Crawford Bay
Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada

Crawford Bay, BC is a small resort community in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada situated on the eastern shore of Kootenay Lake minutes from the Kootenay Bay Ferry terminal. The community is known as a retreat get-a-way destination with a small selection of accommodations and resorts which provide access to adventures like hiking, swimming, boating, canoeing, birdwatching, sailing, snorkeling and fishing.

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 east side of the lake in Kootenay Bay (located west of Crawford Bay and north of Creston) and from Balfour on the west side of the lake (located northeast of Nelson). The river ferry is a continuation of Highway #3a, therefore it is a big part of the highway transportation system of British Columbia.

Crawford Bay, British Columbia is a small community situated in a bay on Kootenay Lake. Nearby are provincial parks and hiking trails. The Pilot Bay Provincial Park includes a lighthouse, hiking trails and a day use area. The park explores along the shore of the lake. The Lockhart Creek Provincial Park is a park with hiking and horseback riding trails exploring alpine meadows and cedar forests. The Lockhart Beach Provincial Park is popular for swimming, canoeing, camping and picnicking because of a sandy beach and a separate campground.

Take the free ferry ride across Kootenay Lake to Balfour. From Balfour one can explore glaciers, hot springs and more recreation trails. 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.

From Crawford Bay travelers have access to many adventures and sightseeing opportunities.

How to Get to Crawford Bay, BC

From Nelson BC drive 35 kilometres northeast on Highway #3a to Balfour, BC. From Balfour board the free ferry crossing Kootenay Lake to Kootenay Bay. From Kootenay Bay it is a short drive to Crawford Bay.