G&d winter 16

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WEST KOOTENAY

Regional Visitor Magazine

G&O DO

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Come play outside...

SNOW

SNOW

Canada

FREE

Real Winter.

Real Good. t TLJ t CPBSE t TMFE t TLBUF t TOPXTIPF t TPBL

gokootenays.com BC Canada

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2016/17 GO & DO Winter

LIKE West Kootenay Go & Do

1

SNOW

Experience the ďŹ nest accommodations in the Kootenays.

Corporate Retreats, Family Reunions, Weddings and Group Events.

Heavenly beds and continental breakfast. His and her spa packages. Outdoor spa and complimentary executive golf course. Easy access to outdoor winter adventures like: x-country and downhill ski areas, snowshoe and sledding areas and winter lake fishing! Relax and rejuvenate in the hot springs in nearby Ainsworth. Dine well in the local restaurants & pubs. Enjoy eclectic shopping in Balfour, Nelson or Kaslo. Explore quaint historic towns.

SPECIAL LOW SEASON RATES! BOOK THE ENTIRE RESORT!

Kootenay Lakeview Spa Resort & Event Centre Call Toll Free: 1.877.229.4141 ~ Balfour Email: reservations@kootenaylakeviewresort.com

BYOB and Food!

kootenaylakeviewresort.com

Visit the Kaslo Hotel & Pub in the heart of Kaslo.

Relax with friends & great food on our spectacular lake-view patio.

Unwind in our pub with locally crafted beers.

Enjoy luxury guest rooms with lake & mountain views.

Private balconies.

Free wi-fi.

Walk to great shops, museums, galleries.

250-353-7714

Toll Free: 866-823-1433 430 Front Street, Kaslo, BC info@kaslohotel.com www.kaslohotel.com

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GO & DO Winter

2016/17

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BC Canada

Book now if you hope to experience a StellarHeliskiing.com adventure any time soon! Photo: nickdiamondphotography.ca

Nelson .................................. 25 New Denver ........................ 18 Powder Adventures ..............6 Rossland ............................... 48 Salmo .................................... 39 Slocan Valley........................ 18 Trail ........................................ 44 WK Area Map .........................4 WK Dining Guide ................. 49

INDEX

Ainsworth/Woodbury ........ 10 Balfour ................................... 10 Castlegar ............................... 22 Creston ................................. 38 Fruitvale................................. 43 Kaslo ..................................... 14 Kootenay Lake Ferry ...............5 Nakusp.................................. 19 Nelson Map ......................... 29

For All Your Currency Exchange Needs kootenay currency exchange • Foreign exchange • Gold/silver bullion • Best rates when buying & selling USD 715 Vernon St, Nelson • 250-354-1441 Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

$

$

The Go & Do Visitor Guide is FREE Published 3 times a year

Advertising deadline for Spring/Summer 2017 – Mon., Feb. 20, 2017

Published in Kaslo, BC. Printed in Canada

www.gokootenays.com On the cover: This run is called Cloud 9 and is on the west ridge of Mt Schroeder.

Great run! It goes down this mellow ridge top and then tips up and heads into a big north facing bowl - Stellar Heliskiing will get you there. Photo Nick Diamond, www. nickdiamondphotography.ca; Snowshoeing the backcountry trails above Kaslo, Photo Karma Halleran; Grandpa and granddaughter soaking at Ainsworth Hot Springs, Photo courtesy Ainsworth Hot Springs.

Box 430, Kaslo, BC, Canada V0G 1M0 For more information phone toll free 1-800-663-4619 Copyright 2016 PFW Publications Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enjoy Your Stay in the Kootenays!

If you would like to be a distributor of these popular guides, please email distribution@pennywiseads.com

winter Fishing at its Best!

• T-shirts • Gift Certificates • Golf Shirts • Hats

Reel Adventures Fishing Charters Nelson, BC

250-505-4963

• Heated Boats • On-board BBQ • Bathroom We sell fun!

www. r eel a dventures f ishing .com BC Canada

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

2016/17 GO & DO Winter

3

WK MAP

HELPING

THE

YOU

KOOTENAYS

RIVERS, OCEANS AND MOUNTAINS SHOP

3KI 4OURING 2ENTALS AND $EMOS !VAILABLE s "AKER 3T .ELSON s s WWW ROAMSHOP COM

Revelstoke Shelter Bay

West Kootenay Area Map

Trout Lake

Galena Bay

Trout Lake Halcyon Hot Springs

Gerrard

Legend:

Upper Arrow Lake

Duncan Lake

Skiing Nakusp Hot Springs

Ferry

Meadow Creek Cooper Creek

Nakusp

Airport Argenta

Lardeau Summit Lake

Arrow Park

Hills

Purcell Wilderness Conservancy

Retallack

Slocan Lake

Burton

New Denver Silverton

Sandon

Kootenay Lake

Kaslo Mirror Lake Woodbury

Needles Fauquier

Valhalla Park

Kokanee Glacier Park

Edgewood

Ainsworth Hot Springs

Slocan

Riondel Kootenay Bay Crawford Bay

gr

av

el

Hot Springs

Johnson’s Landing

Balfour

ro a

Pilot Bay

d

Winlaw

Gray Creek

Gray Creek Pass Road

Procter Harrop

Passmore

Lower Arrow Lake

Taghum

Slocan Park

Nelson

Crescent Valley

Boswell

South Slocan Thrums Robson Pass Creek Brilliant Castlegar

Kootenay Lake

Sanca

Ymir

Kuskonook Sirdar Salmo

Christina Lake

Erickson

West on Hwy 3

Grand Forks

Fruitvale Montrose

Christina Lake

Rossland

Kootenay Skyway

Creston Valley Wildlife Area

Creston

Trail Rykerts

Cascade

4

GO & DO Winter

Paterson

2016/17

Waneta

Nelway

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

USA BC Canada

Boasting the longest free ferry ride in the world, the Kootenay Lake ferry runs year round. Two vessels, MV Osprey 2000 and MV Balfour, operate between Balfour on the west side of the lake, and Kootenay Bay on the east side, forming a link with Trans-Provincial Highway 3A. The crossing takes approximately 35 minutes cruising at 15 knots and passengers enjoy a marvellous view of the area from the decks of both vessels.

During the winter months, the Osprey is the only ferry providing service. The capacity of the Osprey is 80 vehicles – 250 passengers. There is indoor seating on the top deck. There is also a coffee bar on the main deck where you can treat yourself to breakfast or a light lunch during your crossing.

All times stated on the Kootenay Lake ferry schedule are in Pacific Time (local time, Balfour). Kootenay Lake is the boundary between the Mountain and Pacific time zones. If you are approaching the ferry from the Creston side, change your watch back by one hour, and you’ll have the same time as the ferry schedule.

Kootenay Lake Ferry

FERRIES

Kootenay Lake Ferry

Year Round Schedule Balfour

Kootenay Bay

Vessel Name

All Year

Summer

All Year

Summer

Osprey 2000

6:30 am

6:30 am

7:10 am

7:10 am

Osprey 2000

8:10 am

8:10 am

9:00 am

9:00 am

Osprey 2000

9:50 am

9:50 am

10:40 am

10:40 am

11:30 am

11:30 am

12:20 pm

12:20 pm

MV Balfour Osprey 2000

10:40 am

MV Balfour Osprey 2000

12:20 pm 1:10 pm

MV Balfour Osprey 2000

1:10 pm

1:10 pm 2:00 pm

2:00 pm 2:50 pm

MV Balfour Osprey 2000

11:30 am

2:50 pm

2:50 pm 3:40 pm

3:40 pm 4:30 pm

MV Balfour

4:30 pm

2:00 pm 3:40 pm 4:30 pm

5:20 pm

5:20 pm

5:20 pm 6:10 pm

Osprey 2000

6:10 pm

6:10 pm

7:00 pm

7:00 pm

Osprey 2000

7:50 pm

7:50 pm

8:40 pm

8:40 pm

Osprey 2000

9:40 pm

9:40 pm

10:20 pm

10:20 pm

All times are Pacific (Balfour) time.

Sometimes you need to line up early. Check the ferry cam: www.eastshoreinternet.ca/ferry-cam-kootenay-bay

Columbia Basin Culture Tour

Historic Nelson 511 Baker Street &

Aug 12 & 13, 2017 10:00am - 5:00pm

Balfour Ferry Landing

Aug 15,

Explore artists’ studios, museums, art galleries and heritage sites through this free, self-guided tour within the Columbia Basin.

3 Locations in Vancouver NEW! Victoria, BC

Meet the artists, shop for ďŹ ne art and craft, view demonstrations, special exhibitions, interpretive displays or chat with local historians during this two day cultural celebration!

Fair Trade Eco-Friendly

For further information visit

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250-505-5505 toll free 1-877-505-7355 www.cbculturetour.com A project of

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v 2016/17 GO & DO Winter

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POWDER ADVENTURES

Come & Cross Country Ski with us! r LNT PG HSPPNFE USBJMT GPS DMBTTJD BOE TLBUF TLJJOH GPS CFHJOOFS UP FYQFSU MFWFMT r -PDBUFE LNT TPVUI PG /FMTPO PO )XZ BU UIF UVSO PGG UP 8IJUFXBUFS 4LJ 3FTPSU r LNT MJU USBJM GPS OJHIU TLJJOH MJHIUT PO FWFSZ FWFOJOH VOUJM QN r XBSNJOH IVUT

Nelson Nordic Ski Club

250-354-4299

Lake

WWW NELSONNORDICSKI CA s Snowphone: Nov – Mar 250-354-4292

Ski and Snowboard Area

oard the B d n a i k S tenays! o o K e h t f de o Warmer Si

www.skisummitlake.com 250-265-3312

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6

Far Out Café

Affordable Family Skiing

Legendary Homemade Burgers!

3FOUBM 4IPQ t $BTI 0OMZ

GO & DO Winter

2016/17

Open Wed to Sun, 10am - 3pm

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

Night Skiing Fridays

BC Canada

The delights of winter take many forms. We love powder adventures for the sunshine, the quality of the winter light, the feel of the air, the joy of motion… At high altitude, winter light can be knife sharp on a clear day, the bluest blue sky against the serrated edge of the peak. On the snowing days the light is soft and the edges are smooth. The colours are muted like the sounds, the palette of the snow and the forest a range of greys just tinged with greens – even the birds are monochromatic. The muted colour scheme of our wintertime mountains enhances our sense of the three dimensionality of the spaces through which we pass. We play IN the snow, not on top of it.

Those of us who live for winter are not immune to the cold. We just know a few things about how to stay safe and warm, and how to be happy in the season of short days. We wear hats, we wear long underwear, we wear layers. We tell people exactly where we are going and when we expect to be back. And we always enjoy the day with a buddy.

Find your joy in the hills. The rewards are many… the forest and the deep snow will draw you in.

It is easy to get started with snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. Some basic equipment is all you need and you can rent almost everything required for a day’s adventure at ski shops in Nelson, Kaslo, Nakusp, Trail or Rossland.

Some of your best winter days will start with a drive to a widening in the road, where you will join other roof-racked vehicles parked at the trailhead. Every West Kootenay community now has snowshoe and/ or cross-country ski trails and a crew of enthusiastic and hardworkBC Canada

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”

John Muir (1838-1914) ing volunteers to maintain them.

Unless you are heading out with a local who is familiar with the terrain, your best bet is to take advantage of the more formal club facilities. In the Nordic skiing areas, the trails are marked and you are likely to meet others, so there is that safety factor (usually in the backwoods, your cell phone will not work, except as a camera to record your experience.) The day-use fee at most areas that are groomed for skiing is around $10 or less, payable by the honour system at the trailhead.

Snowshoeing is the least expensive way to get into the deep snow.

With snowshoes you can trek along more serpentine tracks that, in the summertime, are easier to hike up on foot than bike up on wheels.

Once you’re on cross country skis, the slighter grades of the many West Kootenay rails-to-trails options are best for a two hour outing or if you are with (or are) a first timer.

Many powder adventures branch off from downhill and Nordic skiing. Downhill ski areas like Summit Lake and Ski Salmo provide inexpensive, and patrolled venues to practice your basic telemark or downhill turn skills.

Areas like these are a great way to get the whole family out having fun in the winter, with heated lodges, hot chocolate, and downhill fun.

With the exception of tree wells, ski areas manage most snow risk for customers. The

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

most basic rule – to always ski with a partner – applies, even at ski areas, especially so if you are skiing offpiste. It is not hard to get into a tree well, it is just hard to get out of one.

Learning to ski well enough to tour is an easy bar to attain. Basic Nordic or alpine touring skills can help you access the forest or even get you out to do some winter camping. The delight of being in the winter forest is one of immense quiet, as if the earth were asleep.

Sledding is hugely popular in the West Kootenay. For some it’s all about the sport of riding. With the new snowmobiles, skilled riders can serpentine through the powder, challenge steep slopes, and play all day long.

For some sledders, the draw is the access to the sunny skies of the alpine, high above the clouds cloaking the valleys below. The rule of thumb for sledding is the same as for any machine-aided sport; the faster you can go, the faster you can get into trouble. Go with a partner, go prepared to be stuck, and be responsible for your own snow safety education.

Alpine or telemark touring provides a quieter, and more independent way to access the backcountry. Cat skiing and helicopter skiing typically offer total powder packages, with lodging, meals, guides, and ‘tailgunners’ to keep the group together.

In the Kootenays, the businesses that can get you out into the backcountry were all started because of a passion for winter and these mountains.

Many of those businesses advertise in these pages. Connect with them and catch the spirit!

2016/17 GO & DO Winter 7

POWDER ADVENTURES

L❤VE WINTER

POWDER ADVENTURES

FAT TIRE BIKING

How many different ways can there be to fly through and across mountain snowscapes without using any fuel but your own high energy? It’s been quite a while since snowboards were the brash new powder pushers. Yes, there is a new kid on the block – or you could say that now your mountain bike has a cool cousin – the fat tire snowbike.

If mountain biking has gotten under your skin, it’s a sad November day when you realize, after one or two slideouts, that it’s time to park your wheels. To see one of these new sticky traction puppies is to want one.

Fat tire bikes are mountain bikes with a few modifications – most obvious of these is the slightly under-inflated big bouncy tires. It’s the bounce that makes fat tire biking addictive. Once you’re FAT BIKE DEMO hooked on that bounce, Saturday, Jan 28 10 - 2pm at the you’ll want to test your Rossland Winter Carnival snowbike on all kinds of Sunday, Jan 29 - Fat Bike Race terrain. They’re wicked in sand and mud as well as snow. Really, when you think about it, fat tire bikes are the perfect solution for at least three of our Kootenay seasons. A path that is boggy down at the trailhead progresses more and more icily till you’re traversing wind-blown powder at the top of a ridge. But no worries – you’re a on a three-season bike and it just got you there and it will swoop you back down.

Rent one before you buy. In Nelson, go to Gerick Cycle & Ski on Baker Street or you can rent bikes at Whitewater Ski Resort. In Rossland, you can rent snowbikes at Red Mountain or at Revolution Cycles on Columbia Avenue. Kootenay Gateway, also on Columbia Avenue, is an outfit that gives guided fat bike tours. Call Natasha at 250-362-0080 to book a spot.

THE SKY IS NOT THE LIMIT - IT’S JUST THE VIEW! scenic tours, heli-skiing, backcountry access and so much more!

LOCATED 2 KM WEST OF NELSON, BC 1675 HWY 3A | 250.354.8445 highterrainhelicopters.com

8

GO & DO Winter

2016/17

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BC Canada

Ski or snowshoe your way through the forest to one of the ten warm-up huts in the Rossland Range. Some of the huts, like the Red Dog Cabin, are only an hour or so from the highway. Below is a good selection of our rustic backcountry cabins.

DAYLIGHT DESTINATIONS In Nakusp, the Jackrabbit Interpretive trail has a warm-up hut. South of Nakusp off Hwy 6 at Box Lake, there is a warming shelter at the midpoint of the 6 mile (9 km) network called the Wensley Creek CrossCountry Ski Trails. Learn more about the extensive trail network in the Nakusp/ Hills/New Denver area at www.nakusptrails.ca In Kaslo, there are warmup cabins in the Buchanan Recreation Area. www.korsbc.blogspot.ca Nelson Area: www.nordicski.ca and Rossland ski areas, www.skiblackjack. ca (ski only) have warm-up huts on their trails.

In the Castlegar/Paulson Area: www.castlegarnordic.ca Rossland www.rosslandrange.org/ RRRS/shelters.html

OVERNIGHTERS The Bonnington Range, Stagleap and Kokanee Glacier Park draw the more experienced telemarkers. There the cabins are equipped for overnight stays. Reserve your cabins in advance through www.kootenaymountaineeringclub.ca, www.alpineclubofcanada. ca, or www.rippleridge.ca

SLEDDING DESTINATIONS: Meadow Mountain and Crusader Creek Cabins: Book through the Nelson Sno-Goers. www.nelsonsnogoers. com/select_dates.php Castlegar Beaver Valley: Contact the Castlegar Snowmobile Association on Facebook or visit Barrett Motorsports in Fruitvale.

Mosquito Mos squi quito to Cab Cabin, abin, in Photo Ph hoto Ry Ryan yan n Flett, Flett, Tourism Touri To u sm Rossland uri Ros o slaand d

SLEDDING A sled that’s just right for you – quick and responsive and just the weight you can handle – is a beautiful thing. Free-riding in the alpine, winding through tight trees, popping out into a mountain meadow, into the sunshine and above the layer of clouds shrouding the valleys… your heart is pounding and there is a big smile stuck on your face. Moto-cross with skis. The track behind you is the track you made, and nobody else.

Mea M eadow ea eadow do ow Moutnain Mou Mo utn ut ttn naain aiiin n cabin ccaabin biiin Photo b Ph Ph hot oto oto ot to Nelson Nelson Ne lso lso ls son SSnogoers nog no nog goe oeerrs oer Meadow

WK HIGHWAY OF SNOW Meadow Creek

Nakusp

Summit Lake

But…! Getting to those high elevation forValhalla Park ests and powder bowls can be jarring on the kidneys. A groomed trail to the alpine is your friend. And you can ride groomed trails with Castlegar company, kids and novices too. Learn where to go by contacting area clubs: The Castlegar Snowmobiling Association (find them on Facebook), the Nelson Sno-goers (www.

Trail nelsonsno-goers.webs.com), and the Beaver Rossland Valley Snowmobiling Association, www. bvrmntn.webs.com BC Canada Visit us www.gokootenays.com

Retallack

Kaslo

N Nelson

Drop down out of the sky in Castlegar or Trail ... or shuttle your way north from the Spokane airport.

Drive yourself here from anywhere. No matter how you do it, just get here.

Bring your skis, your sled, your board or your bike, the dog, the kids and the spouse. ’Cause we have one heck of a winter wonderland waiting for you.

REAL WINTER. REAL FUN. Salmo

We’ll be seeing you real soon!

2016/17 GO & DO Winter

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POWDER ADVENTURES

CABIN FEVER

BALFOUR|AINSWORTH

Balfour

One of the many moods of Kootenay Lake. Photo: Karma Halleran

Balfour lies on the western shore of Kootenay Lake, just as the lake’s west arm splits off from the main body of the lake to flow through the narrows. (The water once again becomes the Kootenay River, southwest of Balfour, past Nelson near Taghum.) Stroll down to the sandy beach by the ferry landing for wonderful views of the Purcell Mountains. The hemlock/fir/cedar forests on the lower slopes reflect greenly in the water, even in the winter, since the swiftly flowing channel never freezes. If you’re coming to Balfour via the longest free ferry ride in the world, aboard the Osprey 2000, the Selkirks are the mountain range that dominates the western view.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy a bracing winter’s day in and near Balfour, but the best part of your day might be the warm-up, after it gets dark outside and you are indoors, telling stories by the fireside at the pub.

“BEST DAY EVER!” Go fishing on the lake in February. How good is that? Surprisingly, as the water chills, fishing for rainbows or bull trout actually gets better. Get all the info and gear you need, plus your fishing licence at Gill and Gift at the Balfour Ferry landing. Best bet? Reel Adventures Fishing – go fishing with a guide on a heated boat.

Another best day: Spend a leisurely morning, enjoy breakfast at Holly’s, feed the ducks, eat a samosa from the bakery… Then go for a swift cross country ski on the Balfour Golf Course until your cheeks are red and your hair is a tangled mess. Afterwards, pamper your face and body at the spa at Eagleview. A Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage sounds like the perfect end to a winter’s day.

New Year’s Day Derby How do you celebrate the dawn of a new year? If you live in Balfour, you live in a community where getting out fishing on the lake seems like the natural way to greet the new year. Casting your line and enjoying the company of family, friends and your neighbours, maybe musing about the future and the past – this little local derby has all the anticipation and nostalgia that seem to suit this holiday.

The New Year’s Day derby in Balfour is just for fun. Whether you’re a local or are visiting the area, you are welcome to join in! Register at Gill and Gift (right at the ferry landing) and throw $20 in the hat. The pot is split between the longest Dolly and the longest rainbow.

Welcome Visitors to the Balfour Superette ONE STOP SHOPPING! 7824 Hwy 3A,

Balfour Ferry Landing • Groceries • Liquor Agency • Lotto Centre • Interac • ATM

• Phone Cards • Fresh Buns & Bread Daily • Produce • Meats

Open 7 days a week 8am-8pm 250-229-4612 10

GO & DO Winter

2016/17

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

BC Canada

When winter starts to bite, come here.

Check in at the comfortable Ainsworth Motel, The Mermaid or at the resort. Come to immerse yourself in the naturally warm, healing waters and to allow the power of nature to soothe your body and soul. Since time immemorial, the Ktunaxa people (pronounced tuh-nahha) have valued the springs as a place for healing. After

Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort Today, the site of the ancient hot springs is home to the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort. In a pleasing circularity, the resort is now owned and operated by the Lower Kootenay Band. They are proud to bring a unique First Nations warmth to the hospitality you will experience when you stay at the resort.

Staying at the hotel means you have exclusive use of the healing waters in the mornings before 10 am. Float in the steaming open-air pool, then wade into the horseshoeshaped cave, where the darkness, the mineral deposits and the humidity all combine to offer an exhilarating experience.

The Hot Springs restaurant is being re-vamped this winter to offer patrons a cosier atmosphere. The resort’s regulars and Kootenay Lake locals are also eagerly anticipating the launch of the new menu which will feature First Nations cuisine.

BC Canada

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

battle, warriors would come to soak in the spirit waters (nupika wu’u), easing their heart and limbs back from injury and strain through to strength once again.

The source of the springs lies above, in the Cody Caves area. The water works its way down through porous calcareous rock to flow through to the pools below, renewing the water naturally approximately six times a day.

AINSWORTH MOTEL …on Kootenay Lake

PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION AT AFFORDABLE RATES Kitchenettes • Satellite TV • Wifi 3595 Hwy 31, Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC 250-229-4711• 888-848-4463 info@ainsworthmotel.com • www.ainsworthmotel.com

2016/17 GO & DO Winter

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Winner

11

AINSWORTH

Ainsworth Hot Springs

WOODBURY

Woodbury Resort & Marinan ,Resort otenay Lake’s Destinatio

Fish for Rainbows from your front door.

Explore the beautiful Selkirk Mountains at your back door.

• All motel suites and chalets have full kitchens and satellite TV • Marina – Boat Rentals – Tackle • Charters arranged • JB’s Pub & Restaurant • RV Park • Laundromat • Open all winter – ask about our specials • Registration at store The Best Winter Fishing!

Photo: Doug Williamson

Ko

Trail information with easy access to local trails. Ample parking for your snowmobile trailer.

Resort Office & Store Open 8am – 4 pm

JB’s Restaurant & Pub Open Thurs thru Sun 3-9 pm

Beer & Wine Store

12

Woodbury Resort & Marina, GO & DO Winter

2016/17

4 kms north of Ainsworth Hot Springs PO Box 1262, Ainsworth, BC V0G 1A0 250-353-7717 Fax 250-353-2004 Toll Free 1-877-353-7717 Email: woodburyresort@netidea.com www.woodburyresort.com

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

BC Canada

Woodbury’s fortune lies with its breathtaking location on Kootenay Lake and the great outdoors. This four-season resort has everything you might want: chalets, RV camping, a convenience store, liquor agency, boat rentals and a pub and restaurant.

EXPERIENCE LAKE FISHING IN WINTER! Plan your arrival to Woodbury so you can get your gear and boat rentals all figured out for the next day. Meet the locals in the pub in the evening, and soak up a few fish tales along with your bevvies. Fishing is at its best on Kootenay Lake in fall and winter. What’s the catch? Some of the biggest rainbow trout, the Gerrard rainbows, which reach phenomenal sizes of over 20 lbs, as well as Dolly Varden (bull trout) and kokanee, a land-locked salmon.

Winter Pass Closures

Photo: Karma Halleran

Woodbury is within the Nelson/Kaslo snowmobile zone, which is maintained by the Nelson Sno-Goers Snowmobile Club. The zone boasts riding that can’t be beat. Hundreds of miles of trails on old logging and mining roads are appealing to snowmobilers of all levels of experience. Get more information and trail passes from Woodbury Resort (250-353-7717) or online at www.nelsonsno-goers.webs.com or www.thebetties.ca

Betties - Empowered By Power Who’s a Bettie? The definition is “a female power sports enthusiast of any size, shape, age and ability.” The Betties are a non-profit organization that promotes power sports and brings women together to learn and refine skills, and share adventures. Its aim is to foster an environment in which women can both be an inspiration and be inspired. www.facebook.com/BettiePower

When Kootenay Pass closes due to avalanche conditions, the MV Osprey ferry will run 24 hours until the pass re-opens. Usually, if the road is closed, it is a scheduled closure for avalanche risk mitigation. To find out when the scheduled closures are to begin and end, and which sections of your route are affected, check www.

DriveBC.ca Another very handy feature of this provincial website are the webcams. There are over thirty webcams in the West Kootenay, and the images you can see on the DriveBC site get updated at least twice an hour. In the winter, it is nice to know in advance the weather and road conditions you will be encountering on your journey.

IF THERE IS SNOW ON THE MOUNTAIN, THERE ARE SLEDS IN THE HILLS.

Top photo - Snow-capped peaks of the Purcell range. You will witness many such views from the west shore of Kootenay Lake.

Sledder cresting the ridge on Meadow Mountain, north of Kaslo. Photo Heidi Henke

BC Canada

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

2016/17 GO & DO Winter

13

AINSWORTH|WOODBURY

Woodbury

KASLO

• unique • handmade • canadian •

Since 1986

250-353-2566 408 Front Street, Kaslo www.figmentscanada.com

Kaslo Clothes Hanger Bed

Bath Kitchen

LOWEST PRICES IN THE KOOTENAYS Name Brand Clothing Basics • Swimwear • Beach Towels Gifts • Jewellery • Personal Care Products One Stop Shopping...it’s worth the drive!

“ i t ’ s wor t h t he d r i ve t o K a s lo ”

Affordable Luxury

F R O N T S T R E E T, K A S L O 2 5 0 . 3 5 3 . 2 2 5 7 W I L L O W H O M E G A L L E RY. C O M

400 Front St, Kaslo 250-353-9688

Groceries, supplements & body care that sustains you the natural way Organic juices, smoothies & specialty drinks made to your specs Fresh, organic, gluten-free or vegan soups & snacks Professional advice

Solid Health. Happy Heart. Come, rest your feet!

14 1 4

GO & DO Winter

2016/17

404 Front Street, Kaslo 250-353-9667

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

BC Canada

Kaslo, originally called Kane’s Landing, was founded in 1893 and was the region’s first incorporated city. It was known as the commercial centre of the gold, silver and lead mining industries during the boom of the 1890s.

The town’s peaceful cove, one of only a few such natural harbours along the 104 km long lake, once bustled with activity as ore barges, rowboats, private launches and steamships jostled for a place alongside the busy wharf.

Now Kaslo enjoys memories of that time in its beautiful heritage buildings, the celebration of May Days (continuous since 1893), and the SS Moyie, a sternwheeler/ museum on the shore of Kootenay Lake and one of the last great sternwheelers on the continent. The Langham Cultural Centre, housed within a restored wooden hotel from the silver rush days, provides a venue for local artists and theatre groups. A museum on its upper floors tells the story of the Japanese-Canadians who were interned in Kaslo during the Second World War. The Village of Kaslo has undergone dramatic changes since the boom days of the 1890s. Where there were once 27 saloons full of boisterous prospectors, there is now a myriad of activities for everybody to enjoy. Rich in history, strong in community spirit, spectacular in location, Kaslo offers those who live there a quality of life others can only envy.

Baby, It’s Cold Out Here!

A New Year’s Day tradition in Kaslo, the Polar Bear Dip gets the hardy (and foolhardy) souls out for a brisk swim in the lake. This annual event is a fundraiser for the Langham Cultural Centre. Take the plunge at 12 noon sharp (hopping around on the beach waiting for latecomers is not an option), or drink some hot chocolate with the local spectators and enjoy the great outdoors on January 1.

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Kaslo’s Sunday morning Front St. Photo: Karma Halleran

KASLO

Kaslo Kaslo is a picturesque little village that has been called “a vintage silver dollar in the West Kootenay’s pocket” by Beautiful British Columbia magazine. Tucked away as it is within the surrounding mountains, and skirted by a rushing river and spectacular lake, the image seems truly apt.

In winter, Kaslo is your gateway to alpine skiing, cat-skiing, cross country skiing, skating, snowmobiling and fishing.

Live Music Just about every week of the year there is an original performance to be enjoyed at the BlueBelle Bistro. Check the Pennywise paper or visit www.BlueBelleBistro.com for who’s playing when you’re in town and want a night out. The Kaslo Hotel occasionally hosts bands or evenings featuring DJs or (surprisingly good!) Open Mic nights. Buddy’s Pizzeria presents mostly local talent and occasional out of town finds. The Kaslo Concert Society presents classical music at the United Church Hall: February 3, The Canadian Guitar Quartet; March 10, pianist Alexei Tartakovsky. Another venue is the Langham Theatre. On March 23, the Langham hosts Jory Nash, a Canadian singer-songwriter who blends elements of folk, jazz, blues, soul and pop. For the complete schedule check, www.thelangham.ca

Winter Solstice Come celebrate the beginning of longer days and shorter nights with a solstice celebration at the covered pedestrian bridge spanning the Kaslo River. Kaslo Trailblazers Society hosts this annual event. A lantern walk will begin at 4 pm from the Railroad Avenue trailhead. People can join the celebration by parking at the New Denver Highway 31A trailhead, about 1 km west and walking a short trail to the picnic area and the beautiful covered bridge. The bridge will sparkle with colourful lights starting at 5 pm. There will be singalongs and hot chocolate to keep you warm. Dress everyone in the family warmly and enjoy a winter evening with friends and neighbours.

Winter In The Forest Festival Got the winter blues? This rather unusual festival offers a quick dose of fun at a dark time of year. The Kaslo & District Community Forest Society sponsors this quirky family festival at the east end of the Kaslo airport on BC Family Day, the second Monday in February. Popular contests that are regulars at this festival include the human dogsled races for charity and the woodsmen skills competitions such as the water boil, swede sawing contest and dot split. Enjoy homemade soups, hotdogs, bannock over the fire, maple taffy on the snow, skiing and snowshoeing (skis provided), storytelling, live music and more! For more information check it out on Facebook: KasloWinterForestFestival.

2016/17 GO & DO Winter

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Pauline (since 1995) and Ronnie (since 1986) love to welcome repeat and new customers from all over the globe. Both are cooks, but once in a while can be found stealing a few minutes from their duties to greet a happy diner.

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BC Canada

The magic of winter in beautiful Kaslo enfolds visitors and locals. A wonderland of snow, mountains and hot springs awaits – a feast for the eyes and the spirit.

You can find cross country skiing smack dab in Kaslo’s back yard. The True Blue recreation area has many kilometres of marked skiing trails – woodland paths and gentle grades as well as some good climbs and swift flying slopes. To get to this network of trails, head to Kaslo’s air strip near the arena. A pullout is plowed so you can park.

You can find a map of the trails on the Kaslo Trailblazer’s website, www.kaslotrailblazers.org Skiing on groomed trails propels the wilderness skiing experience to greater heights.

Kaslo now boasts a nordic recreation area on the flanks of Mt Buchanan, known locally as “Bucky.” To access these groomed trails, just drive 6.5 km west of Kaslo on the highway to New Denver and park in the pullout. From the parking lot the trail goes south and has a 5.5% grade for 1.1 km to the equipment shed. Bucky Cabin is about a 7.5 km ski; a good chunk of If you have snowshoes, you can go that trail has a 10% slope, so anywhere. Photo: Sheila Clare you’ll be really glad to see the nicely appointed cabin with woodstove, mats and benches – plus a terrific view across the valley. Trail grooming extends another 2 km past the cabin. If you’re skiing with your dog, you are asked to take the track to the north of the equipment shed.

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Front Street Moyie Pano. Photo: Karma Halleran

For more information go to the website of the Kaslo Outdoor Recreation Society, www.korsbc.blogspot.ca for maps, and dates for coming events such as moonlight skis, chili nights, Valentines chocolate fondue, Jackrabbits ski program and annual 30 km skiathon.

Design

Plan

;

Get Trekking

Now a designated National Historic Site and BC Landmark, the sternwheeler is open from Mother’s Day through to Thanksgiving weekend. She is located at 324 Front Street, Kaslo BC. For more information see www. klhs.bc.ca or phone/fax 250-353-2525.

;

For nearly 60 years, sternwheelers provided a transportation lifeline to the many isolated communities on Kootenay Lake. The SS Moyie (the world’s oldest intact passenger sternwheeler) and her sister ships literally opened the Kootenay region to miners, businesses, farmers and pioneer families. When she was launched on October 22, 1898, there were no roads, no trains, and of course no air travel into these hidden mountain valleys. The ships were the only means of mass transportation, freight and mail service. And so they came – the rich, the poor, prospectors and settlers – sailing up the pristine waterways on ships that were themselves works of art. The sternwheelers were the bearers of our destiny.

When she was finally dry docked in 1957, the Village of Kaslo purchased the Moyie from the CPR for the grand sum of $1. Breathing life into her history has involved thousands of hours of labour and research, and the skills of a generation of workers. On board, the re-created hum of the engines, the click of the typewriter keys in the Purser’s Office, and the recorded sounds of a mother soothing her baby in the Ladies Salon, bring the Moyie to life.

Storyboards at street level describe the scope and scale of the renovations that have taken place since the time of her purchase.

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2016/17 GO & DO Winter

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KASLO

SS Moyie

Slocan Valley

Situated on the shores of pristine Slocan Lake, beneath the snowfields of the Valhalla Glacier, the picturesque Village of New Denver has a surprising number of restaurants, shops and galleries to explore along its heritage main street. Make a point of visiting the tiny Village of Silverton, also on the lake shore and a few minutes away to the south. The Hills Nordic Ski Club grooms trails in the area just to the north of New Denver. Other powder access trails nearby are the Kokanee Glacier Park entrance, Idaho Peak and the ghost town of Sandon.

Five Fun Winter Days SATURDAY: Go for a skate at the Silverton Curling Rink (they can get rid of the centre wall between the two curling rinks and make it into kind of like a normal rink.) Call 250-358-7162 for times.

SUNDAY: Eat like a Locavore at the Village Hearth, located on the main street in New Denver. This restaurant, only open on the weekends, is a Farm-To-Fork initiative and supports and promotes local farming and local food production.

MONDAY: Go for a stroll along the lakeshore and end up at the gym at the Slocan Community Health Centre, down on Galena Avenue.

TUESDAY: Head up to the ghost town of Sandon. Bring your cross country or touring skis and spend an exhilarating day in the high elevation powder. There are 5 kilometres of groomed trails along the old Kaslo & Slocan Railway. An old prospector’s cabin has been renovated into a warming hut for skiers. (Drive up to Sandon – when you reach the right hand turn to Sandon and the Museum, stay left and keep going a bit further towards Cody and watch for the trailhead.)

WEDNESDAY: Try ice fishing on Summit Lake or Box Lake (halfway to Nakusp) or Fish and Bear Lakes in the pass between Kaslo and New Denver.

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The Slocan Valley is dotted with small farms, mountainside hideaways, and quiet lakeside villages. Slocan Lake averages 500 feet in depth; steep cliffs guard the shoreline at many places. The lake is fed by mountain streams, and is the source of the clean, clear Slocan River, which has been used as a transportation route by miners and loggers for well over a hundred years. Yet the river valley still has the feel of a wild, unspoiled ecosystem.

After the tracks were taken up from the railway that used to carry settlers and ore alongside the length of the Slocan River, valley residents came together to build and then to maintain the Slocan Valley Rail Trail. This multipurpose path is a local treasure, providing non-motorized access to 50 km of unusually wind-sheltered land that is rich in wildlife. Scenic in all seasons, in winter the trails are busy with cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and hardy hikers.

Other popular areas in the valley for winter recreation include the Winlaw Nature Park and the Walter Clough Wildlife Area.

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Ski To The Walter Clough Bird Sanctuary Between the trailheads in Slocan City and Lemon Creek, an expanse of ecologically vibrant wetlands is yours to discover if you walk or ski along the Slocan Rail Trail.

In late spring/early summer each year, the Slocan River floods parts of the low lying valley. These wetlands, created by the seasonal surge and waning of the river, have been reserved as the Walter Clough Wildlife Sanctuary.

This is a special place for bird lovers.

During the winter, the most spectacular view you will likely see is the population of 70 or so trumpeter swans that arrive in October to spend the winter. You may hear the oddly melodic honking sound they make before you see them.

Trumpeter swans are the biggest of all the world’s waterfowl and can have a wingspan as wide as ten feet. They usually mate for life. In 1933, only 70 wild trumpeters were known to exist, a thought that makes watching the current Slocan population all the more astounding.

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NAKUSP

Nakusp This lakeside community is embraced by both the Monashee and Selkirk Mountains. The name of the town derives from the native word for “bay of quiet waters” Neqpo’sp.

In historical times it was the discovery of ore that brought miners and prospectors to the area.

From powder snow on the mountaintops to hot water in pools in the valley below – a bracing winter day trip from Nakusp promises both adventure and a touch of the luxurious. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH) is an internationally known adventure helicopter ski company with a base in Nakusp.

Halcyon Hot Springs Halcyon Hot Springs Village & Spa is a spectacular lakeshore getaway located in the pristine mountains bordering Upper Arrow Lakes. The Halcyon Hot Springs water is historically known to soothe body, mind and soul and to offer relief from pain.

ANCIENT HEALING WATERS AWAIT

The Spa at Halcyon offers complete spa service. Accommodation is comfortable in chalets, cottages and cabins.

For the mobile guest there is a small full service RV park.

The Kingfisher Restaurant and Lounge allows for a casual meal as well as fine dining. Other services include a laundry facility and gift shop. Halcyon caters especially to corporate retreats, and family events.

Fishing is great on Arrow Lake and many a good trout or dolly has been caught from the dock at Halcyon. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing at the resort or in the surrounding areas is invigorating. After all that activity, come relax in the healing waters of Halcyon Hot Springs.

What To Do Today?

When you want to mix it up a bit, and you’re feeling a bit more indoorsy than outdoorsy, here are five suggestions: 1. Book a TOUR OF THE NAKUSP & DISTRICT MUSEUM: Call 250-265-2120. Of special interest is the brand new 3650 sq ft addition to the museum that is dedicated to telling the Sinixt story, from the last ice age to the present day. There is a lot to see and take in, including a diorama and a tule tipi made of woven bulrush reeds.

2. TAKE A YOGA, HOOPING OR CIRCUS CLASS at Move on the Kusp (drop-in schedule www.moveonthekusp.ca) 3. SKATE OR PLAY HOCKEY: Toonie skate or drop in hockey. Times? www.nakusparrowlakes.com/eventscalendar/

Relax and enjoy our world renowned mineral pools, accommodations and full service spa.

Experience gourmet food in the Kingfisher Restaurant and Lounge.

4. TOUR A LOCAL CIDERY: Burton City Cider is 30 minutes south of Nakusp. www.burtoncitycider.ca Call ahead to book a tour: 250-265-7044.

68KM SOUTH OF REVELSTOKE ON ARROW LAKE

5. GO TO THE MARKET! There are 2 year-round markets: Fringe Fridays 1 to 6 pm and the Farmers Market on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm, both at the old firehall on 5th Street, just up from Broadway.

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NAKUSP

Relax. Refresh. Return.

Nakusp Hot Springs The Nakusp Hot Springs is located deep in the forest in the Selkirk Mountains 12 kms above Nakusp along the roaring Kuskanax River. Cozy but updated cedar chalets provide charming accommodation, and old logging roads, perfect for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, radiate from the complex.

After a nice outdoorsy day, luxuriate in the two naturally heated mineral pools: one is hot at 41°C (106°F) for your soaking enjoyment, the other, at 38°C (100°F) is lovely for swimming. The pools are open from 10:30 am to 9 pm daily.

On Mondays that aren’t holidays, the BC Transit bus leaves Nakusp at 1:15 pm and takes people up to the Nakusp Hot Springs; bus passengers pay Winter Wednesday rates. On other weekdays the bus leaves Nakusp for the 15 minute ride to the springs at 1:55 pm.

Summit Lake Ski Hill 1-866-999-4528 250-265-4528 Web: www.nakusphotsprings.com Email: info@nakusphotsprings.com Follow us on Facebook.com/NakuspHotSprings

You sure can have a lot of fun in a day at the Summit Lake Ski Hill. It’s a volunteer-run hill and the community spirit that keeps the hill going guarantees a fun experience that is worlds away from the trendy resorts. There are 8 ski or snowboarding runs from beginner to expert (T Bar lift), a bunny hill (rope tow) and a tube park! If half your party prefers a more horizontal snow trek, there are cross country trails and snowshoeing trails in the Summit Ski area as well as the downhill runs. Hours are Wed-Sun from 10 am to 3:30 pm, and Friday nights 6-9 pm. www.skisummitlake.com

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Recreation Facilities Regional District Central Kootenay

Aquatic Centres Lap lanes Sauna/Hot tub Steamroom Leisure pool

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CASTLEGAR

Castlegar

Columbia River, at Castlegar Photo: Julie Wilson

The City of Castlegar lies in a wide valley at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers. World class angling, snowshoeing, skiing, museums, plenty of restaurants and a fun night life scene make Castlegar a great choice for a winter vacation. So many options, so close!

SPEND THE DAY IN TOWN: Millennium Park (bottom of 5th Street) has a paved walkway, perfect for a morning stroll down by the riverside. If you’re with your dog, there’s a dog beach for a little runaround. If it’s drizzly, find the Celgar Pavilion and take shelter inside the award-winning timberframe structure. There are some great one-of-a-kind little restaurants in the old downtown, plus, in this “Sculpture Capital of Canada,” public art is on display on many a corner. Mosey around and decide where you’ll eat and where to go out later.

Better work up an appetite first! Strap on your skates and use the rink in the Castlegar Community Complex during public skating. Or go swimming. The Aquatic Centre has a 6 lane 25 m pool, a spray pool, whirlpool, steam room, fitness studio and weight training room.

HIT THE SLOPES: Just a short drive (62 km) from Castlegar, you will find Whitewater Ski Area near Nelson, or the famed Red Mountain at Rossland, only 42 km from Castlegar. World class powder awaits at either of these ski resorts.

Wind Suite by John McKinnon.

Photo by Adrian Wagner

The Castlegar Snowmobile Association grooms over 70 km of trails, giving you access to open meadows, perfect for freeriding. Keep going for the deep powder that will challenge you as you wind through forests in the lower elevation alpine.

EVENING: Besides the Element nightclub downtown there is also Chances Gaming Centre on the outskirts of town, next door to the regional airport, or you could catch a Castlegar Rebels (Kootenay International Hockey League) home game at the complex. Find the home game schedule at www.gokootenays.com BC Canada

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Take Your Chances

People know that landing at the Castlegar Regional Airport can be chancy in the wintertime. But once you are there and want to have some fun while getting acclimatized, the perfect spot is just across the street. If you need a bite to eat or a drink, or feel like trying your luck at the slots, Chances is the place.

Games available at Chances include paper and electronic bingo, a full range of lottery products and a selection of other gaming options. Check it out and see why Chances is your best bet for entertainment.

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The Kootenay Gallery of Art, History and Science in Castlegar is a public art gallery that serves the entire West Kootenay region. It is a great place to stop and see why the West Kootenay is so deserving of its artistic reputation. Spend an afternoon enjoying an art exhibition and browsing the gift shop.

The Kootenay Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm January through November. December 1 24 it is open 7 days a week for its Annual Juried Christmas Exhibit & Sale. Admission to exhibitions is by donation, while members and children’s admission is free. For more information visit www.kootenaygallery.com

The Bonnington Range If you are a hiker or a backcountry skiier who grew up in Castlegar, the Bonnington Range is where your heart is. In almost 1400 square kilometres of terrain you can ski between twelve lightly treed, relatively low elevation mountain peaks. The alpine and subalpine terrain is dotted with creeks and little lakes and there are four rustic cabins, each about 10 kilometres apart.

This is wilderness ski-touring (or snowshoeing) – excellent route-finding skills and solid avalanche awareness training is essential. Many groups take several days to traverse the Bonnington Range, but there are several one or two day options that will put you on top of the world as you follow the height of land from peak to peak.

The cabins are maintained by the Kootenay Mountaineering Club and have simple amenities, like Coleman stoves for cooking and wood stoves for heat. Your drinking water is melted from the snow you bring in from outside. You can reserve your night’s stay and get all the information you need about access to trails, the different routes you can choose and their degree of difficulty through the club’s website www.kootenaymountaineeringclub.ca To stay the night at any of the cabins costs your party only $10, which has got to be the best deal on the planet, especially since you know you are supporting improvements to the cabins and the efforts of the many volunteers.

Castlegar Nordic Ski Club With 45 km tracked ski trails, the Castlegar Ski Club hosts approximately 15,000 to 20,000 visitors every season in the Rossland-Paulson area. There are 8.5 km of untracked trails for the super advanced skier, and an 8 km circular route from Mud Lake to the Ben Shaw cabin that is ideal for young families and for the beginners. More adventurous skiers can choose to ski the ungroomed trails. The club map (www.castlegarnordic. ca) depicts all their trails and their respective skill levels, distances, and the location of shelters.

The trailhead cabin (the Viking Centre) is located on Highway 3 at Mud Lake, about 5 km west of the junction of Highways 3 and 3B. Along the trail system you will come across three A-frame shelters. Stop a while and warm up, or maybe you need to cool down!

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NELSON

Nelson

BOB, the Big Orange Bridge in winter Photo Lynn Brousson

Most Canadian towns are not at their best in the winter.

Grey, slushy – it gets dark too soon, people all seem to be in a rush, focussed on getting back indoors…

But in Nelson there are very few days, even in the depths of winter, when you shouldn’t slow yourself down, and look up towards the mountains or up at the trees overhanging the city streets, their bare branches stark against the sky or coated with soft white. At night, back in town after a day on the ski hill, the coloured lights gleam darkly on the wet pavement on Baker Street, Nelson’s main artery. Tuck your nose into your scarf, snuggle into your mitts, slow down, be present.

A good way to appreciate Nelson’s period charm is on foot with a walking tour guide and map in hand. Get one at the Nelson visitor centre in the newly re-furbished Canadian-Pacific Railway station. (Head down Baker Street, cross through the 4-way stop and the station is straight ahead.) If you have a vehicle, pick up the driving tour as well and check out some of Nelson’s steeper residential streets. You might feel like you’ve driven into a picture book with watercolour illustrations. Nelson’s classic Victorian elegance can be found on just about every corner – over 350 buildings have been designated as having an important heritage value.

21st century Nelson is all about the energy of its people – a spirit of people and place that is transmitted in the art hanging in the shops and restaurants, and in the variety of the unique businesses that thrive in this well-supported local economy. In Nelson’s downtown commercial core you can find everything from pots and pans to high-end clothing, sporting goods to spas and everything in between.

BC Canada

5 OFF-BEAT THINGS TO DO #1

#2

#3

CRAWL UP A WALL in the spectacular interior of the Cube Climbing Gym. An adult fee per day is only $12.50. 820 Tenth Street, Nelson. 250-352-2808. www. cubeclimbing.com TOUR A CRAFT BREWERY. There are three to choose from. Starting from the top: Nelson Brewing Company (www.nelsonbrewing.com/) is located in Nelson’s original 100 year old brewery building in Uphill Nelson at 512 Latimer Street. Backroads Brewing Company opens this winter. Check ’em out right downtown at 460 Baker Street. Torchlight Brewing is a little further down the hill towards the lake at 511 Front Street. Come with a thirst and leave with a growler!

GO SLEDDING! Nip into a hardware store and buy a plastic crazy carpet or flying saucer. Although there are a lot of hills in Nelson, not all hills are great for launching your 4 year old (or 40 year old) no matter how tightly they can hang on. Actually it’s all about landing. You don’t want to end up spinning in a roadway y or smacked into a tree trunk … or the lake. Your best bet for a good landing is the hill at Queen Elizabeth Park (Cottonwood and Fifth Street.) #4 RENT A FAT TIRE BIKE at Gerick’s (Baker and Hall streets) and ride up to the Bike Skills Park on West Richards Street in Rosemont. Maybe take the bus – Art Gibbons Memorial Park is on route #3. Every Nelson City bus has space for two bikes.

In this mountain town, people still smile and greet each other on the street.

On a winter’s day when it’s bright and crisp outside and the area ski hills are humming, downtown might seem strangely quiet. But wait until dark. In the evenings, if it’s been a perfect powder day, the restaurants and night spots will be jumping!

Check out Nelson’s restaurants for ethnic, traditional, or vegetarian dining to satisfy every taste. You might take in a world class performance at the Capitol Theatre, or catch a movie at the Civic.

After dark, there is almost always live music happening at the surprising number of venues Nelson can boast of in its downtown. Then there’s the local curling or Junior B hockey action. To see who’s playing where, or for the schedule of the Nelson Leaf ’s hometown games, visit www.gokootenays.com

#5

Nelson winter Photo Lynn Brousson

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

CHEER ON THE HOME TEAM! Go to a Nelson Leafs Junior Hockey game at the Nelson & District Community Complex at 305 Hall Street. For a schedule of home games visit www. gokootenays.com

2016/17 GO & DO Winter

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NELSON PROUDLY SERVING STUMPTOWN COFFEE Nelson’s only 3rd wave coffee house

Unforgettable coffee, pastries, sandwiches and other assorted goodies.

Call us for take-out or catering

250.352.7211

Open 6am weekdays and 7 am weekends. Open late.

Steakhouse and Lounge

Distinctly Metropolitan Culinary Experience Reservations Recommended

250.352.5570 • 616 Vernon St, Nelson

SIMPLE FRESH FOOD

Fresh food and the friendliest staff in town!

It’s the place to be…and be seen.

250.352.2715

These three businesses are located in 616 Vernon Street, Nelson BC [ www.adventurehotel.ca 26 2 6

GO & DO Winter

2016/17

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

BC Canada

The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), with headquarters in New York City, has named Nelson as one of 21 Intelligent Cities in the world. The city shares this honour with Moscow, Russia, and Melbourne, Australia to name a couple of other recipients.

Does that mean Nelson residents are more intelligent than their neighbours? Well, not exactly.

What the award recognizes is the efforts made by Nelson’s civic and private sphere to enhance the educational, social and business environments in such a way that innovation can be spurred on and 21st century industries can thrive.

Broadband internet is a key component of the award-winning digital infrastructure, as is

English

Style

Fish

and

Chips

MAIN STREET DINER

616 Baker St. Nelson

Nelson is the smallest of the seven Canadian communities that made it to the semi final round of 21 choices.

Taiwan and then Australia were the countries next best represented. “We find that it is the ones who collaborate with national or state governments, fly under the radar, and are ‘No Name’ communities to most of the world that are most innovative and aggressive,” said ICF co-founder John Jung. “They are not afraid of new ideas and use strategies proven by Intelligent Communities around the world.”

It sure is nice when a good news government story comes so close to home! Read more about what it takes to be a smart city at www.intelligentcommunity.org

Discover Nelson

Specialties

Gourmet

• Greek

Burgers

•

Selkirk College and the Kootenay Institute of Technology.

A true adventure in itself!

•

•

Explore, Dine and Shop Historic Baker Street

Fully

•

•

• Open 11 am • 250-354-4848 • BC Canada

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

Explore Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History

Ski or Snowboard at Baldface Lodge

...anytime

Licensed

Espresso

Out

Cappuccino

Ta k e

Great Food

Ski or Snowboard at Whitewater Winter Resort

Visitor Centre 91 Baker Street, Nelson (The Heritage CP Railway Station at the west end of Baker Street)

photos: David Gluns

Ph 250-352-3433 Toll Free 1-877-663-5706 Email: info@discoverNelson.com Web: www.discoverNelson.com

2016/17 GO & DO Winter

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NELSON

Congratulations, Nelson!

NELSON

Tacos, Tequila y Mezcal

NELSON BC Specializing in authentic Mexican street food, Cantina del Centro captures the essence and flavours of traditional Mexican cuisine. Offering delicious dishes from across Mexico’s varied culinary landscape, including tacos, tortas, tostadas, ceviches, soups and desserts.

Explore the extensive Tequila and Mezcal menu with over 60 varieties! Open for lunch, dinner and late night taco window.

Join friends this winter for a refreshing cerveza, a signature margarita and an unforgettable experience!

561 Baker St, Nelson BC / ph: 250 352 3737 www.facebook.com/cantinadelcentro

Blondy Photography

Freshly prepared lunch, dinner & tapas Reasonably priced with generous portions Vegetarian & gluten-free choices

Dinner 5pm nightly

Children’s menu; Licensed; Warm & Cosy

250-352-2744 518 Hall Street, Nelson

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Visit us www.gokootenays.com

bibonelson.ca BC Canada

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Visit us www.gokootenays.com

502 Vernon Street, Nelson, BC V1L 4E7 250-352-9813 TouchstonesNelson.ca See our website for hours and events

2016/17 GO & DO Winter

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NELSON

NORTHSHORE NELSON

NELSON 30 3 0

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Visit us www.gokootenays.com

BC Canada

When people think of the Cold War, at first they think of the United States and Stalinist Russia and the looming threat of nuclear war. For Canada, America’s big northern neighbour – literally stuck in the middle between these two superpowers of the post war era – there were more than a few reasons to be nervous. If there was to be fallout, it would be nuclear, and it would fall on Canada as well as intended targets.

Touchstones Nelson: Museum Of Art And History If you think the outside looks interesting…

Come in from the cold! Join the community and see what’s inside Touchstones Nelson. This great historic building in the heart of downtown is a gathering point for local culture. On offer is a stimulating and changeable mix of art, history and shopping – all in one location.

Two temporary exhibition spaces on the main floor offer regularly changing exhibitions featuring local and regional artists, as well as historical themes. A mini-theatre offers short films on hydro power in the region and a re-telling of the Sinixt creation story of the Columbia River.

In 1959, Canada’s Prime Minister, John Diefenbaker, very quietly initiated the building of a series of nuclear fallout shelters. The biggest, naturally, was built underground a short distance from Ottawa, the nation’s capital. But Nelson got the order too, and soon the region’s go-to place for Don’t miss the gift shop! all its important people You will find work by local (judging by the bathroom artists, historical books Touchstones Nelson Photo: Kevin Underwood facilities, the important and unusual items for people were mainly men) every budget. was a shelter built deep in the bowels of what is now Hours are Nelson’s main post office, The Gray Building on Vernon 11 am to 4 Street, next door to Touchstones Museum. pm Sunday Since the time it was built, Nelson’s Diefenbunker has and Tuesnot been changed. It’s a time capsule of the era – the same day, 10 am paint on the walls, the original fixtures and furniture… to 5 pm the tanks that once held a three month supply of water.

Wednesday The museum has added a few touches, put up posters to Saturfrom the era, and laid in some vintage magazines, groday, closed cery packages and supplies. It’s all a bit unnerving.

Mondays and open If you want to visit the Diefenbunker, you will have Out of the Woods: A History of Forestry in the West by donato wait until the spring of 2017. Touchstones Museum Kootenay, at Touchstones till February 19, 2017 tion from 5 staff will then be happy to be your guide. Until then, to 8 pm every Thursday. Touchstones Nelson is located stay tuned. As a radio announcer from back in the fifties at 502 Vernon Street. For more information visit their would have said, “Don’t touch that dial!”

Facebook page or www.touchstonesnelson.ca

Get that warm & cozy feeling this winter

isisexotica

Visit us at …

… dressing women for thirty years 9:30-5:30 Mon-Sat 12-4 Sun

BC Canada

488 Baker St, Nelson 250-354-4002 facebook: friend us to get the latest news

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

Aromatic Apothecary Artisan Perfumes Adult Essentials

582 Ward Street Downtown Nelson

250-352-0666 www.isis.ca

2016/17 GO & DO Winter

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NELSON

Hunker Down In The Diefenbunker

NELSON

Pioneering today’s household words since 1991

Nelson’s first eco-store is your green destination in the Kootenays......from sustainable clothing and accessories, fair trade baskets, to non-plastic kitchen-ware, natural body products......and more. In 2015, we opened ECHO - a 2nd location on Nelson’s historic Baker Street with our finest fair trade and Canadian-made fashions.

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BC Canada

NELSON

Coldsmoke Festival at Whitewater is one heck of a winter celebration.

Photo: Phil Best courtesy of Whitewater Ski

Whitewater Ski Resort

can check out their website at www.skiwhitewater.com or call 1-800-666-9420.

In the past couple of years, Whitewater has been garnering a lot of press and awards. It seems that, once you’ve spent a day here, keeping this cat in the bag is hard to do. And that’s got some of the regulars a little worried.

Whitewater still has that out-of-the-way vibe of a community ski hill far from the madding crowds.

Cradled in British Columbia’s legendary Selkirk Mountains, at the day lodge beneath Ymir Mountain the elevation is 5400ft (1640m), Whitewater’s dependably dry snowfall totals over 10 metres a season. That is more than 40 feet. There just aren’t many resorts that see snowfalls as big, as often.

To make the most of your experience, consider taking a course at the Adventure Centre. These courses get skiers and snowboarders alike past the falling or falling in love stage, and will turn you into a Whitewater lifer. From basic learn-to-ski to advanced clinics and two levels of avalanche awareness, the centre is a one-stop shop. Whether you are downhill skiing, snowboarding, telemarking, cross country skiing, or heading off into the backcountry, the committed, professionally trained snow school and snow safety instructors are passionate about ensuring you have the tools and information you need and will likely use. On-site amenities include the day lodge, Adventure Centre, Whitewater Store, Rentals & Repairs, Coal Oil Johnny’s Pub, Fresh Tracks Café, and Fresh Tracks Café Express. Free 1.5 to 2 hour mountain tours are offered daily at 10 am. Just meet up beside the rental shop steps at the northwest corner of the lodge by the Silver King Chair. You will see the Mountain Tour sign and the hosts in their bright orange jackets. For more information, you BC Canada

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

2016/17 GO & DO Winter

33 3

NELSON

Otter Books From local interest to international bestsellers, we’ve got you covered!

Wood-Fired Oven - Housemade Desserts - Music on Friday & Saturday Nights Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner • Fantastic Fiction & Non-Fiction • Kids’ Books • Metaphysical • Current Affairs • Travel Guides • Calendars • Journals • Topo Maps • Magazines • Cards

100% locally owned independent bookseller

398 Baker Street, Nelson 250-352-3434

515 Kootenay St., Nelson Phone 250-352-2332 www.maxandirmasrestaurant.com

Open Mon - Sat 9:30 - 5:30, Sun 11 - 4

, eople Free P stocks, Birken e…

Fry

Bringing you fabulous footwear from far away places...

456 Ward Street, Nelson 250.352.6754

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Visit us www.gokootenays.com

BC Canada

Nelson Sno-Goers

The Sno-Goers Club maintains over 200 kilometres of trails within their managed areas and grooms approximately 200 kilometres of trails Now in its second decade, in the Six MileCrusader Cabin on Meadow Mountain, an hour-ish north of Kaslo. the annual Coldsmoke Crusader-SpringerPowder Fest at Whitewater Lemon and Redfish attracts guests from far and wide. Big name outfitters, Creek areas. The club has built safety cabins in Crusader all the local outfitters, and purveyors of tantalizing food Creek, Meadow Mountain and Snowater. These cabins options converge on-site at Coldsmoke Village. Stroll are complete with wood heat and first aid gear, and offer through the tent city and check out the eclectic mix of shelter to snowmobilers in bad weather. You can book artisans while being entertained by performers of to stay overnight at the Meadow Mountain and Cruall stripes. The pop-up village is also the place to sader cabins. register for workshops led by seasoned mountain Trail maps and information about tour operveterans who can transmit all they know about ators and guides are available at Main Jet Motorthe power, beauty, danger and sheer joy that is sports in Nelson, Playmor Power (at the juncout there in the winter alpine. tion of Hwy 2 and 6A between Nelson and Come to compete, come to learn but above Castlegar), and the Nelson Visitor Centre. all, come to celebrate the culture of the KooConsider joining the Nelson Sno-Goers tenays and its passion for powder this Feband help keep sledding alive. If you would ruary 24 to 26 at the 11th Annual Kootenay like further information, visit their website Coldsmoke Powder Fest. For more info, www.nelsonsno-goers.webs.com/ visit www.coldsmokepowderfest.com “Coldsmoke” is the label given to the lightest, driest powder one can ski. Whitewater Ski Resort provides this in abundance and skiers revel in its glory.

Whether it’s a quick, healthy bite, or a big night out on the town, the Savoy Hotel offers sustainably sourced, farm-to-table menus, a state-of-the-art sound system, beautiful ambience, and friendly staff. You could even try our new beer!

778-463-0700 198 Baker Street, Nelson, BC.

savoyhotel.ca BC Canada

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

2016/17 GO & DO Winter

35 5

NELSON

Holy Coldsmoke!

NELSON

Fresh Pizza & Pasta Handmade Daily... for Lunch & Dinner Dine in, take out, sometimes delivery Nelson’s best selection of BC craft beers

Seriously Good!

itzapizza.ca

Salomon Armada Line K2 Scott Full Tilt

X-COUNTRY Fischer Salomon Madshus Alpina

downhill • backcountry • X-country

freshphotos.ca

YOUR SKI GEAR

DOWNHILL

413 Hall St, Nelson, BC 250-352-3573

Gerick Cycle & Ski 702 Baker St, Nelson, BC 1-877-GERICK-1_250-354-4622 www.gericks.com_info@gericks.com

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Visit us www.gokootenays.com

BC Canada

NELSON

Skiing Without Structure

Swim, Skate, Sweat

If you want to experience a winter’s day in the woods, under your own power, at your own pace and without lift lines or crowds, head to the hills just above Nelly town. Is your dog with you? Does she need a good run? Take her to Mountain Station and she will love you forever.

Leave your vehicle at the parking area at the top of Gore Street, or, if it’s just you and human company, take the Uphill bus. You can rent cross-country skis for the day at Gerick’s on Baker Street if you don’t have your own.

Mountain Station was once a stop on the Nelson and Fort Sheppard (N&FS) Railway that used to connect Spokane and Nelson. The old rails have been removed and now the Great Northern Rail Trail is used by bikers and hikers. In the winter the path is groomed for cross country skiing. There are other trails that branch off from Mountain Station and meander into the forest. Experience the beauty of the deep woods as you enjoy the rhythm of your stride, your breath and the sound of your skis on the crisp snow, like brushes lightly swishing a snare drum.

The Nelson & District Community Complex is your action-packed centre for inside fun! The aquatic centre has just been renovated. New features include spa-type sauna, steam room and hot pool, a rope swing, new 3 metre platform and diving areas in addition to the tot pool with water features, and a full range of water aerobics classes.

Feeling a bit sluggish? The Fitness Centre is fully equipped with weight equipment, cardio machines and friendly, qualified staff to assist you. Fitness classes include step aerobics, pilates, yoga, ball, low impact and indoor cycling. Child minding is available Monday to Friday in the mornings.

Everyone is welcome at public skating. You can rent a pair of skates at the arena or bring your own if you have them. Public skating is loads of fun and a perfect way to be active with the family. Helmets are recommended.

View schedules and events online at www.rdck.ca/EN/ main/services/recreation.html

Fashion changes - Style remains Casual Elegance for men & women

MEN • Guess • Mexx • Mavi Jeans • Point Zero

WOMEN

• Sandwich • Bianca Nygård • Dex • Joseph Ribkoff • Guess & Guess Bags • Sympli • And more!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Your Style Your Store

498 Baker St. Nelson 250-352-2272

NWWL IVL _QVM [PZQVM

STIR RMKLXP] JVSQ TQ [[[ EPPWIEWSRWGEJI GSQ ,IVVMHKI 0ERI 2IPWSR &'

BC Canada

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

2016/17 GO & DO Winter

37 7

CRESTON

Enjoy the beauty of Creston, and the comfort of Ramada.

• 65 beautifully appointed rooms • deluxe continental breakfast included

famous for more than just breakfast

• conference room

ramada.com/Creston Call 250-254-1111 or email crestonramada@trudex.ca Junction of Highway 3 and Highway 3A, Creston 38 3 8

GO & DO Winter

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Visit us www.gokootenays.com

BC Canada

Wintertime is beautiful in Creston. The vast expanse and depth of Kootenay Lake moderate the climate at the lower elevations of the valley bottom, so the mercury seldom dips below -10ºC. But if you climb up from the valley – especially towards Salmo via Highway 3 and the Kootenay Pass, the moisture laden air from below rises and drops a whomping amount of snow at the higher elevations. This makes the mountainous wilderness just west of Creston and south of Salmo a paradise for backcountry skiers.

Creston has several good restaurants and pubs and numerous hotels and motels, so it’s a great base for exploring the great outdoors. But if you have the time, plan for a day exploring within the town of Creston itself.

You’ll really enjoy the museum, especially if you’re from a farming background or are an aficionado of novels and films set about a hundred years ago. The evocative displays at the Creston Museum showcase a quirky selection of domestic articles and farm implements big and small.

At the beginning of your tour, a cleverly constructed diorama of the old town and railway system gives you an eagle’s eye view of the town and the valley. Some displays put you in the shoes of a 19th century doctor or dentist, or – horrors – one of their patients. Check out the old time vet equipment, and don’t miss the reproduction of a Kootenai Indian (Sinixt or Salish) canoe. These “sturgeonnosed” boats were made of bark and have a very unusual form – it is a design found only here and in eastern Siberia.

Salmo Salmo, Erie and Ymir were small mining towns that grew up along the right-of-way of the historic Nelson/ Fort Shepherd Railway during the gold rush years of 1896 and 1897. Gold, silver, lead, zinc and tungsten were mined in the surrounding mountains and Salmo grew as a centre for supplies and entertainment.

The Salmo River valley was famous for the large cedars that grew there. The early logging industry and forest fires have destroyed much of that original forest, but isolated stands can still be found, and huge stumps show the size of the old trees.

Today, Salmo calls itself the “Hub of the Kootenays” because it lies at the junction of two main highways. It is a quiet, friendly village with a population of approximately 1,130. The main industries are logging and tourism. The pretty town features heritage wooden buildings from the 1920s and 1930s and there are local attractions that keep visitors coming all year round.

The Salmo/Ymir area has many exceptional forest based recreation opportunities. The logging roads that have been carved into the mountains provide access into the backcountry for snowmobiling and cross country skiing.

The local ski hill has great downhill skiing/snowboarding. Other fantastic winter activities to pursue in Salmo include backcountry skiing, snow shoeing, dog sledding and winter fishing.

There is almost always something to do or watch at the Creston & District Community Complex. With an aquatic centre, ice rinks, and a fitness centre with an indoor track, it is one of the most complete athletic facilities in the region. A day pass is very reasonable. Call 250-4287127 for more info on schedules and rates. Join the local Junior Hockey fans in cheering on the Creston Valley Thundercats at a home game. Check out their schedule at www.gokootenays.com. Go T-Cats go!

Winter Wildlife Lace up your skates and glide across the ponds at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. Or take your fishing rod and hit the holes on Duck Lake. Duck Lake is a must see for wildlife watching, fishing, and snowshoeing or skiing along the flat top dykes.

You may be fortunate enough to see large mammals such as elk or moose. Earlier in the winter you may catch sight of muskrat, beaver and river otters. When the wetland freezes, the deer are wary of the coyotes and cougars as they approach free-flowing water for a drink.

The CVWMA is a 17,000 acre wetland habitat that stretches from the south end of Kootenay Lake to the US border. It is a designated wetland of international significance (Ramsar site) and recognized internationally as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and nationally as an Important Reptile and Amphibian Area (IMPARA). Over 286 species of birds, 57 species of mammals and 29 species of fish, reptiles and amphibians call the wetland of the CVWMA home. Visit www.crestonwildlife.ca for more information.

BC Canada

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

Your one stop for...

• F’real Milkshakes • lotto • ATM • groceries • gas • diesel • propane • sani dump NEW TOUCH SCREEN ESPRESSO MAKER

We have a great tourist information section that includes information on “To Dos” throughout the Kootenays.

Grab a bite to eat

and sit inside our one of a kind store or sit outside under cover and enjoy the view.

Don’t miss stopping at the Salmo Pump for fast friendly, efficient service

HOURS: Weekly Instore Specials

Monday – Saturday 6:00 am - 10:00 pm Sunday 6:30 am - 9:00 pm

THE SALMO PUMP 250-357-2227 2016/17 GO & DO Winter

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CRESTON/SALMO

Creston

SALMO

Winter Smarts

Get the skinny on saving your skin. There are several good websites that are useful for a refresh of your winter safety sense. Try www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/safety/ and most certainly www.avalanche.ca/forecasts/kootenay-boundary At www. backcountryskiingcanada.com you will find good information about safety, some popular routes including several at Stagleap Provincial Park, and there’s weven a forum that will help you find a skiing buddy.

If you are new to backcountry skiing, there are a few things to keep in mind. Research is essential – you need to have a very good idea of where you want to go and how you will get back. You need the right gear, adequate avalanche awareness and safety training, and dependable buddies. Make a plan, don’t deviate from it, and make sure more than one Most ski shops will be able to outfit you to travel safely in the backcountry. other person is aware of it. http://www.survivalonsnow.com

• Wireless internet • Open 7 days a week

Kicking Horse Coffee Homemade Baked Goods Hearty Breakfasts Fruit Smoothies, Gelato & Milkshakes Panini Sandwiches and more 413 Railway Ave, Salmo 250- 357-2867

Welcome to Salmo the “Hub of the Kootenays,”

Visit our museum to see historic photos of Salmo and exhibits of mining artifacts – even a mine tunnel.

SKYWAY HARDWARE

250-357-9911

Salmo is a small, friendly, historic town, snug in a beautiful valley of mining, farm and timber lands.

Be sure to see the...

• world’s largest penny • unique rock murals • revitalized heritage buildings

Get the feel of what life was like here in the early 1900s.

For more information:

Village Office

Chamber of Commerce

250-357-9433

250-357-2596 www.salmo.net www.discoversalmo.ca

www.salmo.ca

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BC Canada

the West Kootenay. The tour travels 7 km on a groomed trail that winds through dense forest, open fields and along the clear Salmo River.

Have you ever wanted to fly through the snow behind a dog team and shout Mush!? Well, get ready, because the Spirit of the North Kennels in Salmo offers you just that chance.

And now, to help you realize your dream of participating in the 1000 mile race, the Yukon Quest, Spirit of the North Kennels offers to teach you how to drive a team of Alaskan huskies! For more information on a truly Canadian adventure, go to www.spiritofthenorthkennels. weebly.com

When the snow falls, dog sledding is one of the winter activities enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. An exhilarating ride behind a team of enthusiastic Alaskan huskies will take you along some of the most beautiful trails in

Brought to you by Spirit of the North Kennels Salmo, BC

DOG SLEDDING SCHOOL:

Al Magaw has almost 4 decades of experience caring for, raising, and racing sled dogs.

LEARN TO DRIVE A TEAM OF ALASKAN HUSKIES

by yourself!

We also offer therapy training for dogs with behaviour problems.

DOGS BOARDED

RATES: Adults $99 • Children 7 - 12 accompanied by an adult $75 • Children 6 and under accompanied by an adult $50

250-357-9390 ~ almagaw@telus.net www.spiritofthenorthkennels.weebly.com BC Canada

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

Dog S

The tour travels on a beautifully groomed 7 km trail, through dense forests, open fields, and beside the crystal clear Salmo River

l

ing d d e

THE TRUE CANADIAN ADVENTURE

2016/17 GO & DO Winter

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SALMO

A Different Kind Of Sledding

SALMO

Ski Salmo If you’re looking for a fun family ski experience, Salmo has a great local hill just 2 km south of town on Highway 3. Salmo Ski Hill is a volunteer-run enterprise that is a well-deserved source of community pride. With friendly staff, incredible scenery and great winter temperatures, the hill is really a must-do. Amp up the experience by skiing at night on fully lit runs.

There are six groomed runs: gentle slopes, moguls, steep slopes, racing courses, a half pipe for snowboarders, and a bunny hill. There are cross country ski trails at the hill as well. Lift hours: 5:30 pm to 9 pm Monday to Thursday and 9 am to 3:30 pm Saturday and Sunday. Friday and Saturday nights are made available for hill rentals. Half day passes starts at noon. For two weeks over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, when the local kids are out of school, the ski hill is open every day until 3:30 pm. For more information visit www.skisalmo.com

Ski Salmo!

Ripple Ridge Cabins It takes about an hour on skins to reach the Ripple Ridge and the new Lightning Strike cabin from the Stagleap parking area. Stagleap Provincial Park is a wilderness area about halfway between Salmo and Creston in the SalmoCreston Pass. The skin tracks left by previous skiers are usually easy enough to follow and for this segment, there is no appreciable avalanche danger. The trail from the highway goes up and up (you will gain about 1500 feet in elevation), then levels off before it drops into the next valley. Look for the trail on the right leading to the cabins.

You can actually reserve to stay overnight through www. rippleridge.ca If you are an experienced backcountry skier, head out to where the real rewards are, further out to Baldy Rocks, The Muffin or Cornice Ridge. You are in for a ski day you will remember for the rest of your life.

Helping People Live Better Lives Day Rates: Adult $26 Senior $19 Student $19 Child $15

Night Rates: Adult $16 Senior $13 Student $13 Child: $10

• 6 runs • Night Skiing

Full Service Pharmacy including • Gifts and Souvenirs • Professional Medication Reviews • Compliance Packaging • Flu Shots 107-4th Street • 250-357-9444 • Travel Vaccinations

Salmo

Toll Free 1-866-313-2233 • Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30

PEOPLES DRUG MART

Fly Into A New Shopping Adventure...

Visit the home of the largest display of RC airplanes in the Kootenays at

SALMO FOODS 323 Davies Ave, Salmo, BC

We have what you need.

Visit our excellent fresh meat and produce departments – you will not be disappointed.

Open Mon-Sat 9am to 6pm

Reserve the whole hill just for your group!

Private Group Rental $165/hr, minimum 4 hr

Reservations, Information, Rentals 250-357-2323 www.skisalmo.com • info@skisalmo.com Check us out on Facebook

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Carrying a full line of grocery items including natural and bulk foods

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

BC Canada

Fruitvale, originally named Beaver Siding, began as a stop on the Great Northern Railroad. For over a hundred years, this small town on Beaver Creek has been important as a provisioning and social centre to miners, loggers and sawmill workers, and the workers at the smelting plant in Trail. It is now home to about 2,000 people.

Recreation is important in the Beaver Valley area. For a rural community there is a surprising variety of sports or activities to choose from, even in the wintertime. Almost all are organized, developed and enjoyed by volunteer clubs (but newcomers and visitors are usually welcome to join in.) The bowling club keeps its five lanes humming all year, and during the winter, a cross country skiing club and a snowmobiling club maintain trails throughout the area. Beaver Valley has two community halls (one in Fruitvale and one in Montrose), an arena for skating and ice hockey, a public library and the Park Siding Historical Log School site. Fruitvale also has some great little stores and places to get a bite.

Wilderness Outings

Gliding Through The Snow Grab your skis, your kids and your friends and head out for a bracing day of skiing in the Beaver Valley. A lovely spot to ski is where a lot of local people take their dogs for a good run – the trails in Beaver Valley Family Park. Or if you prefer groomed trails, glide through the forest and wind around the lakes on the 13 km of trails in Champion Lakes Park. The terrain is gentle and there is a warming shelter when you need to take a breather.

You can find a map of all the Champion Lakes trails at the trailhead by the parking lot of Champion Lakes Park. To get there take the Champion Lakes Road, approximately 10 km east of Fruitvale on Hwy 3B – watch for the blue sign.

Go Nitehawks Fans say the best hockey in the Kootenays takes place at the Beaver Valley Arena. The Beaver Valley Nitehawks offer experienced hockey, and the prospect of watching them hoist another trophy at the end of the season keeps their loyal fans in the stands year after year. If you’re in the area when they are playing, why don’t you join them? The schedule of the BV Nitehawks home games can be found by visiting www.gokootenays.com

While many hit the mountain slopes to ski come winter, others prefer a thrilling ride on a snowmobile destined for trails, logging roads and higher climbs.

The Beaver Mountain Snowmobile Association was created for just such winter adventurers. The Fruitvale membership is an active group who have taken on the challenge of finding the best places to ride in the area. The club works in cooperation with several land stewardship organizations, including the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Only club members are allowed to operate their sleds in the 136,000acre (55,000-hectare) privately owned property bordering the west shore of Kootenay Lake known as Darkwoods. The Beaver Valley Snowmobiling Association can be contacted through their website at www.bvrmntn.webs.com

Planning a Special Event?

DISCOVER THE GREAT OUTDOORS ~ IN THE KOOTENAYS DL#5996

1470 Hwy 3B, Fruitvale barrett.motorsports@shaw.ca • www.barretthondayamaha.com

Toll Free: 1-888-989-1615 • 250-367-6216 DL 5996

FRUITVALE MEMORIAL CENTRE

We have the place for you!

• Seating for 300 with bar, sound system, stage, and projector with big screen • Modern commercial kitchen • Round and rectangular tables • Competitive rates • Great for weddings and special events For Bookings 250-367-7551 BC Canada

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

www.village.fruitvale.bc.ca 2016/17 GO & DO Winter

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FRUITVALE

Fruitvale, The Heart Of Beaver Valley

TRAIL

Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 5 years running

COLUMBIA RIVER HOTEL

Heavenly Beds Free Full Hot Breakfast Buffet Onsite Casual Fine Dining Lounge Conference Facilities Free Wired & Wireless High Speed Internet Best of Best Westerns Worldwide (Top 1%!)

Green Key Hotel Phone: 250-368-3355 1For Rossland Avenue, Trail, V1R 3N7 Email: reservations call BC 1-800-465-6682 reservations@bestwesterntrail.com

EXPERIENCE THE AWARD WINNING

www.bestwesterntrail.com Phone: 250-368-3355 For reservations call 1-800-465-6682

COLUMBIA RIVER HOTEL

2769 Glenwood Drive Trail, BC V1R 2S6

250-368-5522 Reservations

1-800-667-9544

reservations@glenwoodinnandsuites.com

• Indoor and Outdoor Pools • Hot Tub and Fitness Room

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• Free Breakfast • High Speed Wireless Internet

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

BC Canada

TRAIL

Trail The Silver City, set along the banks of the Columbia River, is steeped in rich mining history. Just under 8,000 people call the area home, and it is one of BC’s important economic centres and the industrial heart of the Kootenays. The City of Trail owns and operates a regional airport that serves residents, the business community and of course the skiers and snowboarders from the coast bound for Red Mountain or the backcountry around Trail.

Trail had not yet come into being when the Dewdney Trail was started in 1860 to serve as a trade route from the coast to the BC interior. Adopting the name from the Dewdney Trail, the settlement on the legendary route was originally known as Trail Creek.

Trail’s transition from frontier to settlement began in 1895 when there was interest in building a smelter to serve the rich mines in Rossland. A small copper smelter on a bench above the townsite was completed in 1896, and named the British Columbia Smelting and Refining Company. This evolved into what is now known as Teck, a successful and innovative worldwide resource company.

Spanning the Columbia River: The Victoria Street Bridge (background) and the Columbia Skywalk. The Old Trail Bridge is in the foreground. Photo: trail.ca

Over the years, Trail has become the home of a very large Italian community that has contributed to the city’s distinctive character. Some say the best Italian food in the province is to be enjoyed here. If you’re in the mood for cooking, you’ll be inspired by the great selection of Italian specialties at Ferraro’s grocery downtown. If not, the Colander serves Italian right – family style with massive entrees and a big bowl of salad placed on the table for everybody to share. A sure bet if you’re hungry after a day on the slopes is the casual fine dining to be had at Benedict’s Steakhouse, or raise a glass with friends while you warm by the fireplace at the Tunnel Pub or at Foxy’s in the Best Western. (See the dining guide on the last pages of this guide for more details!)

Whether your passion is recreation, technology or history, Trail has a story to tell. The small town friendliness, lifestyle, rich history, favourable climate and access to four-season and first-class recreational facilities make it easy and affordable to explore Trail.

Curious about metals & mining?

Our story is innovative, informative and historic.

ALL SEASONS: Teck Interpretive Centre 200, 1199 Bay Ave., Trail 250 368-3144

JUNE TO AUGUST: Trail Museum 1051 Victoria St., Trail 250 364-0829

MAY TO SEPTEMBER: Rossland Museum Hwy 3B, Rossland 250 362-7722

trailhistory.com rosslandmuseum.ca goldfeverfollies.ca

Teck Trail Operations, www.teck.com

BC Canada

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

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TRAIL

Try A Teck Tour Teck’s Trail Operation is one of the largest zinc and lead smelting complexes in the world. Using state of the art technology and employing 1,500 people, Teck’s smelting and refining complex at Trail produces a wide range of metals and related products.

The Teck Interpretive Centre is a mini science centre located in downtown Trail. It features interactive, hands-on exhibits which tell the story of what Teck’s Trail Operations do and how this major industry monitors and protects the environment. Learning extends even to the restroom where labels identify which items contain elements produced by Teck. The centre is located above the TD Bank in downtown Trail, #200-1199 Bay Avenue, and is open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday all year round.

Free guided tours of the giant Zinc Electrolytic and Melting Plant are given Monday through Friday and begin at the Teck Interpretive Centre. Minimum age is 12 years. Flat, enclosed walking shoes, slacks, and long sleeved shirts or jackets are required. In winter, the tours need to be booked 24 hours in advance so call the 250-368-3144 to book a tour.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to experience the innovative processes at Teck’s Trail Operations.

Concerts At The Charles Bailey The Charles Bailey Theatre is a beautiful 721 seat, art deco style theatre in downtown Trail. It is part of a complex that houses a centre for the arts as well as the Trail campus of Selkirk College. Besides the main theatre space, the Bailey, the centre offers the intimate space of the Muriel Griffith’s room and comfortable conference rooms.

The Arts Council brings in must-see acts and world class musicians. Upcoming shows include Canadian icon rocker Tom Cochrane, the dance extravaganza of Three Sides Of A Coin (flamenco and Oriental belly dance; Irish tap/Indian dance or Brazilian Capoeira; and World Music Percussionists in a series of dance vignettes), the local and very accomplished classical singer Savannah Bisset, and much more. The Bailey is located at 1501 Cedar Avenue, 250-368-9669. Check the event calendar and get your tickets at www.trail-arts.com

Everything you need in a Bakery!

Renting & Selling Quality Cars at Great Prices • compacts • mid size • full size

• 15 passenger vans • minivans • moving trucks

84=;" [X MK QI T\ a JZMIL[ J] V[ XI[\Z a 0QOP 9]ITQ\a 1VOZMLQMV\[

• SUVs • pickups

Trail 250-364-0211 Creston 250-428-9343 Nelson 250-352-5122 Castlegar Airport 250-365-1980

The

%D\ $YH 7UDLO

Drive a Good Bargain! trail@practicar.ca www.practicar.ca

Let us tantalize your taste buds with our signature slow roasted prime rib, ame broiled steaks, homemade burgers, soups and salads. Come in from the cold!

Pastry S h o p

Join us for HAPPY HOUR

Mon– Sat 1pm till 5:30pm

Off the Slopes Winter Special Four Fabulous Courses for $45

- Monday -

W IN G DAY

3 SchoďŹ eld Hwy., Trail 250-368-3360 46 4 6

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Wings on Special ALL DAY! Plus, buy any jug of beer and get FREE WINGS! Visit us www.gokootenays.com

BC Canada

After an invigorating day on the high slopes of Red Mountain, descend to the City of Trail. The award winning Best Western Plus Columbia River Hotel is right downtown. Feel right at home in the well-appointed rooms. Another popular place to stay is the Glenwood Motel. It has consistently high ratings for cleanliness and friendliness. It has a hot tub and a fitness room, and the motel is dog friendly.

For information on Trail transit, visit www.transitbc. com/regions/wkt/schedules/map.cfm To hire a shuttle bus for your group that comes with the bonus of a driver who knows where to play in the snow, call 250-231-4305.

Smoke Eaters The Trail Smoke Eaters have a long and rich history in the city of Trail. They play in the BC Hockey League Network and have contributed significantly to the remarkable sporting reputation of the city. The Smokies still hold the distinction of being the last Canadian amateur hockey team to win a World Championship (1961).

Be sure to come out to the Cominco Arena to see the Smoke Eaters play! Wander the halls of the Sports Hall of Fame while you are waiting for the game to start.

To learn more about the historic Trail Smoke Eaters, visit www.HistoricSmokeEaters.ca To find out when the Smoke Eaters are playing at home, visit www.gokootenays.com

Robots Are Awesome!

– And the fact that it is easier than ever to design, collaborate and produce a robot, and that you can do so just outside of Trail in an MIT-certified digital fabrication laboratory (or “Fab Lab”) is even more awesome!

Trail’s brand new MIDAS Fab Lab is the game changer that promises to elevate technological capacity and creativity in the Kootenays. MIDAS stands for Metallurgical Industrial Development Acceleration and Studies. The lab is an accessible space with state of the art equipment including 3D printers and scanners, milling and woodworking equipment, an electronics lab and more.

The Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) is behind all the mind-bending possibilities of the Fab Lab. KAST is a non-profit organization that offers business development services such as coaching, expertise, training, and development projects to stimulate the growth of applied science and technology entrepreneurship.

You can become a member of MIDAS, or just drop in and see what it’s all about. The Fab Lab is at 2950 Highway Drive, Trail. Follow “MIDAS Fab Lab” on Facebook for cool Maker tips or visit their website www.midaslab.ca

MAXIMIZE YOUR

BRAKES

s MOTORHOME SERVICE & REPAIR (MH lift available) s AUTO SYSTEMS EXPERTS s TIRES s FREE INSPECTIONS s CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN

Dick n’ Jane’s Adult Boutique

East Trail (close to Safeway) 1701 3rd Ave, Trail

250-368-3114

s WRITTEN LIFETIME GUARANTEE ON MUFFLER, BRAKES, SHOCKS & STRUTS 2929 Hwy. Dr, Trail

• Lingerie • Lubes & lotions • High end toys • Costumes • Health benefits such as Kegel exercises for women and prostate stimulators for men • Plus much much more

250-368-5228

.QXG Italian Food? .QXG

The

“Come Twirl With Us”

Shopping at Waneta Plaza?

Italian family style dining featuring our world famous spaghetti dinner!

Lunch Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm Weekdays.

BC Canada

The River Belle Our banquet facility!

For Reservations 250-364-1816 1475 Cedar Avenue, Trail

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

Try the Colander Express Pasta and More 250-364-3060 Dinner Hours: 4:30–8:30 pm Daily.

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TRAIL

Stay In Trail, Ride To Red

ROSSLAND

Powder Mecca Steeped with a history rich in gold and silver mining, the picturesque alpine city of Rossland is perched high in the Monashee Mountain range. When gold was discovered on Red Mountain by two transient prospectors in 1890, Rossland was quickly dubbed the Golden City.

races with bobsleds, snowmobiles, GTs, skis, snowshoes, mountain bikes with the big fat tires, golf clubs, and running shoes. Keeping the beat, the Boomtown Garter Girls will be performing around town. Plan to be in Rossland January 26-29, 2017 and get immersed into the finest kind of winter mountain culture. It’s a blast!

Skiing has played a large part in the town’s hisCan’t make it to the carnival? That’s tory. Olaus Jeldness came to Rossland in 1896. alright – for such a small town, it is He represented the very peak of skiing ability Trick skiing demos downtown at the carnival. in Canada, and even perhaps the continent, at Photo: Dave Heath, courtesy Tourism Rossland truly amazing that you can find something original to watch or try out in the time. Local legend has it that Olaus jumped any month of the winter.

Here are just a few: clear over a train standing at the Red Mountain station, a prodigious and spectacular feat in any day.

TOUR DE SOUP January 14. Ski between the three cabins at Blackjack Cross Country Ski Area and get served hot soup made by Rossland’s restaurant chefs when you stop. A fun and free family event.

2017 marks the 119th Annual Rossland Winter Carnival. Olaus Jeldness pioneered the event in 1898 – the first CANADIAN OPEN FREESKIING CHAMPIONSHIPS ever winter carnival in western Canada.

January 18–21. The Canadian Open Freeskiing Championship is in its 19th year. It’s the longest running Rossland and Red Mountain are bopping both day and freeski event in Canada. night on carnival weekend, every year at the end of January. It begins with a variety show on Thursday evening BEER GOGGLES CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL and hardly stops until Sunday night. On Saturday and Mar 18&19. Like snow? Like suds? Like to party? Then Sunday, the internationally award winning artists of this growler of an alefest is your event. It’s at Red, at the the Slocan Snow Sculptures will be creating new works bottom of the hill. throughout town. Friday sees a lot of action: races and a parade downtown, bonfires, fire spinners, live music…

Watch the street fill up with dancers stomping, the best way to keep warm! During the day, there are creative A day at Red is a must do for any skier on the powder

Rossland Winter Carnival

Red Mountain

highway. Red Mountain ski area is three big mountains, Red, Granite and Grey. With 2877 total lift serviced acres of terrain (2919 vertical feet), 110 marked runs plus 4200 acres of easy to access backcountry, Red boasts a powerful potential for unforgettable skiing and boarding. If you are a new guest to Red Mountain Resort, take advantage of the fantastic Snowhost program with free tours of the mountain. Stop by the guest services office for details.

Tours depart twice daily from the base area.

KOOTENAY GATEWAY INFORMATI0N – ART – TRAVEL – ADVENTURES

Fat Bike Rentals & Sales 250-362-5688 www.revolutioncycles.ca 48 4 8

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Visit us www.gokootenays.com

• Guided Snowshoe and Fat Bike Tours • Airport Shuttle Service • Private Hire • Corporate Events • Weddings • Parties 2118 Columbia Ave, Rossland www.kootenaygateway.com 250-362-0080

BC Canada

Creston

Kaslo

Ktunaxa Grill pg 11

Ricky’s All Day Grill pg 38

The Treehouse Restaurant pg 12

Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort Fresh, local indigenous-inspired cuisine. Located 45 minutes north of Nelson, open year round from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm. Reservations recommended. 250-229-4212 or 1-800668-1171.

Jb’s Restaurant & Pub pg 12 Where visitors become locals! Bring your friends and family for our world famous fish and chips, flame broiled burgers, AAA steak and piled high nachos all at a good value. Please call ahead for seasonal hours. Located just 4 km north of Ainsworth Hot Springs on Hwy 31, 250-353-7716 or 250-353-7717.

Castlegar

B’s Eatery & Public House Chances Castlegar pg 22 B’s Public House, located in Chances Castlegar, is one of Castlegar’s newest places to wine and dine. They offer a full service restaurant and lounge with the biggest screen in the Kootenays to watch your favourite games. Enjoy the pub style atmosphere and the full menu, ranging from unbeatable wings to steak dinners. B’s Public House also offers a full banquet facility and nothing beats a prime rib buffet prepared by their Chef and his team. B’s is open 7 days a week starting at 11 am, and is located in Chances Community Centre next to the Castlegar Airport. Hope to see you soon!

Wandering Greek Oven Restaurant pg 23 Not all those who wander are lost…

The Wandering Greek Oven Restaurant is an independently owned and operated family-style restaurant that serves authentic and flavourful Greek cuisine. The food is inspired from cuisines that the new owners have discovered while wandering across the globe, all of which are cooked with love by the owner/Greek chef, and served by an attentive and friendly staff. They take great care to produce consistently delicious selections with fresh ingredients and award-winning homemade recipes Come try out the new dinner, pizza and lunch menus!

Serving Castlegar with delivery and pickup options. Open Tuesday through Saturday 11:30 am – 8:30 pm.

400 Columbia Ave, Castlegar, 250-3652311.

Creston Ramada Inn For over 50 years Ricky’s has been serving up great food at great prices. Now enjoy the Ricky’s menu in Creston at the new Ramada Inn. All day, every day, a medley of tasty selections is served in a comfortable, friendly setting that’s the perfect environment for catching up with friends and family, or spending some one-on-one time with someone special. With a full catering menu they can accommodate your group, small or large, either on-site at the Ramada or at a local venue of your choosing. When you’re craving great food, great service and great value, you can count on Ricky’s! 250-428-8826.

Kaslo

Kaslo Hotel pg 2 Bask in the glow of the crackling fire of the wood burning fireplace while enjoying a tasty meal and a locally brewed beer – 10 on tap to choose from! Stunning views of Kootenay Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Kitchen open until 9 pm. For reservations call 250-353-7714. www. kaslohotel.com

Sunnyside Naturals pg 14 The organic eatery in Kaslo. Fresh daily soups, wraps, pitas, salads: green, quinoa, potato. Numerous varied accompaniments according to the season and local source availability.

Juice bar with create-your-own option of freshly squeezed and blended drinks and smoothies. Nutritionally complete, fabulous taste! Open 7 days a week May to December, 9 am – 6 pm Monday through Saturday and 10 am – 4 pm Sundays. January through April, Monday to Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm. Front Street. 250-353-9667.

FOODIE FEATU E

FOODIE FEATURE

Ainsworth/Woodbury

Nelson

BiBO pg 28

Located on Front St in Kaslo, the Treehouse Restaurant is known far and wide for their Eggs Benedict, omelettes and breakfast bowls. The extensive lunch menu includes great vegetarian fare, plus burgers, pita melts, nachos, burritos, steaks, wraps and so much more! All with generous portions and priced to please. Choose from a large selection of homemade desserts. Treat the whole family. Open daily at 6:30 am, fully licensed. 250353-2955. Full menu online at www. kaslotreehouse.com

Nakusp

Kingfisher Restaurant pg

19 Halcyon Hot Springs Resort Enjoy dining at Halcyon Hot Springs Village and Spa. The talented culinary team welcome you to the Kingfisher Restaurant. The setting is spectacular, overlooking the lake and mountains. The Kingfisher is known for its excellent food and great service, a wine list featuring local and international wines, and a wonderful selection of beverages. Dress up or down and relax in the fireside lounge, or reserve the private dining room for your group. Open daily. 1-888689-4699.

Fireside Lounge pg 20

K2 Rotor Lodge Centrally located in downtown Nakusp, the Lodge offers something for everyone. The Fireside Lounge is renowned for its hearty pub fare.

The dining room is perfect for families, serving everything from a quick bowl of homemade soup to a full menu offering fine dining and nightly specials in the evenings. Open daily Monday-Friday 6 am – 9 pm and Saturday & Sunday 7 am – 9 pm.

Phone 250-265-3618.

Nelson

All Seasons Café pg 37 Left Coast Inland Cuisine.

Fresh seasonal fare paired with a remarkable wine list. Small, intimate, cosmopolitan, funky – a microcosm of Nelson itself.

Supporting local farmers since 1995 and winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

Enjoy nightly Blackboard Specials – appies, small plates and main dishes.

Located in a handsome heritage cottage a bit off the beaten path between Baker and Victoria Street.

A bit tricky to find but well worth the effort. Busy, so reservations are a good idea. Open nightly at 5 pm. 620 Herridge Lane, Nelson.

250-352-0101.

Locally Sourced, Foreign Inspired, Domestic Cooking. BiBO serves globally inspired bistro fare and inspired comfort food. Menus evolve and are created using the finest local, in season or organic ingredients. BiBO has a carefully selected organic, biodynamic or natural wine list and crafted cocktails. Enjoy the experience within historic brick walls centrally located on the upper end of the new Hall Street Plaza bordering the park. Open 5 pm to late nightly.

518 Hall St, Nelson. 250-352-2744.

Find BiBO Nelson on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events and features. www.bibonelson.ca

Café Momento pg 32 Baker Street’s late night source of specialty coffees, fabulous soups and savouries and decadent desserts. Featuring REAL hot chocolate, wheat and gluten-free options, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

There is something for everyone at Cafe Momento! Hours: Friday and Saturday 9 am to midnight; Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday, Sunday 9 am to 10 pm; Monday closed. 535 Baker St, Nelson. For more info, like us on Facebook.

Cantina del Centro pg 28 Specializing in authentic Mexican street food, Cantina del Centro captures the essence and flavours of traditional Mexican cuisine. Offering delicious dishes from across Mexico’s varied culinary landscape, including tacos, tortas, tostadas, ceviches, soups and desserts. Explore the extensive Tequila and Mezcal menu with over 60 varieties! Open for lunch, dinner and late night taco window. Join friends this winter for a refreshing cerveza, a signature margarita and an unforgettable experience! Follow Cantina del Centro on Facebook or on the web at www.cantinadelcentro.ca 561 Baker St, Nelson. 250-352-3737.

Empire Coffee pg 26 The Adventure Hotel Welcome to Empire Coffee, Nelson’s only third wave coffee house serving Direct Trade coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters and pour-over organic teas. Fresh baking and sandwiches are made in house daily.

Come enjoy the unique solarium seating in the sun and warmth with friends. Located next to The Adventure Hotel, 616 Vernon St, Nelson. Open 6 am weekdays, and 7 am on weekends and holidays. 250-352-7211.

www.allseasonscafe.com

BC Canada

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

2016/17 GO & DO Winter

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FOODIE FEATURE

F ODIE FEATURE Nelson

Nelson

Nelson

Trail

Falls Music Lounge pg 35

Louie’s Steakhouse and Lounge pg 26

Rel-ish Bistro pg 28

Benedict’s Steakhouse & Tunnel Pub pg 46

Savoy Hotel Looking for a dash of sophistication with a twist of good taste? Some spectacularly delicious food and drink to wash it all down? Find it all at the Falls Music Lounge, Nelson’s newest dining experience. Choose one of our hearth baked pizzas, or sustainably sourced meats cooked on our Josper Charcoal Grill. Cocktails are creative, the BC wine list deep, and there’s live music every night.

198 Baker St, Nelson.

778-463-0700.

Farm Fresh Cafe pg 35

Savoy Hotel Featuring locally sourced, sustainable to-go foods, at Farm Fresh Café build your own plate or choose from the chef’s menu with soups, salads, wraps, bowls, smoothies, and more.

The ideal place to grab a quick, healthy bite before heading out for an all-day adventure. Open for breakfast and lunch only. 198 Baker St, Nelson.

778-463-0700.

Hume Hotel & Spa pg 30 The nostalgic Hume Hotel & Spa features three venues for your dining pleasure – The Library Lounge, The General Store Family Restaurant and Mike’s Place Pub.

The Adventure Hotel Louie’s Steakhouse offers a distinctly metropolitan culinary experience in Nelson’s historic, bustling downtown.

Whether it’s an intimate evening for two or a casual gathering amongst friends, Louie’s Steakhouse & Lounge is sure to provide an experience you won’t soon forget. Specializing in signature steaks, specialty pastas, rustic thin crust pizza, and FRESH seafood, Louie’s Steakhouse offers the finest quality food and exemplary service in an atmosphere of abundant comfort. Located in The Adventure Hotel, 616 Vernon St. 250-352-5570.

Main Street Diner pg 27 Enjoy a casual, fun atmosphere and consistently excellent food, with menu items for everyone including roast leg of lamb, souvlaki, sirloin steaks, gourmet burgers, melts, wraps, a fabulous kids’ menu and homemade English style fish and hand cut chips. Also offering homemade desserts such as baklava and double baked cheesecakes, plus after dinner specialty coffees. Main Street Diner is open daily at 11 am for lunch and dinner. 616 Baker Street, Nelson. Phone 250-354-4848. Fully licensed.

The General Store Family Restaurant offers full food and beverage service for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The General Store Sunday Brunch, served from 11 am to 2 pm, is a favourite amongst locals and visitors.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday after 5 pm come for the famous Hume Hotel Weekend Prime Rib. The intimate, fireside Library Lounge offers up nightly live jazz from 6 – 10 pm while Mike’s Place Pub offers up a wide array of delicious, local organic craft beer. All major credit cards accepted. Located on the corner of Ward and Vernon St, Nelson. Phone 250-352-5331.

Max & Irma’s Kitchen pg 34

Itza Ristorante & Pizzeria pg 36

Outer Clove Restaurant

Indulge in the flavours of Itza’s fresh handmade pastas or savour the taste of their national and international award winning pizzas. Explore Itza’s unique and contemporary culinary offerings.

Itza is happy to satisfy your palate with a select list of Italian wines and BC VQA plus 6 taps of BC craft beers.

Or how about a refreshing classic martini? All hungry people are welcome to enjoy the relaxed ambience, or grab it and go. Lunch: Tuesday to Saturday 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. Dinner Tuesday to Saturday 4:30 pm till late, Sunday 4:30 to 8:30 pm. Downtown Nelson at 413 Hall St. Reservations recommended. 250-352-3573.

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Max & Irma’s Kitchen offers you the very best for lunch and dinner. All meals are prepared fresh and cooked in Max & Irma’s own wood fired oven – a time honoured method of cooking that imparts a unique flavour like no other cooking style. Every Monday is Ethnic Night! Definitely described as the dining destination spot in the Kootenays… come and experience Max & Irma’s for yourself!! 515 Kootenay St, Nelson. 250352-2332. Major credit cards accepted. www.maxandirmasrestaurant.com

pg 28 Longtime Nelson favourite, Outer Clove Restaurant offers contemporary and classic dishes from around the world. While garlic infuses the food – from a subtle hint to a more intense flavour explosion – the service is warm and friendly, and the vibe casual. Everything on the evolving menu is freshly prepared from scratch and there are daily lunch and dinner specials. Enjoy a draft NBC beer with your meal, or a BC wine or one of our famous cocktails.

The cozy, family-friendly restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, Monday to Saturday at 536 Stanley Street, Nelson (half a block uphill from Otter Books on Baker). 250-354-1667.

Check out the menu at www.outerclove.com Like us on Facebook.

2016/17

At Rel-ish, Chef Trevor Ditzel and his staff offer their patrons a divine mix of nouveau flavours and triedand-true favourites from your past.

This is the place where hipster style blends with a sincere love of cooking from the heart. From appetizers to desserts, Rel-ish delights the palates of the young and old, the trendy and traditional. Licensed. Open from 11 am until late. 301 Baker St, Nelson.

250-352-5232.

Uptown Sports Bar pg 26

The Adventure Hotel The Uptown Sports Bar is a premium gastropub and Nelson’s sports headquarters. With FRESH local food made in house by their award winning chef, great music and the friendliest staff in town, it truly is “the place to be… and be seen.” Come as you are.

The welcoming atmosphere is created by the great team, urban art deco design, great music and dozens of flat screens. The Uptown Sports Bar is the perfect place to meet associates for lunch, celebrate a special occasion or gather your friends for the game.

Open 7 days a week at 11 am.

Located in The Adventure Hotel, 616 Vernon St. 250-352-2715.

Yum Son Viet-Modern pg 33

New to the Nelson dining scene, Yum Son Viet-Modern blends Vietnamese and French cuisine, set in a casual fine-dining atmosphere.

Local Chef Amanda Skidmore, highlights a true taste of Vietnam – offering a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese specialities, such as Banh Mi sandwiches, Pho soups, steamed buns, spring rolls, noodle bowls and more. The Yum Son dinner menu features many unique main dishes such as lacquered quail, shaking beef, Cha Ca sablefish and tamari sesame duck, just to name a few. There are several options available for family-style dining, including the choice to embark on a culinary journey in which Chef Amanda presents you with a variety of her favourite dishes, sure to satisfy any foodie! Thinking cocktails?

Get ready for delicious, hand-crafted libations showcasing Asian ingredients and flavours, and an interesting spin on the traditional. Yum Son also offers a full wine list, Vietnamese iced coffees, organic fair-trade teas, and several thirst-quenching virgin beverages. Open daily for lunch and dinner as well as all-day take away. Follow Yum Son Viet-Modern on the web at www. yumson.ca and like them on Facebook/ YumSonVietmodern.

522 Victoria St, Nelson.

778-463-2234.

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

Tantalize your taste buds with Benedict’s signature slow roasted prime rib, flame broiled steaks, homemade burgers, soups and salads.

Daily food & drink specials complement their extensive menu where you’ll find all your favourites plus Benedict’s unique take on the classics.

Whether you’re looking for casual fine dining or a relaxing pub atmosphere Benedict’s has you covered!

Happy Hour in the pub, Monday through Saturday, 1 – 5:30 pm.

Reservations 250-368-3360 or online at www.benedictssteakhouse.ca.

3 Schofield Highway, Trail. “Give Us A Try... Your Mouth Will Love It!”

Colander pg 47 The Colander Restaurant is a family restaurant specializing in great Italian food. Lots to eat, served family style, at reasonable prices – The Colander has become known as “The Trail Tradition.” The Colander special includes: salad, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken and jojo potatoes, and a dinner roll. Or you can choose from a variety of other Italian favourites.

Visa and MasterCard accepted. 1475 Cedar Ave Trail. Phone 250-364-1816.

Now available at Waneta Plaza – The Colander Express with pasta and more.

Foxy’s Fine Food & Drinks pg 44

Best Western Plus Columbia River Discover the city’s premier casual fine dining destination in the award winning Best Western Plus Columbia River Hotel. Foxy’s offers up delicious west coast cuisine, great wines, contemporary cocktails, lavish décor and legendary service.

Daily drink specials plus… Half off Happy Hour 3:30 to 5:30 pm daily.

Wine Up Tuesdays & Wine Down Thursdays. Come in for Ladies Night on Wednesdays: Foxy ladies drink For $3! Finish off your work week with Foxy Friday’s Famous $5 Features.

Foxy Families – minors accompanied by a parent or guardian permitted until 9 pm. For reservations call 250-368-3355.

BC Canada

DINING

NELSON| KOOTENAY LAKE

findingawesome.ca

BC Canada

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

2016/17 GO & DO Winter

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ving Generations of Famil r e S s r a e ies 30 Y with Generations of FUN!

* Puppets * Klutz & Usborne Books * Brain Teasers * Art & Craft Supplies * Colouring & Activity Books * Stuffed Toys * Melissa & Doug Wooden Toys * Science Kits * Playmobil * Lego * Travel Games & Activities * Stickers * Balsa Gliders * Board Games * Novelties * Diaries & Journals * Magic Kits * Ravensburger Puzzles & Games * Schleich Animal & Fairy Figurines * Infant & Toddler Toys * Gifts * Die Cast Vehicles * Cards

The Best Toys from Around the World We Ship Anywhere!

Monday to Saturday 9:30 am – 5:30 pm Sundays 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

455 Ward St., across from the Hume Hotel in Historic Downtown Nelson 250-352-9114 email sgtoys@telus.net 52

GO & DO Winter

2016/17

Visit us www.gokootenays.com

BC Canada