Boating

Slocan Lake is heaven for canoeists, kayakers, sailors and small motorboat operators. It is, however, a large lake on which winds blow up without warning so please paddle close to shore on days when the weather is sketchy, carry flares, and tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.

Public boat launches are located at the Summit Lake Rest Area, Rosebery, New Denver, Silverton and Slocan.

Cycling

Despite the epic hills, bicycling is popular here. Highways 6 and 31A have very narrow verges so cycling can be hazardous. See the Trails page for for mountain biking information.

Fishing

Slocan and Summit Lakes are great for fishing. Rainbow and bull trout, kokanee salmon, mountain whitefish and ling cod are the common catch. You can get a fishing license at the hardware store in Winlaw and Mountain Valley Station in Slocan or online at . You’ll find better fishing at alpine lakes. See . Be familiar with the Ministry of Environment’s .

Golf

Slocan Lake Golf Course: One kilometre north of New Denver on Hwy. 6. Public 2,452-metre nine-hole course. Restaurant open during golfing season.

Motorcycling

The winding roads through spectacular scenery draw motorcyclists from afar, but be warned that accidents have occurred along the sharp curves so please drive carefully!

Scuba Diving

Scuba divers can find historic wrecks below Rosebery (the hull of the S.S. Slocan sternwheeler), on the western shore (a partially submerged old CPR barge), and off Silverton (three boxcars). Elsewhere aquatic explorers can find many other relics of the late 19 ^th and early 20 ^th century mining era.

Snowmobiling

From mid-November to mid-May, an annual average snowfall of 1.7 to 2.6 m across spectacular, varied terrain lures snowmobilers to the backcountry.

Skiing

Backcountry

This terrain makes for superb backcountry skiing, and the Kootenays are known worldwide for their deep powder. The best months for skiing and snowboarding are December to February with an average of 130 cm of snow per month in December and January and 65 cm in November, February and early March. See the Canadian Avalanche Association website for avalanche conditions before venturing into the backcountry.

Canadian Avalanche Association:

Cross-country

Cross-country skiing is popular along rail trails. See our .

Downhill

Summit Lake Ski Hill & Tube Park is volunteer-run. This is where all local youngsters learn to ski and snowboard. Affordable, family-oriented. Day lodge, ski rentals, lessons, T-bar and rope tow, bunny hill to expert slopes.

Summit Lake Ski Hill website: