So we left Revelstoke heading south towards Nelson taking the more secondary road. Took the car ferry from Shelter Bay to Galena across Upper Arrow Lake. Slick operation running every half hour. Asked one of the staff why the river level was so low. Seems there is a treaty between Canada and USA whereby the USA take water and hence the big tide mark. Even in the winter it was been this low. Understood the treaty to be all one way!!
Stopped for lunch before Naksup, then to New Denver. This is where there was an interment camp for Japanese Canadians. British Columbian goverment interned 23,000 Japanese Canadians in 1942 in several camps and this was one of them. Miserable huts with no water etc. At the end of WW2 government said they could go East of the country or leave Canada. Sophies Choice.
Lake Kootenay. This lake is 100km long and 402 sq km in area. Just goes on and on. Both sides of the road wall to wall spruce etc so get the odd glimpse. Passed through an historic town called Kaslo, buildings have been preserved since 1890 well worth a stop, lots of water sport's underway with folks on their last week summer holidays.
Into Nelson where we stayed at the Hume Hotel same era as Kaslo. Had kept a lot of the original features. Loved the old photos and a grand wooden staircase up to our 4th floor room. Had a nice feel in the town and actually has a main street with independent shops and an array of independent restuarants....Marzano recommended. Nelson like Revestoke and so many other places we have been to is all about skiing and nordic skiing.
Next morning we tackled the Pulpit Rock hike. Again vista obscured by smoke but we saw yet another chipmunk. Did the town walk of historic buildings then hit the lake for a swim. Water was probably 16c but a 29c day so coped. Found a coffee shop which we enjoyed our second decent coffee since arrival.
Real coffee at Osgo Negro
Left Nelson after two nights at the Hume Hotel and did the 6 hr drive to Waterton National Park. 29c on arrival with the lake well in use with paddle boards etc. This National Park is very close to the USA border and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The lake is 148m deep at the upper end surrounded by more impressive mountains. Also known for the iconic Prince of Wales hotel which stands on a prominent position overlooking the hamlet. Was built in 1920 by The Great Canadian Railway company as a resort. Incredible building huge amount of timber, something like a Canadian Alpine version of Downtown Abbey.
Our next day unfortunately was heavy rain and 11c!!! So a hike in the rain to Bertha Falls, laundry done and had a look at said hotel. CAD $60 each for high tea CAD £450 per night, in which we did not partake. Had a glass of wine and took in the atmosphere. Met a lovely young couple with baby who had driven from Red Deer by Edmonton just for the weekend. The distances folks drive.
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