Trail Historical Society

06/12/2026

Please still consider attending our city's 125th birthday celebration!

The Trail Museum & Archives regrets to announce the delivery of A Trail to Remember Vol. 2 has been unavoidably delayed and books will not be available for sale at our scheduled launch.

Nevertheless, Trail’s 125th anniversary party and celebration of the book will still occur at Gyro Park on Sunday, June 14, from noon to 3:00 p.m.

Enjoy the Trail Pipe Band, some words of gratitude from John, the nostalgic sounds of Brian Plamondon, and a piece of birthday cake in Trail’s most scenic park. In addition, museum staff will be on hand interviewing attendees for Trail Tales, our exciting community engagement project that captures the voices of the community. Ferguson's Castle will also be there and the concession will be open!

We expect the books to be available for sale now mid-week in the Gift Shop at the Trail Riverfront Centre. More information will follow.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call Sarah Benson-Lord at 250-921-6682.

We apologize for this unfortunate situation.

06/10/2026

We are pleased to join the Trail Museum & Archives and City of Trail this Sunday, June 14th at Gyro Park for the launch of A Trail to Remember Vol. 2 and Trail's 125th birthday! Ferguson's Castle will be out for all to enjoy a closer look and share their stories. From noon to 3:00 PM.

04/30/2026

We are so looking forward to the Trail Silver City Days parade! Ferguson's Castle will participating! See you there!

01/07/2026

12/15/2025

Our 2026 commemorative calendar is now on the shelves! Each image is representative of a formative event or influence on Trail's settlement and growth as we celebrate 125 years of Trail next year. This project is generously supported by Teck Trail Operations and Trail Historical Society.

These make perfect Christmas gifts, so drop by our gift shop until December 24th to pick up this special edition calendar! $20.00 + tax.

Would you like it shipped? Give us a call at 250.364.0829 to make arrangements.

12/12/2025

It's difficult to believe that 30 years ago, the C.H. Wright Pool was entirely filled in and construction began on the Trail Aquatic & Leisure Centre.

The C.H. Wright Pool opened in 1961, another major project of the Trail District Recreational Projects Society that served as the active lobbyer and fundraiser for most of Trail’s recreation facilities. Other projects included the Butler Park Grandstands, the Gyro Park Outdoor Theatre, and the Trail Memorial Centre. It was named for Charles H. Wright, a brilliant chemist with Cominco, who served as the society’s chair for many years, among many other public welfare organizations. He was known as “Mr. Trail” for his contributions to our growing community. He died in January, the year before the pool opened.

The Wright Pool served Trail in the summer months for 34 years before the Trail Aquatic & Leisure Centre became a reality. Nearly four decades of youth learned to swim there. At one point, the pool was split into a shallow end and deep end, with the installation of a walkway. The pool had two diving boards and those signature concrete cubbies along the pool deck.

The year 1995 was a busy one for Council and the regional district. That spring, several public open houses were held throughout the region pitching the benefits of a regionally-funded aquatic and fitness facility. Attendance outside of Trail was underwhelming. The referendum was held on April 8, 1995. In total, 7,934 votes were cast and the margin was tight: 3,917 voted in favour (49.4%), while 4,017 (50.6%) voted against.

The result did not deter Trail Mayor Sandy Santori, Council, or the dedicated volunteers of the Trail Aquatic Centre Project Society, despite regional supposition predicting the issue would fade away.

Council wanted to make good on its promise and Trail residents voted on the same issue again, just over two months later, with a 75% in favour of moving forward. Of the 6,000 residents able to vote, 3,240 turned out, with 2,430 showing their support for the project.

The Trail Aquatic & Leisure Centre opened on Saturday, October 26, 1996, with considerable fanfare. It continues to serve the region nearly 30 years later.

12/06/2025

We are here today promoting our 3D heritage building ornaments! Come down and enjoy 10% off!

Don't forget to drop by tomorrow! We have a fun family day planned and Santa is ready!

12/03/2025

Thank you for your patience!

The 2026 Trail Museum & Archives Calendar is at the printer! The minute they arrive, we'll share the news.

If you wish to place a hold, please give us a call and we'll reach out directly to you when they go on sale.

250.364.0829 or [email protected]

11/13/2025

Our next Hot Stove League session occurs Friday, November 14, beginning at 10:30 AM.

We look forward to seeing you!

10/26/2025

We are thrilled to welcome local celebrity Greg Nesteroff for the Trail launch of his long-awaited book, The King of Sandon!

🗓 Saturday, November 8, 2025
🕘 2:00 PM
📍 Trail Museum & Archives in the Riverfront Centre (1505 Bay Avenue) - Multipurpose Room

Hear about Greg's research, learn more about Kootenay history, and enjoy some cake and coffee. Copies of Greg's book are available for sale in the Gift Shop!