Major city · Canada
Greenwood
Stop for 2–3 hours on the Crowsnest Highway: Copper Street, the museum, Boundary Falls. Sleep only if you want the Kettle Valley Rail Trail.
Greenwood is Canada's smallest incorporated city, population about 665, on Highway 3 in the West Kootenays. It was a copper smelting town from 1897 and the brick storefronts on Copper Street survive from that boom. There is no rail or commercial air service: you arrive by car or by a reserved bus. Two to three hours covers the town; a night makes sense if you are riding or walking the Kettle Valley Rail Trail from Midway.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- May–Oct
- avoid Nov–Mar (cold, some services closed or by appointment)
- Airports
- YCG · YYF · YLW
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Greenwood911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- BC health advice line (24 h, free)811
- DriveBC road conditions1-800-550-4997
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Greenwood, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyVery safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 811 BC health advice line (24 h, free) · 1-800-550-4997 DriveBC road conditions
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckYCG Castlegar (West Kootenay Regional) (Nearest scheduled airport, about 1 h 15 min east by Highway 3; check seasonal flights).
- Getting aroundEverything in Greenwood is walkable: Copper Street and the museum are within a few minutes of each other.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- Street or quick mealCafé lunch or sandwichC$12–20 (≈ US$9–15)
- Museum or sight ticketKettle River Museum entryC$5 (≈ US$4); 16 and under free
- Budget bedProvincial campsite pitch, a night, per roomC$25 (≈ US$19)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$250 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YCG Castlegar (West Kootenay Regional) (Nearest scheduled airport, about 1 h 15 min east by Highway 3; check seasonal flights) · YYF Penticton (About 2 h west; check schedules) · YLW Kelowna (About 3 h northwest; the main regional gateway)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Feb
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Mar
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Dec
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Best: May–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C) low), wettest Nov (13 rain days), driest Jul (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Greenwood: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
12 rd
Feb
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
9 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
9 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
7 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Nov
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
13 rd
Dec
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Everything in Greenwood is walkable: Copper Street and the museum are within a few minutes of each other. A car is needed for Boundary Creek Provincial Park, Jewel Lake and Phoenix Mountain. BC Transit's Boundary system runs reserved trips (Grand Forks on Fridays; Rock Creek–Grand Forks Health Connections on Tuesdays) — book by the day before.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Midway and the Kettle Valley Rail Trail
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive Highway 3 west about 15 min
Mile Zero of the rail trail; Kettle River Museum, adults C$5, daily 10:00–16:00.Mile Zero of the rail trail; Kettle River Museum, adults C$5, daily 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Boundary Falls and Boundary Creek Provincial Park
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Drive Highway 3 toward Midway
Falls about 40 ft, viewed from the canyon rim; short stop.
Jewel Lake Provincial Park
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive about 12 km (7.5 mi) east of GreenwoodDrive about 7.5 mi (12 km) east of Greenwood
Camping, canoeing and fishing in a wilderness setting; bring what you need.
Rock Creek and Kettle River Recreation Area
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive Highway 3 west about 25 min, then 6 km (3.7 mi) north on Highway 33Drive Highway 3 west about 25 min, then 3.7 mi (6 km) north on Highway 33
Beach, campsites and a former railway bridge on the Trans-Canada Trail; tubing in summer.
Grand Forks
goDoor to door: About 35 min
Drive Highway 3 east about 42 km (26 mi)Drive Highway 3 east about 26 mi (42 km)
Largest town in the Boundary; fuel, food and groceries.
Phoenix Mountain Ski Resort
cautionDoor to door: About 15 min
Drive about 9 km (5.6 mi) east on Phoenix Mountain RoadDrive about 5.6 mi (9 km) east on Phoenix Mountain Road
16 runs; check snow and opening dates before driving up.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Copper Street / downtown
Walk to the museum, shops and cafés; the Crowsnest Highway runs through it, so ask for a room away from the road.
North Government Street
Motels on the highway approach, a few minutes' walk from the centre.
Midway (10 min west)
Quieter base at Mile Zero of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail; a small museum and campgrounds.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Fuel, 100 km at 8 L/100 km1 × C$15 | C$15 |
| Museum entry2 × C$5 | C$10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$15 | C$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$51 |
| Trip total≈ C$278 per person per day, bed included | C$556≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; fuel and long-distance buses excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Café lunch or sandwich | C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15) |
| Motel double room, summer | C$110–220 (≈ US$80–160) |
| Provincial campsite, per night | C$25–45 (≈ US$19–35) |
| Fuel, per litre | C$1.60–1.90 (≈ US$2) |
| Kettle River Museum entry | C$5 (≈ US$4); 16 and under free |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No train and no scheduled air service: plan around the highway or a reserved bus.
- BC Transit Boundary trips need a reservation by the day before and run on set days only.
- The museum is by appointment only from November to April.
- Highway 3 through town carries trucks; take care crossing Copper Street.
- Winter driving on the mountain passes can mean snow tires or chains; check DriveBC before you set out.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- BC health advice line (24 h, free)
- 811
- DriveBC road conditions
- 1-800-550-4997
Pocket card
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GreenwoodGreenwood
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- BC health advice line (24 h)811
- DriveBC road conditions1-800-550-4997
Embassy
No consulates in Greenwood. US consulate general in Vancouver; most other countries: embassies in Ottawa or consulates in Vancouver.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Fuel, Grand Forks → Greenwood (42 km): about C$5–7 (≈ US$4–6)
- BC Transit Boundary trip: reserve by the day before; fare check
- Kettle River Museum, Midway: C$5 (≈ US$4) adults, 16 and under free
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the washroom? — Where is the toilet?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is there gas nearby? — Is there fuel nearby?
English is the working language; no phrasebook needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Greenwood. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct · avoid Nov–Mar (cold, some services closed or by appointment) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YCG, YYF and YLW: last connections, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster for Copper Street with rescue anchors: museum, downtown shops, motels.
- Place pages with verified hours and cutoffs (museum, Kettle River Museum, Boundary Creek, Jewel Lake, Phoenix Mountain).
- Winter and hostile-arrival fixtures for the Highway 3 passes so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Greenwood
- officialGreenwood Museum & Visitor Centre
- officialBC Parks — Boundary Creek Provincial Park
- officialBC Parks — Jewel Lake Provincial Park
- officialBC Parks — Kettle River Recreation Area
- officialBC Transit — Boundary Transit System
- officialKettle River Museum
- officialPhoenix Mountain Ski Resort
- officialMountain Man Mike's Bus Service
- secondaryWikivoyage: Greenwood (British Columbia), revision 5312028 (CC BY-SA 4.0)