History
(Text courtesy of the Slocan Valley Visitor Info Centre)
Founded by Frank Fletcher of Nelson in 1892, Slocan City was the smallest incorporated city in the British Commonwealth - perhaps in the world. In 1958 Slocan City reincorporated as a village and is now known as the Village of Slocan.
The booming mining town served as the terminus for the old railway, and sternwheelers plied the lake carrying minerals, goods, and people. In 1942 when the Japanese-Canadians were interned, there was a large population housed in and around Slocan City. At the back of the town cemetery is the only surviving Buddhist Cemetery from this era.
Location
Slocan is located on Highway 6 at the southern end of Slocan Lake and Valhalla Provincial Park. It is 72-kilometres (43 miles) north of both Nelson and Castlegar.
Places to See
- Valhalla Provincial Park
Located on the western shore of Slocan Lake, Valhalla Provincial Park encompasses most of the Valhalla Range of the Selkirk Mountains. There are numerous opportunities for the backcountry adventurer, several beaches for boaters, abundant trails for hiking, and lots of diverse wildlife. Wilderness, backcountry, or walk-in camping is allowed. Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park.
Things to Do
- Hiking
There are many different hiking trails available from Valhalla Provincial Park, ranging from short walks to wilderness treks and mountain climbing.
- Biking
Ride the Rails to Trails biking trail from Slocan down the valley to South Slocan.
- Canoeing and Kayaking
Spend a day paddling through the Slocan River, enjoying the clear waters and beautiful scenery.
- Fishing
Many of the higher-elevation lakes in Valhalla Provincial Park have been stocked to provide additional opportunities for fishing enthusiasts.
Events
- Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast
Celebrate Mother's Day with a plate full of yummy pancakes (Best pancakes in the west, according to one anonymous mother) at the Silvery Slocan.
- Slocan Outdoor Market
Open from June 24th to September 2nd, Sundays from 10am to 3pm. From 11am to 2pm, there are live performers from throughout the Kootenays.
- October Fest
Features music, food, and crafts. Usually takes place on the first Sunday of the month.
- Halloween Hoot
Complete with fireworks, pirates, and ghosts. Look out for children with a voracious appetite for candy - they can't be stopped.
- Slocan City Loggers' Sports
Come all ye sports fans from across the land!
See which logger has the mightiest hand!
Whose triumphant saw shall wave in the air
With broken logs and sawdust everywhere?
Whose nimble feet shall dance across the waves
While sending others to their watery graves?
Who amongst them can ascend the highest trees,
And dine with the gods whensoever they please?
(Alternate line: Using their spurs with the greatest of ease?)
At last, the world will finally see
Which loggers have been blessed by destiny.
- Christmas Tree Lighting
Come watch the Slocan Christmas tree get lit!
It's quite simple: someone lights the tree - that's it.
Well, there might be food and crafts, I suppose-
What's important is that everyone goes.
People are merry, enjoying the things
That being together on Christmas brings.
I guess that's all I have to say;
I hope you're there on Christmas Day.
(Author's Note:
Merry Christmas everyone!
It's July as I'm writing this,
So go out, enjoy the sun.)
Contact Information
Village of Slocan
503 Slocan St.
Box 50
Slocan, BC
V0G 2C0
Phone: 250-355-2277
Fax: 250-355-2666
Shop: 250-355-2500
Toll Free: 1-866-355-2023
E-mail: info@slocancity.com
Website: www.slocancity.com
Slocan Valley Visitor Info Centre
202 6th Avenue
New Denver, BC
V0G 1S0
Phone: 250-358-2719 (July & August)
Phone: 250-358-2415 (Off Season)
Email: Chamber@SlocanLake.com
Website: www.slocanvalley.com
