Exploring Boundary Falls and the Historic Powerhouse of Greenwood, BC
This spring, we kicked off our adventure season with a visit to one of our favourite hidden gems...Boundary Falls. Boundary Falls is just outside Greenwood, BC, if you are driving east on Highway 3 the falls are on the right. There is a 'Stop of Interest' marker on the highway but it is easy to miss. Once you pull into the small round about, you can park along the side of the road. You will see a historical marker telling you a bit about Boundary Falls Smelter and another marker highlighting the Dewdney Trail. From the parking lot there are trails that lead to the falls. It isn't a far walk and there are many trails that lead you to several viewpoints.
Early spring is the perfect time to go, when the snow melt feeds the creek and transforms the falls into a roaring spectacle. And this year, it did not disappoint! The water levels were much higher than our visit last year, making the short hike in feel even more rewarding.
History of Boundary Falls
Not only is the scenery beautiful, but the area is steeped in history that many travellers miss as they cruise down Highway 3. From placer gold claims to a key stretch of the Dewdney Trail, this region played a vital role during the mining boom of the late 1800s and early 1900s. In fact, Boundary Falls is considered the centre of some of the earliest mining activity in this area. Prospectors were drawn to Boundary Creek, which was rich with placer gold. The Dewdney Trail, one of BC’s earliest transportation routes, followed the creek right to the falls before heading east over the mountains. This route was essential for moving people, supplies, and ore during the gold rush era.
By the turn of the century, the focus had shifted from placer gold to hard rock mining, and the need for local processing became urgent. In 1901, the Boundary Falls Smelter was constructed beside the creek, just downstream of the falls. To power its operations, a small hydroelectric dam was built upstream—one of the earliest examples of industrial hydro development in the Boundary District. For a brief time, the smelter roared with activity, processing ore from nearby claims and adding to the optimism that this region would become a long-term mining hub.
Unfortunately, the smelter’s life was short-lived. By 1903, operations had ceased, a victim of high costs, fluctuating ore values, and stiff competition from larger smelters in Greenwood and Grand Forks. The site was abandoned, leaving behind stone foundations, rusted machinery, and the remains of the dam.
Sunset Smelter
By the turn of the century, the focus had shifted from placer gold to hard rock mining, and the need for local processing became urgent. In 1900, the Sunset Smelter, also known as the Boundary Falls Smelter, was built by The Standard Pyritic Smelting Co. on the opposite side of the highway, just above the falls. The Kettle Valley Railway, which passed directly alongside the site (today’s Trans Canada Trail follows much of the same route), made it possible to haul in ore from some of the Boundary District’s most notable mines, including the Snowshoe, BC, Sunset, Athelstan, Oro Denoro, and Providence.
The smelter was ambitious for its time, even incorporating a small hydroelectric dam upstream to help power operations. But success was short-lived. From 1902 to 1905, the plant only operated intermittently, plagued by the constant challenge of securing a steady coke supply. By 1905, production had ceased altogether, with larger, more established smelters in Greenwood and Grand Forks proving more competitive.
Today, the Sunset Smelter’s legacy is still visible along Highway 3, where a large black slag pile looms above the road. Most of the site sits on private land, so access is limited, but from the public areas you can still glimpse stonework and industrial remnants. Slowly reclaimed by nature, these ruins remain a striking reminder of the optimism—and the struggles—of BC’s early mining boom.
The Town of Boundary Falls
Few people realize that a townsite once existed at Boundary Falls, clustered along the Kettle Valley Railway and the nearby road. At its peak, the town included a hotel, post office, general store, school, and many family homes, though interestingly, no church was ever built. By 1924, only four families remained, and many of the original buildings were either destroyed or relocated. In the 1930s, the site took on a new life when a sawmill was established, making temporary use of the abandoned townsite.
Historic West Kootenay Power and Light Building
After taking in the falls, we headed towards Greenwood to explore the old West Kootenay Power and Light building, now a designated historic site. Built in the early 1900s, this structure was once part of a revolutionary hydroelectric power system that helped electrify the Boundary and Kootenay regions. The powerhouse was part of a broader vision by the West Kootenay Power and Light Company (founded in 1897) to bring reliable power to mines, smelters, and towns across southeastern BC.
The company constructed a hydroelectric dam at Bonnington Falls near Nelson, and the power generated there was transmitted across the mountains to places like Greenwood, Trail, and Rossland. This building in Greenwood served as a key substation and powerhouse for the local area, helping to power the Sunset Smelter and surrounding industries during their peak years. The design of the structure reflects early 20th-century industrial architecture with its thick stone walls and arched windows. Though no longer operational, it stands as a monument to the role electricity played in transforming the region’s economy.
Another Great Adventure!
We had such a great time revisiting this area and highly recommend making the stop if you're travelling through the Boundary Country. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful picnic spot with a view, Boundary Falls has something special to offer.
📍 Don't forget to check out our video from this trip on our YouTube Channel for a closer look at the falls and the historical landmarks nearby!