During the summer of 2024, we finally slowed down on our usual drive through the charming town of Greenwood, BC, and decided to make it our destination. After countless times admiring it from the highway, we set up camp at nearby Boundary Creek Provincial Park, giving us the perfect base to fully explore Canada's smallest city. What a gem we discovered!

Camping at Boundary Creek Provincial Park

Boundary Creek Provincial Park provided a peaceful and scenic retreat. Surrounded by nature and the sound of the gently flowing creek, the park offered spacious campsites, great for relaxing after a day of exploration. We highly recommend it for anyone seeking a quiet camping experience near Greenwood.

Greenwood Smelter and 'Hell's Bells'

One of the first stops on our adventure was the iconic Greenwood Smelter remains and the massive slag pile. Walking among the remnants of this once-thriving industrial site was like stepping back in time. The large brick smokestack from the smelter still stands dating back to 1904.  At the time, it was the tallest smokestack in BC. We also explored the the remnants of the furnaces and the impressive slag heap.  The slag pile is dotted with intriguing formations called "hell's bells," it is a surreal landscape worth exploring! It's a testament to the city’s rich mining and smelting history.

Ghost Walk Tour: Spooky and Spectacular

We booked a guided ghost walk tour for our first night that took us through the back alleys and historic streets of Greenwood. We even got to explore the inside of the historic Court House and jail!  Our knowledgeable guide shared eerie tales of long-gone residents and unexplained happenings, making the history of this small city come alive. If you're into a bit of spooky storytelling mixed with great historic storied, this tour is a must.  Tours can be booked through Greenwood Tours.

Self-Guided Tour: Exploring at Our Own Pace

Greenwood is a delightful town to wander around. With a self-guided tour map in hand, we explored charming heritage buildings, colourful murals, and quaint shops. Each street corner seemed to have a story to tell, from the Gold Rush to Internment Camps.  We loved taking our time to soak it all in.

Greenwood Museum: A Step Back in Time

The Greenwood Museum was a highlight of our visit. It’s packed with artifacts and exhibits that beautifully capture the area's mining history, Japanese internment stories, and local culture. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and shared fascinating insights that enriched our understanding of this historic town.

Why You Should Visit Greenwood

Greenwood is a perfect destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone looking to explore a charming and unique piece of British Columbia. Whether it’s your first time or you’re just passing through, we encourage you to stop and stay a while—you won’t regret it!

Have you visited Greenwood or are planning a trip? Let us know in the comments below or share your favourite spots in the area. We love hearing from fellow adventurers!

Check Out Our Greenwood Adventure on Exploring Dirt

If you’d like to see more of our Greenwood adventure, including footage of the smelter remains, our ghost walk tour, and highlights from the museum, head over to our YouTube channel, Exploring Dirt with Dan and Carm. We’ve captured the beauty and intrigue of Canada’s smallest city so you can experience it too!