Slocan Lake
The Welcome Mat to Valhalla Provincial Park
For paddlers, Slocan Lake is more than just a body of water—it’s the gateway to one of BC’s most breathtaking backcountry experiences. Stretching out beneath towering granite peaks and glacier-fed waterfalls, the lake leads straight into the heart of Valhalla Provincial Park. This remote wilderness is best explored by paddle, with calm morning waters, dramatic cliffside scenery, and hidden coves around every bend. Along the western shoreline, eight rustic beach campsites offer the perfect overnight stops for a multi-day expedition. Whether you’re tracing the shoreline on a SUP, kayak, or canoe, Valhalla rewards every stroke with solitude, wildlife sightings, and the kind of wild beauty you can only reach from the water. For those who chase adventure by paddle, this is the stuff of legend.
Once a lifeline for the booming mining towns of the West Kootenays, Slocan Lake carries the echoes of a gold rush past. Paddle wheelers once plied these deep, glacier-carved waters, ferrying goods north to Silverton, New Denver, and the legendary silver mines of Sandon. On the return trip, ore-laden rail cars were hauled back to Slocan City—until one stormy night, when several cars slipped into the depths, now a hidden treasure for local divers. Today, Slocan Lake is known not only for its striking alpine beauty but also for its rich folklore. Said to be one of the deepest lakes in British Columbia, its shadowy depths have inspired tales of ‘Walter,’ a mythical 10-metre sturgeon said to dwell beneath the surface. While no sturgeon have ever been confirmed, the story lives on—shared around campfires, paddleboards, and local cafés alike.
Know before you go
Wind – Slocan lake has an afternoon wind that comes from the south, you may not be able to paddle south while this wind is strong.
Weather – Weather on Slocan Lake can change rapidly without warning, plan ahead.
Wildlife – BC is wild, you will encounter wildlife, do not approach.
Slocan Lake
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Slocan City Boat Launch
Located at the north end of Slocan Village, the Slocan Lake Boat Launch is your gateway to one of British Columbia’s most spectacular mountain lakes. With crystal-clear waters stretching south beneath the towering peaks of Valhalla Provincial Park, this easy-to-access launch offers paddlers, boaters, and anglers a seamless start to their adventure. The paved ramp, ample parking, and nearby public beach make it a favourite spot for launching canoes, kayaks, and small motorboats. Whether you’re setting out for a multi-day paddle, fishing for kokanee, or just cruising the shoreline, the Slocan Lake Boat Launch is the perfect jumping-off point to explore the wild beauty of the West Kootenays.
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Silverton Boat Launch
Tucked along the eastern shoreline of Slocan Lake, the Silverton Boat Launch offers convenient access to some of the most scenic waters in the West Kootenays. Just steps from the heart of this charming lakeside village, the launch features a concrete ramp, dock, and nearby parking—perfect for paddlers, boaters, and anglers alike. From here, glide across the glassy lake with panoramic views of the Valhalla mountain range or explore quiet coves and pebbled beaches along the shore. With picnic areas, a day-use park, and art galleries just a short stroll away, the Silverton Boat Launch makes it easy to blend lake adventure with local culture.
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New Denver Boat Launch
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Valhalla Mountains, the New Denver Boat Launch offers easy access to the north-central stretch of Slocan Lake. Located beside the Centennial Park and swimming beach, this well-maintained concrete ramp with adjacent dock and parking makes launching a breeze for paddlers, boaters, and anglers. It’s the perfect starting point for a day of exploration—whether you’re cruising the deep, clear waters, casting a line for trout, or paddling toward secluded shoreline spots. With cafes, shops, and the historic charm of New Denver just a short walk away, the boat launch blends wilderness access with small-town convenience.
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Slocan City Beach
Nestled at the northern tip of Slocan Lake, Slocan City Beach is a local favourite where crystal-clear waters meet wide-open mountain views. This scenic lakeside spot features a sandy shoreline, a designated swimming area, and a large grassy park perfect for picnics, sunbathing, or tossing a frisbee. With the towering peaks of Valhalla Provincial Park rising across the lake, it’s an ideal place to cool off on a summer day or launch a paddleboard for a peaceful cruise. Just steps from cafes, shops, and the Slocan Lake boat launch, Slocan City Beach offers the perfect mix of nature, relaxation, and small-town charm.
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Slocan Bluffs
Perched just north of Slocan City on the east shore of Slocan Lake, the Slocan Bluffs are a hidden gem for outdoor adventurers. These majestic rock faces offer direct access to nearly 80 climbing routes—many sport, some trad—ranging from easier 5.0 grades to more challenging 5.11a, all accompanied by sweeping lakeside views
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Enterprise Creek
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Evans Creek Campground
Tucked along the pristine shores of Slocan Lake, Evans Creek Campsite is a hidden gem for paddlers, hikers, and nature lovers seeking a true backcountry escape. Accessible only by water or trail, this rustic wilderness site offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views of the Valhalla mountain range. Set up camp under the towering cedars, dip into the crystal-clear lake, and spend your evenings by the fire as the sun sets over the peaks.
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Bannock Rec Site
Perched on the eastern shore of Slocan Lake just south of Silverton, Bannock Point Recreation Site is a beloved spot for campers, paddlers, and hikers seeking easy access to wild beauty. A short forest trail leads from the roadside down to a string of rustic campsites nestled among mossy trees and rocky bluffs. Here, you’ll find sweeping lake views, flat tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings—all footsteps from the water. The shoreline is perfect for swimming, paddling, or simply soaking in the sun with the Valhalla peaks rising across the lake. Whether you’re here for a peaceful overnight stay or just a scenic picnic, Bannock Point offers a classic Kootenay experience where the forest meets the lake.
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Nemo Creek
Tucked away on the remote eastern shoreline of Slocan Lake in British Columbia’s breathtaking West Kootenay region, Nemo Creek Beach is an unspoiled, backcountry paradise accessible only by boat or paddle. This serene spot rewards the adventurous with crystal-clear waters, smooth rock outcroppings, and a quiet forested setting where the Selkirk Mountains meet the lake.
Nemo Creek itself flows gently into the lake nearby, with a small waterfall and natural pools hidden in the trees for those willing to explore a little upstream. The beach is a favorite among kayakers, canoeists, and stand-up paddleboarders who launch from nearby Silverton or New Denver and seek out its peaceful, off-the-grid vibe.
Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or a picnic with a view, this wild beach has no facilities—but that’s part of its charm. Whether you’re looking to unplug, stargaze from your tent, or just float in silence beneath towering cliffs, Nemo Creek Beach is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression on those who find it. -
Sandpoint Beach
Located along the rugged western shoreline of Slocan Lake, Sand Point Beach is a secluded, golden-sand destination that feels worlds away from the modern world. Accessible only by water, this hidden gem lies within Valhalla Provincial Park, making it a favorite stop for paddlers and boaters exploring the lake’s wild and protected coastline.
True to its name, Sand Point features a rare stretch of soft, sandy shoreline—perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and camping under the stars. Framed by old-growth cedar and fir, the beach offers a peaceful setting with spectacular views across the lake to the Selkirk Mountains. The clear, cold waters of Slocan Lake make for refreshing swims, while the surrounding forest trails invite short hikes and wildlife sightings.
Backcountry campsites are available just inland from the beach, with a few rustic amenities like tent pads and bear-proof food caches, but no running water or services—ideal for those seeking a deeper connection with nature. -
Wee Sandy
Tucked beneath towering cliffs on the remote western shore of Slocan Lake, Wee Sandy Beach is a peaceful, backcountry haven within Valhalla Provincial Park. This small, sandy shoreline offers a tranquil retreat for paddlers and boaters exploring the lake’s wild and scenic coastline.
Despite its name, Wee Sandy is big on charm. The beach is nestled in a forested cove where the mountains rise steeply from the water, creating a sense of sheltered solitude. The sand is soft, the water crystal-clear, and the setting ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking in the quiet beauty of the Kootenays.
This site also features rustic backcountry campsites just steps from the beach, complete with tent pads and bear-proof food caches. There are no developed facilities—just pure wilderness, making it a perfect overnight stop or lunch break on a paddling trip through the park. -
Wragge Beach
Once a homestead and later a Forest Service recreation site, Wragge Beach now offers informal, first-come-first-served campsites tucked between trees just steps from the water. The beach itself is a mix of sand, smooth stones, and driftwood—perfect for lounging in the sun or launching a kayak into the lake’s crystal-clear water. It’s also a great base for day trips to nearby hikes or paddling excursions along Slocan Lake’s western wilderness shore.
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Wilson Creek
ucked into a rugged and forested stretch of Slocan Lake’s western shoreline, Wilson Creek is a secluded and scenic destination accessible only by water. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, this hidden spot is a favorite rest point for paddlers, boaters, and adventurous campers exploring the lake.
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