Visitor Information
Getting around is part of the journey. Browse through this visitor information to make that journey as smooth as possible.
Despite being a tucked away part of the world, Arrow Slocan is well connected, with many ways to travel to and through the region. Read on to find out how to get here, where to find the information you need and the supplies to support your trip.
To find current travel offers and bookable trips, explore the Book A Trip section of the website.
Visitor Centres
Have questions? Stop in at the two regional Visitor’s Centres.
Slocan District Visitor Center
- Open Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm from May Long Weekend until Canada Day (July 1), then 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day until Labour Day (first Monday in September).
- Located at: 202-6th Ave. (Main street and Bellevue), New Denver
- In summer, call 250-358-2719 for information
Nakusp and District Visitor Center
- Open Tuesday – Friday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Located at: 92 6th Ave. NW Box 387 Nakusp, BC V0G 1R0
- Call: (250) 265-4234 (main) or 1-800-909-8819 (toll free)
By Vehicle
Arrow Slocan is connected to the north, south, east and west via Highway 3, 3A, 6, 23, 31 and 31A. No matter which way you are driving, there is a road leading here.
Travel time may vary by season and road condition. Know before you go and leave yourself enough time to get to your destination safely. General drive time in dry weather from one end of the Slocan Valley at Playmor Junction to Nakusp at Arrow Lake is 1 hour 30 minutes. Nakusp to Fauquier is 40 minutes and Nakusp to Halcyon is 25 minutes.
To Nakusp
Nelson | 146 km | 1 hr 50 min |
Castlegar | 146 km | 1 hr 50 min |
Calgary | 513 km | 6 hr 15 min |
Revelstoke | 105 km | 1 hr 45 min |
Spokane | 378 km | 4 hr 45 min |
Trail | 171 km | 2 hr 10 min |
Vancouver | 634 km | 7 hr 30 min |
To Playmor Junction
Nelson | 22 km | 20 minutes |
Nakusp | 125 km | 1 hr 30 min |
Castlegar | 23 km | 20 minutes |
Calgary | 630 km | 6 hr 55 min |
New Denver | 80 km | 1 hour |
Revelstoke | 230 km | 3 hr 15 min |
Spokane | 255 km | 3 hr 15 min |
Trail | 49 km | 35 minutes |
Vancouver | 638 km | 7 hr 25 min |
To New Denver
Nelson | 100 km | 1 hr 15 min |
Castlegar | 100 km | 1 hr 15 min |
Calgary | 558 km | 6 hr 40 min |
Revelstoke | 151 km | 2 hr 15 min |
Spokane | 332 km | 4 hr 10 min |
Trail | 125 km | 1 hr 40 min |
Vancouver | 679 km | 8 hours |
Gas is available at Crescent Valley, Slocan Park, Winlaw, New Denver, Edgewood, Fauquier and two locations in Nakusp – Hilltop and Esso.
There is no 24 hour gas station in Arrow Slocan aside from the station in Fauquier. Check individual retailers for open hours.
By Electric Vehicle
While you’re practicing sustainable travel along the woodsy back roads, stop by a charming landmark and charge your car or get acquainted with our locally grown businesses. Driving an electric car through Arrow Slocan definitely has its perks.
Electric car plugins in the region currently include Slocan, Sandon, New Denver, Nakusp and Burton. Stations can also be found enroute in nearby Revelstoke, Kalso, Nelson, Lumby, Vernon and Castlegar. Visit Plugshare for a map of all EV charging stations.
By Bus
Private bus lines provide service for out of region travel. BC transit provides in region service and connection between Nelson, Slocan Valley and Nakusp.
Private bus lines
Kootenay Charters offer private chartered shuttles in the West Kootenay. Charter options include coach bus, school bus, mini bus or passenger van.
Silver City Stage Lines runs between Nelson and Kelowna. Choose this service for the Kelowna airport.
Mountain Man Mike’s offers shuttles between Kaslo and Vancouver and between Kaslo and Calgary, with stops along the way. Choose this service to get to Kelowna, Vancouver, Cranbrook and Calgary airports.
EBus connects Vancouver with Kelowna. In Kelowna passengers can connect to the Silver City Stage Lines for travel to/ from Nelson.
Rider Express offer transport between Revelstoke and Calgary.
BC Transit service
Slocan Valley – Route 20
Nakusp – Route 74
Nakusp Hot Springs – Route 51
Charter
Kootenay Gateway offers in and out of region travel options, including airport to location transfers or special booking for groups with an itinerary in mind – even mountain biking shuttles or seasonal tours!
Road Conditions
Know before you go. Road conditions change with the seasons. Plan for a safe trip. Drive BC provides a map and list of road conditions.
Ferries
Two free ferries connect highways across the Upper Arrow Lake. The Arrow Lake Ferry goes between Shelter Bay and Galena Bay at the northern end of Upper Arrow Lake and the Needles Cable Ferry further south, connects BC Highway 6 between Nakusp and Vernon. The Arrow Park Cable Ferry connects East and West Arrow Park about 28 km south of Nakusp.
Call (250) 265-2105 for more information.
The Needles Cable Ferry runs across the Lower Arrow Lake, about 59 kms south of Nakusp on Highway 6, between Fauquier (east side) and Needles (west side).
- Ferry capacity is 40 vehicles and 135 passengers
- Crossing time: 5 minutes
- Runs every 30 minutes between 5 am and 10 pm
- From Fauquier on the hour and half hour
- From Needles 15 minutes and 45 minutes past the hour
- On demand 10 pm to 5 am
The Arrow Lake Ferry runs across Upper Arrow Lake, 49 kms south of Revelstoke on Highway 23, between Shelter Bay on the west side and Galena Bay to the east.
- Ferry capacity is 80 vehicles and 250 passengers
- Crossing time: 20 minutes
- Runs every 30 minutes between 5am and 12:30am
- First ferry from Shelter Bay is 5am and last is midnight
- First ferry from Galena Bay is 5:30am and last ferry is 12:30am
The Arrow Park Cable Ferry runs across the junction of Upper and Lower Arrow Lakes at Arrow Park, 22ckm south of Nakusp on Highway 6.
- Ferry capacity is 24 vehicles and 48 passengers
- Crossing time: 5 minutes
- Runs on demand from:
- 5 am – 12:05 pm
- 2:15 pm – 9:20 pm
Airports
Due to COVID-19, flights in and out of the region have been impacted. Service continues to change. Check with airlines for the most current information.
West Kootenay Regional Airport has regular scheduled service through Central Mountain Air connecting Castlegar and Vancouver.
Pacific Coastal Airlines operates out of Trail Regional Airport, with regularly scheduled service between Trail and Vancouver. Charter options are available across BC and Western Canada.
There are three major airports within reasonable driving distance of Arrow Slocan to connect to international destinations:
- Spokane International Airport – Washington, USA
- Canadian Rockies International – Cranbrook, BC
- Kelowna International – Kelowna, BC
For Canadian based airports, hiring a rental car on location provides an easy travel option for onward journey to Arrow Slocan.
Weather
Every season provides a unique experience. Summer as the warmest month is also the busiest time to visit. During spring and fall warm days and sunshine are still available, but the quiet of the region can also be experienced. Winter bring the stillness of snow and excitement of winter activities.
Spring comes to the region in March and stays until May. Temperatures continue to warm through these months, starting with an average of between -1.1°C and 8.1°C and raising to between 6°C and 18.9°C in May.
Summer extends between June and early September. Temperatures remain cooler in June, but then get as high as 40°C in July and August.
Autumn begins in September with temperatures cooling into the 20’s and below. October still experiences sunshine and warmer days, but winter is on its way. By November snow hits the region.
Winter extends between December and March. Snow is typical in valley bottom, with temperatures often below zero or hovering just above.
Environment Canada has up to date information for weather in Nakusp and New Denver.
Supplies and Equipment
Forget something at home? Don’t dismay. Here are a few places that may have what you need.
Silverton Building Supplies has everything from camping and fishing equipment to BBQ supplies such as ice, propane, snacks and beverages.
Phone: 250-358-2293
Shon’s Bike & Ski is open year around and specialize in mountain biking and road cycling gear and services. Find also equipment and service for cross-country and downhill skiing.
Ph: 250-265-3332
Valhalla Pure Outfitters is open seasonally in summer to offer camping, hiking, paddling and other outdoor clothing and gear.
Ph: 250-358-7755