, to walk 

dogs, to count the birds, to 

snowshoe or ski, to have 

picnics, to swim and to build 

sand castles and visit with 

each other while the kids 

For over a century people 

have been hiking and 

scrambling to the top 

of mountain peaks in 

and around the Valhallas 

and Slocan Valley. The 

early days saw explorers 

dressed in wool clothing 

and sturdy shoes carrying 

canvas backpacks, walking 

sticks or ice axes and, 

perhaps, a hemp rope 

tied around their waists. 

Today, a new generation of 

athlete is climbing the steep 

faces of rock that abound 

throughout the West 

Attitude Meets Altitude 

play on the swings or chase 

each other in a game of tag. 

It is the place to share with 

guests, to have weddings, 

to do yoga, to have Art in 

the Park shows, for open air 

theatre. The park is also the 

destination for the famous 

Slocan River Poker Float 

that takes place in August. 

Come and visit! Hike down 

the path through the shady 

forest and over the boardwalk, 

listen for the cry of the 

eagle, watch the ducks and 

Canada geese feeding by 

the shore of the river, have 

a seat on a riverside bench, 

breathe the fresh air and 

relax. Welcome to nature. 

Kootenay. In the Slocan 

Valley alone there are four 

“cragging” destinations. 

The most popular area 

for rock climbing in the 

region is Slocan Bluffs, on 

the outskirts of the Village 

of Slocan, right beside the 

lake. For specific details of 

the areas and climbs in the 

Slocan Valley, refer to the 

West Kootenay Climbing 

Guide, on sale locally. And 

for further information, 

visit wonowmedia.com. 

Vince Hempsall 

• Competitively priced 

fertilizers, soils & 

manures 

• Uniquely selected trees, 

shrubs and perennials 

• Dig-grown veg starts, 

annuals & baskets 

• Beautiful selection 

of pottery 

• Amazing garden 

giftware! 

Where people who 

like to garden 

LOVE to shop! 

250.359.5926 

www.diggardencentre.com 

16 Stay & Play in the West Kootenay 2021 #gokootenays - share the adventure! www.gokootenays.com BC Canada 

At the Junction, halfway 

between Nelson & 

Castlegar to the left 

of the Credit Union

Welcome to the West Kootenays. 

When travelling through the region, 

please respect the nature, the places and the people. 

Read our Visitor Code of Conduct at destinationcastlegar.com 

ASK 

IF YOU DON’T KNOW 

KEEP WILDLIFE WILD 

AND YOURSELF SAFE 

THINK BEFORE YOU 

LIGHT A FIRE 

excuse me... 

sure, 

how can 

I help? 

RESPECT 

TRAIL ETIQUETTE 

PREPARE FOR 

ALL ADVENTURES 

CAMP 

RESPONSIBLY 

RESPECT 

EVERYTHING LOCAL 

DRIVE 

CAREFULLY 

STOP THE SPREAD 

OF INVASIVE SPECIES 

West Kootenay Visitor Code of Conduct 

KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT 

& 

THE COMMUNITIES CLEAN 

POST 

RESPONSIBLY 

Thank you for being a 

responsible visitor! 

#kootrocks #explorebc 


18 Stay & Play Map #gokootenays - share the adventure! www.gokootenays.com BC Canada BC Canada The West Kootenay is COVID compliant, please respect our neighbourhoods. Stay & Play Map in the West Kootenay 2021 19 

West Kootenay Map 

GOLF COURSES 

18 Hole: 

Balfour 1 

Birchbank Course 2 

Castlegar 3 

Christina Lake 4 

Creston 5 

Granite Pointe at Nelson 6 

Kokanee Springs 7 

Redstone Resort 8 

9 Hole: 

Champion Lakes 10 

Fauquier 11 

Kaslo 12 

Little Bear 13 

Nakusp Centennial 14 

Riondel 15 

Salmo 16 

Slocan Lake 17 

Valley View 18 

KOOTENAY FOLK 

VISITOR CENTRE 

CITY 

TOWN OR VILLAGE 

HIGHWAY

EAT WELL 

IN THE WEST KOOTENAY 

DUE TO CHANGES IN COVID RESTRICTIONS WE 

HIGHLY RECOMMEND CALLING AHEAD OR VISITING 

THE RESTAURANT’S WEBSITE TO ENSURE HOURS OF 

OPERATION ARE ACCURATE. 

AINSWORTH 

Ktunaxa Grill ad page 2 

AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS RESORT 

Ktunaxa Grill located at Ainsworth 

Hot Springs Resort offers fresh, local 

indigenous-inspired cuisine. Located 

45 minutes north of Nelson, open 

Wednesday - Sunday 11am-8:30pm. 

Reservations recommended. www. 

ainsworthhotsprings.com/dining 

WOODBURY 

JB’s Restaurant & Pub ad page 12 

Where visitors become locals! Bring 

your friends and family for their world 

famous fish and chips, flame broiled 

burgers, AAA steak and piled high 

nachos all at a good value. Please call 

ahead for seasonal hours. Located just 

4 km north of Ainsworth Hot Springs 

on Hwy 31, 250-353-7716 or 250-353- 

7717. 

KASLO 

Kaslo Hotel ad page 6 

Dine in the family friendly pub (children 

allowed until 8pm with an 

adult) or on the covered patio with its 

breath-taking view of Kootenay Lake. 

Enjoy one of 12 craft beers on tap, or 

try one of the many great dishes from 

their extensive menu. 430 Front St, 

Kaslo. 250-7714. www.kaslohotel.com 

Sunnyside Naturals ad page 9 

The organic eatery in Kaslo. Fresh daily 

soups, wraps, pitas, salads: green or 

quinoa. Numerous varied accompaniments 

according to the season and 

local source availability. Juice bar with 

create-your-own option of freshly 

squeezed and blended drinks and 

smoothies. Nutritionally complete, 

fabulous taste! Winter hours 9am to 

6pm Monday - Saturday, 10-4 Sunday; 

closed Sundays in January, February & 

March. Front St, Kaslo. 250-353-9667. 

NELSON 

Kootenay Co-op ad back page 

Offering organic baked goods, locally 

roasted fair-trade coffee, specialty 

beverages and fresh made-to-order 

smoothies to go. Open 8am-8pm, 

7-days a week at 777 Baker Street, 

Nelson. 250-354-4077. www.kootenay. 

coop 

Outer Clove ad page 20 

Longtime Nelson favourite, Outer 

Clove Restaurant offers contemporary 

and classic dishes from around the 

world. Garlic infuses the food from 

a subtle hint to a more intense flavour 

explosion. The service is warm 

and friendly, and the vibe casual. 

Everything on the evolving menu is 

freshly prepared from scratch, and 

there are daily lunch and dinner specials. 

The cozy, family friendly restaurant 

is open Tuesday to Saturday 12 

noon-8pm for lunch and dinner, closed 

Sunday and Monday. 

536 Stanley Street, Nelson (half a block 

uphill from Otter Books on Baker). 

250-354-1667. Check out the menu at 

www.outerclove.ca and like them on 

Facebook. 

CASTLEGAR 

Dairy Queen ad page 25 

Dairy Queen® has been focussed on 

creating positive memories for all who 

touch DQ for over 75 years. DQ food 

and treats hold a special place in the 

hearts of fans of all ages. Their fans 

have always been DQ’s priority, and 

that’s why they continue to look for 

new ways to surprise and delight. The 

Dairy Queen offers a variety of treats 

and products including burgers, chicken 

strips, chicken sandwiches, artisan 

sandwiches and the famous DQ softserve. 

604-18th St, 250-365-5522. Open 7 

days a week: 10am-9pm. 

TRAIL 

The Birchbank Bistro ad page 26 

BIRCHBANK GOLF CLUB 

The Birchbank Bistro is a fully licensed 

establishment, with a full menu by our 

Red Seal Chef, plus daily specials and 

a wide range of refreshments. Come in 

after your round of golf and enjoy the 

beautiful views on our full-service covered 

patio. 250-693-5451. 

SLOCAN VALLEY 

Harold Street Cafe ad page 16 

Classic, home-style cafe, serving 

breakfast, lunch , dinner, desserts & 

delicious coffee, all reasonably priced. 

Famous for its tasty Greek salad, 

mouth-watering burgers and authentic 

pizza. Great service, outdoor seating 

& takeout available. Definitely worth a 

visit – a hidden gem! 250-355-2663. 

NAKUSP 

The Lodge at Arrow Lakes ad page 13 

Centrally located in downtown Nakusp, 

at 515 Broadway, the Lodge offers 

something for everyone. The Arrow 

Lake Tavern is renowned for its hearty 

pub fare. The dining room is perfect 

for families, serving everything from a 

quick bowl of homemade soup to a full 

menu offering fine dining and nightly 

specials in the evenings. Monday 

- Thursday 11:30am-8pm, Friday - 

Sunday 8am-8pm. Visit our FB page for 

specials. 250-265-3618. 


NELSON 

#discovernelson 

Karma Halleran 

@gokootenays 

Set on the shores of the West Arm of 

Kootenay Lake and surrounded by 

the Selkirk Mountain range, Nelson is 

home to approximately 10,000 souls. 

This small city is perched on the edge 

of a wilderness as vast as any you’ll 

find in southern Canada. Perhaps that’s 

why it attracts (or creates?) a strong 

contingent of skiers and mountain 

bikers, hikers and climbers, and paddlers 

of all sorts. Despite its distance 

from any major urban centre, Nelson 

has a flourishing arts scene as well. 

So, where do the artists and the 

extreme sports lovers mix it up? On 

the patios of the craft brew pubs and 

the unique, not-a-chain restaurants in 

Nelson’s very walkable downtown. 

On a warm evening, put on something 

lovely and comfortable and check out 

the numerous options to grab a bite, 

swill a pint, or delicately balance a bespoke 

cocktail – these days, all appropriately 

physically distanced of course. 

Getting to know the wide variety of 

independent shops in Nelson, from 

booksellers to handcrafted jewellery, 

would take the better part of a week. 

There are also heritage tours to get 

a little calf-burn going (yes, it’s true, 

Nelson has some serious hills!) and a 

mural tour. Pick up tour brochures and 

maps at the Visitor Centre in the old 

train station at the foot of Baker Street. 

Live like a local 

A day, weekend or week in Nelson 

offers distractions you might not have 

available at home. You'll delight in 

this friendly welcoming community. 

✔ Nelson’s farmers’ markets start in 

June at Cottonwood Park and is a great 

place to pick up on the local vibe. 

✔ Paddle Wind down with a relaxing 

paddle on Kootenay Lake. 

Travel upstream under what locals 

call BOB (the big orange bridge) 

and come back floating over still 

waters towards a setting sun. 

For paddle board rentals, visit the 

ROAM Shop at 639 Baker St, Nelson. 

For canoes, kayaks and rafts visit 

nelsonpaddleboardandkayak.com 

✔ Tuesday Nights Ladies’ Ride 

Shuttle and guided group mt bicycle 

ride every Tuesday night. In 

normal times the group leaves from 

Sacred Ride on Baker Street. With 

Covid-19 precautions in mind, the 

groups are now meeting at various 

trailheads. Check Vertical Ventures 

or Sacred Ride on Instagram or 

Facebook for what’s happening. 

Aromatic Apothecary 

Botanical Perfume 

Adult Essentials 

isisexotica 

Check our new Website! 

www.isis.ca 

582 Ward Street 

Downtown Nelson 

250-352-0666 

Columbia Basin 

Culture Tour 

Aug 7 & 8, 2021 

10:00am - 5:00pm 

Explore artists’ studios, museums, art galleries 

and heritage sites through this free, selfguided 

tour within the Columbia Basin. 

Meet the artists, shop for fine art and 

craft, view demonstrations, special 

exhibitions, interpretive displays or 

chat with local historians during this 

two day cultural celebration! 

Nelson’s 

Cold War Bunker 

For further information visit 

our website or call. 

WINNER OF THE 

2020 CITY OF NELSON 

HERITAGE AWARD! 

A project of 

Funded by 

OPEN SATURDAYS 12-4 

GUIDED TOURS: SATURDAYS AT 11 

CALL 250-352-9813 

502 VERNON STREET, NELSON BC 

TOUCHSTONESNELSON.CA 

From San Marco Square to San Giorgio Maggiore - Sandra Donohue 

www.cbculturetour.com 

250-505-5505 • 1-877-505-7355 


Nelson 

Otter Books 

100% locally owned independent bookseller 

Helping you enjoy our beautiful province this summer! 

Plus loads of HOT reads for beach & hammock. 

New Hours: Mon - Fri 9:30 - 5:30, Sat 10 - 5 

For updates and to shop online, visit: otterbooksinc.ca 

398 Baker Street, Nelson 250-352-3434 

✔ Gerick’s Cycle & Sport 

hosts group rides, hitting 

up a new trail network 

each week with the emphasis 

on fun, not gnarl. 

It’s a great way to get a 

guided trail ride from local 

experts and meet new 

people. Call Gerick’s at 250- 

354-4622 or visit gericks. 

com for up-to-date info. 

✔ Play in Art Gibbon Memorial 

Park A fine place for 

a nature walk through the 

woods without having to 

leave the city, Art Gibbons 

Memorial Park is located 

in the Rosemont area of 

the city at West Richards 

Street and Choquette Ave. 

In addition to walking 

trails, the Nelson Skateboard 

Park is a world-class 

venue for skateboarders of 

all ages, while the Nelson 

Bike Park is a great placed 

for mountain bikers and 

BMXers to take up the 

challenge. And now there 

is a disc golf course as well! 

Heritage Baker 

Street 

Looking down the length 

of Baker Street, you might 

think it will only take five 

minutes to go from one 

end to the other, and back. 

Three hours later you still 

haven’t had time to explore 

all the art and craft shops, 

the bookstores, the hip 

home furnishing outlets, 

the funky and fine clothing 

boutiques, to say nothing 

of trying out the restaurants 

and coffee bars housed in 

some of the antique buildings 

that line both sides of 

the street. Take your time, 

and treasure will be yours! 

City Camping 

Nelson’s City Campground 

offers shaded campsites, full 

hook-ups, showers, picnic 

tables, a covered dining 

area, a sani-station, and 

best of all, a terrific view of 

Kootenay Lake. The campground 

is pet friendly, and 

has reasonable rates and 

is centrally located so you 

can walk or ride your bike 

just about anywhere within 

minutes Enjoy all the 

amenities of the city while 

camping! Email campnels@ 

telus.net for more information 

or call 250-352-7618. 

Out and UP 

Mountain Biking is a 

journey to Nirvana for the 

avid biker or for anybody, 

really, who is reasonably 

fit and has the desire 

to get away from the 

pavement. Showcased 

in many mountain bike 

films, Nelson’s trails offer 

everything from gentle 

railway grades to steep, 

rooty technical tracks. 

Hiking is another great way 

to spend some time. Nelson 

YETI • GIANT • NORCO 

• GIANT • NORCO • SALSA • SPECIALIZED • CUBE ELECTRIC BIKES • KONA • YETI 

for 

your 

cycling 

fix 

visit 

GERICK’S 

YOUR BIKE SHOP 

We have what 

you forgot! 

702 BAKER ST., NELSON 250-354-4622 

WWW.GERICKS.COM INFO@GERICKS.COM 

KOOTENAYS’ BEST SELECTION OF ELECTRIC BIKES 

• Sales 

• Service 

• Rentals 

• Trail info 

Shop ~~~~~~~ 24/7 

at our 

web store 

www.gericks.com 

• SPECIALIZED • KONA 


is central to many types of hikes for 

all abilities. Check the book stores for 

Where Locals Hike in the West Kootenay 

or ask for trail advice at the Info Centre 

or sports stores around town. Another 

great guide is The Kootenays (Backroad 

Mapbook, Number 4). It will get you 

just about anywhere you 

want to go. 

Is rock climbing your thing? Enjoy a 

day ascending The Date, a very accessible 

multi-pitch climb within reach of 

Nelson. It is a great walk into the base 

of the route, and a fun and thoughtful 

climb from there. You’ll enjoy stunning 

views at the top – the rewards of this 

great adventure. Pick up a copy of The 

West Kootenay Rock Guide book at the 

Visitor Centre at 91 Baker Street for 

information on more than 400 climbs 

in the Nelson area! 

Visit www.mountainproject.com 

Kokanee Creek Park 

This beautiful provincial park is just 20 

minutes north of Nelson on Hwy 3A. The 

adventure playgrounds and wide 

sandy beach will keep the kids busy 

and active all day. There is also a good 

spot to launch your boat, a viewing 

platform over a fish-bearing channel 

and some great walking and hiking 

trails. Spend some time at the nature 

centre and find out about their kids' 

and evening nature programs (they 

have cappuccinos and ice cream too). 

Zip Kokanee What will stay with you, 

long after you are unlatched from your 

harness, is the exhilarating sensation 

of moving through three dimensional 

space, soaring high like a bird over valleys, 

and under the sun. Reservations 

are a must! Call 1-866-358-8688 or 

book online at www.zipkokanee.com 

All Aboard! 

Nelson’s electric streetcars first started 

running in 1899. The line was only five 

miles long and could boast only three 

cars, but it served the city faithfully 

for fifty years. After the Second World 

War, the electric tramway service 

was replaced by buses. Car 23 was 

re-purposed as a gift shop, a storage 

shed, even a dog kennel before it 

was rescued and restoration began. 

The Nelson Electric Tramway Society 

was formed in 1988 and soon the 

vision to have Streetcar 23 back “on 

track” started to 

become a reality. 

The car made its 

second debut in 

1992, carrying over 

20,000 people 

in four months. 

Today there are 

over 70 volunteers 

who look after 

all aspects of the 

operation and 

new members are 

always welcome. 

These people 

make it possible 

for you to relive 

the past with a 

ride along the 

shore of the West 

Arm of Kootenay 

Lake from the 

Prestige Inn to 

Lakeside park, 

two kilometres of 

relaxing nostalgia. 

The fares are 

modest and the 

ride is great fun. 

Day Tripping 

Nelson 

Cottonwood Lake is the headwaters 

of Cottonwood Creek. The regional 

park is about 7 or 8 kilometres 

south-southeast of Nelson up Ymir 

Road. It’s also on the Great Northern 

Rail Trail and you can cycle up to this 

pretty little lake in about a half day 

(it’s about 10km from the very top of 

Uphill Nelson with a 2% grade overall.) 

Bring a picnic and your fishing rod, 

Cottonwood Lake is stocked. 

20 21 

RIDE THE TROLLEY! 

May 21 – October 11, seven days a week 

Every thirty minutes between 11am and 2:30pm 

PRESTIGE 

INN 

MALL 

Fares by donation or Season Pass 

(available from Conductor) 

Adult (13+) $25 

Senior (55+) or Child $15 

Family (max 2-18) $50 

Children under 6 are FREE 

250-352-7672 

www.nelsonstreetcar.org 

info@nelsonstreetcar.org 

STREETCAR 

MUSEUM 

LAKESIDE 

PARK 

Visit our Museum at 

Lakeside Park 

Please note: To comply with 

Public Health Orders, Museum 

hours may be limited 


Nelson 

Tasty Food from Around the World 

Freshly prepared lunch, dinner & tapas 

Vegetarian & gluten-friendly choices 

Generous portions • Children’s menu 

Licensed • Outdoor patio 

536 Stanley St 250-354-1667 outerclove.ca 

Discover Nelson 

A great place to visit! An even better 

place to live. To work. To raise a 

family. To own a business. 

Nelson & District Chamber 

of Commerce & Visitor Centre 

91 Baker Street, Nelson | 250-552-3433 

DISCOVERNELSON.COM 

Economic 

Development 

Partnership 


West Kootenay 

Campgrounds 

PROVINCIAL 

ON DUNCAN LAKE 

Glacier Creek Campground 250-352-1510 

Howser/Glayco Beach 

8.3 km north of Meadow Creek on Highway 31 

ON KOOTENAY LAKE 

Kokanee Creek 

20 km NE of Nelson 

Kokanee Glacier Remote. 

Access from Hwy 3A north of Nelson or Hwy 31, 

10 km north of Ainsworth at Woodbury, or from 

Hwy 6, 8 km south of Slocan 

Lost Ledge 

25 km north of Kaslo on Hwy 31 

Davis Creek 

30 km north of Kaslo on Hwy 31 

Lockhart Beach 

Hwy 3A, 40 km north of Creston 

Garland Bay North of Riondel Visit 

www.kootenaylake.bc.ca 

ON ARROW LAKE 

McDonald Creek 10 km south of Nakusp on 

Highway 6 

Arrow Lakes (Shelter Bay) North of Nakusp 

and across the free ferry 

to Hwy 23 

Syringa Creek 19 km NW of Castlegar on 

Hwy 3A 

ON OR JUST OFF HWY 6 

Summit Lake Hwy 6, 18 km SE of Nakusp 

Rosebery Wilson Creek, 5 km north of New 

Denver 

SOUTH KOOTENAY 

Champion Lakes Between 

Fruitvale and Trail off Hwy 3B. 

Nancy Greene Access Hwy 3 or 3B, 26 km 

west of Castlegar on Hwy 3 or 29 km north of 

Rossland on 3B. 

Beaver Creek Provincial Park & 

Campground 7 km south of Trail 

on the Old Waneta Road, Hwy 22A 

PRIVATE 

CRESTON 

Arrow Mountain RV Park 

250-428-1882 

Scottie’s RV & Campground 

250-428-4256 

Pair-A-Dice RV Park & Campground 

250-428-2347 

Mountain Park Resort 

250-428-2954 

Riders Ranch Motorcycle Campground 

250-402-6777 

Kozy Tent & Trailer Park 

250-428-4143 

Canyon Park 1-800-861-9850 

EAST SHORE KOOTENAY LAKE 

Riondel Campground 

250-225-3338 

Kokanee RV Park & Campground 

Crawford Bay 250-227-9292 

Cedar Grove Campground 

Gray Creek 250-227-9492 

Crawford Bay RV Park 

250-227-9010 

Soul’s Paradise 

Kootenay Bay 250-227-9441 

Bayshore Resort 

40 km north of Creston 

250-223-8270 

The Lakeview 

Gray Creek 1-877-227-9311 

CASTLEGAR 

Castlegar Cabins 

RV Park & Campground 

250-365-2337 

Kootenay River RV Park 

1-877-318-0008 

Pass Creek Campground 

250-304-4602 

Castlegar Golf Club & RV Park 

250-365-5006 

ROBSON 

Pass Creek Regional Park 

& Campground 

250-304-4602 

SLOCAN VALLEY 

Karibu Park 1-888-452-7428 

Springer Creek RV Park & Campground 

250-355-2266 

Lemon Creek Lodge 

250-355-2403. 

Valhalla Pines 250-226-7796 

NEW DENVER 

Centennial Campground 

250-358-2361 

SILVERTON 

Silverton Campground 

250-358-2472 

NAKUSP 

Three Islands Resort 

250-265-3023 

Nakusp Municipal Campground 

250-265-1061 


250-265-4528. 

KBR Campground 

250-265-4212 

Riders Retreat 250-265-8043 

Green Acres 250-265-1379 

Murphy’s Landing 

250-265-0020 

Burton Historical Park 

1-844-265-4885 

NELSON 

Nelson City Campground 

250-352-7618 

Cool Waters RV Park 

250-355-2266 

Kline’s Creekside RV Park 

250-354-8451 

The Whistle Stop 

587-585-0860 

SALMO 

Rocking River Campground 

250-357-9341 

KP Park 

250-357-9433 

Pine Springs Motel & RV 

250-357-9660 

Selkirk Motel & RV Park 

250-357-2346 

KOOTENAY LAKE - BALFOUR 

TO MEADOW CREEK 

Birch Grove Balfour 

250-229-4275 

Toad Rock Motorcycle Campground 

North of Balfour, 250-229-5448 

Three Hills Agritourism 

North of Balfour www.3ha.ca 

Woodbury Resort & 

Marina just north of Ainsworth 

1-877-353-7717 

Mirror Lake Campground 

South of Kaslo, 250-353-7102 

Kaslo Campground 

250-353-2662 

Schroeder Creek RV Park & 

Campground 15 min north of Kaslo, 

250-353-7383 

Lardeau Valley Campground 36 min 

north of Kaslo, 250-366-4236 

TRAIL 

City of Trail RV Park 

250-364-1262. 

FRUITVALE 

Creekside RV Park 1970 Main Street 

250-367-7551 

Beaver Valley Family Park 

250-367-9319 

Beaver Falls Motel 

& RV Park 250-367-7690 

ROSSLAND 

Lions Campground 

250-551-4751 


SALMO 

#SalmoBC 

Karma Halleran @gokootenays 

The Salmo Hotel, pictured above, was built in 1912. 

There has been a hotel at this location continuously since 1860. 

Salmo, originally just a whistle 

stop on the historic Nelson/Fort 

Shepherd Railway, at the turn of 

the last century became a centre 

for supplies and entertainment for 

prospectors, miners and loggers. 

Salmo today is a quaint town at the 

junction of two highways – the “Hub 

of the Kootenays.” There are fishing 

and swimming holes to be discovered 

along the picturesque Salmo River, 

hiking and mountain biking and 

BMXing at the ski hill, there’s a 

municipal campground, and on any 

summer Thursday 

until the end of 

September you 

can stroll the 

Farmers Market 

from 3 to 6 pm, 

where you will 

get a taste for 

the valley and 

its people. 

Salmo is famous for its rock murals. 

Take a stroll downtown and see 

how many you can spot. 

Visit the Heritage Hub at 423 Railway 

Avenue. It’s a showcase for local 

talents. The centre includes a reclaimed 

building materials and salvage 

boutique, tattoo shop and a custom 

upholstery shop offering leather 

work and industrial sewing service. 

Even if it's past opening hours, you 

can appreciate the work of Salmo's 

artists in the Art Window displays. 

The Salmo museum exhibits mining 

artifacts, photographs and maps 

of the Dewdney Trail among other 

items. It’s located at the corner of 

Fourth Street and Railway Avenue. 

Hiking & Biking 

Delaurentis Bluffs Lookout This 

is the kind of hike – while not long 

at less than 3km in length – where 

you want to be fairly fit and have 

well-fitting shoes. The elevation gain 

(the key to the views and the challenge!) 

is almost 300 metres. The 

reward is great views up and down 

all of the surrounding valleys. 

The trail starts on Delaurentis Avenue, 

which is a short spur off Airport Road 

near where it crosses the Salmo River. 

The Nelson Salmo Great Northern 

Trail is a 48 km stretch of old railway 

line that connects Nelson, Ymir, and 

Salmo. Since it follows the bed of the 

Welcome to Salmo 

We Love Summer 

Salmo, “the Hub of the Kootenays” has a strong community spirit and is a fantastic 

place to live or visit. Local residents and visitors love our great outdoor lifestyle, 

including excellent hiking, fishing, golf, and in-village camping; while enjoying 

close proximity to urban amenities and special village features like 

the world’s largest penny and our historical stone murals. 

Village Office CAMPING? Stay in our municipal 

250-357-9433 

campground in beautiful KP Park 

www.salmo.ca 

Chamber of Commerce 

facebook.com/villageofSalmo 

250-357-2596 www.discoversalmo.ca 


Salmo.ca 

Salmo.ca 

former Burlington Northern Santa 

Fe rail line the grade is very family 

friendly, just as it was suitable for 

heavy locomotives on steel wheels 

back in its heyday. (Less than a 

4% grade is the standard for train 

routes.) It’s about 15 km along the 

Great Northern from Salmo to Ymir. 

The Salmo Ski Hill is the place to 

be in spring and summer too! 

Since volunteers began in 2014 to 

convert the community ski hill into 

a 4 season recreation area, seven 

trails for biking and hiking have been 

completed and more and better 

connections are in the works. Visit 

salmovalleytrailsociety.org for good 

maps of their trails (and also links to 

trails systems in neighbouring regions). 

Be sure to buy a trail pass through 

their website. Day passes start at just 

$10 per day, and if you're a local, a 

lifetime pass for all the trails is only 

$20. 100% of your membership 

fees go towards building and 

maintaining trails in the Salmo Valley. 

Après Hiking & Biking 

Salmo has a new craft brewery – the 

Erie Creek Brewing Company at 

117 4th Street, downtown Salmo. 

Raise a pint of one of their seasonal 

ales – the perfect thing to do after 

a day hiking Salmo's trails! 

To be sure you are dressed 

appropriately local, consider buying 

a Salmo Dinner Jacket. You can 

purchase a jacket and all kinds of 

accessories to match at the Village 

Hall at 423 Davies Avenue. 

Just out of town 

Play a round: Just 3 km south of 

Salmo is a great little community-run 

9 hole course that has pretty much 

everything you want in a bigger 

golf course: club and cart rentals, a 

restaurant, wide and flat fairways… 

But the Salmo District Golf Club is 

known for some things the executive 

18 hole courses are not famous for 

– small town friendliness and low 

green fees. No tee times required 

either and if you are under 12, you 

play for free! www.golfsalmo.com 

Sheep Creek Valley 8 km south of 

Salmo, follow Sheep Creek Road to the 

Sheep Creek Mines. The abandoned 

gold mines and mining towns, dating 

from before the turn of the century 

until the 1950s, include Kootenay Bell, 

Reno, Goldbelt and Queens. There 

are quite a lot of ruins to explore, as 

well as many trails for ATVers and 

hikers that lead into the mountains. 

ATVing and dirt biking are popular 

activities and there are two volunteerrun 

off-road tracks in the area: the 

Rover Creek Trails and the Tree Hugger 

Trails. Find out more at www.wkrdas. 

com or drop in at Barrett Motorsports 

in Fruitvale (see ad page 28). 

SALMO VALLEY PHARMACY 

FULL SERVICE PHARMACY 

Including: 

Gifts and Souvenirs 

Professional Medication Reviews 

Compliance Packaging 

Travel Vaccinations • Flu Shots 

Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 

107-4th Street • 250-357-9444 SKYWAY HARDWARE 250-357-9911 

• FULL SERVICE SHOP • CAR REMOVAL • USED AND AFTERMARKET PARTS 

• 24 HOUR TOWING • HEAVY DUTY RECOVERY SPECIALISTS • RIGGING SPECIALISTS 

SALMO AREA 

250-357-2091 

CRESTON AREA 

250-428-2323 

ALL OTHER AREAS 

TOLL FREE 1-888-357-2091 


CASTLEGAR 

#destination_castlegar 

Photo: Kari Medig, BC Content Hub 

In the heart of the Kootenays, and a 

very central base for your West Kootenay 

stay-cation, is the City of Castlegar. 

Its location at the confluence of the 

Columbia and Kootenay Rivers has 

had a great influence on the historic 

and cultural evolution of the 

community. The area was initially 

used as a trading and fishing area 

for First Nations people. Zuckerberg 

Island, separated from downtown 

Castlegar by a pedestrian suspension 

bridge, has paths and interpretive 

signs and features a reconstruction 

of the Salish semi-pit-style winter 

dwellings of Castlegar’s first people. 

Castlegar is “The Sculpture Capital of 

Canada”. Downtown is a must see 

with over fifty pieces on display along 

the sidewalks and in the green spaces. 

Explore Millennium Park and hang out 

at the pools on the shore of the Columbia 

River, walk along the river trails, 

cross the suspension bridge to Zuckerberg 

Island and have your picnic. 

In the hills around Castlegar the 

adventure recreation possibilities 

are limitless: hiking, rock climbing, 

mountain biking, trail running…and 

the river and lake fishing is legendary. 

Castlegar boasts some very good 

restaurants and shops, there are 

three golf courses nearby, several art 

galleries and historical museums. 

You can download an app from iTunes 

or Google Play that will both guide 

you and reward your local explorations 

with points. The app is called 

Castlegar Explorers and it’s free! 

Doukhobor 

Discovery Centre 

In 1908 the largest internal migration 

in Canada took place when 5,000 

Doukhobors moved from Saskatchewan 

to the Castlegar area. The community 

had little choice but to leave the 

prairies, after the government seized 

the land they had sought refuge on 

from persecution in their native Russia. 

The Discovery Centre shares this history, 

the culture and stories of what it was 

like to have lived through this time. 

The Doukhobor Discovery Centre 

is open Monday to Saturday, 11 

am – 4pm a week, this year May 1 to 

September 30. For further information 

visit: www.Doukhobor-Museum.org 

Vote for your 

favourite sculpture! 

Brochures and ballots can be picked up at 

Kootenay Market, City Hall and the Visitor’s Centre. 

Filled out ballots can be placed in the red boxes 

located throughout the tour, or mailed to 

PO Box 3586, Castlegar, BC V1N 3W3. 

www.sculpturewalkcastlegar.com 

Thank You To Our 

2021 Platinum Sponsors! 

Area J 

Photos by David Gluns 


Shop! 

The downtown area of Castlegar is 

made for strolling. Besides all the artwork 

and sculptures that you will find 

there are many Mom-and-Pop shops 

and restaurants for you to savour. 

Further up on Columbia Avenue a 

couple of small malls with stores 

and offices cater to particular needs 

(like fishing gear, sports equipment 

and fancy underwear), and some 

larger national stores and chain 

restaurants. Castlegar has got what 

you need – uptown or downtown. 

Millennium Park 

This amazing riverside park is the pride 

and joy of Castlegar and you can walk 

to it from anywhere in downtown. 

The natural ponds, complete with 

sandy beaches and grassy areas for 

lounging, are a calm and welcoming 

apron along the shore of the wild 

and powerful Columbia River. The 

3 acre bike park will entertain the 

kids while you read or relax near the 

water. Bring a picnic and stay a while. 


Spend a beautiful afternoon at Zuckerberg 

Island, a tiny oasis cradled in the 

embrace of the wide Columbia River. A 

500’ suspension bridge from the shore 

to the island is wide enough for wheelchairs 

or strollers and offers great 

views of the Columbia and Kootenay 

River (see the front cover of this guide.) 

This island is made for perambulating. 

Pathways wind about, and as you’re 

strolling, you’ll find sites like the 

Russian chapel house and the winter 

pithouses of the Lakes Salish, dwellings 

that speak volumes about the 

settlers and First Nations in the area. 

Hiking & Biking 

Scattebo Reach This is a fairly long, 

sometimes rocky trail of intermediate 

skill level that follows the Kootenay 

River to Glade. 

MelDeAnna An easy to intermediate 

trail, it is both bike and dog friendly. 

It is a 5 km loop, level and shaded, 

and great for bird watching. 

Brilliant Overlook This is a dog friendly 

but not bike friendly trail that takes 

you up the back of the bluff on the 

east side of the Kootenay River. It's a 

challenging climb for mid-skill level 

hikers, although there are handrails 

where they're needed. Your reward 

after the 330 m elevation gain is an 

incredible view of both the Columbia 

and Kootenay River valleys. 

Castlegar offers an incredible variety of 

single track for every skill level. Put it on 

your list… you haven't ridden the West 

Kootenay until you have done Castlegar. 

Merry Creek Trail: This network includes 

the easy Merry Creek Loop, the 

intermediate Merry Go Round and Hail 

Merry trails as well as the much harder 

Crazy Merry trail. To access them, follow 

Hwy 3 west from Castlegar and at the 

top of the first rise 

out of the city, 

keep an eye out for 

the Merry Creek 

Forest Service 

Road, turn right. 

Drive about 2km 

to the trailhead. 

There are many 

other hiking and 

biking trails to 

explore. Check 'em 

out at 

friendsoftrails.org 

Golf! 

Castlegar 

The Castlegar Golf Club is a 4 star 

course that has hosted the provincial 

Ladies’, Men’s, Senior and Junior 

Championship events (visit www. 

golfcastlegar.com); and the Little 

Bear Golf Course, a 9-hole executive 

par 3 course, is located at 872 

Waterloo Road. The Birchbank Golf 

Course on the banks of the Columbia 

River between Trail and Castlegar 

is a must-golf. See ad next page. 

Kootenay Gallery Of Art 

The Gallery, located across from 

the airport in Castlegar, provides 

a professional venue for regional 

artists to show and sell their work. 

Outside the gallery are the butterfly 

and xeriscape gardens. The 

butterfly garden has attracted 

some rarely seen species such as 

the western tiger swallowtail, pale 

swallowtail and grey hairstreak. 

The xeriscape garden is planted 

with native grasses and perennials. 

Interpretive signs give you 

more information and help you to 

identify all the shrubs, plants and 

trees. www.kootenaygallery.com 

KOOTENAY GALLERY OF ART 

& GIFT SHOP 

Fine Art, Unique Gifts, Beautiful Things. 

Open January - November 

Tues. - Sat. 10am-5pm 

December 1 - 24, 7 days/wk 

10am-5pm 

250.365.3337 

120 Heritage Way. Castlegar, BC 

Across from Castlegar Airport 

www.kootenaygallery.com 

604 18 th Street, Castlegar 

250-365-5522 

Open 7 days a week 


5500 Highway 22, Genelle BC 

PH: 250-693-2255 

www.birchbankgolf.com 

Call ahead 

for our 

seasonal 

specials 

starting 

as low as 

$ 

57 

for 18 holes of golf 

and a shared cart 

• Largest natural grass practice facility 

in the area with practice bunker 

• CPGA lessons available 

• Fully stocked pro shop with demos and rentals 

DINING 

Relax on the covered deck and 

enjoy the beautiful views! 

The Birchbank Bistro offers new menu 

choices by our Red Seal Chef in a fully 

licensed environment for your enjoyment 

after golf or for lunch and dinner outings. 

Order off the menu or enjoy 

one of our daily specials! 

We can accommodate 

many types of functions 

at The Bistro. 

Luncheon meetings, wedding 

receptions and corporate events – 

stand alone or with a golf package. 

Contact our Bistro Manager and book your event! 250-693-5451 


TRAIL 

#tourismtrailbc 

Five communities hugging both 

sides of a curve on the fast flowing 

Columbia River make up Greater 

Trail. Trail boasts affordable real 

estate, an abundance of outdoor 

activities, superb fishing and an 

active arts and culture community. 

The City of Trail has a growing and 

innovative economy and attracts 

investors who are intrigued by this 

rural town with a high-tech mindset. 

In a phrase, the city and its supporting 

economy is now being promoted 

worldwide as Metal Tech Alley, which 

is a “simple” recognition of a more 

complex fact, that Trail is culturally 

and historically a mining town. 

The 1890 discovery of gold and copper 

ore on the face of Red Mountain was 

the single most important event in 

the history of Trail. In 1898 the first 

smelter was built to process the 

Red Mountain ores, and the small 

town named after the Dewdney Trail 

grew. It was incorporated in 1901. 

Citizens of Trail have always been 

active in sports; it has two baseball 

teams to represent the city and is 

home to the famed Smoke Eaters 

Hockey Club, the last amateur 

Canadian team to win a world title. 

The Home of Champions monument 

downtown recognizes the importance 

Trail places on excellence in sport. 

Colourful murals depict the city’s 

history, and the flowers and plantings 

tended by the Communities in 

Bloom team, are breathtaking. 

Visit the Trail Riverfront Centre, home 

to the Trail & District Public Library, the 

Trail Museum & Archives and the Trail 

Visitor Centre. Engaging exhibits in 

this unique building make it a hub of 

learning, history and information. 

A visit to the museum is free! 

www.trailriverfrontcentre.com 

Trail Historical Society’s Sports 

Hall of Memories From baseball 

and hockey to curling and track and 

field, Trail is known for its athletic 

achievements. The highlights of 

years and years of successes may 

be found at 1051 Victoria Street. 

Outdoor Explorations 

The Bluffs Trail is one of the first to 

open in the spring due to its low 

altitude, sandy soil and southern 

aspect. The view from the flagpole 

of Trail, the Columbia River and the 

Rossland Range is fantastic. For more 

info and maps visit www.kcts.ca 

For families the Railgrade Trail is 

perfect. Halfway to Rossland from 

Trail, at Warfield, it is a 7.1 km 

connector trail that is popular year 

round. The Railgrade Trail is also 

part of the Great Canada Trail www. 

trailforks.com/region/trail-bluffs 

Columbia River Skywalk At 1000 feet 

in length, the brand new Columbia 

River Skywalk is one of the longest 

pedestrian bridges in North America. 

This majestic, signature structure is 

part of the Trans Canada Trail Society’s 

Great Trail and a 2 km walking loop 

known as “Walking the Bridges.” 

Fish the Columbia River. The largest 

rainbow trout in the world was caught 

here in 2004, weighing 24.4 lbs. You 

can fish right from the boulders near 

Gyro Park and there are plenty of back 

eddies to try along the river banks 

near the City of Trail. If you need 

gear or would like the guided fishing 

experience, talk to the staff at the 

Visitor Centre at 1505 Bay Avenue. 

Gyro Park can entertain the family 

all day! In this 

riverside park 

you'll find a beach, 

playgrounds, 

a brand new 

skatepark, a 

spray park, a boat 

launch, an offleash 

dog park 

and more. Some 

activities, like 

Thursday Music 

in the Park Series, 

may be limited or 

cancelled in 2021. 

Check www.trail. 

ca/COVID-19 for 

status updates or 

call 250-364-0858. 

• compacts 

• mid size 

• full size 

Sky High Rossland 

Renting & Selling 

Quality Cars 

at Great Prices 

Uphill from Trail and tucked high in 

the Monashee mountains, Rossland 

is a mountain town with a turbulent 

history. When Rossland was a gold 

rush town in the late 1800s and early 

1900s, it was one of the largest cities 

in Western Canada. By 1897, the town 

had 42 saloons, 4 banks and 17 law 

firms. Today, Rossland’s population is 

half of what it once was, but despite 

the 20th century, there are still no 

traffic lights or sprawling malls. 

It seems that the mountain town of 

Rossland has just been waiting for 

the right bikes and riders to be born. 

With so many native advantages – old 

whiskey-running routes, miners’ trails 

(the “rawhide” trails), the winding 

roadbeds from long disused narrow 

gauge railways – the mountain 

biking scene was all set to explode. 

Over twenty trails are graded 

with either a green (easy), blue 

(intermediate) or black (advanced) 

rating, so choosing the right trail 

for your skills and attitude is easy. 

The most famous of all of Rossland’s 

mountain biking trails is the 

Seven Summits. Recognized by 

the International Mountain Biking 

Association as an official ‘Epic’ and 

awarded ‘Trail of the Year’ by Bike 

magazine (2007), it is the crown 

jewel of the Rossland trail network. 

Drive a Good Bargain! 

• 15 passenger vans 

• minivans 

• moving trucks 

• SUVs 

• pickups 

Trail 250-364-0211 

Nelson 250-352-5122 • Creston 250-428-9343 

Castlegar 250-365-1980 • Grand Forks 236-352-0400 

trail@practicar.ca www.practicar.ca 


Trail • Rossland • Fruitvale 

Gear up at Barrett Motorsports... 

for your on road/off road backcountry needs. 

DL#5996 

Sales and Service 

barrett.motorsports@shaw.ca • www.barretthondayamaha.com 

250-367-6216 1-888-989-1615 • 1470 Hwy 3B, Fruitvale DL 5996 

Gold 

Fever 

Follies 

the 

July 1 to August 28 

(no matinée on July 1) 

2 Shows Daily 

Tues thru Sat 

3pm & 7:30pm 

Due to COVID: Please check our website for 

updates on performance times & locations 

Live Musical Theatre from the Gold Rush Days 

New Shows New Music 

Advance tickets & online video version 

available via website 

32 Stay & Play in the West Kootenay 2021 #gokootenays - share the adventure! www.gokootenays.com BC Canada 

Admit One Admit One 

Rossland Miners Hall 

1765 Columbia Avenue 

Rossland 

www.goldfeverfollies.com

EAST SHORE 

Kootenay Bay is the eastern 

ferry terminus of the 

Kootenay Lake Ferry and 

the road access to Pilot Bay 

Provincial Park. There is an 

extensive network of hiking 

trails through the park and 

along the Pilot Peninsula 

and it's an easy walk to the 

historic Pilot Bay lighthouse. 

Driving into the village 

of Crawford Bay, you will 

notice signs that proclaim 

“Artistic by Nature”. And 

so it is … this community 

is home to many talented 

artisans. Plan to spend 

some time checking out 

all the interesting shops. 

Gray Creek is the next 

stop on your meandering 

CRESTON 

Known today as the “Valley 

of Swans”, Creston has a 

population of approximately 

5300. Surrounding 

orchards and the rich valley 

bottomland produce a 

bounty of fruit, vegetables 

and grain, and the valley’s 

gentle slopes are seamed 

with rows of grapevines. 

As befits an agricultural hub, 

your first view of Creston 

from the north will be the 

tall wooden granaries. The 

Visitor Centre is right there 

on the East Shore. At the 

Gray Creek Store, pick up 

the Gray Creek Historical 

Society booklet for information 

on self-guided tours. 

Kuskanook is a Kootenay 

Native word for “end of the 

lake” where the American 

Great Northern Railway met 

steamships on the lake in 

the late 1800s. It once had 

the reputation of being the 

toughest town in Western 

Canada. Still on Hwy 3A, the 

next stop is Sirdar. Here an 

Italian gold seeker decided 

to settle, terracing the hillside 

and establishing a fruit 

orchard. Stop and sample 

the Wynnwood Cellar 

wines at the tasting room. 

too – so pick up a map, and 

ask about the many different 

tours around the area. 

On the main road through 

Creston there are farm 

stands where you can buy 

local produce and other 

products. Creston’s many 

artists display their work 

in galleries and gift shops 

throughout town and there 

is no shortage of unique 

shopping and eateries. 

Be sure to visit Creston's fascinating 

historical museum 

Pottery 

Handweaving 

Broom Making 

Copper Enamel 

Blacksmithing 

Culinary Arts 

Jewelry 

And more 

Artisansofcrawfordbay.com 

at 219 Devon St, showcasing 

rural life and examples 

of indigenous culture. You 

can learn more about the 

Lower Kootenay band at 

lowerkootenay.com. 

Rich Wetlands A 17,000 

acre wetland stretches from 

the south end of Kootenay 

Lake to the US border. 

Over 286 species of birds, 

57 species of mammals 

and 29 species of fish, 

reptiles and amphibians 

call the wetland home. 

The Kootenay-Columbia 

Discovery Centre is open 

until October. There are 

boardwalks, viewing 

platforms and a number of 

trails. Bring your binoculars! 

Pick up a self-guided tour 

brochure. Guided canoe 

tours start in May. For more 

info call 250-402-8661 or 

visit discovery-centre.ca 

Kootenay 

Lake’s 

Oldest & 

Largest 

General Store 

Celebrating Our 108 th Anniversary! 

HIGHWAY 3A 

BETWEEN THE FERRY AND CRESTON 

If we don’t have it, you don’t need it! 

250-227-9315 

WWW.GRAYCREEKSTORE.COM 

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 

Visit a Vineyard With four 

exceptional wineries, the 

Creston Valley has been 

dubbed Canada’s next 

wine region. Sip some 

new wines with friends 

and taste the sunshine 

of the Creston Valley. 

A Park for Everybody 

Creston Community Park 

is developed around 

the Creston Community 

Complex. Now, in addition 

to the ice arenas, aquatic, 

fitness and conference facilities, 

the grounds feature 

a brand new 10,000 sq ft 

skatepark, a playground, 4 

pickleball courts, 2 beach 

volleyball courts, a basketball 

court, horseshoe pits, 

a viewpoint and walking 

paths that link everything. 

Head up to 312 19th 

Avenue North and blow 

off some travelling steam! 

BC Canada The West Kootenay is COVID compliant, please respect our neighbourhoods. Stay & Play in the West Kootenay 2021 33 

https://discovery-centre.ca

Creston 

KOOTENAY MEADOWS 

FARMERS MARKETS 

Certified Organic and Grass-Fed Alpine Cheeses 

and Glass Bottled Milk! 

Visit the farm, walk through the barns, meet the cows and watch a milking. 

Our on farm retail shop has cheese, milk, meat and local artwork. 

Also available throughout the 

Kootenays at a grocery store 

near you. 

Summer hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - noon 

3071 16th St Creston BC 

(right beside Lister Park) 

www.kootenaymeadows.com • 250-428-9655 

Burton Farmers Market 

Sunday, Aug 2 and Sept 6 

10 am–2 pm. 5470 Hwy 6, Burton 

Castlegar Craft & Farmers Market 

Saturdays 9 am–1 pm 

Station Museum, 400 13th Ave 

Creston Valley Farmers Market 

Saturdays 9 am–1 pm, May through 

October. On Canyon Street, beside 

the Visitors Centre. 

Grand Forks Farmers Market 

Fridays 9am - 2:30pm Gyro Park, 

7370 5th Street at Hwy 3 

Harrop Little Red Schoolhouse 

Market Sundays 10 am-2 pm 

Kaslo Saturday Market 

10 am–2 pm. Front Street, Kaslo 

Lardeau Valley Sunday Market 

10 am–2 pm. Meadow Creek 

Nakusp Friday Fringe Market 

Old Firehall 12 pm–4 pm, 5th St. 

Nakusp Saturday Farmers Market 

9 am–1 pm, 5th St. & Broadway 

Nakusp Old Firehall Farmers 

Market. Saturdays 10 am–2 pm 

Nelson Cottonwood Market 

Saturdays & Wednesdays 

9 am-2pm, May to October 

Cottonwood Falls Park 

Live Music 10am - 2:30pm 

New Denver Friday Market 

9:30am - 1pm. 

Kildare Street & 6th Avenue 

Salmo Valley Farmers Market 

Thursdays 4 pm–7 pm. 

KP Park, beside the Salmo Village 

Campground 

Slocan Farmers Market 

Saturdays 10 am–2 pm 

Expo Park, Slocan City 

Trail's IncrEDIBLE Farmers Market 

Every 2nd Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm 

1300 block Cedar Avenue 

Come try our award winning wines in our beautiful Tasting Room 

Enjoy a glass of wine and the stunning view with a 

light snack from our menu or bring your own picnic 

Open 11am - 5pm 

Wednesday - Sunday 

Easter - May Long Weekend 

Daily 

May Long Weekend - Thanksgiving 

1140 27th Ave S - CRESTON BC V0B 1G1 Phone: 250-428-8768 www.bailliegrohman.com 



Stay & Play in the West Kootenay 2021 36 www.gokootenays.com BC Canada

West Kootenay Stay & Play - Spring 2021

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