Location & Facilities

If arriving from the south (Nelson, Castlegar, Winlaw, Slocan), travel 3 km north of Silverton and turn left on 1st Ave, 2nd Ave, or 3rd Ave if parking volunteers indicate there is space available. Otherwise, proceed north across the Carpenter Creek bridge, turn right before reaching the Valhalla Inn, and follow the signs to the shuttle parking area. See map.

If arriving from the north, travel 50 km south from Nakusp, turn left into the shuttle parking area or cross the Carpenter Creek bridge and turn right at 3rd Ave, 2nd Ave, or 1st Ave. See map.

If arriving from the east, travel Highway 31A from Kaslo to New Denver, turn left at the blinking light, then follow the instructions for arriving from the north. See map.

Limited parking spaces are available in close proximity to Centennial Park. Additional off-site parking and a free park & ride shuttle is offered throughout the day. Please see our Shuttle & Parking page for detailed information.

Handicapped parking is available at Gates 2 and 3. A sticker must be displayed to be eligible to park in these reserved areas.

Parking along Highway 6 is prohibited between the bridge and 1st Ave. Parking is also prohibited along 1st Ave to enable emergency vehicle access.

Please respect the residential nature of the area and do not park in front of driveways or on lawns. Please do not park at the hospital facility and keep roadways clear for emergency vehicles.

Volunteers advise and assist with parking availability. Please follow their instructions.

There are 3 entry gates. Gates 1 and 2 are located on 3rd Ave; Gate 3 is located on 1st Ave.

Gates open at 10:00 am and close at 5:00 pm. Admission is $5.00 payable in cash on entry. Children under 12 are free.

Get more details about Festival Hours & Admission here.

Cell phone service is available.

Picnic tables and benches are located close to food vendors at Gate 3, at the main stage area, and under the gazebos shown on the site map near booths 88 and 51. There is bleacher seating behind booths 96/97/98.

The park is located on the shores of beautiful Slocan Lake with views of Valhalla Provincial Park, and the beach is a popular lunch spot during the day.

There are three permanent washroom buildings located near Gate 1,near Gate 3, and behind booths 66/67. Additional portable toilet facilities are located at Gates 1 and 3..

A qualified attendant is available in the First Aid tent located near the Playground. Look for the red flags.

For serious emergencies, the hospital is 3 blocks from the park.

There is no cash machine at the Garlic Festival and many vendors cannot accept credit cards. The closest ATMs are located at the Canco gas station and Kootenay Savings Credit Union on 6th Ave in New Denver; however, we highly recommend coming prepared with cash from your local source.