Boating on Kootenay Bay, B.C.

In a quiet cove on the west side of Crawford Bay is the marina on Kootenay Lake, one of the spots in B.C. we love to RV. There are several sailboats moored and I can understand why they would choose this location. 

Crawford Bay Marina

This is such a beautiful lake and one could have some wonderful trips just sailing on a sunny day, practically in their own back yard. I believe some of these would belong to sailors from surrounding communities as well. There are also several motor boats, some of which could be considered great RV for the lake, with all the comforts of home.

                                                              RV'ing sailboat style

Kootenay Lake has more boats in the summer time, but we’ve been here in other months and it is fairly quiet, just the occasional motorboat, fishing boat or sailboat.
The lake is so large that it is not likely ever crowded. There are marina’s scattered all around the lake. We saw more on our trip up 3A to Creston, B.C., with access to boat launches at Boswell or Kuskanook or the ferry landing at the end of Kootenay Lake Rd.

We often talk about how nice it would be to boat around the lake and enjoy the scenery from that perspective. Maybe one day……………..

RV'ing in Crawford Bay, B.C.,

We RV’d our way to Crawford Bay, B.C. after crossing the Kootenay Lake on the ferry from Balfour, B.C. to Kootenay Bay. Crawford Bay is located 10 km (6 mi) from Kootenay Bay, so is a very short drive into the Creston Valley on Highway 3A.

Beautiful fall colors

Crawford Bay sits near the eastern shore of Kootenay Lake. It is a small community with much to offer locals and visitors alike. There are clothing, jewellery and gift shops, a general store with gas pumps and restaurants nearby and the market across the road from our RV park, which carries the fruit and vegetables as well as garden and pet supplies. Kokanee Chalets & RV park offers facilities for all, and well known Kokanee Springs Golf Resort nearby that attracts visitors from far and wide. The RV park has an airstrip right next door that allows many of the clientele to fly in and I’ve heard several small planes and helicopters while we’ve been RV’ing here.

                                                      North Woven Broom Co.

Crawford Bay, B.C. definitely seems to have more than their share of artisans, although there are many throughout the Kootenays. I think the distinction is made by the fact there are several artisan shops to visit while in Crawford Bay offering opportunities for visitors to view them at work. There is weaving, glassblowing, a blacksmith, and broom makers who demonstrate their talents and offer their products in their own stores, six working studios in all. The broom making shop shown in the picture uses original broom making equipment from the 1890’s. Although I didn’t get to see the equipment in action, it is amazing to just know that it is still working and offers a product from times of old that can still be made today.

To see more fall colors, visit the Peace River country.