Trail
Trail along the Columbia River, Picture BC photo
Trail (population: 7,237) is set along the banks of the Columbia River, and is home to one of the largest lead zinc smelters in the world. Guided tours of the smelter plants facilities offer a comprehensive look at the entire mining process. However, Trail is not just a heavy industry town. It is also the self-proclaimed "Home of Champions," where many world-class athletes have trained and participated in many national and international sports events. Trail is a tight-knit and ethnically diverse community.
Things to do in Trail
Explore hands-on interactive exhibits at the Teck Interpretive Centre, located in the Trail Visitor Centre on Bay Avenue, across from the Cominco Arena. Meander the narrow streets, climb the covered staircases, and check out the amazing stone retaining walls of West Trail. From September through spring play-offs, catch the Trail Smoke Eaters, a Junior A Hockey League division team, at the Trail Memorial Centre.
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At nearby Rossland Trail Country Club's Birchbank course, play a round of golf while overlooking the Columbia River. Trail also has several festivals and events during the spring and summer, such as Silver City Days (a Trail tradition for almost half a century) and The Art of Wine, an evening of art, wine, and food.
Community Gardens
Even in the shadow of Trail's huge industrial plant, award-winning flowers bloom and thrive. The City of Trail has won numerous "Communities in Bloom" awards, including the national title in 2006. Lush gardens are tucked away on hillside terraces, lovingly tended for decades by the same hands. The city's parks are filled with flowers and shrubs, and even the riverbank below the smelter has been completely transformed with greenery.
About Trail
The smelter has provided employment for generations of workers, many of whom are of Italian, Scottish and German descent. It has supported the development of sports facilities, ranging from a massive hockey arena to baseball diamonds, and even the Red Mountain Ski Resort in nearby Rossland. Trail's preoccupation with sports has produced many highly accomplished athletes whose names are celebrated in the Trail Sports Hall of Memories. Trail's "Home of Champions" title is well earned.
Where to begin?
Stop by the Trail Visitor Centre for more information about things to do, sights to see, attractions, and events in the city.
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