Slocan Lake

Stop: 1
Launch

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.

Stop: 2
Point of Interest

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.

Stop: 3
Point of Interest

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

Stop: 4
Camp Site

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.

Stop: 5
Point of Interest

Enterprise Creek

Stop: 6
Camp Site

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.

Stop: 7
Camp Site

Corys Ranch

Nestled along the eastern shore of Slocan Lake, Cory’s Ranch (also known as Homestead Beach) offers paddlers a serene, scenic beach campground that’s well worth the paddle.

Stop: 8
Camp Site

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.

Stop: 9
Camp Site

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.

Stop: 10
Launch

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.

Stop: 11
Launch

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.

Stop: 12
Camp Site

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.

Stop: 13
Camp Site

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.

Stop: 14
Camp Site

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.

Vince Hempsall

Hi. My name is Vince Hempsall. I’m a writer, editor, book author, publisher, content creator and social media marketer. I’m also an alleged “word nerd.”

Plan for a safe and well informed adventure

At Paddle BC, we’re as excited about your upcoming adventure as you are! Our goal is to help you experience the breathtaking beauty of British Columbia’s waterways, but we want to ensure you return home with only good memories. While we provide the gateway to these wild places, your safety is ultimately a personal commitment. We embrace a “challenge by choice” philosophy, which means you are the best judge of your own abilities. By staying within your skill set and taking personal responsibility for your journey, you ensure that your trip is as safe as it is spectacular. To help you prepare for a successful multiday adventure, we’ve outlined these six essential safety pillars:

Carry Mandatory Gear

Ensure you have all Transport Canada required equipment: a lifejacket (PFD), throw bag, whistle, bailing device, and a reflective signaling device. This gear is your first line of defense.

Plan for Conditions

River levels and weather in BC change rapidly. Check forecasts regularly, be aware that many hazards may be hidden, and always have a solid contingency plan in place.

Respect Nature

Expect to encounter wildlife in the BC wilderness. Respect their space, protect the ecosystem, and strictly follow “Leave No Trace” principles to keep our waters pristine.

Dress for Immersion

Always “dress for the swim, not the paddle.” Use appropriate thermal layers to protect against cold water shock, which can occur instantly and lead to physical incapacitation.

Know Your Limits

Practice “challenge by choice” and never attempt water that exceeds your ability. Don’t let a multiday itinerary pressure you into paddling beyond your personal skill set.

Assess and Manage Risk

River paddling carries inherent risks like injury or entrapment. Remain vigilant, scout ahead when necessary, and remember that help may be far away during your adventure.

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