The small Canadian village of New Denver is home to few, but loved by many. Praised for its breathtaking lake and mountain views, the town was known as “Eldorado City” before it was renamed after Denver in Colorado.
Enjoy the dramatic vistas of Slocan Lake and the surrounding Selkirk Mountains. To the east, Idaho Peak rises to 7,650 feet (2,331 meters) while to the west, the Valhalla Range towers over the lake.
Head to the Silvery Slocan Museum, in the former Bank of Montreal building on Main Street. Browse history exhibits about local mining, logging and agriculture, then visit the in-house Visitor Info Centre to see what’s on in town during your visit.
The Bosun Hall and the New Denver and Area Cemetery are remnants from the region’s 1890s silver mining era. Visit Centennial Park on the south side of Carpenter Creek to use its beach volleyball court and sports fields, swimming area, boat launch and children’s playground.
Browse the impressive Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre (NIMC) to learn about the World War II internment of Japanese Canadians. Explore the on-site Heiwa Teien Peace Garden to move on from this gripping history. The public Japanese-style Kohan Garden on the lake is another peaceful memorial place.
Kayak across Slocan Lake on a calm summer’s day. There are plenty hiking and mountain biking trails to discover too, with some abandoned railway lines providing perfect nature routes. Follow the town’s Mori Trail from Carpenter Creek to Bigelow Bay or venture farther out to explore the off-road Galena and Slocan Valley trails.
Snowfall around the lake is relatively moderate, but in the surrounding mountains you can take your pick from a wide range of wintersports.
New Denver is situated about halfway along the eastern shore of the 25-mile (40-kilometer) long Slocan Lake. From Revelstoke, the trip involves a ferry ride from Shelter Bay to Galena Bay. There are airports in Castlegar and Trail, each a few hours south of New Denver.
