North of Kaslo on Kootenay Lake
As you head north of Kaslo on Highway 31, you will reach the Lardeau Valley, leading to or near the communities of Lardeau, Cooper Creek, Meadow Creek, Howser, Argenta and Johnsons Landing. Here you can experience year round recreation in one of the most scenic areas anywhere. In late April and early May (Mother's Day) the giant Gerrard rainbow trout swim upstream the Lardeau River to spawn near the now abandoned community of Gerrard. Gerrard is located north of Kootenay Lake, 45 km from Kaslo at the south end of Trout Lake. The pavement ends at Meadow Creek and a gravel road begins, following the Lardeau River.
Just about where the road turns to gravel you can turn right to visit the Duncan Dam. A little further north as you travel upriver you can pull off on a dirt road on your left and find the marble quarry, source of building materials for many of the area's finest buildings.
Opportunities for hiking abound north of Kaslo. For details including updates on trail conditions, stop by the Visitors Centre at the SS Moyie.
Kokanee Spawning Channels
You will virtually “see red” as this 11 m wide by 3.2 km channel comes alive with a million spawning kokanee (land-locked salmon) during the months of August and September. These channels were built in 1967 to replace the natural spawning beds destroyed by the construction of the Duncan Dam. Walkways and an interpretive site allow visitors the opportunity to view this incredible and spectacular wonder of nature. Occasionally black bears may be seen in and around the channel so watch out for the bears and, at times, mosquitoes can be annoying! The Meadow Creek Spawning Channel is at the north end of Kootenay Lake, 45 km from Kaslo on Hwy 31, just beyond Meadow Creek.
