Day Trip - Silverton & New Denver

Take a day trip from Nelson through the Slocan Valley and experience the stunning beauty and history of this pocket of the West Kootenays. The towns of Silverton and New Denver are 95 and 100 km north/west of Nelson, (follow Hwy 3A west then turn north on Hwy 6); a spectacular drive down a winding two lane highway that is renowned amongst motorcycle enthusiasts.

On your way to Silverton and New Denver stretch your legs on a portion of the Slocan Valley Rail Trail or head up into Valhalla Provincial Park for a secluded alpine hike in virgin timber forests.

Silverton sits on the shore of Slocan Lake, a clear glacier fed lake that affords a multitude of play opportunities in the form of swimming, sailing, kayaking and canoing. Any one interested in the settlers’ history will be pleased to find that the Silverton Historical Society has preserved and maintained historical sites, trails and resources including the Interpretive Centre, the Frank Mills Outdoor Mining Museum, and Fingland Cabin and Blacksmith Shop.

Just 5km North of Silverton is the town of New Denver, home to 600 residents, some of whom are descended from people of Japanese heritage interned during the 2nd World War. New Denver has two Memorial areas set aside for the recognition and remembrance of the Japanese Canadian people who experienced this disruption to their lives. Visit Kohan Garden, a peaceful Japanese garden situated along the shore of Slocan Lake, or go to the Nikkei Memorial Centre and see the original sites and buildings of the internment camps.

New Denver hosts Friday Markets when the town sets out their wares and the social atmosphere is one of welcoming camaraderie. Any day of the week visit the local shops and restaurants to complement your day of exploring the Slocan Valley towns of New Denver and Silverton; a pleasurable day trip from Nelson.

Not far from New Denver is the historical site of Sandon, once home to more than 5000 people after the discovery of silver deposits in 1891. The town was destroyed twice, by fire in 1900 and a wash-out in 1955. Since the 1970s, a group of dedicated volunteers has worked on-site to preserve and restore artifacts and buildings— including the beautifully-restored Slocan Mercantile Block, which now houses the Sandon Historical Society Museum and Visitor’s Centre. Today, Sandon is recognized as a historic site of international significance, and draws over 60,000 visitors a year to enjoy its many attractions and its amazing display of authentic BC history.

Also near New Denver is the Galena Trail, a favourite with cyclists and hikers. Bike or walk the trail and explore the history and vegetation of the area: and enjoy the unique self-propelled cable car that crosses Carpenter Creek!