The wisest of vacationers book their holidays in the off-seasons, in order to guarantee more peace and spaciousness. When it comes to vast, stunning wild spaces offering endless opportunities for adventure, the Arrow Slocan region in the Kootenays is no exception.
If you chat with any local about the fall season, you’ll most likely hear them go off about how fall is their favourite season, how the days are still hot yet the nights are crisp, and how the deciduous and larch trees transform the landscape into dramatic lava colours before they shed their foliage.
Fall in the Arrow Slocan region is traditionally a time of abundance, where farms and gardens are bursting with the bounty of autumn crops. Of course, abundance (and a well-deserved break for food producers) puts a smile on anyone’s face, so the general vibe of the region during fall is upbeat and positive.
Arrow Slocan: A remote corridor of lakes, peaks, history and hot springs
Arrow Slocan is part of the traditional territory of the Sinixt people. The region is tucked in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, just west of the Canadian Rockies. As one of the many areas under the umbrella of the Kootenay region, Arrow Slocan permanently lodges itself into the memories of its visitors with its unforgettable natural beauty. If you are having trouble deciding between visiting mountains, forests, lakes or rivers, look no further – Arrow Slocan has ‘em all.
The region is more-or-less tucked between the towns of Revelstoke to the north and Castlegar to the south. Like the name suggests, both the Slocan Valley and the Arrow Lakes regions make up the Arrow Slocan region. The Slocan Valley runs along the Slocan River, which starts at the southern tip of Slocan Lake and flows all the way to where it joins the Kootenay River. Arrow Lakes is made up of two large lakes – Upper Arrow Lake and Lower Arrow Lake. These sizable lakes stretch along the Columbia River from Revelstoke to Castlegar. The Slocan Valley and Arrow Lakes are separated by Valhalla Provincial Park and surrounding mountains.
This region is an easily-accessible outdoor playground and vacation hotspot for Albertans. Arrow Slocan is about a five-hour drive to the Alberta border, a six-hour drive to Lethbridge, AB, and an eight-hour drive to Calgary, AB. The drive through the Canadian Rocky Mountains is stunning and unforgettable, and an added bonus for Albertans visiting the region.
Strength centered in community
The communities of Arrow Slocan are the lifeblood of the region and represent the great human capacity for creativity, adventure, land stewardship and resilience.
- The town of Nakusp sits on the shores of Upper Arrow Lake, and is known for its ultra-friendly community and selection of nearby hot springs.
- The sweet little town of New Denver sits on the eastern shore of Slocan Lake. New Denver is a significant melting pot of history beyond its associations as a mining town. Views of the lake are unmatched and the surrounding areas are loaded with opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Slocan City, (or Slocan, as the locals say) is a small town at the southern end of Slocan Lake. It was a mining hub in the late 19th and early 20th century, and during its peak it was a bustling community filled with your usual mining-town shenanigans: saloons, hotels, brothels and general stores lined the streets of old-time Slocan. Nowadays the town hosts a tight-knit mountain community and serves as a homebase for adventures and activities.
Other Arrow Slocan towns include historic Silverton, Fauquier, Edgewood and Burton.
Keeping it cool & colourful with fall hikes
How nice is it to stay cool and calm when tackling mountain hikes? Those that visit and hike only in intense summertime temperatures will never know the glory of comfortable fall hiking in Arrow Slocan.
The Idaho Peak Trail near New Denver, BC allows for panoramic views of the mighty Slocan Lake, while experiencing the distinct colour change of larch trees, as fall is when their green needles turn a glimmering gold colour. Larch is one of the only coniferous trees that is deciduous, meaning it sheds its needles in the fall, while other coniferous trees such as pine and douglas fir stay green year-round. Nature lovers come from all over to witness fall’s golden larch forest.
The Slocan Valley Rail Trail follows the old railway line, which means gentle grades and easy walking, all alongside the beautiful river.
Other notable fall hikes include the Kuskanax Mountain Trail for views of the whole valley, and the Wilson Lake Trail for unmatched lake-side serenity. There’s also the Galena Bay Trail which offers opportunities for bikers and hikers.
Visit North Slocan Trails Society, the Nakusp and Area Community Trails Society or check out Trailforks or All Trails.
Enjoy a therapeutic soak surrounded by nature
Arrow Slocan is home to natural hot springs, where locals as well as Canadian and international visitors come to reap the benefits of the therapeutic lithium and other minerals present in the water. If you want to calm your mind and relax your body, come for a soak in an Arrow Slocan hotspring. Locations include:
- Nakusp Hot Springs – These springs are highly accessible both in location and price. Located just outside of town, both pools (one warm and one hot) sit nestled in a small valley with forested mountain views in every direction.
Adults pay $14 for a single dip or $21 for an all-day pass, while seniors, students, and youth pay $13 for a dip or $19.50 for the day. Children 5 and under swim free. Late swims after 6 PM cost $25 for adults and $23 for seniors or youth, and include next-day access.
- Halcyon Hot Springs – Enjoy a luxury hot springs experience with three pools of varying temperatures, including a cold plunge in 14℃ water for when you start to feel too warm. Halcyon sits on the shores of Upper Arrow Lake, so there’s always the option of cooling off in the refreshing lake waters as well. Take in views of the lake and the Monashee Mountains, as you soak to your heart’s content.
Either stay as a guest in the resort, or enjoy a day pass. Rates for the hot springs are $15 for a day pass and $15 for a night pass, with children 4 and under entering free with a parent. For families, there is a special rate of $40 for up to four people, which can include 1-2 adults and 1-2 children.
Note that the hot springs entry rates vary by season, and are generally less expensive in the off-season (September – April).
Nakusp Hot Springs 
Halcyon Hot Springs
Birders take note: Arrow Slocan is a top-ranking birdwatching destination
Did you know that Nakusp, BC ranks #5 on eBird Canada’s hotspot checklist? eBird Canada is a citizen science platform where birdwatchers can record, share, and track bird sightings to support conservation efforts and scientific research. That means that Nakusp is up there in the top five locations where devoted birders document sightings of local bird species.
Because Arrow Slocan offers forests, wetlands, lakes and rivers all in one area, numerous bird species co-inhabit the region. The range of elevations and ecosystems hosts both migratory and resident birds. The area is known for eagles, ospreys, loons, herons and songbirds, and if you’re lucky you might see (or hear) an owl at dusk. Much of Arrow Slocan remains undisturbed by humans, which greatly increases the amount of bird action in the area.
During the fall, birds are at the peak of their migration season, so it becomes more common to see rare or uncommon species as they travel through different regions.
In the Slocan Valley, birdwatching is big at the Walter Clough Sanctuary (just south of Slocan), Bonanza Marsh Nature Preserve (Slocan Lake) and the Winlaw Nature Park. Up north, it’s worth checking out the Lower Arrow Lakes area near the village of Burton, where Ospreys return to their impressive nests every spring to raise their young.
Where dynamic history resonates through present-day life
Arrow Slocan is loaded with rich history, and this quintessential mountain region has stories that expand beyond the usual gold rush tales. While most of the historic sites are centred around mining, we must not forget that the region and other nearby areas are where hundreds of the approximately 22,000 Japanese-Canadian prisoners of war were detained during WW2.
Fall is the perfect time to visit Arrow Slocan’s historic sites, as they are less crowded with tourists and families any time after Labour Day. The sites include:
- Sandon – In the 1890s, the present-day ghost town of Sandon was a thriving epicentre due to its silver-lead ore deposits in the surrounding rock. The town hosted over 5,000 residents, 29 hotels, 28 saloons, and countless other businesses. Interestingly, it also hosted one of the largest red-light districts in Western Canada. Sandon survived a big fire in 1900, a wash out in 1955, and housed Japanese-Canadian internees during WW2. Visitors can explore old buildings, the Sandon Museum, and mining artefacts.For more info, visit www.facebook.com/sandonbc.
- The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre – The Centre was created to honour the experiences of over 22,000 Japanese Canadians who were robbed of their civil rights, labelled as “enemy aliens,” and forcibly relocated from their coastal homes during WW2. On the grounds of a former internment camp, the centre displays original buildings, historical artefacts, interpretive displays, and the Heiwa Teien Peace Garden, designed by the acclaimed Roy Tomomichi Sumi.
- Galena Trail – This old-time trail follows a railway route used heavily during the mining boom. Beyond gorgeous views, it offers remnants of mining activity, including old trestles and equipment.
The Silvery Slocan Heritage Tour offers a drive that takes you through the historic towns of New Denver, Silverton, and Sandon. This is a great way to learn all about the region’s mining history, beautiful heritage buildings, and WW2’s impact on the area.
Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/SilverySlocan.
Sandon Ghost Town 
Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre, New Denver, BC
Autumn is a time to gather and celebrate
Arrow Slocan living is not for the faint of heart, and the main thing that holds everything together is the tight-knit, resilient community that supports each other through long, cold winters and the busy (and unpredictable) summers.
Fall is typically a time to gather and celebrate the abundance of seasonal harvests. Beyond community events such as regular farmers markets, bingo nights and meat-draw fundraisers, Arrow Slocan has a couple of extra-special events planned for fall of 2024:
- Garlic Fest – The Hills Garlic Festival in New Denver is an annual celebration featuring garlic tastings, local vendors, cooking demos, live music, and garlic-themed competitions, all on the shores of beautiful Slocan Lake. The event draws over 5,000 visitors per year, so get there early to score top quality garlic, produce and art from Arrow-Slocan locals. 2024’s Garlic Fest takes place on September 29 and runs all day.
- Basin Food Summit and Buyer’s Expo – The Basin Food Summit and Expo is hosted by Basin Food. The event celebrates local Kootenay-produced food products and businesses by connecting producers and buyers, showcasing local offerings, and supporting growth in the food and farming sector in the name of local economic stability and food security. The event takes place in Nakusp on October 26 with a public mushroom-themed market.
- 6th Annual Pumpkin Fest – This annual event is a true local favourite. Taking place October 10-13 and October 17-20, 2024, Pumpkin Fest features a corn maze, food and drink vendors, a pumpkin patch (where you can pick out your favourite!), photo booths, artisan vendors, fall fun games, live music and so much more.
Choose from Arrow Slocan’s diverse cozy stay options
Vacationing in the fall allows for maximum enjoyment in your accommodation of choice. You can spend mornings sipping hot coffee while reading a book or enjoy a sunrise over a lake, or cosy up on the porch at night to stargaze on a clear night. Many local accommodations have wood heat, adding even more ambience to your experience. In the Arrow Slocan region you can choose from a diverse variety of accommodation styles:
- Lakefront resorts such as the Silverton Resort
- Country lodges such as the gorgeous New Denver Lodge featuring a giant indoor pool with sweeping floor-to-ceiling picture windows facing Slocan Lake
- Cozy vacation/AirBnB rentals
- On and off-grid cabins in the woods
- Glamping and fall camping
- Lakeside chalets
- Hot springs resort stays such as Halcyon Resort
- Backcountry lodges
- Affordable hotels and motels such as The Lodge at Arrow Lakes in Nakusp, Fauquier’s Arrow Lake Motel and Slocan’s Slocan City Hotel
- Unique “accommodation as art” stays such as New Denver’s Adventure Domes
Slocan City Hotel 
Leland Hotel in Nakusp 
Kootenay Lakehouse near Nakusp 
New Denver Adventure Domes
Beyond the dazzling colours and crisp cool mountain air, there are so many other crucial reasons why fall is the ultimate time to visit Arrow Slocan. From birdwatching to harvest festivals, hiking and historic sites, hot springs and cozy stays, Arrow Slocan is a perfect fall getaway for those wanting a quiet escape (and adventure!) away from peak summer travel.
Road Trips
With highways that sit high above massive lakes, wind through towering mountains, and cruise through the valley bottom, road tripping through the region is a family favourite! Make lasting memories and discover hidden gems with these road trips:
From the North
A road trip from Revelstoke to Nakusp and beyond into the Arrow Lakes and Slocan Valley region in British Columbia offers stunning mountain scenery, charming towns, and outdoor adventures along the way.
Hot Springs Tour
Imagine a whole road trip dedicated to soaking in the mineral rich pools of natural hot springs? Take the hot springs tour to hit all the best spots in the Kootenay Rockies.
Silvery Slocan
Trace a loop back in time to where the silver industry built bustling towns overnight. The boom left a colourful legacy now reflected in the modern day villages set against stunning wilderness. The offbeat and laid-back vibe of the route is formed by clear lakes, towering mountains, therapeutic hot springs, scenic winding highways and charming small towns.
West Koot Route
The West Koot Route connects the region – Arrow Lakes to Nakusp to Halcyon and the Slocan Valley. Imagine quiet roads, restful villages and unspoiled landscapes. Aimless wandering is not just accepted but encouraged.
This see and do itinerary is the guide to spectacular easy-access adventures throughout the Arrow Slocan.
Explore scenic highways to tour each community and the outdoor adventure that surrounds them. Grab a lunch and head out for a hike, find the best views the region offers, stroll along the lakefront or step into a favourite café. Sleep under the stars in one of four provincial parks. Stop in at a local campground for the night. In winter, cross country ski, book into a backcountry lodge, or snowshoe through the mountains.
Visit our Travel Tips page for more everything you need to know before you go!
