The 10 Best Specialty Museums in Kootenay Rockies, Kootenay Rockies

Slocan Lake Visitor Center in New Denver is the hub of local information for travellers, adventure seekers, and those wanting to experience the local Kootenay lifestyle. Housed in the historic Bank of Montreal building, built in 1867, the Visitors Center is shared with the Silvery Slocan Museum. Take a stroll though our 100 year old history, or stay in the now with Free Wifi access. We are excited to be a part of your New Denver experience.

The Cranbrook History Centre is a museum and archives dedicated to the research, preservation, and restoration of the history of Cranbrook and the surrounding area. Located in beautiful downtown Cranbrook, the History Centre offers something of interest for visitors of all ages. Also known as the Canadian Museum of Rail, the Centre is also home to the Trans-Canada Limited, a 1929 luxury train, as well as many other restored Canadian trains.

For the month of April, we are open Friday through Sunday. We are currently closed to the public Monday through Thursday. At the Revelstoke Railway Museum we strive to preserve, share and inspire a sense of wonder and excitement for our Canadian Pacific Railway. Come and see some of Canada's railway treasures. It's a great experience for all ages!

Touchstones Nelson: Museum of Art and History is a multi-faceted organization with a history museum exhibition, regional archives, two contemporary gallery spaces and a fabulous gift shop. The history museum features an introduction to the Sinixt and Ktunaxa nations, culture and perspectives, the history of European exploration and the challenges of trade and travel routes, and how various industries such mining, transportation, hydroelectricity affected the area and the creation of the Queen City. Our galleries rotate exhibitions eight times per year and feature everything from contemporary art and pop culture, to fine craft and design, to local architectural and social history – Touchstones’ exhibitions connect to this area’s creative energy and rich heritage. The gift shop features wares from over 100 local artists and authors. If you are looking for a gift that reflects Nelson and area’s abundant talent and craft, you will certainly find it in our superbly curated Shop.

We tell great stories. We can explain how Creston got its wacky time zone. We can tell you about the steamship that became a tractor (sort of), the first airplane to land in Creston, and the teacher who refused to be fired. Speaking of "great" stories, there's "The Great Railway Race" and the "Great Creston Bank Robbery." And have you heard the one about the imaginary student in Grade Thirteen? Really, we're not making this up. Why would we? Truth is so much better than fiction. We can even help you tell the greatest story of all: your own. So come on in. After all, there's no time like the present to discover the past.

Come experience the sights and sounds of Doukhobor life in the Southern Interior of British Columbia. Enjoy indoor and outdoor displays, interactive educational exhibits, and historical artifacts. Take a guided tour with friendly knowledgeable staff. Come have a picnic in our beautiful museum gardens and play lawn games with your family. Also watch out for cool events being hosted in the DDC gardens. There’s always something to see and do at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre! Facebook: @DoukhoborDiscoveryCentre Instagram: @doukhobormuseum

Established in 1955, the Rossland Historical Museum and Archives Association is a not-for-profit society whose mission is to preserve and dynamically present the heritage of Rossland and area. The Rossland Historical Museum & Archives Association began in the basement of the Rossland Court House in 1954 and was incorporated under the BC Societies Act in March of 1955. The present museum was built on the site of the Black Bear mine in 1967 as a Canadian Centennial project. Although the mine (and underground tour) is permanently closed, the museum still speaks to this area of our history and property tours are still conducted throughout the summer. The museum is also the host organization for the Destination BC Visitor Centre and has tourist information, maps, and guides pertaining to BC, the Kootenay Rockies, and other tourist regions as well as our local communities.