Coalmont makes a great basecamp for recreational activities throughout the area. Real estate is generally affordable, especially compared to nearby Tulameen. Many properties may include multiple titled or amalgamated parcels because most lot sizes are only 25x100ft. Since there is no community water or sewer services, owning a single 25ft wide lot may pose a challenge to install septic systems and wells that comply with current regulations.
Coalmont includes a small motel, the Mozey-On-Inn, but doesn't offer many other amenities to the public. Most people must travel to nearby Princeton for all of their needs. The village does not offer public water or sewage, people learn to deal with the everyday maintenance of well pumps and septic fields. Some have gasoline operated emergency generators to cope with the occasional power outage, particularly because water pumps and heat are almost all electric. Houses are generally heated with electric baseboard, propane gas and many are supplemented by wood heat, as it is plentiful and economical. Children can take the school bus to attend school in Princeton. Television reception is by satellite only and the telephone is of the old fashioned hard wired type. There is no reliable reception for any cell phones or commercial radio. There are two modern options for internet access. China Creek Internet is a local company that has its own cell tower infrastructure, or Xplornet, who uses satellite technology (similar to satellite TV).
There is a distinct pioneering independence in Coalmont, due in part to the colourful history and the town being semi-abandoned for many years. The people here embody helpful, handy & resourceful attributes. Most have their own tools, are mechanically inclined and do their own building repairs. The closest stores to shop are 18 kilometers away in Princeton, so it is not uncommon to save and store supplies in case they are needed in the future. many residents have a truck, either to get firewood or for recreational pursuits. ATVs, off-road vehicles and snowmobiles, are popular and used often to get around. Coalmont offers a rural, quiet & affordable lifestyle that the residents all appreciate.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Coalmont Hotel: The Coalmont Hotel was built in 1912. There are no longer rooms available but the bar continues to be open daily. Walking inside is like walking into a time capsule and is a refreshing rest stop.
Blakeburn Tram Line: Coal was mined in the early 1900's out of Blakeburn. The coal was hauled down the mountain to Coalmont by a tram line. Today, an ATV trail follows these old cable lines now laying in the ground. Some of these supporting masts can still be found standing and tell a unique story about it's mining history.
Heritage Buildings: Old heritage style buildings like the General Store, stable & butcher shop are not open for business but they offer a glimpse into Coalmont's wild west past.
Granite City Ruins: Some old ruins of houses can still be spotted at Granite City's townsite. What was once, one of the larger towns in B.C., the end of the gold rush left everyone packing, sending Granite City into a spiralling ghost town.
Coalmont Energy Coal Mine: Small mining operations are still in business today prospecting for those elusive mineral deposits.
Curved Tran Tunnel: This scenic location is on the Trans Canada Trail about half way between Coalmont and Princeton. A gazebo provides this as a great rest stop to enjoy the scenery while the curved tunnel runs alongside Tulameen River. Don't forget to bring a flashlight as you will not see the light at the end of this tunnel.
White Sands Beach: A sandy beach that sites next to Tulameen River and Kettle Valley train bridge. It's a popular site for swimming, fishing and camping.
Trans Canada Trail: This popular trail is part of the 16,000 km national trail that winds its way through every province and territory in Canada. The trail is shared by many and passes through some of BC’s most stunning landscapes.
