# Ferries, silver mines and quiet lakes: by motorhome through the Arrow Lakes and the Slocan Valley

> From Revelstoke over the Galena Bay ferry to Nakusp, through the Slocan Valley to Nelson and Kaslo: around 400 kilometres along lakes, with hot springs and…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/rf-074-arrow-lakes-nakusp/

**At a glance:** 5-day road trip of about 301 km (187 mi) with 9 stops, from Revelstoke to Kaslo. About 3 h 20 min of driving in total. From Revelstoke over the Galena Bay ferry to Nakusp, through the Slocan Valley to Nelson and Kaslo: around 400 kilometres along lakes, with hot springs and ghost towns.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 301 km (187 mi) |
| Driving | 3 h 20 min |
| Suggested days | 5 |
| Stops | 9 |
| Route | Revelstoke → Kaslo |
| Provinces | BC |
| Updated | September 1, 2026 |

*From Revelstoke over the Galena Bay ferry to Nakusp, through the Slocan Valley to Nelson and Kaslo: around 400 kilometres along lakes, with hot springs and ghost towns.*

## The spirit of the route

Here the road is rarely straight, and water is always nearby. Highway 23 follows the Upper Arrow Lakes, a long, narrow chain of reservoirs, on whose shores spruce, birch and moss grow. The free ferry at Galena Bay crosses the lake calmly, the gulls follow the ship, and from the car window you see the Selkirk Mountains in the haze. Nakusp smells of wood smoke and sulphur springs, New Denver lies on Slocan Lake like something out of a picture book, and on the side roads abandoned silver mines recall times when thousands of people lived here. Kaslo on Kootenay Lake is a quiet harbour town with a sternwheeler. The region suits campers who like short distances, lakeshores and quiet nights; it demands flexibility, because ferries, roads and seasonal openings depend on the weather and on wildfires.

## Stage-by-stage plan

### Stage 1: Revelstoke to Nakusp (approx. 110 km)

- **The drive:** From Revelstoke on Highway 23 south to the Shelter Bay ferry landing (about 49 km south of Revelstoke); the Upper Arrow Lake ferry to Galena Bay is a toll-free provincial ferry. Check the timetable, waiting times and vehicle lengths beforehand with DriveBC and the province. Beyond the ferry the road continues along the lake to Nakusp. The road is narrow but well built; speeds mostly 80–90 km/h. Pure driving time is about two hours plus the ferry.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Ferry Shelter Bay (west shore) – Galena Bay (east shore): the crossing takes about 20 minutes; it runs roughly hourly, with breaks in the evening and at night, and the timetable varies by season, so check beforehand.
  - Arrow Lakes Provincial Park: quiet stretches of shoreline with swimming opportunities; check access beforehand.
  - Nakusp Hot Springs: thermal pools in the mountains above Nakusp; check opening times, admission and access beforehand.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Arrow Lakes Provincial Park (BC Parks): the Shelter Bay campground lies at the ferry landing on the Revelstoke side; the park’s other sites (Burton, Eagle Creek, Fauquier) are operated by local groups. Check reservations and opening beforehand via camping.bcparks.ca or with the operator. In Nakusp the Nakusp Municipal Campground (open roughly from early May to Thanksgiving weekend, some sites with 30 A electricity, showers, dump station) and private RV parks offer sites; book early in summer. State vehicle lengths when booking.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On Crown land in British Columbia camping is usually permitted for up to 14 days; along the Arrow Lakes there are Recreation Sites, some only via forest roads. In summer campfire bans, wildfire risk; black bears frequent.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Be at the ferry early in the morning when the season is full; waits are possible in summer. Fill up with fuel in Revelstoke and get food and gas: supplies up to Nakusp are limited.

### Stage 2: Nakusp to New Denver (approx. 45 km)

- **The drive:** On Highway 6 from Nakusp eastwards up to Summit Lake and then down to New Denver on Slocan Lake. The road is winding, with climbs and descents; pure driving time is about 40 minutes. Animals crossing the road especially at dusk; winter and shoulder season with snow possible.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Summit Lake: a small mountain lake with beach and picnic areas; a swimming spot in summer, a ski area in winter.
  - Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre in New Denver: a memorial to the Japanese Canadian families interned here during the Second World War; Kohan Garden; check opening times beforehand.
  - Slocan Lake: clear water, beach access in New Denver and Silverton; paddling and swimming possible.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Summit Lake Provincial Park (BC Parks): a small campground by the lake, simple facilities; reservations at camping.bcparks.ca; check vehicle lengths beforehand. In New Denver and Silverton municipal campgrounds and private sites offer hook-ups and showers; check opening and reservations beforehand.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Crown land and Recreation Sites in the mountains around Slocan Lake; access roads partly steep; up to 14 days permitted, observe fire bans.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Top up food and water in New Denver; the choice in the valley is limited. If you want to hike: Slocan Lake has excellent trails that combine well with the motorhome as a base.

### Stage 3: New Denver to Sandon and back (approx. 40 km)

- **The drive:** A detour on the Sandon Road at Three Forks up into the silver-mining valley. The road is partly gravel, narrow and only conditionally suitable for large motorhomes; check its condition beforehand and avoid it in rain or snow. Pure driving time is about 30 minutes each way. Alternatively skip the stage and drive directly south.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Sandon: a former silver-mining town, now largely abandoned, with remains of buildings, a museum and walking trails; access is seasonal, so check opening times beforehand.
  - Kaslo and Slocan Railway: remains of the railway line that connected Sandon with Kaslo; information boards and walking trails.
  - Silverton: a small village on Slocan Lake with beach and café; a relaxed stop.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Back in New Denver or Silverton: municipal campgrounds and private sites; check opening and reservations beforehand. State vehicle lengths when booking.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Around Sandon Crown land and forest roads; access roads partly steep, only for vehicles with ground clearance; grizzly and black bear country.
- **Insider tip for campers:** On gravel and mountain roads check tyre pressure, and carry a spare wheel and tools. In rain the Sandon Road can be slippery.

### Stage 4: New Denver to Nelson (approx. 100 km)

- **The drive:** On Highway 6 along Slocan Lake to the south, through the Slocan Valley with forest and streams, past Slocan, Winlaw and Passmore, then to Nelson on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. The road is mostly two-lane with bends; pure driving time is about one and a half hours. Fuel stations in Slocan and Nelson.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Slocan Valley Rail Trail: a former railway line, ideal for cycling or walking, parallel to the road.
  - Slocan Lake and Slocan City: beach and harbour; swimming in summer.
  - Nelson: a town with brick houses, cafés and a view of Kootenay Lake; Baker Street is the main street; crafts and markets.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** In Nelson there is the small Nelson City Campground (High Street, near the town centre; season roughly 1 May to 15 October, with electricity, showers, dump station, only a few pitches for long RVs) alongside private RV parks; check opening and reservations beforehand. Kokanee Creek Provincial Park (BC Parks) on Kootenay Lake, about 20 km east of Nelson on Highway 3A: a campground by the water with a beach, reservations at camping.bcparks.ca; check vehicle lengths beforehand.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Crown land and Recreation Sites in the Slocan Valley; access roads partly narrow; up to 14 days permitted; observe fire bans.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Nelson is well suited to shopping, fuel and a garage; the town centre is tight, parking for large vehicles is difficult, so it is better to park at the edge. In summer the town is busy, so secure a site early.

### Stage 5: Nelson to Kaslo (approx. 70 km)

- **The drive:** On Highway 3A along the West Arm of Kootenay Lake east to Balfour, then on Highway 31 north along the east side of the lake to Kaslo. The road is well built but winding; pure driving time is about one and a half hours. At Balfour lies the landing of the free Kootenay Lake ferry to Kootenay Bay (one of the longest inland ferries in the world; check the timetable beforehand).
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Ainsworth Hot Springs: a thermal cave and pools on the lake; a private operation with admission, check opening times beforehand.
  - Kaslo: a small harbour town with the historic sternwheeler SS Moyie (National Historic Site) and waterfront promenade; check the museum’s opening times beforehand.
  - Kootenay Lake: quiet beaches and viewpoints; photo stops on the lakeshore.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Village of Kaslo Campground (Kaslo Municipal Campground) on the lake next to Vimy Park, near the centre and the SS Moyie: sites with and without electricity, showers, dump station, season roughly spring to autumn; reservations directly with the site. Alternatively several private RV parks on the lake stretch between Balfour and Kaslo.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Crown land and Recreation Sites in the mountains around Kaslo; access roads partly steep; up to 14 days permitted; observe fire bans.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Highway 31A between Kaslo and New Denver is winding, with steep climbs and descents; for large motorhomes only with caution, so check condition and weather beforehand with DriveBC. For the return to Route 23 it is better to take the lake route.

## Camping practice & local rules

### Wild camping & overnight parking

- On Crown land in British Columbia camping is usually permitted for up to 14 days in one place, provided no signs or protected areas forbid it; provincial parks and built-up areas are excluded. Rest areas, car parks and roadsides are not meant for overnight stays.
- In summer campfire bans from the BC Wildfire Service frequently apply; check the status daily, as violations are expensive.
- Recreation Sites and Trails BC operates simple sites with a toilet, often free of charge or for a small fee; access roads are often unsuitable for large motorhomes.
- Wildlife: black and grizzly bears, moose, deer; keep food sealed at night, keep your distance from animals and carry bear spray.
- Apps: iOverlander, Campendium, BC Parks (camping.bcparks.ca) and DriveBC for road conditions and ferry timetables.
- Ferries: the Galena Bay ferry and the Kootenay Lake ferry are free of charge, but have timetables and capacity limits; allow for waiting times in summer.

### Waste disposal & supplies

- Fresh water and dump stations are found in Revelstoke, Nakusp, Nelson and Kaslo as well as at some campgrounds; ask in advance via an app or at visitor centres.
- Tap water in Canada is drinkable; stream water only filtered or boiled.
- Never discharge grey water into streams; empty the chemical toilet only at dump stations.
- Propane at fuel stations and specialist dealers; European cylinders need adapters.
- Fuel: fuel stations in Revelstoke, Nakusp, New Denver, Slocan, Nelson, Kaslo; thin between the towns.
- Electricity: hook-ups in private RV parks are usually 30 or 50 A (120 V); ask the site for details.

### Vehicle size & traffic rules

- Speed limits in km/h: Highways 6, 23 and 31 mostly 80–90, built-up areas 50. Animals crossing the road especially at dusk.
- Tolls: none. Vehicle height normally up to 4.15 m. Check ferry lengths and weights beforehand.
- Parks: BC Parks reservations at camping.bcparks.ca up to four months in advance.
- Winter tyres are required on signed BC highways from 1 October, until 31 March or 30 April depending on the route; for Highways 6, 23 and 31A check the signs and the provincial website.
- Weather and season: summer warm, wildfire smoke possible; autumn colours in September; spring and autumn with snow at higher elevations.
- Traffic law: turning right on red after stopping is permitted, except where prohibited; using a phone while driving is prohibited; alcohol in the vehicle only if sealed. A German driving licence is sufficient, an international one is recommended.
- Emergency: 911; mobile coverage in valleys and on the lake is patchy, so download offline maps.

## CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist

- Swimwear and a towel: lakes and hot springs are on almost every stage.
- Bear spray and well-closing storage boxes: black and grizzly bears occur in the Slocan Valley and by the lakes.
- Ferry timetables (Galena Bay, Kootenay Lake) printed or offline: connections change with season and weather.
- Good hiking boots and a rain jacket for the Slocan Valley and the silver mines.
- Offline maps and printed reservations: in valleys reception drops out.
- Insect repellent and a tick remover: mosquitoes by the lake, ticks in the grass.

_As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go._

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Revelstoke** (BC)
2. **Galena Bay** (BC)
3. **Nakusp** (BC)
4. **New Denver** (BC)
5. **Silverton** (BC)
6. **Slocan** (BC)
7. **Nelson** (BC)
8. **Balfour** (BC)
9. **Kaslo** (BC)

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in November–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is Ferries, silver mines and quiet lakes: by motorhome through the Arrow Lakes and the Slocan Valley?**
5-day road trip of about 301 km (187 mi) with 9 stops, from Revelstoke to Kaslo. About 3 h 20 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Ferries, silver mines and quiet lakes: by motorhome through the Arrow Lakes and the Slocan Valley?**
We suggest 5 days: about 3 h 20 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Ferries, silver mines and quiet lakes: by motorhome through the Arrow Lakes and the Slocan Valley start and end?**
It starts in Revelstoke and ends in Kaslo.

**Which provinces does Ferries, silver mines and quiet lakes: by motorhome through the Arrow Lakes and the Slocan Valley pass through?**
British Columbia.

**When is the best time for Ferries, silver mines and quiet lakes: by motorhome through the Arrow Lakes and the Slocan Valley?**
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)