Paradise Mine/Paradise Ridge/Paradise Basin
The Paradise mine captured the local imagination in a way that no other mining property in the valley has quite come close to.
Paradise (2)
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Paradise (1)
Paradise Mine/Paradise Ridge/Paradise Basin
“In its early days Hammond used to say it [the mine] should have been called the ‘Parasite’.” 46
Ben Abel
Ben Abel Creek (north fork of Dutch Creek), Abel Creek (into Lake Windermere), Mount Abel
“The most interesting old-timer in the valley… [Ben Abel] was a tall, handsome man about sixty years old, with a long black beard which reached to his waist and which he always rolled up and tucked inside his shirt on leaving the settlement. It was his great pride.” 54
Mineral King (2)
Mineral King Mine (former community, unofficial local name)
Although provincially classified as a small mine, the Mineral King Mine was the largest underground mining enterprise in the Windermere Valley.
Mineral King (1)
Mineral King Mine (former community, unofficial local name)
Those who examined the Mineral King property in these early years agreed that that it was, “very encouraging”24, but as the scattered investment in the property suggests, there were a number of factors impeding development.
Fairmont
Fairmont Hot Springs (Community and Hot Springs), Fairmont Mountain, Fairmont Ridge, Fairmont Creek
Other Names: Radium Springs, Radium Hot Springs, Brewer Springs
“From the springs a particularly fine view can be enjoyed, and to many it will prove a very novel experience to sit comfortably immersed up to one’s neck… enjoying with luxurious ease an open air hot bath, while at one’s feet is spread out one of the most glorious views imaginable, ranging far over lake, river, forest, and glacier-clothed peaks.”35
Radium Hot Springs (2)
Radium Hot Springs (Village, attraction)
Other Names: Sinclair Hot Springs, Kootenay Mineral Springs
“If these Springs were properly developed they would be a great benefit to the public as well as an improvement and attraction to the Kootenay Park.”5
Radium Hot Springs (1)
Radium Hot Springs (Village, attraction)
Other Names: Sinclair Hot Springs, Kootenay Mineral Springs, Radium Junction
Early settlers travelling through the area… make no reference at all to the springs… As the waters of Radium Hot Springs are odourless, it is reasonable to assume that groups could pass the springs without being aware of their presence.
Sinclair
Sinclair Pass, Sinclair Canyon, Sinclair Creek, Sinclair (historic, steamboat landing)
Other Names: St Clair (uncommon)
“Sinclair Canyon was then just a pin point of light in the sky… it may surprise you to know that Sinclair Canyon is practically man made.”47
Goldie
Goldie Creek (flows East into Windermere Lake near North end), Mount Goldie (Headwaters of Goldie Creek)
Underscoring the image of George Goldie as a cheerful and jolly individual is an undercurrent of allegations of misconduct that are never satisfactorily explained.
In The Windermere 