Ready to visit a hidden gem in the Kootenays? Tucked away between the communities of Castlegar, Nelson, and Trail, British Columbia is the Village of Salmo – a former mining town that emerged during the gold rush of 1896. Here, visitors may be surprised to find a variety of quirky attractions – from the world’s oldest phone booth to a giant penny!

In terms of the great outdoors, Salmo is home to a range of beautiful regional parks and multi-use trails, whether you’re up for mountain biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, or even horseback riding.

This includes the famed Great Northern Rail Trail, a scenic trail connecting Salmo and Nelson covering 48 kilometres.

Great Northern Rail Trail

The historic trail follows the former CPR Rail, which once served as an important connection for the West Kootenay mining towns. While all the rails and ties were removed in 1998, visitors can still embark on the same journey residents made over 100 years ago.

The famed trail is now a part of the TransCanada Trail system, allowing hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers to enjoy the scenery every season.

Springboard Park is another top outdoor destination, revered for its stunning old-growth and ancient cedar stumps, and views of the meandering Salmo River.

Ski trails

Salmo visitors can also check out Eerie Lake and its surrounding rivers, which provide year-round fishing (and ice fishing) opportunities.

During ski and snowboard season, the popular Salmo Ski Hill is known for its excellent night skiing.

There are also groomed ski trails at the nearby Beaver Valley Ski Club at Champion Lakes and the Apex Trails operated by the Nordic Ski Club.

So there you have it, adventurers. It’s time to put this picturesque village on your road trip map if you’re headed to the West Kootenays!

Salmo 

How to get there: Drive seven and a half hours from Vancouver via Crowsnest Highway/BC-3 E.

Recent Posts:
There’s a lakeside town in BC known for its stunning waterfall with autumn colours
Some of the world’s largest spruce trees are in BC at this wilderness park

Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

Read articles