Winlaw

Winlaw is one of many small rural communities that make up the Slocan Valley. Located in the West Kootenay region of south east British Columbia, the valley is approximately 100 km (62 mi) long and 5-10 km (3-6 mi) wide and situated between the Arrow and Slocan Lakes in the Selkirk Mountains. With stunning scenery and nature in abundance, there is plenty here for the outdoor enthusiast from kayaking and fishing to cycling and hiking. For those looking for more physical activities mountain biking, river rafting and rock climbing are just a few in the Slocan Valley to challenge you.

Location

Winlaw is located in the Arrow Lakes & Slocan Valley Region of the Kootenay Rockies on Hwy 6, 49 km (31 mi) north-west of Nelson, 48.6 km (30 mi) north of Castlegar via Hwy 3A and Hwy 6, 97 km (60 mi) south of Nakusp on Hwy 6. Other nearby communities include: Slocan and New Denver.

A Step Back in Time

The village of Winlaw got its start when John Brown Winlaw took the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 1890s to the end of the line and set up the first lumber mill. Prospectors came to the region at the same time looking for silver and while many were gone by 1910, silver mines thrived until into the 1970s. In 1908 the Doukhobors moved to the small community of Brilliant near Castlegar and gradually spread into the Slocan Valley. This set the path for others wanting a quieter, rural lifestyle which continues to this day.