Nelson
& the Northern Loop
Kootenay, Arrow & Slocan Lakes
Nelson: Set
amid stunning mountains on the west arm of Kootenay
Lake, Nelson is the largest centre in the Kootenay
Country. Once a prosperous mining town, Nelson is now noted for its
vast numbers of restored heritage buildings and a well documented history.
It is located 43 km (27 miles) east of Castlegar
on Hwy 3A, and 40 km (25 ml)
north of Salmo on Hwy
6.
Heritage
Walking/Motoring Tour:
Explore any of the 350 heritage buildings in the area including the Nelson
Courthouse and City Hall or view artifacts at the museum and Chamber of
Mines of Eastern British Columbia. The Visitor Infocentre will provide
maps and more information.
Streetcar
No.23:
This recently restored electric tram gives visitors a chance to view the
town from its lakeshore route.
Lakeside
Park:
Stroll along this lakeshore walkway to sandy beaches, picnic and play
areas, nature areas and a greenhouse.
Follow
Hwy 3A to Balfour where
a car and passenger ferry across Kootenay Lake will take visitors to the
town of Crawford. Highway 3A then leads its scenic route along the lake
to Creston.
Ainsworth
Hot Springs: Instead of continuing along Highway 3A, you may choose to follow
Highway 31 which leads past Ainsworth Hot Springs. Canada's highest mineral
content hot spring with a pool temperature of 45 degrees C (over 100 F)
offers visitors a fabulous view of the lake. It is open year round.
Cody
Caves Provincial Park:
North of the hot springs follow a gravel road which leads to the caves.
Guided tours are available.
Kaslo:
Further north on Highway 31 is the village of Kaslo, first settled during
the 1890's silver strikes. Now a peaceful resort community on the shores
of Kootenay Lake, visitors may enjoy the excellent fishing or explore
the historic buildings and relics of yesteryears.
S.S.
Moyie:
This is the oldest passenger sternwheeler in North America. Now completely
restored as a museum, it has been named a historic site by the Historic
Sites and Monument Board of Canada.
From Kaslo,
visitors may continue along Highway 31 to Galena Bay which is a slightly
more isolated and rougher route. Alternately, follow Highway 31A to New
Denver, Highway 6 to Nakusp and Highway 23 to Galena Bay. From Galena
Bay onto Shelter Bay and Revelstoke
in the High Country.
New
Denver:
At the junction of Highways 31A and 6 on the eastern shores of
Slocan Lake is New Denver. Once a mining town, it is now a centre
for anglers and boaters, hikers and skiers. Further along Highway 6 is
Nakusp.
Nakusp:
Situated on the Upper Arrow
Lake in the Selkirk Mountains, Nakusp offers visitors a new marina,
9-hole golf
course, driving range and waterfront walkway and park. Enjoy the nearby
hot springs (just off of Highway 23 north of town) or angling for kokanee,
Dolly Varden and rainbow trout in the lake. The name Nakusp is an Okanagan
Indian word meaning "closed-in".
Fauquier:
South of Nakusp on Highway 6 is a ferry which crosses the Lower Arrow
Lake to Needles. Further along are Cherryville, Lumby
and the Okanagan. Alternately,
continue back along Highway 6 to New Denver, Slocan, South Slocan and
the Highway 6 Junction to Nelson.
The following BC Adventure members would like to serve you:
Fresh Adventures Ski Vacations: Ski vacations and guided tours in BC and Alberta. Experience legendary ski resorts, epic terrain, powder and vibrant ski culture. Enjoy multiple mountains in your Western Canada ski vacation. more
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Shadow Mountain Outfitters: Located in the Bull River drainage, this is the largest guiding territory in Southeastern BC, encompassing 80-mile Kootenay Lake; an area often referred to as "Little Africa”. With over 30 years of guiding experience, this will be an adventure you won’t f... more
Kootenay
Country 
Nelson
& the Northern Loop
