| Balfour,
BC is a small lakefront village in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada situated at the mouth of the Kootenay River (West Arm) on the west shore of Kootenay Lake. The community is well known for its golf course, hiking trails and the Kootenay Lake ferry.
When exploring the Kootenays, a river ferry is necessary to cross Kootenay Lake. Vehicles, bikes and walk-ons board the ferry for free from the west side of the lake in Balfour (located northeast of Nelson) and from Kootenay Bay on the east side of the lake (located west of Crawford Bay and north of Creston). The river ferry is a continuation of Highway #3a, therefore it is a big part of the highway transportation system of British Columbia.
Balfour, British Columbia is more than the location of a ferry terminal. The small community is set in a wilderness country setting with glaciers, provincial parks and hot springs nearby. Take some time and visit the shops and snack shops at the Balfour Ferry Landing and walk down to the water. There are even more businesses scattered throughout the region including gift stores, a golf course, rental companies and adventure tours.
Near Balfour are some hiking trails and two popular British Columbia Provincial Parks. Kokanee Creek Provincial Park is a campground park with services, spawning channel, wildlife information centre, a boat launch and some trails. Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is a rough and rugged wilderness park with long haul backpacking adventures, some day hiking trails and 4x4 roads exploring near a glacier.
The ferry also provides transportation to Proctor. A small enclave, cut off from the other communities by the West Arm Provincial Park. Many visit Proctor as part of a cycle tour or as a backpacking adventure.
In Proctor, there are some natural attractions to visit like Proctor Falls and a pictograph site. When near Proctor, backpackers and hikers will enjoy the Irvine Creek, Narrows Creek, Mill Lake and Lasca Creek Trails. All have wilderness campsites for overnight camping. Pack out what you pack in. Leave no footprint.
How to Get to Balfour,
BC
From Nelson BC drive 35 kilometres northeast on Highway #3a to Balfour, BC. |
Balfour
Nelson
