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New
Denver
New Denver is located 47 km (29 miles) west of Kaslo
on Hwy 31A, 47 km (29 miles) southeast of Nakusp
on Hwy 6 and 79 km (49 miles) north of Crescent
Valley on Hwy 6.
Ideal
Living Conditions
Situated close to the north end of Slocan Lake, New Denver has the
distinction of being situated in an almost ideal situation in British
Columbia - moderate climate, clean air and water, only a few mosquitoes,
excellent recreation plus being on one of the few non-dammed larger
lakes in the Kootenay Region.
'Silvery
Slocan'
New Denver has its historical roots formed by the evolvement around
the silver mining industry in the 'Silvery Slocan' Region of BC
and by its location on Slocan Lake. Ore was dug up at silver mines
located at nearby Sandon, put in bags, and then hauled out by mules
over the mountains to New Denver. The ore was then stockpiled to
be shipped out later by sternwheeler to the south end of Slocan
Lake at Slocan City.
Slocan
Lake
Today New Denver is not quite as busy as in past silver industry
with the town providing more of a recreational haven for people.
You will find that the 30 km (19 miles) long Slocan Lake is one
of British Columbia's most pristine lakes containing very clean
glacier-fed water. New Denver has a western view of the 2,758 metre
(9,050 feet) high New Denver Glacier located directly across the
lake in Valhalla Provincial Park.
Silvery
Slocan Museum
New Denver has a few things to visit and take note around town.
The historical connection with silver is evident everywhere with
the town seemingly resembling one big museum with old buildings,
mining artifacts and an atmosphere of days gone by.
Bank
of Montreal
This can also be further appreciated by visiting the Silvery Slocan
Museum located on Sixth Avenue in the old Bank of Montreal Building
(from 1897 until 1969).
Biking
and Hiking on 'The Galena Trail'
New Denver, because of the silver industry of the past, has inherited
an old right of way along the abandoned railway line and historic
mining trails. One trail, 'The Galena Trail' is a 13 km (8 miles),
non-motorized trail that allows you to go from Rosebery to Three
Forks.
K&S
Railway
There also happens to be a spur line that goes from Rosebery north
to Nakusp along Summit Lake. Eventually trails are being developed
to utilize the old rail bed of the now-defunct K&S Railway that
will connect Sandon with Kaslo.
Valhalla
Provincial Park
This park is nestled right in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains
providing some excellent recreation in the backcountry. You can
access the park by boat, using the forest service roads or by hiking
in on various trails.
Maps
of the Area
For reference the Slocan Chamber of Commerce has produced an excellent
map, of the trails, 4x4 roads, access points and recreation areas
within Valhalla, the shore area of Slocan Lake plus areas around
New Denver including Idaho Point. You can pick one up at the Visitor
Information Centre.
The
Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre
There are also two memorials in New Denver for the more than 22,000
Canadian citizens of Japanese descent that were interned during
World War II - The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre and The Kohan
Reflection Garden.
Hidden
Garden Gallery
The Hidden Garden Gallery, 803 Kildare Street, New Denver is open
Monday through Saturday, 10am-3pm with a new Kootenay artist featured
every week, June 20th to September 3rd. Bring your picnic lunch
to enjoy in the garden and check out the weekly gala receptions.
Sandon
If you can, try to make sure you visit Sandon. Only located 14.5
km (9 miles) east of New Denver, Sandon is truly one of British
Columbia's more interesting heritage sites. Old buildings, a museum,
plus one of British Columbia's oldest generating systems still in
operation are all on display.
Idaho
Peak
There is also an incredible view of New Denver and Silverton
from Sandon from the lookout point on Idaho Peak. You will need
a good vehicle when attempting the road plus the road can sometimes
be a little rough so take your time.
Information
on New Denver
Parks
and Wilderness Areas
Adventure
and Recreation
Accommodation
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