North Slocan Valley is where to go for lakeside recreation and a hit of adventure.
You’d be hard pressed to find fresher air, taller mountains or cleaner water than the splendor that awaits you in the rural area of North Slocan Valley.
Summit Lake Provincial Park is located 18 km southeast of Nakusp, perched in the mountains between Slocan Lake and Upper Arrow Lake. With a small park and campground leading into crystal clear water perfect for swimming, paddling or fishing, Summit Lake is a hidden gem with a surprising secret.
At the end of each fall, thousands of Western Toads emerge from the lake, hungry for food on their migration to their winter habitat in the forest. Locals and visitors alike take part in ‘The Great Toad Crossing’, protecting these favourite amphibians from the dangers of the highway. All 35 water-view campsites are vehicle accessible, with both single and double sites available.
The Park is open year around unless inaccessible due to weather conditions. The campground is open from May to September.
In winter, Summit Lake Ski Hill is fun for the whole family. Skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing all have their place here, with night skiing available on Fridays. The tube park is a hit with kids and the kids at heart.
The Valhalla Hills Nordic Ski Club maintains approximately 12 km of trail for skate and classic skiing and is the favourite spot at the north end of Slocan Valley. This includes over 8 km at the ski area between Hills and Summit Lake and a 4 km section of the rail trail heading north from Hills.
Find more information on Snow Sports.
The Box Lake recreation site is popular for its sandy beach and the trout and kokanee stocked lake. The peacefulness is maintained by the paddle or electric motor only boats allowed on the lake. The mountain bike trail network across from Box Lake features a variety of moderate to advanced descents and a climbing trail.
Find more information on Mountain Biking.
A former sternwheeler landing, Rosebery is best known for its riverside beaches, wilderness access, mountain bike trails and intimate camping opportunities. Rosebery Provincial Park has a forested setting on Wilson Creek with private sites and basic amenities that provide the perfect staging ground for backcountry exploration into the nearby Valhalla, Kokanee and Goat Range Provincial Parks.
Hills is a rural residential community 9 km from Rosebery and 30 km from Nakusp. A former railway stop, ‘Hills Siding’, then lumber sawmill, this rural residential area of Slocan Valley now has walking trails, beaches and a public boat launch. Best known as the birthplace of the Hills Garlic Festival with the slogan, ‘Where Culture Meets Agriculture’, the festival outgrew its roots and made its move to New Denver Centennial Park in 2003. The festival welcomes 1000’s of guests each year.
