Cycling - Self guided with Shuttle service available
Rail trails :
• Slocan Valley Trail - a 50 km trail following the beautiful Slocan river from Slocan to South Slocan , enjoy mountain views of the Valhallas and a refreshing dip in Slocan Lake .
• Galena Trail - a 17 km trail through the historic silver mining district of Sandon with a suspended cage and pulley river crossing, abandoned mines and mining relics. Close to Idaho peak, a must hike for panoramic mountain views and wild flowers.
• Boundary Pathway - an 50 km trail from the Blueberry Paulson bridge to Keenleyside Dam just west of Castlegar. Spectacular bridge/trestle crossings and numerous tunnels, including one over a km in length, requiring a headlight. (Shuttle recommended)
Road routes :
• Silvery Slocan - 220 Km circle tour (2 days) from Winlaw to New Denver and over the summit pass to Kaslo then south to Nelson. Accommodations at the Ainsworth Hot Springs highly recommended.
• Bombi Summit - a 17 Km climb with a gain of 2500' with a 9km adrenaline filled descent (120 km circle tour)
• Nakusp Hot Springs - 110 Km from Winlaw to Nakusp with inspiring mountain views and 1000' overlook of Slocan lake. Finish the ride with a long soak in the Nakusp Hot springs (shuttle service back to Winlaw)
Mountain, X-country, single track, downhill :
• The West Kootenays abound with mining and logging backroads (decommissioned and active) for x-country cycling. For those willing to crank it up West Coast style, for technical single track or downhill freestyle, the opportunities are endless and local maps with rated trails available.
Cycling, Hiking & Tours
Welcome to the Slocan Valley!
Hiking - Self guided with 4X4 shuttle to trail head, if required, (high clearance vehicle recommended).
• Valhalla Provincial Park : Gwillem Lakes (elevation 7120') via Drinnon Pass - 11.6 Km round trip, rated easy to moderate, 2300' gain, approximately 5-6 hrs. hiking time. A truly unique alpine experience for this relatively easy, yet fulfilling, day hike.
• Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park : Gibson Lake to the Kokanee Glacier Cabin on Kaslo Lake (elevation 6675') via Kokanee Lake and pass. 15Km round trip, rated easy, 1400' gain, approximately 6-7 hrs. hiking time. The epitome of pastoral mountain beauty in the West Kootenays. An overnight stay in the newly constructed alpine cabin is a memory you will not forget.
• Idaho Peak :This short 2.8Km round trip to the fire lookout (elevation 7,479'), rated very easy with minimal gain 480' offers a panoramic view of Slocan, Goat, Kokanee and Valhalla ranges. This is a rare experience and a must for the novice hiker. Early summer alpine wild flowers are spectacular. The access road is very steep and requires a high clearance 4X4 vehicle (shuttle service recommended).
Bike Rentals
We have geared our B&B to our cycling guests. Being avid cyclists ourselves, we are intimate and knowledgeable of the area and provide the support necessary to ensure your ultimate West Kootenay experience. A 4x4 shuttle service is available to take full advantage of the Valley and surrounding area. Rentals: (road and mountain)
* quality brand names / Rocky Mountain, Trek, DeVinci
* lightweight aluminum frames
* front fork suspension, hardtails (for X-Country) ideal for rail trails or back country roads
* equipped with cycling computers to monitor and maintain your ride itinerary without surprises
* maps provided with distances clearly marked
Slocan to New Denver
Gimli Peak
Valhalla Provincial Park
Mountain Goat at Gimli Peak
