Greenwood
Greenwood historic building, Laurie Carter photo
Greenwood (population 625) is Canada's smallest city. People come to see its historic sites and to take driving tours around the area to glimpse its mining and railroad heritage. Mountain biking is popular along the Trans Canada Trail and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy swimming, canoeing or kayaking, fishing and camping in nearby provincial parks.
Stay at accommodations such as a cosy motel or B&B and dine in the heritage Windsor Hotel (which made an appearance in the movie Snow Falling on Cedars).
Canada's Smallest City
Without even a stop sign to slow traffic, people driving through on the main thoroughfare, Copper Street/Highway 3, feel compelled to pull over for a look around. The remarkably well preserved commercial buildings and homes that cluster around its compact centre immediately beam people back to a turn-of-the-20th century mining boom town.
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Historic Sites
Historic buildings and heritage sites are the main attraction in Greenwood. Check out the excellent Greenwood Museum and take the Greenwood Heritage Walk to fully appreciate the 1890s/early 1900s homes that speak volumes about the community's boom days as the hub of regional mining activity.
The museum is also an excellent source for information on Greenwood's role as a Japanese-Canadian internment camp during World War II.
Base for Exploration
Greenwood makes a good base for exploring the region's mining and railway history, and outstanding scenery. Mountain bikers can take the Trans Canada Trail. Cars and other vehicles follow driving routes to the town of Midway and to Phoenix Mountain.
Back to Nature
Camping, hiking and fishing are king during summertime in the Monashee Mountains surrounding Greenwood. Two provincial parks, Boundary Creek Provincial Park and Jewel Lake Provincial Park, are located close to town.
Winter Activities
There's also easy access to winter sports. Ice fishing is popular at Jewel Lake, while cross-country skiers head to the trails at Jewel Lake and at Marshall Lake. Local downhill skiers and snowboarders claim Phoenix Mountain Ski Hill is the best-kept secret in BC – a really great local ski hill.
Where to Get Started
Drop by the Greenwood Visitor Centre, located in the Greenwood Museum at 214 S Copper Street, where staff can provide maps, printed guides, brochures and knowledgeable advice.
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