 Slocan Lake from Idaho Peak near New Denver, Tourism BC/David Gluns photo
Things to do Hike or cycle the family-friendly Galena Trail or Slocan Valley Trail – two of the most scenic off-road routes in the Kootenay Rockies region. Kayak across the Slocan Lake and camp on a remote sandy beach. Visit the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre and discover the poignant story of the thousands of Japanese Canadians interned during World War II. Head into the mountain east of New Denver and discover the town of Sandon, a prominent location in Slocan Valley mining history.
Festivals and Events Come in the spring for New Denver's May Day festival, held annually on the Victoria Day long weekend. The focus of the event is the Soap Box Derby. The Hills Garlic Festival outgrew its original Hills venue, and now attracts thousands of garlic lovers to New Denver's Centennial Park. The one-day Slocan Valley Fall Fair is held a couple of weeks earlier in the village of Winlaw.
Slocan Valley The Slocan Valley has an eclectic population living in a number of small villages and rural areas. In addition to New Denver, Silverton is home to about 300 people. The village of Slocan, situated still further south at the outflow of the lake, has a population of approximately 600. From there, the Slocan River meanders through a lush green valley dotted with farms, and often eccentric rural homes. There is a quality of remoteness here, and the locals – a group that includes Vietnam-era draft dodgers and back-to-the-land hippies – like it just that way. The New Denver area enjoys the unique distinction of having successfully resisted the introduction of cell phone service. Where to Begin For more information on things to do, festival, and events in New Denver and the Slocan Valley, contact the Visitor Centre.
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