Slocan Houses for Sale
Search all Slocan Houses for Sale and real estate listings below. Located at the foot of Slocan Lake in the West Kootenay region of BC, Slocan is a small peaceful village that serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures and small-town living. Beautiful homes on large acreages can be found in Slocan. Once in a while, boat-only access lakefront properties pop up.
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Slocan Real Estate Market
Lot sizes in Slocan are spacious, which allow room for secondary dwellings, including shops, detached garages, or storage sheds. Primarily single-detached homes fill the streets of Slocan, many of which have fenced yards or privacy hedges. Of these single-family dwellings, a handful of them are character homes. However, newer townhomes for sale can be found in the area.
There are several housing options for seniors in the town. New Denver offers two options: an independent living facility Dr. Brouse Lodge and The Pavillion, a residential care facility. Larger estates can be found on the outskirts of town, on several acres nestled in the privacy of trees, or on Slocan Lake, boasting endless outdoor activities and a stunning lakefront view.
About Slocan, BC
Stunning mountains, glacier-fed rivers, lakes, and old-growth forests provide adventure seekers with limitless access to hiking, kayaking, and swimming. At the same time, the town of Slocan offers residents all the necessary amenities, including shops, restaurants, schools, churches, and health and wellness facilities.
Getting to Slocan
Situated in the southeastern region of British Columbia, Slocan is a 52-minute (186 km) drive from Nelson, BC, along Highway 6, and a 2.25-hour (69 km) drive from Creston, BC along Highway 3. Slocan is approximately 7-8 hours (650 km) from Calgary to the east and Vancouver to the west. Spokane, Washington, is a 3–4-hour (250 km) drive from Slocan. Regardless of where you are travelling to or from, be sure to check road conditions at Drive BC.
Slocan can also be reached by air. Air Canada provides daily flights to Calgary and Vancouver from the West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar. Kelowna International Airport is just shy of 4.5 hours from Slocan for international destinations.
Mountain Man Mike’s Bus service provides an eco-friendly alternative route to Slocan. Run-on recycled restaurant frying oil, Mike’s bus travels through the towns of BC’s interior to Vancouver and Calgary.
Slocan Weather
The Slocan Valley experiences the beauty of all four seasons: summer, fall, winter, and spring. Summers in the valley are usually hot and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 20-25 °C. During the summer months of July to September, the sun shines for more than 1200+ hours! Perfect for backyard barbeques or boating on the lake.
The fall and winter account for most of the annual precipitation (950 mm), including snow which generally falls from December to February (approximately 130 cm). Average winter temperatures range from -5 °C to 5 °C.
Slocan Culture
The Slocan Valley area was initially inhabited by the people of the Sinixt Nation and the Ktunaxa Nation. Archaeological sites and pictographs along the river tell the history of First Nations, who used the local resources for both food and shelter.
It was not until the 1890s that settlers began to pour into the Slocan Valley, searching for the silver-lead ores buried beneath what would become known as Slocan City. Nicknamed ‘Silvery Slocan’ by prospectors, Slocan became a bustling mining town. Railroads were built into mining camps, and infrastructure was built between New Denver, BC, and Kaslo, BC. Unfortunately, the prosperity of the time was short-lived, and by 1910, the silver rush had ended.
Soon after, Slocan experienced an influx of farmers, but this too would be a short-lived endeavor, as most farmers moved on to Vancouver. Japanese residents of Canada, including the infamous David Suzuki, were forced into internment camps located in the north end of the Slocan Valley during the Second World War. Many Japanese remained in the valley after the war, and their stories can be heard at the Nikkei Memorial Internment Centre (in New Denver).
In the 1970s, there was an inflow of Americans and Canadians seeking a simpler life. With them came a return to communal living and practices associated with self-sustenance. There was also a growing art scene which is still evident today! While logging and sawmilling are still a part of the Slocan economy, the town is seeing a diversification. The tourism industry and its subsectors are on the rise.
Slocan Health Care
Slocan has a newly renovated Health and Wellness Center on Harold Street. The clinic promotes holistic health and well-being with examination rooms for a nurse practitioner, a fitness facility, and a community library.
Therapeutic practitioners in the community provide massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic services to residents. Slocan residents have access to Arrow Lakes Hospital in Nakusp (50–55-minute drive north), the Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson (1.5-hour drive south), and the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail (2-hour drive south).
Slocan Education
Slocan is part of the School District 8 Kootenay Lake. W.E. Graham Community School serves 78 students from K to 10. The school also has a preschool and an Alternative Education Program. W.E. Graham Community School’s award-winning outdoor education program is ideal for students seeking a tourism and outdoor recreation career. After Grade 10, most students in Slocan attend Mount Sentinel Secondary School, a one-hour bus ride from town.
The W.E. Graham Community Service Society also provides programs and services to assist community members who wish to further their education. Additionally, the society provides affordable childcare, recreational services, and a food bank (Slocan Valley Food Cupboard).
StrongStart is also available to residents of Slocan. Located 15 minutes from town, Winlaw Elementary School provides programs for children under five and their parents/guardians.
Things to Do in Slocan
Outdoor recreation is possible due to moderate weather and the proximity to beautiful lakes, rivers, trails, and parks. Between outdoor recreation and small-town activities and events, Slocan provides many opportunities for residents to get out-and-about. Hike the Valhalla Mountain range while exploring waterfalls or camp along the 30 km of Slocan Lake shoreline in Valhalla Provincial Park. Slocan Valley Rail Trail offers biking, jogging, or walking opportunities along the 52 km non-motorized trail. At Slocan Lake, you can paddle on the water or just relax on the beach, or swim in the running waters of the Slocan River on a hot summer day.
Slocan business owners provide a unique experience for those who wish to explore downtown. Enjoy a cup of organic roasted herbs (a coffee alternative) at Raven Roast. Rutabaga’s Whole Foods offers locally grown, organic food and produce, supplements, and personal care products. Try homemade pizza, burgers, fish, and chips at Harold Sreet Café.
Slocan hosts several annual events loved by residents including, the Slocan Lake Garden Tour, Slocan Valley Annual Soccer Tournament in June, the Josh Evin Kootenay Skate Jam, and Unity Music Festival in July. In October, you can visit the Halloween Monster Mash and Halloween Hoot, which hosts a bbq and fireworks. Check out the Christmas Craft Fair, Christmas Tree Light-Up, Mountain Valley Station’s Annual Boxing Day Family Fun Skate, and New Year’s Dance during November and December! Slocan residents have the annual Spirit of Slocan Parade of Garage Sales, Plant, and Bake Sale, and Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast in the spring. For specifics of each event, check out the Slocan Valley Event Calendar.
Slocan Realtors
Are you thinking of buying or selling a home in Slocan? If you’re looking to buy a home, contact our Loyal Homes real estate agents, who can answer all your Slocan community, neighbourhood, and real estate questions.
If you’re thinking of selling your Slocan, BC home, our associated Listing Realtors can provide information on recently sold comparable properties, up-to-date real estate market information, and professional tips to help you prepare and sell your house for top dollar.