Kaslo May Long Weekend Celebrations

May 20-22, 2023

Come celebrate spring time in Kaslo and explore three spectacular events: May Days, Logger Sports and Show n' Shine. Whether you’re new to Kaslo, a long-time local, or back for a visit over the Victoria Day long weekend, Kaslo May Days feels like coming home.

May Days

The annual May Days celebration in Kaslo, BC, has been part of the fabric of this community since 1892. It highlights the diverse culture of Kaslo, and is one of the events that welcomes in the summer season.

Every year, for three glorious, fun-filled days, the Kaslo & Area Chamber of Commerce serves as its proud host and steward. During May Days, dozens of arts and crafts vendors set up booths at Vimy Park to sell their wares alongside artisan food producers, craft beer, and other gourmet treats.  

May Days Info

Logger Sports

Take a seat in the amphitheatre and be mesmerized by logger sports competitors from across Canada and the United States!

Watch in awe as these talented folks compete for prizes and showcase their nearly unbelievable logging skills all weekend long. You'll be impressed by the fierce competition in Log Rolling, in a new pool for 2023, as well as Tree Climbing, Axe Throwing, Springboard Chopping and much more.

Logger Sports Info

Show n' Shine

If you're a car buff, this is the event for you. For more than 25 years fancy vehicles from across British Columbia, the Prairie Provinces and the USA Pacific Northwest gather on the Sunday of the May Long Weekend to show off their vehicles on the streets of Kaslo. If you're interested in joining the show, register your vehicle at Kaslo Show and Shine.

Show n' Shine Info

Whether you are a vintage car enthusiast, skate boarder, logging sports lover or simply enjoy the sunshine, there's something for everyone. Come find awesome in Kaslo this May!

The Story of Kaslo

As the oldest incorporated village in the Kootenays, Kaslo began not as a mining town, but as a logging town. In 1893, Kaslo was incorporated, and by 1897, it had telephone and electrical service, a brewery, a cigar factory, as well as many hotels and bars. The silver mining boom came to Kaslo, but when that went bust, Kaslo went silent for a period of time, reinventing itself in agriculture in the twentieth century.

Kaslo was one of many Kootneay areas designated for the relocation and internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II. The Langham Cultural Centre commemorates this deeply sad and unfortunate era in Kootenay history, and the Joy Kogawa book, Obasan, tells the story of one family's internment in the area. 

Now, Kaslo relies on both logging and tourism to support its population of just over 1,000 people. It is often called the "Little Switzerland" of the Nelson Kootenay Lake region because of its charming picturesque village right on the west arm of Kootenay Lake, surrounded by mountains. 

Plan Your Trip to Kaslo

Spend some more time in the quaint village of Kaslo this May. Find unique places to stay, delicious restaurants to eat and drink at, and recreation and a unique history to learn about around Kaslo.