Things to do in Kootenay Rockies, Kootenay Rockies: The Best History Museums

Trail, BC is located in the beautiful West Kootenay region of the southern BC interior. Nestled between the Monashee and Selkirk Mountains, Trail sits on the banks of the mighty Columbia River. The Trail Visitor Centre operates from the Trail Riverfront Centre in the heart of downtown Trail, sharing space with the Trail Museum & Archives and the Trail & District Public Library. Current COVID measures include a 10-person limit in the building at one time and 4-6 people in museum galleries. Feel free to contact staff in advance for any questions you may have. Patrons will also be required to sanitize hands upon entry. While masks are not required, they are encouraged!

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.

During the height of the Cold War, in the 1950s and 1960s, nearly 50 bunkers were constructed across Canada to shelter up to 8,000 officials in the event of a nuclear war. The exhibition explains the role of the bunker in the context of the extraordinary world wide tensions at that time. Visitors can view a ‘Mobile Feeding Unit’, ration kits, a Geiger counter and more!

The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the internment of over 22,000 Japanese Canadians during the Second World War. The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre opened its doors in 1994 as an initiative from the New Denver Kyowakai Society to commemorate and honor the stories of over 22,000 Japanese Canadians who were stripped of their civil rights, labelled "enemy aliens" and uprooted from their coastal homes during the Second World War. Located on the site of a former internment camp, the original buildings, period artifacts, interpretive displays, and Heiwa Teien garden designed by the renowned Roy (Tomomichi) Sumi, chronicle this extraordinary episode in Canadian history.

Opened to the public in 2013, the Fernie Museum is located in the heart of historic downtown Fernie. The museum offers two floors of exhibits, a gift shop, archives and visitor information services. The main floor permanent exhibit highlights the story of the Fernie region, from the use of the area by the Ktunaxa to underground and open pit mining to the development of Fernie as a four-season resort community. The second floor gallery features rotating art and history exhibits. The Museum also offers a range of programs throughout the year, including popular themed walking tours during the summer. Museum staff are on hand to help guide your paths as your explore our museum, community and the environment around us – whether it is on the ski hill or on our many hiking or biking trails. Public washrooms are available and the facility offers barrier free access.

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.

Streetcar 23 is a fully functional streetcar that was once in use here in Nelson in the first half of the 20th century. We provide a scenic ride along Nelson’s waterfront, as well as a unique museum (not open this year). The society is all volunteer driven, and our streetcar is one of Nelson’s most interesting attractions.

Revelstoke Museum & Archives celebrates Revelstoke and district in a vibrant, interactive museum where all are welcome to participate, to learn, to share, and to explore the history of the region. Learn about how we play and work in the snow, multicultural history, and much more through two floors of exhibits. Browse our Gift Shop where you'll find exclusive brands like Murchie's Tea and Rogers' Chocolates. Vintage ski patches and t-shirts and heritage posters and prints reproduced from the archives. In spring and summer months visit our public garden and picnic area while your children play at the sandbox. Downtown Historic Walking tours and Cemetery Tours can be scheduled by appointment.

Kimberley Heritage Museum features exhibits on the Sullivan Mine and all aspects of Kimberley's history with exhibits which are changed throughout the year. Kimberley Heritage Museum is open year-round(except major holidays and the month of December). We also provide archives for research, by appointment.