Things to Do in Greenwood, BC

Explore the vibrant outdoor and cultural offerings of Greenwood, Canada’s smallest incorporated city, nestled in the heart of Boundary Country. From historic tours to outdoor adventures, here’s a guide to some of the top attractions and activities in and around Greenwood, complete with details on hours, dates, and contact information where available.

Recreation

Greenwood Municipal Pool

Cool off and enjoy family-friendly fun at the Greenwood Municipal Pool, a seasonal outdoor pool located in front of City Hall. This community hub offers a refreshing spot for swimming and relaxation during the summer months, with lifeguard supervision and a welcoming atmosphere. The pool is perfect for kids and adults alike, often hosting swim lessons and community events.

  • Hours of Operation (2025):

    • June 15 - August 31: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM, daily (weather permitting)

    • Closed outside of the summer season.

  • Admission: Nominal fee; contact for details.
  • Contact Information: Check the Greenwood City website or call for updates on pool schedules and special events.

 

  • Plan Your Visit: Limited parking is available; arrive early on busy summer days.

Greenwood Museum & Visitor Centre

Discover the rich history of Canada’s smallest incorporated city at the Greenwood Museum & Visitor Centre, a must-visit destination in the heart of downtown Greenwood on Copper Avenue (Highway #3). This charming museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s vibrant past, showcasing exhibits on the region’s mining boom, Japanese Canadian internment during World War II, and early settler life. Highlights include artifacts from the B.C. Copper Company’s ore smelter, a replica of the Deadwood bar, and displays of military memorabilia and early hockey history. The museum also serves as a Visitor Centre, providing maps, a self-guided Heritage Walking Tour, and information on local attractions like the Phoenix Interpretive Forest Driving Tour.

Whether you’re a history buff or just passing through, the museum’s knowledgeable staff and well-curated exhibits make it an engaging stop. Visitors praise the informative displays and the warm welcome, with one reviewer noting, “This museum was AWESOME!! Considering it was a small space - the exhibits were extremely informative and attractive.”

Hours of Operation (2025):

  • May 1 - June 30: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • July 1 - August 31: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • September 1 - October 31: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • November 1 - April 30: Open by appointment only

Admission:
A small admission fee is required, with donations welcomed to support the museum’s operations.

Contact Information:

Plan Your Visit:
Located at 214 S. Copper Avenue, the museum is easily accessible with no steps at the entrance and a non-slip ramp for those with mobility needs. Enjoy the gift shop featuring local Japanese art, rocks, minerals, and books, or book a guided tour of the historic 1903 BC Supreme Courthouse nearby. Make the Greenwood Museum your first stop to explore the Boundary Country’s unique heritage

Jewel Lake

Escape to the serene beauty of Jewel Lake, a picturesque lake just 10 km north of Greenwood, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Formerly known as Long Lake, this gem is nestled in a narrow valley surrounded by mountains and lush timber. Activities include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking. The Jewel Lake Provincial Park on the north shore offers a campground, while the south shore features Jewel Lake Resort with camping, picnicking areas, and boat/cabin rentals. In winter, marked cross-country ski trails attract adventurers.

  • Hours of Operation (2025):

    • Open year-round, 24/7 for day-use activities.

    • Campground (Jewel Lake Provincial Park): May 1 - September 30, 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM for check-in.

    • Jewel Lake Resort: Seasonal, typically May 1 - October 15; contact for exact dates.

  • Admission: Free for day use; camping fees apply at the provincial park and resort.

  • Contact Information:

    • Jewel Lake Provincial Park: BC Parks - Jewel Lake

    • Jewel Lake Resort: (250) 445-6500, Jewel Lake Resort

    • Email (Resort): [email protected]

  • Plan Your Visit: From Greenwood, drive north along Highway 3 to the marked turnoff and follow the road for 10 km. Bring your own equipment for water activities or rent at the resort. ATV enthusiasts can explore the lookout at Mt. Roderick Dhu. Check BC Parks for campground reservations and winter trail conditions.

Outdoor Recreation: Hiking, Cycling, and ATV Trails (Kettle Valley Railway)

Greenwood is a gateway to outdoor adventure, with access to the Trans Canada Trail (formerly the Columbia & Western Railway) and the historic Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) trail system. These trails offer scenic routes for hiking, cycling, and ATV riding, winding through forests, past abandoned mine sites, and along mountain streams. Notable trails include the leisurely Jubilee Mountain hike for panoramic views of Greenwood and the valley, and the Boundary Falls trail, featuring smelter slag ruins and remnants of the Dewdney Trail. The KVR, part of the Trans Canada Trail, is a shared-use trail accommodating walking, cycling, horseback riding, and snowmobiling (where permitted).

  • Hours of Operation (2025):

    • Open year-round, dawn to dusk, weather permitting.

    • Winter activities (cross-country skiing, snowshoeing) depend on snowfall.

  • Admission: Free; some trailheads may require parking fees.

  • Contact Information:

    • Greenwood Visitor Centre: (250) 445-6355, Greenwood City

    • Email: [email protected] (for trail maps and guides)

  • Plan Your Visit: Access the Trans Canada Trail from downtown Greenwood or nearby trailheads. The KVR trail is accessible from Midway (Mile 0) or Kettle River Recreation Area, 30 km from Greenwood. Helmets are mandatory for cycling in BC, and e-bikes are restricted to park roads in the Kettle River Recreation Area. Check Trailforks (www.trailforks.com) for trail conditions and maps. Bring water and wear appropriate gear, especially for ATV trails, and exercise caution on the historic KVR bridge.

Greenwood Parks

Greenwood’s parks provide peaceful green spaces for relaxation and recreation. Key parks include Nikkei Legacy Park, a beautifully transformed Japanese-style rock garden dedicated to the Japanese Canadians interned in Greenwood during World War II, and Lion’s Park, a family-friendly spot with picnic areas and playgrounds. These parks are maintained by the Greenwood Community Association and the Greenwood Parks and Trails Foundation, fostering community engagement and greenspace enhancement.

  • Hours of Operation (2025):

    • Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

  • Admission: Free.

  • Contact Information:

    • Greenwood Community Association: (250) 443-1478, Greenwood City

    • Email: [email protected]

  • Plan Your Visit: Nikkei Legacy Park is located near downtown Greenwood, offering a serene setting for reflection. Lion’s Park is ideal for picnics and play, with easy access from Highway 3. Check the Greenwood City website for maintenance updates or event schedules.

Phoenix Ski Hill

Carved into the hills 8 km east of Greenwood, Phoenix Mountain is a family-friendly ski and snowboard destination offering terrain for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. This not-for-profit community ski hill features groomed runs, a terrain park, and stunning alpine views. In winter, snowshoeing and fat biking are available on the nearby Marshall Lake Trails. Summer and fall bring hiking opportunities through alpine meadows, with trails connecting to the historic Phoenix ghost town and interpretive forest.

  • Hours of Operation (2025):

    • Winter Season (December 15 - March 31, weather permitting):

      • Friday-Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

      • Additional days during holidays; check website for schedule.

    • Summer/Fall (Hiking): Dawn to dusk, year-round.

  • Admission: Lift tickets and passes vary; typically $20-$40/day for adults. Check website for current rates.

  • Contact Information:

  • Plan Your Visit: From Greenwood, drive 8 km east along the Phoenix Interpretive Forest road. The ski hill offers rentals, lessons, and events like races and family days. Check snow conditions on the website before visiting. For summer hiking, bring water and download maps from Trailforks or the Greenwood Visitor Centre.

Plan Your Adventure:
Greenwood’s blend of history, nature, and community makes it an ideal base for exploration. Visit the Greenwood Visitor Centre (214 S. Copper Avenue) for maps, trail guides, and local tips. Whether you’re swimming at the Municipal Pool, touring historic streets, or hitting the trails, Greenwood offers something for every traveler. Check websites or call ahead for seasonal updates and reservations to make the most of your visit

Contact Us

202 South Government Avenue
P.O. Box 129
Greenwood, BC V0H 1J0
Phone: (250) 445-6644
Fax: (250) 445-6441
Email: [email protected]