KOOTENAY ATTRACTIONS - Balfour, Crawford Bay and Kootenay Lake

Osprey Ferry - D. Gluns
Natural Image Photography

EAST SHORE	WEST SHORE
Kootenay Bay (map)	Balfour (map)
Crawford Bay (map)	Harrop (map)
Riondel (map)	Ainsworth (map)
Gray Creek (map)	Proctor (map)

Kootenay Bay, Riondel and Crawford Bay are separated by Kootenay Lake. Balfour, Proctor, Harrop and Ainsworth are the west shore towns and Kootenay Lake, Riondel and Crawford Bay are east shore communities. The Kootenay Lake Ferry trip between the east and west shores is filled with scenic vistas.

Kootenay Bay was once a flag stop for the paddlewheelers. With a population of approximately 100, it offers a variety of accommodation, and activities.

The community of Gray Creek, at the mouth of Crawford Bay, stretches for approximately 6 km. It was settled in 1906. Visit the Gray Creek Store for historical insights.

Balfour was a stopover for sternwheeler passengers headed for Nelson or the East Kootenays. Presently Balfour is a resort community with accommodation, camping, marinas, and a full range of fishing services. Balfour serves as the western ferry terminal for the ferry route across Kootenay Lake to Kootenay Bay on the east shore of the lake.
Kootenay Lake Ferryerry Schedules

Riondel is located, on the east shore of Kootenay Lake and is a small retirement area. It overlooks Kootenay Lake, mountains and Kokanee Glacier

Community Connections:
Kootenay Lake Visitor's Guide to the East Shore
Kootenay Country

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Local Attractions:
The Glass House and Grounds - Kootenay Bay
Nature:
Balfour is close to a large osprey colony. So bring your binoculars and catch a bit of the wild.
Restaurants & Pubs:
Crawford Creek Resort Pub
Fairy Treats
Artisans:
Crawford Bay:
North Woven Broom Company
The Kootenay Forge (Blacksmith Shop)
The Purple Door
Barefoot Handweaving
Breathless Glass
Fireworks Copper & Glass
Weaver's Corner

MUSEUMS & HISTORICAL SITES

Riondel Historical Society

Minnie Marlowes - North of Trout Lake
Photo by Ella Amstutz

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Fishing: FishBC Redfish Creek Spawning Channel	Golfing: Eagle View Golf Course Balfour Golf and Country Club Kokanee Springs Golf Resort
Hiking: Mountain Huts Drewry Point Provincial Park Pilot Bay Marine Prov. Park Kootenay Lake Forest District Hiking Trails Earl Grey Pass and Map The tail extends some 61km, crossing over the Purcell Mountains and connecting the East and West Kootenays. Hikers travel up the gentle slopes of the Ushaped Toby Creek valley, over the Earl Grey Pass and down Hamill Creek through stands of old growth cedar and hemlock. Buchanan Lookout (image) This is a high elevation day-use site which is located at an refurbished fire lookout building. This is a great spot for family oriented outings; views are spectacular and flowers are lovely in season. There is also a 2 km loop trail below the lookout that provides access to viewpoints on the rock bluffs . Boomers Landing This trail is located on Pilot Pennisula; it begins at the road and ends at a rocky beach. Fletcher Lake A steep, rustic trail leading into an alpine lake area. The trail starts on a skid road in a cutblock, and winds its way through sub-alpine forest to the east end of Fletcher Lake. Jumbo Pass Forest Recreation Trail The steep ascent towards the alpine meadows of Jumbo Pass begins along an old roadway. The dense forest cover thins, breaking into a large avalanche path at the northern flank of Bastille Mountain. The route travels through larch forested alpine meadows, and past small lakes as the pass is approached. MacBeth Icefield (image 1) (image 2) This trail provides direct access to Macbeth Icefield. The lower 2.0 km trail follows the creek and provides views of scenic meadows. From the meadow the trail climbs steeply to an alpine lake near the edge of the icefield. Monica Meadows (image) Plaid Lake Ross Lake Kootenay Lake Visitor's Guide - Hiking
Hot Springs: Ainsworth Hot Springs - features three odorless pools, 150 foot horseshoe cave, main lounging pool and stream-fed cold plunge.

KOOTENAY ATTRACTIONS - Balfour, Crawford Bay and Kootenay Lake

Accommodation

Activities

Attractions

Events

Travel Information