The Silvery Slocan Heritage Tour

In the 1890's the hunt for precious metals brought the first settlers to the Kootenays. The Silvery Slocan Heritage Your will take you through the mining communities of the Kootenays and allow you to visit the major historic sites scattered throughout the area.

The drive is 323 km (201 mi). It is possible to cover the tour in one day, but to see all the major heritage attractions you should set aside at least two days. Most of the route is paved; however, it is a winding road and at times narrow and bumpy.

The tour is divided into two geographical regions, and can be taken in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In this guide, the tour is designed as if you were starting in Nelson and traveling counterclockwise.

Nelson

A Brief History

The discovery of a copper-silver deposit--eventually the Silver King Mine--in the area of Toad Mountain in 1886 sparked the beginnings of the City of Nelson. Nelson, named after then Lieutenant-Governor of BC Hugh Nelson, was incorporated on March 4, 1897 with a population of 3 000. Situated between the silver mines of the Slocan and the gold mines of Rossland, Nelson quickly developed as the governmental, service, and supply centre of the region.

Points of Interest

Nelson Courthouse - 310 Ward Street

Designed by the famous architect F.M. Rattenbury, who also designed the Parliament Buildings in Victoria, this building has been the provincial courthouse since 1909.

City Hall - 502 Vernon Street

The City Hall dates back to 1902. Originally it was the post office and customs house. Building materials include Spokane pink brick and Kaslo marble. Supervising architect James MacDonald also designed the Nelson Drill Hall.

Nelson Fire hall - 919 Ward Street

This building, used as the city's fire hall since 1912, received the Nelson Heritage Award in 1984. It has been slightly altered for use by fire trucks. In the early days, horses pulled the fire wagons.

Capitol Theatre - Victoria Street

When the theatre opened in 1927 it was acclaimed to be one of the finest movie theatres on the continent. When the larger Civic theatre opened, this building was used as an auction hall and then a furniture warehouse. In 1983, the City of Nelson acquired the Capitol and restored it to become the visual and performing arts centre that it is today.

Houston Memorial - Vernon and Ward Streets

This memorial was erected for Nelson's first mayor by his loyal followers. John Houston was the outspoken publisher of Nelson's first newspaper, the Miner, and later of the Nelson Tribune. He served the last of his several one-year terms as mayor of Nelson in 1905. The memorial's angular and unpolished look represents Houston's character.

Nelson Electric Tramway - Lakeside Park

The Nelson Electric Tramway Company commenced service on December 23, 1899. Streetcars ran until bus service took over on June 20, 1949. Nelson was the smallest city in the British empire to have a streetcar system. It was the only system of its kind between Vancouver and Winnipeg. Today, refurbished Streetcar #23 takes visitors on a scenic ride along Nelson's waterfront.

Nelson Museum - 402 Anderson Street

The museum's W.A. Fetterley Room has displays depicting the history of the Kootenays. Themes include First Nations people, explorers, miners, traders, early settlers, transportation, Nelson's contribution to World War I, and the Doukhobors (immigrants of Russian origin). The Ladybird Room showcases the history of pleasure boating on Kootenay Lake, and the Mildred Erb Gallery has constantly changing displays of art and history. The outside mural is a collage of Nelson's history, created by Alex Forde. Summer hours are 1:00-6:00 PM daily except statutory holidays; winter hours are 1:00-4:00 PM daily except Sundays and statutory holidays.

Chamber of Mines Museum - 215 Hall Street

This geological museum has impressive mineral and ore collections, and interpretive displays of mining in the Kootenays. The Chamber of Mines, established in 1926 to prevent claim jumping, is a non-profit organization that conducts research and provides information for prospectors. The library and map room have documents that date back to 1895. Prospectors courses are offered. Hours are Monday to Friday, 1:00-5:00 PM.

Murals - south end of Vernon Street

These four Kootenay murals were painted by high school art students, directed by Dan Morslander. Three are images from historic photographs: the K&S railroad at Payne Bluffs; the stern wheeler Nasookin, caught in the ice; and Nelson's Streetcar #3. The fourth is of actor Steve Martin in Roxanne, filmed in Nelson.

Kootenay Lake

A Brief History

This once outstanding fruit-growing area includes Ainsworth Hot Springs, West Kootenay's first community; Balfour, the location of an early CPR resort hotel; and Mirror Lake, the site of a former ice company and shipyard. On the east side of Kootenay Lake across from Ainsworth Hot Springs is the Bluebell Mine site at Riondel. It was the discovery of the Bluebell lode that sparked the first serious wave of prospectors to the area.

Points of Interest

S.S. Nasookin - About 3 km (2 mi) northeast of Nelson on Hwy 3A; about 67 km (40 mi) southwest of Kaslo

This was the largest of the inland stern wheel ships on Kootenay Lake. Her varied career began in 1913 with the daily Nelson Kootenay Landing run. In 1949, she broke her back and was sold for scrap. She returned to her glory in 1983, when her top deck and wheelhouse were restored to serve as a private residence.

Blaylock Estate - About 4 km (2.5 mi) northeast of Nelson on Hwy 3A; about 66 km (40 mi) southwest of Kaslo

This Tudor mansion was built between 1935 and 1937 by Selwyn Gwillym Blaylock, former general manager of Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company. He bought the acreage in 1926 and hired a Montreal architect and artisans from around the world to build his summer home, "Lakewood." The exterior granite was hand-cut and the solid oak front doors were hand-carved. After Blaylock died in 1945, his second wife lived there for thirty years.

Kokanee Creek Provincial Park - About 19 km (11 mi) north-east of Nelson on Hwy 3A; about 51 km (31 mi) southwest of Kaslo

The park has 132 camp sites, flush toilets, a sani-station, a boat launch, great beaches, an adventure playground, an artificial spawning channel for kokanee (landlocked sockeye salmon) and the West Kootenay Visitor Centre. The centre features displays on nature and history, films, slide shows, and information publications. From mid-August through September, kokanee salmon spawn in the artificial channel here. Visitor Centre hours are 9:00 am-9:00 PM daily in July and August, and weekends in September.

Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park - About 19 km (11 mi) northeast of Nelson on Hwy 3A; about 51 km (3 mi) southwest of Kaslo

This is an undeveloped wilderness park with more than 30 alpine lakes, good fishing, many hiking trails of varying difficulty and length, campsites, and three cabins. Established in 1922, it is one of BC's oldest parks. "Kokanee" means "red fish" in the language of the Kutenai people. The park is named after the glacier that sits east and northeast of Kokanee Peak.

Redfish Creek Spawning Channel - About 25 km (15 mi) northeast of Nelson of Hwy 3A; about 50 km (30 mi) southwest of Kaslo

This channel, built in 1982, can support 4 00 kokanee. It is smaller than the channel in Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. An interpretive display explains spawning channels, the life cycle of the kokanee, and fisheries management.

St. Francis in-the-woods - About 35 km (21 mi) northeast of Nelson and about 35 km (21 mi) southwest of Kaslo, turn off Hwy 3A onto Queens Bay Road

Set in a lovely forest above Kootenay Lake, this former Anglican church was constructed by Queens Bay citizens in 1915. The first service was held on Easter Sunday of that year. An active church until after World War II, it was deconsecrated in the fall of 1994 and now serves as a community hall.

Ties on telephone poles

Why the ties were hung on the poles is a local mystery. Some say that a man bought the ties from BC Hydro's annual ugly tie auction and had them strung up on the poles to indicated where his retirement party was taking place. Another account suggests that high school students put them there on their graduation night. Some claim them to be a tribute to John Lennon, whose last album had ties on the cover. Still others maintain that a group of back-to-the-landers, fed up with city life, hung up their ties when they arrived.

AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS - About 45 km (27 mi) northeast of Nelson on Hwy 31; about 25 km(15 mi) south of Kaslo

Silver Ledge Hotel Museum

Hotels on this site have been named "McKinnon House," "Grant King Hotel," and "Vancouver House" over the years. The existing building was constructed in the 1890's and had electricity installed and a new wing added in 1912. This was the only hotel to feature hot running water from the hot springs. From 1932 until 1949, it was operated as the Silver Ledge Hotel. Empty until 1964, it was then sold and became a museum. Several rooms are furnished to resemble the hotel in its heyday. An impressive collection of photographs are displayed throughout the museum. Hours are 1:00-5:00 pm Wednesday to Sunday in summer. There is a nominal entrance fee.

J.B. Fletcher General Store Museum

First in a log building constructed by Gustavus Wright in the late 1880's, this store was sold to Fletcher and Company in 1890 and then to Henry Giegerich of Montana in 1891. In 1896, Giegrich constructed the present building after the original burned down. J.B. Fletcher managed the store for Giegrich from 1912 until the 1930's, when he acquired it. He continued to operate the store until it closed in the early 1970's. Restored to reflect the year 1896, the museum displays furnishings and merchandise from the original store, artifacts from the area, and mineral samples from many local mines. Also available are information pamphlets for the area. Open 10:00 am-6:00 PM daily in summer. Free admission.

Ainsworth Hot Springs

Long before the arrival of the prospectors, First Nations people discovered these hot mineral springs and attributed healing powers to them. The waters of the springs are heated in the core of the earth and then forced to its surface. They then spill through a horseshoe-shaped cave (an old mine tunnel), lined with stalactites and stalagmites. There is a wonderful view of Kootenay Lake from both pools. Open year round from 8:30 am - 9:30 PM daily (last entry at 9:00 PM.

Cody Caves - About 50 km (30 mi) northeast of Nelson and about 20 km (12 mi) south of Kaslo, turn off Hwy 31 onto the access road

This elaborate natural cave system has tunnels, galleries, stalagmites, stalactites, and other interesting features. They were named after their discoverer, Henry Cody, one of the earliest prospectors in the Ainsworth area. Visitors must have a guide; guiding service is available at the cave entrance in the summer months. An interpretive display is located at the entrance of this provincial park day-use area. Accessible June through October. Enquire locally before driving the 13 km (8 mi) rough gravel access road.

Cost - $15.00 for Adults (16 & up) $10.00 for kids (5-15). Info from Kevin Stanway at 250 353 7364 or stanway@netidea.com

Fletcher Falls Recreation Site - About 64 km (38 mi) northeast of Nelson on Hwy 31; about 6 km (3.5 mi) south of Kaslo

On the west shore of Kootenay Lake, this provincial park includes a waterfall, swimming beach, picnic area, and scenic viewpoint. Fishing and camping are near the falls. This site is accessible by foot trail only.

Kaslo

A Brief History

It was logging, not mining, that brought the first settlers to Kaslo. Although settled at approximately the same time as the communities in the Silvery Slocan, Kaslo was the first city in the area to incorporate (September 1893). In 1894 Kaslo was plagued by a succession of disasters--fire, flood, gales--which destroyed half of the town's commercial district and over sixty buildings and houses. As a result of the flood, Kaslo citizens worked to divert the Kaslo River south of its original course. This is where the Kaslo River continues to flow today.

Points of Interest

The S.S. Moyie National Historic Site - 324 Front Street

Launched in 1898 and retired in 1957, the Moyie is the oldest surviving passenger stern wheeler in the world. The ship's engine room offers the visitor a fine appreciation of the 19^th-century steam technology. A finely crafted vessel, the Moyie is being carefully restored to her former glory. Interpreters guide visitors through the old steamboat, explaining her many intricate features. Open daily 9:30 am - 4:30 pm mid-May to mid-September. One-hour guided tours are offered with the admission fee. For reservations, call 353-2525.

The Langham Cultural Centre - 447 A Avenue

First constructed as a hotel in 1893, the Langham has since served as a bank, office building, bottling company, rooming house, woodworking shop, boat-building shop, stables, and as internment housing for Japanese Canadians. By the mid-1970's, the building was empty. The forward-looking citizens of Kaslo saved the Langham from being demolished and transformed it into an arts centre with a theatre, galleries, studios, and offices. The building received the Heritage Canada Award in 1977 for the best restoration project. More recently, a Japanese-Canadian Archival Display and Museum has been added to the Langham's many attractions.

City Hall - 413 Fourth Street

Built in 1898 at a cost of less than $10 000, this building is one of Canada's last two wood-frame city halls still in municipal use. Slated for replacement in the 1970-s, it was saved by the determined efforts of many staunch citizens. Restoration work resulted in the recognition of the city Hall as a National Historic Site in 1988.

St. Andrew's United Church - Fourth Street at B Avenue

Originally named Robertson Presbyterian, this church is reputedly the oldest in British Columbia in continuous use. It was built in 1893 by volunteer labour and financed completely by donations. In 1901, it became St. Andrew's. The church has given shelter to victims of the 1894 disasters and hope to the Japanese-Canadian internees of World War II. The wood-frame building has served as the United Church since the 1925 amalgamation of Methodist and Presbyterian Churches.

The Courthouse - 312 Fourth Street

After the peak of the silver mining boom, Kaslo became a more stable community. Representing this period is this stately brick building of 1911. The jail and court, and the assessor, tax collector, and mine recorder all occupied this building. It continues to be the local provincial government office, and houses the Kootenay Lake Historical Society Archives.

Historic downtown

Many of the buildings of Front Street date back to the last century. At one time, these buildings housed bakeries, grocers, saloons, newspapers, cigar stores, barber shops, clothing stores, and rooming houses. Today, the visitor will find a variety of restaurants, shops, and other services there.

Valley of the Ghosts

A Brief History

Highway 31A, which runs from Kaslo to New Denver, winds through the very heart of the historic Silvery Slocan mining area. This area, now known as the "Valley of the Ghosts," was once the richest silver mining region in Canada.

Points of Interest

Nashton/Zwicky - About 10 km (6.5 mi) west of Kaslo; about 37 km (22 mi) east of New Denver

Nashton came into prominence in the 1890's as a service centre for the nearby Mexico and Montezuma Mines. The Cork Province Mine also shipped ore from the siding at Nashton. By 1940, the population had dwindled to 34. All that remains today of this once prosperous community are a few dilapidated log buildings. A road suitable for high-clearance vehicles extends up the south fork of Keen Creek from Nashton to Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. A number of excellent alpine hiking trails start from the parking area at the former Joker Mine and mill site.

Buchanan Lookout - About 12 km (7 mi) west of Kaslo and about 35 km (21 mi) east of New Denver, turn north up the access road

To reach Buchanan Lookout, drive 11 km (5 mi) up an active logging road. Drive with your lights on and be prepared to pull over for trucks. The road is rough and narrow, and not recommended for low-clearance vehicles. At the top, there are interpretive signs, a 2-km walking trail, and a self-guided tour of the old fire lookout building. The Kaslo Hang-gliding Club also manages two launch ramps near the lookout.

Iron Hand mine - About 25 km (15 mi) west of Kaslo; about 22 km (13 mi) east of New Denver

Although the Iron Hand Mine was never a great producer, it is one of the most obvious mines on the tour. Its two tunnels are prominent on an open rock face on the north side of the highway. A metals recovery project, employing Chinese labour, was undertaken on the river flats to the south of the Iron Hand from 1924 to 1929. The old tailings from the Whitewater Mine were excavated by hand and milled at a concentrator on site. Almost 38 000 tons of ore was processed in this rudimentary fashion.

Bell's Camp/Whitewater/Retallack - About 27 km (17 mi) west of Kaslo; about 20 km (12.5 mi) east of New Denver

After the Whitewater Mine was staked in the late 1891, the enterprising Bell Brothers staked a town site and set up a sawmill. When the K&S Railway came through in 1895, the town site was renamed Whitewater. J.L. Retallack, owner of the Whitewater Mine, was recipient of the majority of freight being delivered to Whitewater Siding--most of which was simply addressed to "Retallack." When a post office re-opened in 1928, the name became official. Today, some abandoned buildings from the 1940's still stand in Retallack.

Bear and Fish Lakes - About 28 km (18 mi) west of Kaslo; about 15.5 km (10 mi) east of New Denver

These lakes were originally named Bear Lake on the east and Fish Lake on the west. Due to a clerical error, their names were transposed in 1893, and the wrong names became official. Many residents of the area, particularly old-timers, still use the original names. The Bear Lake Hotel once stood on the south shore of what is now Fish Lake. "Scotty" Mitchell, the hotel's owner, ran a fishing resort, store, post office, and dining room out of the modest two-storey building. The railway siding at Scott's Hotel was called Giegerich. Watson was a town site situated in the avalanche zone between the two lakes. Most of the community was destroyed by fire in 1894, and never rebuilt. Zincton, located at the west end of the lakes, was originally a mining camp for the Lucky Jim Mine. Today, there is a rest area at Fish Lake.

Beaver Pond - About 33.5 km (21 mi) west of Kaslo; about 13.5 km (8.5 mi) east of New Denver

There are several active beaver colonies just west of the site of Zincton. An interpretive sign is located on the highway. Beavers are active at night; look for them around sunset.

K&S Railway Historic Trail - About 36 km (23 mi) west of Kaslo; about 8.5 km (5 mi) east of New Denver

The K&S hiking trail starts (or ends) at Three Forks. The 5 km (3 mi) trail takes you by interpretive signs, historic mine shafts, and other artifacts of the past. The trail provides beautiful views of Carpenter Creek. It's a long, steep hike from Three Forks up to the old K&S railway bed; most hikers prefer to start the hike on the level from the Sandon end.

Sandon

A Brief History

The mining history of Sandon began in the fall of 1891 when a pair of gold prospectors stumbled across the vein of galena that was to become the famous Payne Mine. In 1898 Sandon, "capital of the Silvery Slocan," was incorporated as a city with a population of about 5 000. Due to the Klondike Gold Rush and various disasters such as fire and washout, people began leaving Sandon. Sandon is now a ghost town that is maintained by the Sandon Historical Society.

Points of Interest

Hunter-Kendrick Block (Museums)

The only brick structure in Sandon, this was originally a general store, built following the fire of 1900. It later served as a bunkhouse and warehouse. Recognized as a provincial historic monument, it now houses the Sandon Visitors' Centre and the Sandon Mining Centre.

Visitors' Centre

The centre offers a fascinating glimpse into Sandon's past when it was the "Monte Carlo of Canada." Open daily throughout the tourist season. Free admission.

Sandon Mining Centre

This museum is acclaimed as western Canada's best silver mining museum and recreates the excitement of the rush to the Silvery Slocan. Open daily during the tourist season. There is a nominal admission charge.

City Hall

Built in 1900, this was Sandon's City Hall until the city's bankruptcy in 1920. It was converted into a schoolhouse in 1925, and continued in this capacity until 1954. A private restoration program was begun in 1989. It is currently occupied by The Prospector's Pick, a specialty store operating during the summer months.

Tattrie House

The Tattrie's, longtime Sandon residents, built their home in about 1895. The house suffered damage in a snow slide, which is why the building is somewhat twisted. Originally, the house stood on the other side of the creek. After the snow slide, it was moved to its present location. It currently houses Tin Cup Annie's Cafe during the summer months.

Silversmith Powerhouse

Eight generating stations have operated in Sandon over the years. The Silversmith Powerhouse was the last of these to be assembled. Some of the machinery is over a century old. The plant still provides power for Sandon, and is now the oldest continuously operating hydroelectric plant in western Canada. Tours are available during the summer.

Treminco Mill

One of the most visible signs of Sandon's mining heritage, this concentrator mill was operating as recently as 1993. It is the third mill on this site, built in 1952. Some of its buildings and machinery date back to before 1900.

Sandon Laundry

Built around 1894, this building served as a laundry, under different owners, for many years. The fire hydrant in front of the building is one that J. M. Harris installed in 1897. It stands well above ground level so that snow won't obscure it in the winters.

Idaho Lookout

One of the few active fire lookouts left in BC, this 2244 m (7479 ft) peak offers a wonderful view of Slocan Lake, including New Denver, Silverton, Rosebery, and Valhalla Park. Wildflowers are spectacular along the one-hour hike from the parking lot to the lookout building. While it is possible to drive the rough road to the parking lot by car, many visitors prefer to take the shuttle from Sandon. Not only will it save wear and tear on your vehicle, the driver's commentary will provide you with interesting information about the hike and the area. The road is generally open only in July, August, and September.

Cody

Cody came into being two kilometers from Sandon and was named after the prospector who discovered the Cody Caves. It was here that the Noble Five Mining Company erected their concentrator mill. In 1897, there were 150 residents, three hotels, a livery and blacksmith shop, three laundries, a dressmaker, and more. Today, the remains of the Noble Five concentrator mill and the K&S Railway station still stand at Cody, a true ghost town.

K&S Railway Historic Trail

The K&S hiking trail starts (or ends) at Sandon. The 5 km (3 mi) trail features interpretive signs, historic mine shafts, and other artifacts of the past. The trail provides beautiful views of the Carpenter Creek Valley and the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

New Denver

A Brief History

Originally named Eldorado, this mining town was given the name New Denver after Denver, Colorado. By the late 1920's, the area's mining boom was rapidly diminishing and forestry was taking over as the main industry. In 1941, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor aroused suspicion of subversive activity by Canadians of Japanese descent. This suspicion led the Canadian government to send Japanese-Canadians from the coast to internment camps in the "ghost towns" of the Silvery Slocan. New Denver housed many Japanese-Canadians.

Points of Interest

Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre - 306 Josephine Street

This is the only museum in Canada that focuses exclusively on Japanese-Canadian internment history. A community hall and three restored original shacks (one is the Visitors' Reception Centre; one is furnished in the style of 1942; the other represents the renovated style of the 1950's) adjoin a beautiful Japanese garden designed by a former internee. The centre, created by the Kyowakai (working together peacefully) Society, had its grand opening in the summer of 1994. Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily from the May long weekend through the Thanksgiving long weekend in October.

Silvery Slocan Museum - 202 Sixth Avenue

This museum displays many aspects of early life in New Denver and area: mining, farming, logging, transportation, family life of early settlers, and the Japanese Canadians. Originally, the building served as the Bank of Montreal, from 1897 to 1972. Two walking tour brochures are available at the museum. Open 10:00 am - 5:00 PM every day in July and August, and on weekends only in May, June, September, and October.

Kohan Reflection Garden - south end of Centennial Park

This garden was designed by local resident Ray Nikkel in honour of the Japanese Canadians who ere interned in New Denver. Many of the garden's trees, shrubs, and small evergreens are native to the area and are placed so as to frame scenic views of Slocan Lake and surrounding mountains. "Kohan" means "lakeside." "Reflection" refers to both the garden's meditative aspect and to reflection in the water. There is a brochure about the garden at the entrance building.

Valhalla Trading Post - 307 Sixth Avenue

The Valhalla Wilderness Society has its office in this pre-1897 building (the plaque indicates 1888 and is incorrect). Visitors can obtain information on Valhalla Provincial Park here.

Nakusp

A Brief History

Nakusp, on the shore of Arrow Lake, was a major port for the Slocan mining towns. Originally, Nakusp was expected to become a smelter town, but, due to fierce competition by US smelters, this never happened. Instead, Nakusp developed into a logging town.

Points of Interest 

Leland Hotel - 96 Fourth Avenue SW

The Leland was the second hotel in Nakusp, built in 1892 by Mr. Rathwell, who named it Rathwell House. Later that same year, it was sold to Alan McDougald. He leased it to Grant Thorburn and Harry Phair, who changed the name to the Leland Hotel. Across the street was Nakusp's first hotel, Madden House, later renamed the Grand Hotel. These two hotels graced the main street of Slocan Avenue for many years, and both hosted numerous community events. In 1897, owner Mrs. McDougald had a large three-storey addition built on the Leland, which brought the number of rooms to 50. At that time, it was considered a very large hotel. Today, it is one of the oldest operating hotels in BC.

Centennial Building - 92 Sixth Avenue NW

Construction began in 1911 on this building, which was Nakusp's much needed third school. The first school became the Anglican Church. The second, a one-room schoolhouse, was bursting with 50 students by 1907. The new school opened in September 1912 with 45 students. Today, the Village office, library, and museum are located in this building.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church - 96 Eighth Avenue NW

This historic church was built in the spring of 1905 by Jim Jamieson with donations collected by parishioners. The dedication was held on October 15, 1905. At the time, Nakusp had three churches. This is the only one that remains a church to this day.

Nakusp Hot Springs - 12 km (7 mi) north of Nakusp

A paved, well-maintained access road leads to these beautiful circular hot pools in the Selkirk Mountains. The larger pool is 38C (100F) and the smaller is 41C (106F). At the turn of the century, Nakuspites hiked uphill for nine gruelling miles to get to this popular weekend campground. At that time, there were log cabins, a circle-shaped building for unpacking, a caretaker's cabin, two small baths, and one large bath house.

CPR Rails to Trails - Trailhead at Rosebery Parklands, 7 km north of New Denver

The old CPR line from Nakusp to Sandon was abandoned in 1989. The 13 km (8 mi) section from Rosebery to Three Forks is now being developed as a non-motorized recreational trail. Presently, it is maintained from Rosebery to Denver Siding. Future plans may see it extend along the entire original rail bed, from Nakusp to Sandon. Enquire locally about trail conditions.

Silverton

A Brief History

This mining community was originally called Four-Mile City. On December 21, 1892 the government named the city Silverton, after the famous Silverton in Colorado. Silverton enjoyed a couple of decades of successful mining, but by the Great Depression in the 1930's most mining operations ceased. Although Silverton came close to becoming a ghost town, its lakeside setting encouraged many to keep the community alive.

Points of Interest 

Silverton Gallery - 408 Fourth Street

Built in 1919, this was the town's second-school. Today, the gallery is used for community art exhibits, music and dance classes, and open stage performances. Outside, the former school playground is now the location of the Silverton Outdoor Mining Museum.

Silverton Outdoor Mining Museum - 408 Fourth Street

Forty-eight pieces of vintage mining machinery are displayed at the Outdoor Mining Museum. Retired miner and pioneer family member, Frank Mills, salvaged most of these vestiges from abandoned mine sites up Silverton Creek and at Sandon.

Municipal Office - 421 Lake Street

Today's village hall was the jail and policemen's residence in the early days

Log Cabin - Alpha and Fifth Streets

Fred Fingland, blacksmith and mine owner, and Charlie Brandt moved into this log cabin in 1897. The cabin is on private property, but is hoped to be moved onto public land just to the north of its present location.

William Hunter Residence - Victoria and Third Streets

Still a private residence, this was the home of Silverton's founder, William Hunter. Recently restored, it looks much the way it did when it was built in 1900.

Slocan Valley

A Brief History

Slocan City was founded by Frank Fletcher of Nelson in 1892, and became an important transhipment point for ore from the rich mines in the Sandon area, south to the smelters. Lemon Creek, south of Slocan, had the best placer gold in the Silvery Slocan. Beginning in 1908, a large influx of Doukhobors (immigrants of Russian origin) settled the southern Slocan Valley. The Slocan Valley was also a refuge for conscientious objectors to the Vietnam War. The counterculture flowered here and gave rise to a number of communes, including the famous "Bare Bottom Commune" in the late 1960's and early 1970's.

Points of Interest

Old highway tunnel

If you walk north along the eastern lakeshore from Slocan, you will follow the old highway as it hugs the cliffs leading up to Cape Horn. Men carved the old roadbed out of the cliff by hand-drilling holes and packing them with dynamite. "Coyote holes" big enough to hold two men were excavated and filled with black powder. Much of this work was done while hanging from the cliff-top by ropes. A short walk will take you to the old tunnel.

Slocan Forest Products Sawmill - 705 Delaney

Forestry has played a major role in the development of the Silvery Slocan. Lumber was used not only for building the mining towns in the boom era, but also for timbering the mines themselves. At one time, there were sawmills in most communities of the Silvery Slocan. Today, the Slocan mill is the largest sawmill in the area. It has a capacity of approximately 100 million board feet per year. The sawmill offers free, one-hour guided tours on weekdays by appointment. Call 24 hours in advance, 355-2100.

Valhalla Provincial Park

Valhalla Park runs along most of the western shore of Slocan Lake, and encompasses 49 600 hectares (122 600 acres) of wilderness. The park is set in the scenic Valhalla range of the Selkirk Mountains. Alpine lakes, cedar and hemlock forests, rugged mountains, and beautiful waterfalls make Valhalla Park a destination for travellers from around the world. The size of the park allows it to support a wide diversity of wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, mountain goats,cougars, and golden eagles. The park is accessible by boat, or by foot from either the north or south end of the lake.

Winlaw Nature Park - One km north of the Winlaw bridge on the Slocan River backroad

This park's leisurely hiking trails with boardwalks lead you through marshland and forest. Huge cedar stumps remain as evidence of early logging activity. The park also has a riverside beach area with picnic tables and a playground.

Kootenay River

A Brief History

In 1896, Sir Charles Rose of Scotland was fishing at the site now known as Lower Bonnington on the Kootenay River. Ross was quick to recognize the hydro potential in the mass of water cascading over the 55 ft falls. A year later, on May 8, 1897, the West Kootenay Power and Light Company Ltd. (WKP) was incorporated. Since then the Kootenay River has had six power plants built on it.

Points of Interest

South Slocan Plant (WKP)

Plans for this fourth plant to be built on Kootenay River began in the early 1920's to keep pace with WKP's growing customer base. However, it was more cost effective at the time to first rebuild the powerhouse at Lower Bonnington. The South Slocan Plant went ahead soon afterward because of the Trail smelter's increased demand for electricity. By December 1928, two generators were operational at South Slocan. Tours of this plant are available through advance booking by calling 359-0700.

Kootenay Canal Powerhouse (BC Hydro)

The newest plant of the six, the BC Hydro plant was constructed between 1971 and 1976, with electricity being produced by the fall of 1975. The water diversion from the Kootenay River flows along the man-made canal to a point above the powerhouse. By arrangement, 45 minute tours area available free of charge Monday to Friday from May through August between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. Call 359-7287 to arrange tours.

Lower Bonnington Plant (WKP)

This is the site of WKP's first plant, built in 1897-98, mainly to supply the famed mines of Rossland. A 51 km (32 mi) transmission line connecting the Kootenay River generation to Rossland was the longest high-voltage transmission line in the world at that time. More impressive in 1898 was the fact that the line crossed extremely mountainous terrain. The plant was completed in one year and one day. Between 1923 and 1925, the original equipment was replaced by two new generators. A third generator was added in 1926.

Upper Bonnington Plan (WKP)

In the early 1900's, WKP signed a contract to supply power to the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company (Cominco) in Trail. In 1902, an electrolytic lead process was installed at the smelter and Cominco became WKP's largest industrial customer. To keep pace with this increased demand, WKP began construction of a second power plant, at Upper Bonnington Falls, in 1905. At the time, it was the largest single concrete structure in BC. An extension of this plant was completed in 1939.

City of Nelson Plant

Nelson first generated hydroelectric power in 1896 from Cottonwood Falls, within the city limits. The Cottonwood plant was never able to adequately supply the city. In August 1900, half of the dam collapsed, prompting Mayor John Houston to apply for a water licence at the Upper Bonnington location. The first city engineer, Andrew McCulloch, undertook to survey and stake 40 acres for a new power plant site. On January 14, 1901, the water licence was granted and on January 18, the surveyed land was deeded to the city. However, the minimum water licence was not enough to operate a power plant. WKP was also trying to block the project. It took another water licence, in 1904, and loans of $200 000 for the city to build the historic plant. Finally, in 1908, the plant at Upper Bonnington became a reality.

Corra Linn Plant (WKP)

In 1932, the Corra Linn Plant was the fifth to be built on the Kootenay River. This plant dad the distinct potential of including a storage dam to govern Kootenay Lake levels and thereby ease flooding problems. In 1938, WKP was given the right to raise Kootenay Lake by two-and-a-half feet. After widening the river at Grohman Narrows, the lake level was increased by six more feet. Today, WKP continues to manage lake levels according to the terms of an International Joint Commission Order.

Grohman Narrows