Last Updated on June 15, 2022
When we started planning our road trip to New Denver, we honestly did not know much about this historic town. All we knew is that we wanted to stay in the quaint dome cottage at The Adventure Domes and have some great dirt road adventures on our road trip to New Denver. There was so much more to do than we realized!
Where Is New Denver?
New Denver is a friendly town located in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia. Nestled between Slocan Lake and the Purcell Mountains, New Denver has a population of just over 1,000 people. The town was founded in 1897 by prospectors during the Silver Rush, and many of the historic buildings from that era are still standing today. New Denver is known for its beautiful setting and its relaxed, small-town atmosphere. The town is home to a number of artists and craftspeople, and there are several galleries and studios to explore.
Why Visit New Denver?
If you are looking for a place to enjoy the great outdoors, then you will want to check out New Denver, British Columbia. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, New Denver is an outdoor paradise. There are countless trails to explore, and the scenery is simply stunning. Whether you are looking to hike, bike, or just take a leisurely walk, you will find what you’re looking for in New Denver. Whether you are an experienced adventurer or just looking to spend some time in nature, be sure to add New Denver to your list of must-visit destinations.
Here is what we got up to on our road trip to New Denver:
The Adventure Domes
The domes have such a fun personality with their unique architecture. We stayed in dome #2 and we had to laugh every time we looked at it because felt like we were sleeping in a big teapot. The kids thought it was the best accommodation ever and loved being able to run around the grass singing and dancing. For them, it was like staying in a fairytale for a few nights. Heck, it was magical for all of us!
The domes are fully equipped with comfortable beds and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Best of all, you are just a short drive from the beautiful Slocan Lake.
Related Story – Unique Accommodation At The Adventure Domes In New Denver
Paddle Boarding On Slocan Lake
There is something special about being out on the water, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Paddle boarding is a great way to enjoy some peace and quiet in nature. The key to paddle boarding is balance. Once you get the hang of it, you will be able to stand up and enjoy the view. Paddling around on a paddle board is a great way to explore your surroundings.
Slocan Lake is a beautiful place to go paddle boarding in New Denver, BC. It is a glacial lake, but so refreshing on a hot summer day. The views are stunning and the water is crystal clear. The best time to go paddle boarding is in the morning when the water is calm. Paddle boarding is a great way to relax and have some fun.
We were able to rent a paddle board from our accommodations at the adventure domes, making it extra easy and convenient to spend a morning on the water.
Related Story: A Memorable Stay At A Quaint Dome Cottage
Exploring The Backroads
Service roads are often seen as off-limits or dangerous, but they can actually be a great way to find adventure. These roads are typically located in remote or rural areas, which means they offer access to some of the best nature has to offer. If you are looking for a quieter adventure, you are likely to find it down a service road. Just be sure your vehicle can handle the terrain before you go. With a little planning and preparation, service roads can be a great way to explore the outdoors.
Centennial Park
Centennial Park is a great place to spend a day with the family. With plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, it is the perfect spot for a swim, a picnic, or a game of touch football. The public boat launch is perfect for those wanting to get out on the water, and the children’s playground is a great place for the little ones to burn off some energy.
Sandon Ghost Town
Sandon was once a booming town, nestled in the Slocan Valley in British Columbia. In its heyday, it was home to over 5,000 people and had a vibrant community of businesses and organizations. However, Sandon was largely abandoned after a series of devastating floods in the early 20th century. Today, it is a ghost town, with only a handful of residents remaining. Despite its small size, Sandon is still an interesting place to visit. Its history is visible in the ruins of buildings and mines that dot the landscape. And, on a clear day, the views from Sandon are truly breathtaking. If you’re looking for a place to step back in time, Sandon is definitely worth a visit. It was neat to see the bits and pieces and imagine what once was. Currently, Sandon features a few buildings and a fleet of old trolley buses. The two railways that served the town are now hiking trails, leaving only traces of rich mining history.
Related Story – Photo Essay: Hiking Bannock Point Lookout Trail In New Denver
Washed Out Plans – Literally
We had made a list of all the hikes we wanted to do while we were in the area, but our plans changed when we got there and saw that a lot of the trails were at least partially closed. The Galena Trail was closed. The Mori trail around Slocan Lake was flooded, so we could only walk some of it. We had also planned to go to Idaho Peak to see if there were any wildflowers growing, but a week or two before our visit, part of the road was washed out. Even though we did not get to do everything on our list, we still ended up with more to do than we had time for in our three short nights. It was a good reminder of how powerful nature can be.
Bannock Point
When what we had planned was pretty much washed out, Gerald from The Adventure Domes suggested that we hike to Bannock Point. It was absolutely beautiful. The trails at Bannock Point lead to scenic bluffs overlooking Slocan Lake. It is a popular place to stay the night at the backcountry campground, but we just wandered the upper trail with mossy forest and wide viewpoints.
Bannock Point is a great hike for those looking for breathtaking views without having to put in a lot of effort. The trailhead is only a short drive from New Denver, and the hike itself only takes about an hour each way. However, the trail is quite steep in places, and there are some sections where hikers will need to be careful of drop-offs. But the effort is well worth it, as the trail leads to a stunning overlook where hikers can take in views of the Slocan Valley and the surrounding mountains. The trail can be challenging in places, but it is a great option for those who are looking for an accessible yet rewarding hike.
With views like these, how could you not want to go on a hike?
Related Story – Hiking Bannock Point Lookout Trail: Breathtaking Views In New Denver
We had such a great time exploring the beauty of New Denver. We would love to explore more of the Kootenay region of British Columbia. There is far more out there to discover in your “own backyard” than you realize. Time and time again we are left in awe of how beautiful British Columbia is. Just when you think it cannot get any more beautiful, it always does.
Even if a large part of our plans were washed out, we still saw enough to know that we would want to return to see what nature forced us to miss out on.
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