Hiking:

The varied terrain and ecological diversity of the Kootenay region provides incredible hiking opportunities for enthusiasts of all experience and ability levels. Hikers experience spectacular mountain views, wildflower alpine meadows, old-growth forests, wild rivers, and thunderous waterfalls, while traversing the unspoiled wilderness of southeastern British Columbia.

Numerous community trails, often suitable for both hiking and mountain biking, complement the vast network of national and provincial park trails throughout the Kootenay Rockies region. The Silvery Slocan area, comprising New Denver, Silverton, Sandon, and Slocan Lake, feature abandoned rail grade trails, great for exploring the rich railroad and mining heritage of the area. Galena Trail in the Slocan Valley, with bridges, trail signage, and a cable-car ride over Carpenter Creek is a perfect outing for families.

Retallack’s Old Growth Cedar Trail

Walk amongst the Ancient Giants and experience the beauty of BC’s inland rainforests located just below Retallack Lodge.  The Ancient Cedar Trail is a quick 45 minute loop bordering the Kaslo River

Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park

Kokanee Glacer Provincial Park, one of BC's oldest, is a panorama of mountain peaks, snowfields and glacial lakes. Five access roads lead to trailheads in the central area of the park. One of the park's popular trails is the Gibson Lake Loop Trail, an easy, 2.5km/1.6mi hike around Gibson Lake with great mountain views and good fishing.

Those looking for a more challenging route can attempt the intermediate level Enterprise Creek Trail. The hike is 10.2km/6.3mi and takes about five hours one-way en route to the Slocan Chief Cabin and Kokanee Glacier Cabins, built in 1896 and 2001 respectively. The park offers amenities at several sites, and the opening of trails depends on the snowpack. Depending on which access point you use, the distance from Retallack Lodge could be anywhere from a 45 minute drive to a 10 minute drive.

Valhalla Provincial Park

The park touches most of the western shoreline of Slocan Lake, and encompasses most of the Valhalla Range of the Selkirk Mountains. Highlights include the New Denver Glacier in the north, an impressive group of mountain spires in the south, and a chain of sub-alpine lakes, forests, beaches, rivers and many cascades and waterfalls. Several Aboriginal pictographs (rock paintings) along the lakeshore can be viewed by boat. Again, depending upon which access point you choose, the distance from Retallack Lodge could be anywhere from 25 minute to 1 hour.