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Situated on the Columbia River surrounded by mountains, Trail offers visitors opportunities from river fishing and hiking to live music performances and fall festivals.
The town grew up around a smelter operation, built more than 100 years ago. Today, you can tour Teck Cominco, one of the world’s largest fully integrated zinc and lead smelting and refining operations.
Hiking in the area ranges from old wagon roads to meandering trails along the Columbia River. Dip into the warm waters of Champion Lakes Provincial Park or brave the chilly waters at Gyro Park. Fine river fishing can be had on the Columbia River South. Cyclists will find the city a gateway to nearby Rossland, “Canada’s mountain biking capital.”
Seasonal festivals include the mid-September Festa Italiana and the annual Silver City Days in May, featuring fireworks, a parade, live music and more.
As the community’s name may suggest, Trail has wonderful hiking paths.
The River Walk follows the Columbia River through downtown Trail to Gyro Park. Following along the Columbia River, north of Trail, is the popular 7-km (4.3-mi) Columbia River Trail. You can also hike or cycle the Old Wagon Road Trail between Warfield and Rossland.
Nearby Rossland, known as "Canada's mountain biking capital," is also great for cycling. You can travel old wagon roads or ride a rail grade through forested slopes. Experts will find heart-stopping trails with drops, jumps and stunts as well as fast, free-riding thrills.
Beaver Creek and Champion Lakes are great places to set up camp. You can hike, bike, swim, canoe and kayak at the family-friendly Champion Lakes.
The 18-hole Birchbank course features challenging sand and water traps. Or try the nine-hole Champion Lakes Golf & Country Club just outside Fruitvale.
The local smelter was in operation over 100 years ago, before the town of Trail was born. Take a free guided tour of Teck Cominco, one of the world’s largest fully integrated zinc and lead smelting and refining operations. Drop into the Interpretive Centre for engaging hands-on exhibits, videos and educational video games.
Learn about Trail’s industrial character and influential residents at the Trail Museum.
Historic photos, trophies and other memorabilia are on display at the Sports Hall of Memories located in the Trail Memorial Centre.
A unique mural forged in metal depicts the city of Trail; it is on display at City Hall. See the inspiring works of local, regional and provincial artists at the VISAC Community Art Gallery.
During Art Walk in July and August, local businesses lend space to display the works of local artists.
The “Neighbours to a Giant” self-guided walking tour takes you past the community’s historic homes. To see how the town’s industrious pioneers carved their homes out of steep mountainsides, take The Rock Wall Walking Tour through “Little Italy.”
Southwest of Trail, visit the Rossland Historical Museum and Le Roi Gold Mine, the only hard-rock gold mine open to the public. The museum faithfully recreates pioneer life with a parlour room, cramped kitchen, general store, and more.
In Castlegar, north of Trail, tour the Doukhobor Village Museum and the Zuckerberg Island Heritage Park with its Russian Orthodox Chapel House. The Island also features a re-constructed pit house like the local First Nations would have used over 3500 years ago.
Raise a glass to the Columbia Gardens Winery, the first commercial-sized vineyard and winery in the Kootenays. The land was once used for farming vegetables, cattle and hay. In the mid-1990s the first grape vines were planted and today, you enjoy the fruits of their labour at the tasting bar open during summer.
Catch the Trail Smoke Eaters, a BC Hockey League (BCHL) Junior “A” hockey team, on ice at the Trail Memorial Centre.
Listen to the melodic tunes under the gazebo in Gyro Park, where you’ll enjoy live music Thursdays in July and August.
Visit the Charles Bailey Theatre, host to musical ensembles, dance groups and live theatre from September through May.
The annual Silver City Days is a multi-day May celebration ranging from musical performances to fireworks and sporting events.
For a “Fall Fair with an Italian Flair,” don’t miss Festa Italiana held in mid-September. The works of local Trail artists are on display at local businesses during Art Walk in July and August.
Champion Lakes Provincial Park is an adventure playground for all ages. The park’s three lakes offer swimming, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. You’ll also find campsites, day-use areas, a playground as well as hiking and biking trails winding through the park.
Beaver Creek Provincial Park is set along the Columbia River where you can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing and a large day-use area with playground, basketball court, softball area and picnic tables.
For an easy excursion check out the sandy beach with swimming area at Gyro Park featuring a children’s spray park, picnic area and grassy fields.
Wildlife in the area includes Black and Grizzly Bears, White-tailed Deer, Elk and Cougars. Along the Columbia River shores, look for Ospreys and eagles.
Take a dip from the sandy beaches at Champion Lakes Provincial Park or Gyro Park.
Some of BC’s finest river fishing is found on the Columbia River South, between nearby Castlegar and the US border. Cast a line for Rainbow Trout or Rocky Mountain Whitefish. Kootenay, Arrow and Christina Lakes are also great fishing spots in an area known for Bull Trout, Dolly Varden and enormous Gerrard Rainbow Trout.
Dip your paddle in the tranquil waters of Champion Lakes and other peaceful Trail area lakes. Whitewater kayaking on the Columbia River is sure to stir up excitement. Local operators also offer guided trips on the scenic river.
Experience the exhilarating steeps, powder-filled bowls, and some of the best tree skiing in North America at Red Resort. All 360 degrees of the resort’s Red and Granite mountains are skiable. Cat-skiing is also available.
Across from Red Resort, you’ll find 25 km (15.5 mi) of groomed trails at Black Jack Cross Country Ski Area. Champion Lakes Provincial Park also has cross-country trails and snowshoeing.
Popular snowmobiling routes can be found on Bombi Summit and in the area around Fruitvale.
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