The Kootenays
The Kootenays are one of B.C.'s best kept secrets. A land of spectacular mountain ranges, thick forests, long, narrow lakes and lovely towns and villages with plenty of history, tucked in B.C.'s southeast corner, adjacent to Alberta and Washington State, it is ideal for boating, swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, golf, hot springs and more. This year is a particularly good year to visit the Kootenays because Grand Forks, Greenwood, Nelson and Rossland are all celebrating their 100th years as cities.
Kootenay Lake:
A perfect location for a holiday in the Kootenays - a beautiful, pristine 97 mile long lake tucked in a mountain valley between the majestic Selkirk Mountains to the west and Purcell Mountains to the east. Don't miss the free Kootenay Lake ferry ride, the Creston Wildlife Management Area (wildlife marshes on the Pacific flyway for migrating birds), the Kokanee Springs Golf Course at Crawford Bay, St. Mary's Alpine Provincial Park and Lochhart Beach Provincial Park. Special Days: Kaslo Jazz Festival - early August; Kaslo Summer School of the Arts - August; Creston Blossom Festival - May; Creston Fall Fair - September; Boswell Fish Derby - mid-June.
Nelson:
(pop. 9,500). Nelson is considered by many to be one of the most liveable communities in North America. In addition to its beautiful mountain setting and its 300 restored heritage buildings, we understand that it has more art galleries per capita than any other city in Canada. Visit the Nelson Museum, Kokanee Creek Provincial Park and the alpine Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. Special Day: July - Kootenay Summer School of the Arts, Street Performers and Arts Festival, Nelson Rowing Club Regatta; August - Nelson Centennial Celebration.
Kaslo:
(pop. 900). A beautiful village on Kootenay Lake located about 45 minutes north of our Kootenay property 4-C-2. Kaslo has tree lined streets of heritage buildings with interesting restaurants, cafes and tea houses. Kaslo is the home of the last commercial sternwheeler to work in B.C., the S.S. Moyie. It was launched in 1898 and ended its long service in 1957. The S.S. Moyie is open to the public.