Kaslo

Introduction

Sights and Activities

Weather

Events and Festivals

Spring, summer and early fall are rife with parties, music festivals, farmers markets and other events.

There are also giant and very well organized bush parties. Follow the directions on whatever poster you have come across and eventually you will get there. It is not uncommon for a huge generator to be hauled half way up a mountain to power the speakers and lights (which are suspended up in trees), the DJ equipment and the instruments. Pay the minimum donation asked (though it is never really enforced) because there is a lot of effort and resources put into these all night parties. If you get a chance to volunteer and help set up one of these parties, go for it. It will be a lot of work, but it is interesting to see how all the wires are run, who the generator noise is hidden and how the environmental impact is as limited as possible. You will feel like you are in a big modern club, with grass floors, leafy rafters and the odd root you may trip over. The overall effect is quite surreal.
WARNING: There may be friendly and good intentioned people dancing/wandering around the large out door party and offering various harvested or produced "adult" goodies. Be sure to ask what it is specifically if you are not comfortable with certain experiences. If you are not comfortable with that entire genre of experiences then you should also bring your own snacks and politely decline those that are offered. BYOB and/or anything else you may want.

In late fall and winter the town quiets down a lot, and most festivities are peoples house parties.

There are also many activist oriented gatherings. Read the local papers to find out what the causes currently are.

Getting There

By Plane

There is a private airstrip just outside of town. Large carriers will not be able to get you in.

By Car

There are three roads into Kaslo. One comes north along the mountains range into the town. One comes through a gap in the mountains on the east. The other comes south along the mountains and into the north side of town. Do not plan on going there or leaving by the North side road. It is in good condition near town and through a couple unincorporated townships, then it becomes a treacherous logging road. DO NOT TRAVEL THIS ROAD IF YOU ARE INEXPERIENCED AT BACKROAD MOUNTAIN DRIVING. If you do not immediately know what a "switch-back" is, this road is not for you.

Whichever way you come from, you will need to take a ferry. Most locals will be able to recite the ferry schedule for that time of year, it is also in the local papers. The ferries are free.

There is also a car co-op in neighboring communities that include Kaslo. It's worth looking into.

By Bus

You can catch a Greyhound to Nelson.

By Boat

Any boat you can hire in any town or city on Kootenay lake can get you there. They will probably know where it is.

Hitch Hiking

Hitch Hiking is quite common in the Kootenay mountains. Feel free to give it a try, or to pick one up. It can be a great way to meet people, make friends or get invited to a local party.

Getting Around

By Car

If you have a car there, it will get you around quicker. A car is by no means necessary. It is quite common for locals to not have a car.

There is a local who runs a taxi service on and off. You should be able to ask around for his number.

By Public Transport

Doesn't exist.

By Foot

It is easy to get around on foot. The address system is very simple. There is one large hill in town.

By Bike

Not necessary but other than going up the large hill in town, it is a quick and safe way to travel. You can rent good bikes in town for the mountain trails.

Eat

The two main restaurants in Kaslo are the Blue Belle Bistro and The Treehouse, both are located on main street.

• The Blue Belle Bistro offers daily specials that are often imaginative and unique, and are always tasty. It also offers a great selection of pizzas and calzones from it's pizza ovens. The menu is varied and everyone, including vegetarians and vegans, will find somethings of interest on it. The baristas are knowledgeable and friendly. The people of the Kootenies take their coffee seriously. There is a weekly game night. There is also sometimes a weekly poetry open mike night when a host can be found. Though it is a family friendly place, it also serves alcohol.
• The Treehouse is a more standard fare restaurant. They open earlier for breakfast (large portions, good prices) and have excellent service. The lunch and dinner menu is also fairly standard. The quality of the food is excellent and the prices are reasonable.
• There is also an Eatery/museum on main street called Theresas. Museum entrance is by donation. The eatery offers home cooked snacks and sandwiches. It also serves coffee from an automatic espresso machine.

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

Postal service is provided by Canada Post, a crown corporation owned by the government but run as an independent business. The lettermail service allows the mailing of a letter. The basic rate is currently set at $0.52 for one standard letter (30 grams or less). The rates for lettermail are based or weight and size and determine whether the article falls into the aforementioned standard format, or in the oversize one. The rate is the same for a postcard. Mail sent internationally is known as letterpost. It can only contain paper documents. The rate for a standard letter is of $0.93 if sent to the United States, and $1.55 if sent to any other destination. Oversize or overweight letters may be charged a higher fee ^[1]. Larger parcels can be shipped via Canada post both domestically and internationally, the rate is dependent on the weight and destination. ^[2]. Federal Express or DHL also provide interntional shipping from Canada.