Kootenay Bay

History

Prior to 1902, Kootenay Bay served only a flag stop for paddlewheelers, In 1908, there was a pack trail to Crawford Bay and Gray Creek which was later upgraded to a wagon trail in 1912, but the steep terrain kept Kootenay Bay quite isolated.

The Fraser family, after emigrating in 1912, ended up owning a lot of the land in the area, and in the 1920s started the first commercial and agricultural development at Kootenay Bay. During the 1920s and 30s, there were about 25 permanent residents, most of whom were ranchers and fruit growers.

In 1947, the ferry terminal moved from Gray Creek to Kootenay Bay, and by June of 1948, the Trans-Canada Highway had been paved through to the ferry landing. During the same year, the K'niksu Lodge was built where Fairy Treats now stands. This lodge was one of the first destination resorts on Kootenay Lake and had a faithful clientele of fishermen. It also served as a convention centre for local groups to meet. Unfortunately, the lodge burned to the ground in 1962.

With the new upgraded highway and increased traffic, there came cabins, restaurants, a gas station, and a garage. Today, Kootenay Bay continues to offer hospitality to the traveling public and is home to about 100 people.

Location

Kootenay Bay is the eastern port for the Kootenay Lake ferry that connects with Balfour on the west side. Highway 3A runs south from Kootenay Bay along the east shore of Kootenay Lake to Creston.

Places to See

• Yasodhara Ashram
  
  Resting on the shores of Kootenay Lake in British Columbia, Canada, Yasodhara Ashram offers year-round yoga classes, spiritual courses, and retreats. Founded in 1963, by Swami Sivananda Radha, the ashram has grown into a flourishing spiritual community. People come from all over the world to study yoga in this unique environment.
  
  
• Kokanee Springs Golf Resort
  
  Found in nearby Crawford Bay, Kokanee Springs Golf Resort is one of Canada's finest championship 18 hole courses. This graceful track, considered by many to be the flagship of the Kootenay golf courses, resides in a magnificent mountain setting on Kootenay Lake. Every hole is framed by spectacular panoramic views of the Kokanee Glacier and the surrounding area.
  
  Kokanee Springs is a Norman Woods original, characterized by its long driving fairways, immense rolling greens, immaculate course upkeep, and ability to interest and challenge golfers at all levels.
  
  
• Pilot Point Lighthouse
  
  The historic Pilot Point lighthouse was built in 1907, when it was the lake and not the highway that joined the burgeoning Kootenay communities together. Steamers moved up and down the lake carrying ore destined for the smelter, people looking to settle, supplies needed by the communities, and farm produce.
  
  The lighthouse building is open and people are encouraged to go inside to see the view from the top. To get there, turn south on Pilot Bay Road from the Kootenay Bay ferry landing. At 4.5 kilometres, there's a small blue and white trail sign on the right, just before the road ends. It's a short but somewhat steep 10-15 minute walk on a broad, well-maintained trail that meanders through a cool, mossy forest, leading to expansive views of the lake from the lighthouse. There is also a picnic table and an outhouse for your convenience. You can also explore further south along the rocky peninsula. There are no fires allowed and no water or other amenities. Please carefully pack out anything that you bring with you. The lighthouse is maintained by Friends of West Kootenay Parks.

Things to Do

• Camping
  
  The East Shore of Kootenay Lake offers many camping opportunities, from full service RV parks to rustic campsites. Some campgrounds have their own docks to tie up to and their own boat ramps, but wherever you are on the East Shore, you are not far from a place to launch your boat.
  
  
• Fishing
  
  Year-round fishing is available at Kootenay Lake, where visitors can catch three varieties of trout (Gerrard rainbow, Dolly Varden, and Kokanee) and whitefish. The lake's largest catch is a 35lb 12oz Gerrard Rainbow trout, and the world's largest recorded Kokanee- almost 10 pounds- was caught here.
  
  The Kootenay area also has many creeks, small lakes, and rivers to challenge any skill level.
  
  
• Hiking
  
  The West Kootenay region contains over 80 hiking trails, all of which provide hikers with spectacular mountain scenery, breathtaking glaciers, alpine lakes, flower-strewn meadows, and incredible wildlife.
  
  
• Kayaking and Canoeing
  
  Kayaking and canoeing offer an opportunity for a unique and timeless experience. Four and five-day kayak trips can be planned and plotted out using maps of the area or you can take several daytrips, staying in any of the accommodations available. The area is full of wonderful sights, historical treasures, and great places to explore. The water is crystal-clear and all the destination spots are garbage-free. A great place to come and relax.
  
  
• Snowmobiling
  
  Miles of unmarked powder are characteristic of the ungroomed trails in the area. With mild temperatures, an average of 10 to 15 feet of fabulous snow, and breathtaking scenery, the ride is always a thrill. A wide variety of terrain provides a memorable experience for all riders, from the novice to the expert, and even those looking for "extreme snowmobiling". If you're looking for an uncommon experience and like to make new tracks in new snow, make this area a priority for your next trip. The elevations run from about 2000 feet all the way up to 7,000 feet. The main season runs from December to April.

Events

• Canada Day Celebration
  
  July 1st: Come out to Crawford Bay Park for family fun, children's races and games, bingo, and food at old-fashioned prices. In the afternoon, take in the annual flower show in Boswell. Finish the day at dusk with an awesome show of fireworks at Crawford Bay beach.
  
  
• Starbelly Jam Music Festival
  
  Starbelly Jam Music Festival is an outdoor musical extravaganza, held annually in Crawford Bay. The festival showcases musical talent from near and far. Many musical styles are featured, from folk and blues, reggae and world music, a bit of country or classical, and a touch of Celtic here and jazzy stuff there.
  
  This two-day event is all about fun and celebration; kids are very welcome at Starbelly and the event organizers go out of their way to give them a larger-than-life experience they won't soon forget. There are activities for kids, children's workshops, and of course, special entertainment. Let's not forget the giant parade: it's a colourful and noisy Starbelly tradition! There are also family workshops, a craft fair, and a variety of fabulous food booths.
  
  
• Kootenay Lake Fall Fair
  
  The Kootenay Lake Fall Fair has been an annual event in Crawford Bay for 96 years. Since 1911 this event has entertained residents and visitors alike with an agricultural exhibition that includes contests for the best baking, wine-making, preserves, floral arrangements, fruits and vegetables, arts, crafts, needlework and many more community activites. There are crafts, food, and other unique items that can be purchased and taken home. The Fall Fair provides families with a venue full of wholesome activities and competitions that are challenging and fun.

Contact Information

Kootenay Lake Chamber of Commerce

Box 120 Crawford Bay
British Columbia, Canada
V0B 1E0

E-mail: info@kootenaylake.bc.ca
Website: Kootenay Lake Visitor's Guide