The sleepy town of Kaslo hosts an intimate world-class family friendly jazz festival in the summer.
Big names to newly discovered gems of the entertainment business have been coming to Kaslo since 1991 for the Kaslo Jazz Etc. summer music festival.
Jazz may be in the festival’s name but it doesn’t end there. Many acts who have performed on the floating stage included blues, funk, soul, world, latin and jazz bands.
The venue’s unique location provides festival patrons with a natural amphitheater surrounded by pristine wilderness to enjoy while watching the performances on the floating stage nestled on the shoreline of Kootenay Lake. This is the 20th year the small town is hosting the festival, from July 29 to 31, and will feature musical acts Dan Mangan, Delhi 2 Dublin, Jim Byrnes, David Gogo, Paul Peress, Mark Hummel and the Blues Survivors, Mr. Something Something. For more information visit www.kaslojazzfest.com to order tickets or call 250-353-7577.
Kaslo, with a population of just 1,000, is actually the largest community on the main body of Kootenay Lake. The area’s waterways and surrounding mountains provide plenty of opportunity for outdoor adventure. Fishing charters and boat rentals can be arranged through Woodbury Resort, just 16 kilometres south of Kaslo.
Explore Kootenay Lake in a powerboat, sailboat, kayak or canoe. The very best way to explore Kootenay Lake is on a houseboat from Kaslo Shipyards. These boats are designed to cope with the wave action in this large lake and can be beached overnight in remote bays and beaches.
Take time from the jazz festival to hike groomed trails or wilderness terrain in provincial parks. There are no less than five of these (and one rugged conservancy) nearby, including the stunning Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. Visitors feeling really adventurous can go spelunking at Cody Caves Provincial Park. Discover the difference between stalagmites and stalactites on a one-hour guided tour of this very accessible limestone cave. Helmet, lamp, coveralls and gloves are provided, but wear warm layers and bring shoes that can survive a soaking. Cody Caves Provincial Park is 18 km south of Kaslo.
When you are done at the jazz festival and taking in the natural sights, stop in Ainsworth Hot Springs to soak up revitalizing minerals