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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

Nakusp and District Visitor Center

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

Nelson146 km1 hr 50 min
Castlegar146 km1 hr 50 min
Calgary513 km6 hr 15 min
Revelstoke105 km1 hr 45 min
Spokane378 km4 hr 45 min
Trail171 km2 hr 10 min
Vancouver634 km7 hr 30 min

To Playmor Junction

Nelson22 km20 minutes
Nakusp125 km1 hr 30 min
Castlegar23 km20 minutes
Calgary630 km6 hr 55 min
New Denver80 km1 hour
Revelstoke230 km3 hr 15 min
Spokane255 km3 hr 15 min
Trail49 km35 minutes
Vancouver638 km7 hr 25 min

To New Denver

Nelson100 km1 hr 15 min
Castlegar100 km1 hr 15 min
Calgary558 km6 hr 40 min
Revelstoke151 km2 hr 15 min
Spokane332 km4 hr 10 min
Trail125 km1 hr 40 min
Vancouver679 km8 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:

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