A century ago, there were six distinct settlements along the east shore of Kootenay Lake. When Highway 3A was completed in the 1950s, these social centres began to merge. Today, the 80 km (50 mile) community is linked through ties of history, friendship and commerce.

If you arrive in this area from the west, your introduction will be a relaxing 35 minute sailing on Kootenay Lake via the longest free ferry ride in the world.

The two lane highway from the ferry landing at Kootenay Bay to Creston hugs the shoreline of the lakes closely for most of its length and is a favourite ride for motorcyclists. The views from highway pullouts of the sparkling lake and of the Selkirk mountain range on the opposite shore are breathtaking. You won’t find any food or hotel franchises here. What you will find, whether you are tenting, RVing or car touring, is some place special to eat and stay the night. There are unique artisanal shops and restaurants with friendly owners and local patrons who love to answer questions. If you’re a golfer you will enjoy the little gem of a nine-hole course in Riondel or the challenge of the spectacular 18 holes at Kokanee Springs.

The east shore of Kootenay Lake runs on what locals call “Kootenay time”. If you stash your watches and devices in the glove box as you cruise along, you’ll soon get it!

Ladybug Coffee
16915 Pilot Bay Road, Kootenay Bay, BC, Canada
250-354-3753

Gray Creek Rd, British Columbia V0B 1A4, Canada
250-227-9315

Kokanee Chalets
15981 BC-3A #3abc, Crawford Bay, BC V0B 1E0, Canada
1-800-448-9292

Cedar Point RV Resort and Marina
13165 BC-3A, Boswell, BC V0B 1A4, Canada
250-223-8271

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