Valley of Ghosts in the Kootenays is listed in this hiking site because you have to hike to get to some of the Ghost Towns in British Columbia and because my home town is not too far away from the few that I have listed. 🙂 The ghost towns of the Valley of the Ghosts are located along the route from New Denver to Kaslo and include;
Alamo
Galena Trail
New Denver
Sandon
Idaho Peak Lookout
K & S Historic Railway
Cody
Retallack
Ainsworth…
Ainsworth was a great way to end our trip. The pool admission was included with our room (total with tax was less than $200). The room was excellent but the pool was better. My camera is not usable underwater but I can tell you that the caves / tunnell were excellent. The main tunnel that takes you into the mountain engulfs you with waist deep hot mineral water pouring in after being forced up from the center of the Earth and relaxes you with enchanting soft echos of other hot springs enthusiasts while any aches from hiking around the ghost towns melt away in the clouds of steam.
Ainsworth Hotsprings Caves
Ainsworth Hotel
The winding road to Ainsworth
Kootenay Lake view from Ainsworth Hot Springs
British Columbia has birthed many small towns that died in infancy and are now part of our colourful history. Pictures and words cannot express the feelings I have when surrounded by crumbling ruins of a forgotten time. So I suggest you drive through the valley of Ghosts as it will be well worth your time.
Barkerville, near Quesnel may be the most famous and best restored ghost town of BC. But the Valley of Ghosts in the Kootenays between New Denver and Kaslo has so much to offer….for FREE!