The nearest major highway is quite a distance from Kaslo, which makes the town a great escape from hectic urban life.
It also necessitates a vehicle for exploring the surrounding area, especially along two scenic driving routes. Car rentals are available in Nelson, 70km/44mi south of Kaslo.
Car Travel
Kaslo is 197km/122mi from the Trans-Canada Highway. Take Highway 23 from Revelstoke to Nakusp, pick up Highway 6 south, and then Highway 31A over the mountains from New Denver to Kaslo.
From Highway 3 (112km/69mi south of Kaslo), take 3A from Castlegar (or Highway 6 from Salmo) to Nelson and then north on 3A to Balfour. The final leg of the journey follows Highway 31 from Balfour. Kaslo is 730km/454mi from Vancouver, via Castlegar.
Of several options the shortest route from Calgary, Alberta (525km/326mi) is via Kootenay National Park, Cranbrook, Creston, and the free ferry service that crosses Kootenay Lake from Kootenay Bay to Balfour. Spokane, Washington is 308km/191mi via the Nelway border crossing, south of Nelson on Highway 6.
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Public Transportation
Greyhound Canada currently operates two buses per day into Nelson from both Vancouver and Calgary, Alberta. On Wednesdays, BC Transit offers return bus service from Nelson to Kaslo. Reservations are recommended. On Fridays, a local service links Kaslo with nearby Shutty Bench.
The Kootenay Lake Ferry, once advertised as the longest free ferry ride in the world, operates between Balfour and Kootenay Bay. It's a scenic 40-minute ride and free.
Air Travel
Twice daily service from Vancouver and Calgary, Alberta operated by Air Canada Jazz, flies into West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar, 112km/69mi south of Kaslo. Note that the combination of occasional inclement weather and the topography of the Castlegar area can sometimes result in flight cancellations. Car rentals are available at the West Kootenay Regional Airport.
Visitors from the United States may prefer to fly into Spokane International Airport, 319km/198mi south of Kaslo, and rent a car to complete their journey.
Pick up area maps at the Kaslo Visitor Centre.
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Transportation Service Providers