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All text on this webpage is courtesy of the Kaslo Visitors Guide, which is published by PFW Publications Ltd.
Website: Kaslo Visitors Guide
History
The history of the people of Kaslo shows a resourcefulness as great as the mountains, rivers, and lakes that are features of the landscape in which they live. In 1889 and 1890, G.O. Buchanan and brothers George and David Kane came to Kaslo to stake timber claims. When silver mining activity was reported in the area, the Kane brothers subdivided their lease into town lots.
The population soon grew to 3,000 people, most of them intent on seeking their fortunes in the newly discovered mines.
Disaster struck in 1894 as fire, flood and gale force winds came in succession. In February, half of the town's commercial district was destroyed by fire. June began with rising flood waters, and on June 3, 1894, a storm with hurricane force winds destroyed between 60-70 houses, two hotels, the jail, and several other two-storey buildings.
By 1895 and '96, Kaslo turned her fortunes around with the completion of the K&S Railway, a public telephone system, and electric and waterworks plants. By 1897, Kaslo had all the services of a progressive mining supply centre: a cigar factory, brewery, dry goods store, several saloons, hotels and brothels, and their own newspaper- "The Kootenaian". Over the next 50 years, metal prices fell and mining costs rose, resulting in a decline in mining activity and in the viability of the town. For a while fruit ranching was a thriving industry until the "little cherry disease" destroyed the marketability of the tree's fruit. But the villagers never gave up.
Eventually a home-grown economy was created that was varied enough to withstand the changes of time. Lifestyle, tourism, forestry, small and home based businesses are now the foundation of Kaslo's prosperity.
Location
The Village of Kaslo is located 70 kilometers north of Nelson on Highway 3A on the western shore of Kootenay Lake.
Places to See
- The Langham Cultural Centre
The Langham Cultural Centre features gallery shows, theatre and musical performances, poetry and prose readings, and workshops for the community. There is also a Japanese Canadian museum which depicts the lives of the Japanese-Canadians who were interned during the 1940s.
- Kaslo Golf Course
Features a 9-hole course, 2,788 yards total, par 35 for men, par 37 for women. Tee times are usually not required.
- SS Moyie National Historic Site
Tour the world's oldest intact passenger sternwheeler. Grab a brochure and go on a self-guided tour; the average tour duration is approximately 45 minutes, but take as much time as you like. A nine-minute video is included with admission, and if the weather permits, visitors will have an opportunity to blow the ship's original whistle. Interpretive guides are available to answer questions, and special guided tours are available for groups with advance notice. The beach, good restaurants, and a variety of shops are all nearby.
Things to Do
- Fishing
Year-round fishing is available at Kootenay Lake, where visitors can catch three varieties of trout (Gerrard rainbow, Dolly Varden, and Kokanee) and whitefish. The lake's largest catch is a 35lb 12oz Gerrard Rainbow trout, and the world's largest recorded Kokanee- almost 10 pounds- was caught here.
The Kootenay area also has many creeks, small lakes, and rivers to challenge any skill level.
- Mountain Biking
Maps are available locally with route descriptions and guides to 49 kilometres of single track and 41 kilometres of back roads from town. Try Jackson Basin, a 40 kilometre circle route that involves 4,500 feet of climbing, a high alpine pass, amazing views, ghost towns, and a coffee shop.
- Kayaking
Kaslo Kayaking provides rentals, tours, lessons, and youth adventures. Take a day tour on Kootenay Lake or go sea kayaking and camp on the beaches of the lake.
- Hiking
The West Kootenay region contains over 80 hiking trails, all of which provide hikers with spectacular mountain scenery, breathtaking glaciers, alpine lakes, flower strewn meadows, and incredible wildlife.
- Cross-Country Skiing
The True Blue recreation area has many kilometres of marked skiing trails, with woodland paths, gentle grades, good climbs, and swift flying slopes.
- Snowmobiling
There are many logging and mining roads and hundreds of miles of trails in the high country for snowmobilers of all levels of experience.
Events
- Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival
Every August, during the long weekend in Kaslo, BC, stunning vistas, great acoustics, and superb musicians combine to create the Kaslo Jazz Etc Summer Music festival. The musicians perform on a unique floating stage which rests just offshore a little, sandy beach on Kootenay Lake.
- May Days
This celebration is over 100 years old. From the days of the silver boom to today, it is a quaint festival celebrating Queen Victoria's birthday. The May Pole dance has been performed by the young for almost as many years. If you have lived in Kaslo long enough, you or your family members have danced this ancient dance. The weekend begins with the choosing of the May Queen on Friday. Saturday and Sunday are filled with logger sport competitions, ball games, carnival games, car show and craft faire. On Monday watch the parade and relax to music in the park. It is a festival not to be missed.
- Winter in the Forest
Celebrate winter with sleigh rides, snowshoe races, interpretive nature booths, and maple taffy on the snow. The villagers come out for a day of fun and adventure. This festival is sponsored by Community Forest and is a great family event.
- Twisted Tuesdays
Fun in February could be the other title for this crazy event. Employees of the local paper, Pennywise, began it as a winter diversion. Now everyone gets dressed up for the event's special theme- past examples include: outlandish hair or hats, pajamas, mardi gras, tropical, and favourite characters. Money raised goes to the hospital, library, and other causes. There is no place on earth where you can have as much fun on Tuesdays in February.
- Art Walk
From the spoken word to live music, visual arts and dance, artwalk brings it all to downtown Kaslo. Featuring local artisans, Artwalk is a fine representation of what the Kootenays has to offer. Maps are available at the Langham and around town.
The Artwalk continues throughout the summer with paintings, ceramics and other visual arts until August 4.
- Saturday Market
Every Saturday morning throughout the summer, the lot next to the Mariner Inn transforms itself into a festive marketplace featuring local produce, crafts and music. Now in its third year of operation, the Market provides a place for locals to sell their wares.
Contact Information
Kaslo and Area Visitors Guide
PFW Publications Ltd
PO Box 430
Kaslo, BC V0G 1M0
Tel: 1-800-663-4619
Fax: 1-250-353-7444
Website: Kaslo Visitors Guide
Village of Kaslo
Municipal Office
Box 576, Kaslo, B.C. V0G 1M0
413 Fourth Street, Kaslo
Phone: (250) 353-2311
Fax: (250) 353-7767
Website: Village of Kaslo
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