Things To Do
History buffs, movie fans and those interested in BC's mining and railroad heritage are drawn to Greenwood to see its historic and heritage sites and its buildings and structures of note.
As well, Greenwood's location in the Monashee Mountains, close proximity to the Trans Canada Trail and two provincial parks provides many opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing.
Driving tours offer glimpses of the ghosts of Greenwood's mining heritage and close encounters with the area's beautiful scenery.
Mining Boomtown
It's not hard to find Greenwood's historic sites and buildings of note. Simply driving into downtown reveals remnants of the community's heyday in the late 1890s and early 1900s as a copper smelting boom town and hub of the region's mining economy. It's hard to miss the massive slag heap, the 36m/118ft brick smokestack of the former BC Copper Company smelter and a truly stunning collection of vintage hotels, commercial buildings and homes.
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World War Two Internment Camp
Less visible, but equally easy to find with a little knowledge, are reminders of Greenwood's role as an internment camp for Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War. Look for signs on heritage buildings that were used as dormitories, schools and bathhouses and check out exhibits at the Greenwood Museum.
Movie Set
Take a close look at Greenwood's downtown businesses and try to identify the signs that remain from the tiny city's role in the Oscar-nominated movie Snow Falling on Cedars. Visit the museum and browse through the photo collection that documents the whole community's participation in filming during 1998.
Greenwood Museum
Start at the Greenwood Museum, definitely one of the best small-town museums around, to get an overview of area history and to pick up a Greenwood Heritage Walk brochure. Also ask for the Phoenix Mountain Driving Tour guide to explore the mining history of a nearby copper mine.
Summer & Winter Activities
Along with the Trans Canada Trail, hiking and cross-country skiing enthusiasts enjoy trails at Jewel Lake Provincial Park (14km/9mi northeast of Greenwood) and Marshall Lake (on Phoenix Mountain). Phoenix Mountain Ski Hill (13km/8km east) is a small local treasure for downhill skiers and snowboarders.
Natural Sights
Natural sights include Boundary Falls, 7.5km/4.7mi west on Highway 3. Wildlife such as deer and black bears may appear along roadsides and trails at any time. Fishing for trout is popular in Boundary Creek and in high country lakes. Two provincial parks, Boundary Creek and Jewel Lake, provide excellent opportunities to get close to nature.
Staff at the Greenwood Visitor Centre, located in the Greenwood Museum at 214 S Copper Avenue, can provide more information and brochures on things to do in the area.
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