Sandon, BC is one of those places and worth a visit when in the area. Sandon is located in the Kootenays of British Columbia, approximately 45 minutes west of Kaslo. The drive to this ghost town is lovely , winding through the mountains and forests.
It is free to visit this community. If you do choose to visit, stop into the general store first for some information on the area. They also have some antiques and artifacts from the area on display which are neat to see.
There is a museum on site that does charge an entry fee. It was not open when we were there as we arrived quite early. It is also free to tour the power plant on site that has been restored.
Sandon was known as the Silver City and was at the centre of the richest silver-lead producing area in Canada. Galena ore was first discovered in this area in 1891 which drew may prospectors to the area. By 1898 there were 5000 residents. However by 1920 the town was de-incorporated. As silver prices declined so did this town. It became a Japanese internment camp during WWII. Much of the town was destroyed in 1955 by a massive flood and what was left after the water dissipated was looted and destroyed by looters.
A few buildings do remain including the original city hall from 1900 and the powerhouse.
There is a fleet of old busses and trolleys which you are welcome to enter and look around, and some old vehicles and an old train which my kids thought were pretty neat.
Retired city buses 
The old roads have become hiking trails and if you follow them you may happen upon some abandoned homes.
one to the hiking trails 
an abandoned cabin
We enjoyed touring the power plant which is small and self guided. It was neat to see the original equipment working. They also have some images posted from when the town still existed which are neat to see.
If you follow the trail that runs along the front of the power plant it leads to an old wooden bridge across the river where you can view a waterfall. The trail is very short and leads through the trees.
When in Sandon there is a road that leads up to Idaho Peak. If you plan to drive up there for great views, it is best to go early in the morning before there is much traffic on the road. This is a narrow road, many spots are only wide enough for one vehicle and can be a bit rough. We opted not to drive up the day we were there, but do plan to return to check it out another time. There is hiking available at the top as well as mountain biking.
Have you been to Sandon? What did you think?
When you are travelling do you look for places that are off the beaten path? Places many people don’t know about? Hidden gems?
Sandra Ans
This looks like an amazing place to visit! I love different ghost towns or places with a very interesting history. I liked also your pictures of old vehicles and old trains! Very interesting post! Thank you!
coachkatye
it was pretty neat and a great place to spend a morning wandering.
Adriane
This is awesome! My kids would love this.
coachkatye
It is so much fun.
Anjali
This looks like so much fun! We don’t really have ghosts towns here in New Zealand, and it’s always been something that’s fascinated me about other countries. Would love to just head over and check out all the ghosts towns I can find haha 😀
coachkatye
They are so fun to explore. This one is different than any I had seen before, with a number of buildings having been preserved. Growing up there was one near our home and with friends we used to love exploring them and making up stories about the people that lived there.
Heather Ritchie
I love searching abandoned buildings and learning about history. This looks like a really fun place to run around a find new secrets.
coachkatye
It is one of the best preserved ghost towns I have ever been too. It was pretty neat to see.
Emily Adams
I love BC and this makes me want to go back to explore this town! Could you add a pinnable image to your post? Right now if I pin one of the photos from your post, it won’t easily direct anyone back to your website.
coachkatye
I think I have added what you are looking for now. Let me know if that works.
Shannon
I love visit places like this! Looks like an amazing little spot! Beautiful photos!!
Cassandra
This sounds like such a cool place to visit. I am definitely keeping it in mind for when my kids are a little older and we are feeling adventurous!
coachkatye
This ghost town is great for all ages.
Raquel
I love Canada, but haven’t been to BC. This is something to add to my bucket list!
coachkatye
Bc is such a beautiful and diverse province. So many great things to see.
Sarah
Very cool! I’ve had a fascination with American ghost towns since I was a kid- I would love to visit some in Canada!(and BC is so freaking beautiful; I will never get over the beautiful North American landscapes.)
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Bob Geddes
Looks like a place on our bucket list . Great area
coachkatye
It really is a neat and fun place to explore if you are ever in the area.
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