This picturesque lakeside BC village has a spectacular waterfall and moss-lined grotto

The quaint mountain village of Kaslo on Kootenay Lake in British Columbia was once a thriving mining town in the late 19th century. Today, the tiny community is all but surrounded by ‘ghost towns’ – but don’t let that fool you. Kaslo marches to the beat of its own drum, with plenty of natural wonders and small-town festivities to uncover.

The main downtown is lined with heritage buildings and local boutique shops galore, with pristine beaches and hiking trails all within walking distance.

Fall hikes

This includes the short but scenic trail to Fletcher Falls – a small but powerful creekside waterfall with a moss-lined grotto. From here, visitors can head down to a long sandy beach and a marine wilderness campground on Kootenay Lake.

Other fall hikes to explore include Kaslo River Trail, Retallack Old Growth Cedars, Pilot Bay Provincial Park, and the Great Northern Rail Trail in the nearby town of Nelson.

There’s also the legendary Kokanee Lake Trail or Lyle Lakes/Mount Brennan to explore near Kaslo, so you truly have your pick of magical autumn adventures.

Every year, the changing fall foliage around Kootenay Lake captures the attention of visitors far and wide. So between now and early November, get ready to enjoy some enchanting fall colours and mild temperatures!

Among Kaslo’s other top attractions is the world’s oldest intact sternwheeler – which if you didn’t know (like us), is a
a steamboat driven by a single paddle wheel. Pretty neat that it’s one-of-a-kind!

So there you have it, BC!

Kaslo 

How to get there: Drive nine hours from Vancouver via Crowsnest Highway/BC-3 E.

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