Along the banks of the Moyie River in Yahk BC, you’ll find many swimming holes to dip in and cool off. You must be logged in to post a comment. Either way, the clean fresh waters in the Kootenays are some of the best to swim in. On Facebook. The lake bottom is quite rocky, so water shoes are recommended. (97 mi.) Make sure to carve out some time to enjoy the sandy beaches and invigorating water. These beaches are beautiful and provide a private getaway to completely unplug and destress from life’s chaos. Home; ... Grizzlies Swimming. Beaver Creek (Fruitvale/Trail) — In the late summer this is a popular swimming hole, while in the spring the dramatic plunge through the steep canyon is mesmerizing. Kootenay Lake: The largest inland lake in British Columbia is Kootenay Lake, in the heart of the Kootenay region. Into the month of August, river floating may be hampered due to low water levels and a rocky bottom, but the river still provides ample fun and opportunities to cool off in the deeper pools. Garland Bay Recreation Site, Kootenay Lake BC. It can accommodate many beach goers but few people use it. A family favourite, Cultus Lake is extremely busy on … The waters are usually a tad warmer in this sheltered little cove, yet it seems to maintain water quality even during the hottest of months. wide. long and ranges from 2 km. There are several different options to explore the shoreline all along the lake. The artisan town of Crawford bay has one of the most beautiful sandy coves on the Kootenay Lake route. At the north end of Kootenay Lake you'll find the small but incredibly scenic campgrounds at Davis Creek and Lost Ledge, with most sites right on the water. With 3 acres of manicured grounds, large outdoor swimming pool and private tennis court, there is plenty to do at Blaylocks. On the East Shore, Pilot Bay Provincial Park is a short drive from Crawford Bay and the Kootenay Bay ferry landing and offers a variety of gentle walking trails and waterfront campgrounds. Swimming would be considered refreshing as the water tends to be cold. Access can be found at a pull out about 2 km up the corn creek forest service road in West Creston. This is not a maintained recreation site, so please pack out what you pack in to help preserve the beauty and family-friendly atmosphere of this local treasure. Though Lily was afraid of the size and depth of the lake at first, Ida soon had to stop her from swimming too far out from shore. NOTE: This park is only accessible by boat. The Moyie River is part of the Columbia River basin, being a tributary... One of the few remaining public beach campgrounds on the lake, this beautiful pebble beach is ideal for families. Kootenay Lake Village is a unique 450-acre waterfront development near B.C.’s heritage capital, Nelson. The wide, shallow beach boasts the warmest water on the East Shore of Kootenay... From it's headwaters in Kianuko Provincial Park, the Goat River rises in the central Purcell Mountains just west of Mallaindane Pass and flows largely south until meeting Kitchener Creek. Just 25 minutes from Creston, Twin Bays is a rare sand beach with easy access for drop-off, making it the most popular beach on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake, especially for families! For more active pastimes, a private, pebbly beach is just steps from your door with a gazebo, campfire facilities, and 30-foot dock. Diving ducks which have been sighted around Kootenay Lake are: Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Barrow's Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck. Indoor skating is offered in Kaslo as well as at the NDCC in Nelson. About five minutes past Twin Bays, along Highway 3 you’ll find a short pull out the road on the lakeside that provides access to six little-secluded beaches. A 29.5-pound Canadian record bull trout was caught in Kootenay Lake in 1997. Kootenai sturgeon occur in Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia, Canada, and are restricted to approximately 167.7 River Mile (RM) of the Kootenai River extending from Kootenai Falls, Montana, located 31 RM below Libby Dam, Montana, downstream through Kootenay Lake to Corra Linn Dam at the outflow from Kootenay Lake in British Columbia. Kootenay Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in British Columbia, and it's full of fish. Bears, cougar, and moose are abundant in this area. Lockhart beach seems to be far enough up the lake to avoid some of the mosquitos when times are thick. You can hang with the rest of the river goers at the bridge, but if you’re looking for privacy a short walk along the shoreline either up or downstream will provide privacy and your own little temporary piece of heaven. Leave a Reply Cancel reply. When temperatures soar, nothing brings relief in the Kootenays like a refreshing dip in the water. To access this creek turn onto Leadville Rd, by the Grey Goose Café. Swimming would be considered refreshing as the water tends to be cold. In early July the southern tip of the lake can get a little overboard with mosquitos. Easy beach access to Kootenay Lake makes water activities such as kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding an ideal way to pass the day. Kootenay Lake is the largest inland freshwater lake in southern BC bordering Idaho state and easily acceesed via Calgary, Banff , Invermere, Cranbrook, Nelson , Creston and Spokane Washington. Note parking for beach-day users is a few hundred meters down the road from the beach, where day-users will find bathrooms and garbage pickup. As I got older and chicken, I stayed out of the water for swimming but I did go in but never past my knees (grin) ! Walk upstream for more privacy and you’ll find deep pools, and depending on the spring runoff, natural waterslide type rapids to enjoy. (Location: It is recommended to take the Falls Road East off the Highway 3B in Beaver Falls and follow it to the end. Autumn Weather Funneling the Community Together, U-pick Fruit in Creston: Choose Your Own Adventure. to 6 km. Make sure to carve out some time to enjoy the sandy beaches and invigorating water. There is a public day use area set up with outhouses, and garbage receptacles. A short 10-minute walk up a well-beaten path brings you to a magical spot along Corn Creek in West Creston. Camping on the shore is limited to three tenting sites. Swimming The natural beauty of the Kootenay Lake will entice you throughout your journey along the Route. Kootenay Lake is populated with many species of fish, such as Rainbow trout, Bull Trout, Burbot, Mountain Whitefish, White Sturgeon, Brook Trout, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch and Kokanee Salmon. Learn how your comment data is processed. The beach also offers fabulous views north over the lake... Just 25 minutes from Creston, Twin Bays is a rare sand beach with easy access for drop-off, making it the most popular beach on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake... One of the few remaining public beach campgrounds on the lake, this beautiful pebble beach is ideal for families, Kootenay Lake - Midge Creek Provincal Park. That said, there are maybe 20,000 residents that live nearby, but because the lake is over 60 miles in length there's a lot of uninhabited shoreline. Kootenay Lake is cool, clean, and noted for fishing, swimming… Accessed at the 1 st bridge along highway 21 minutes from Creston, this swimming spot is a long time favorite of every local and visitor in the valley. Christina Lake offers some of the best summer weather, a warm sandy swimming lake and an all-season playground. The events produced both keen competition and some remarkable swimming. Located 15 minutes East of Creston BC, this slow and meandering creek boasts deep pools and sandy shorelines. The cove provides shelter from much of the winds on the lake offering a wonderful swimming experience. Take a stroll through the tiered, manicured gardens with many natural flowing waterfalls and ponds and stunning views of Kootenay Lake and the mansion below. We specialize in skippered "hands on " sailing experiences, skills training , sail by day dock by night sleep aboard holidays ideal for novice and intermediate level sailors ( "modified bare boat"). Access to the river can be gained from the day use area in the Provincial Park located in the heart of Yahk BC. Easy beach access to Kootenay Lake makes water activities such as kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding an ideal way to pass the day. Although this is literally the end of the road, Kootenay Lake Village is located just 35 kilometres east of … Kootenay Lake This lake is over 100 km (62 mi) long with access from Nelson, Balfour, Kaslo, Crawford Bay, Boswell and several other points along Highway 31. There are three dams that impound Kootenay Lake. A day use area is offered along with a boat launch. (1.24 mi.) Located 40 KM north of Creston, The beach at Lockhart Beach Provincial park is a fine sand, pebble beach excellent for families with easy access from the highway and expansive... Mackie Beach is a small south-facing community park and beach with course sand and lots of sunshine in Boswell. Adjoining Kootenay Lake Village are fifty kilometres of undeveloped, pristine waterfront wilderness and an abundance of secluded beaches. Cascading waterfalls and deep blue pools of water will wash your stress away, for it is impossible to focus on anything other than the beauty of Corn creek falls. Just a 20 minute drive from Creston you get your first access to Kootenay Lake at the Kuskanook harbour. Some prefer swimming in the many rivers and creeks n the valley, while others spend their time on Kootenay Lake. On Facebook >> members login; Kootenay Lake Chamber of Commerce. Water temperatures are warm, usually warming before the lake, making this a great early summer swimming spot after spring runoff has completed. One unique fact about Kootenay Lake is it never completely freezes in the winter, so at any time during the year, you could enjoy typical summer activities like paddling, fishing, sailing (or even swimming) with the proper gear. The natural beauty of the Kootenay Lake will entice you throughout your journey along the Route. Showcasing the East Shore of Kootenay Lake. The creek is located about 100 meters up the road at the first bridge, where you’ll find the first of many prime swimming spots. Although the muddy shorelines are not very appealing for swimmers, those who love to wake surf, water ski and jet ski absolutely treasure Kootenay River waters. As a kid I swam in Kootenay lake all the time. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Parking along the highway, a gentle path provides access to the river. Directions: Take Hwy 31A over the mountain pass to Kaslo. Today, the deep winding Kootenay River also offers plenty of recreation opportunities from fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, and swimming with access from the Old Ferry Landing and elsewhere. Kootenay Lake Ferry Schedule & Webcam. Little six-year-old Frances West, who recently provided a surprise by swimming across Kootenay lake several times, loomed large in the swimming races yesterday, capturing no less than three first prizes. This is a beautiful pebble beach next to the Ferry Landing. When temperatures soar, nothing brings relief in the Kootenays like a refreshing dip in the water. When the wind is up, the area is also well known for windsurfing and kite boarding. (3.72 mi.) It is 156 km. It's a great option for non-swimming water activity with the family as the Old Ferry Landing offers picnic tables and an easy boat launch into calm serene water. The river itself is rocky bottomed, so water shoes are recommended. Summer water levels make for an enjoyable float that is fun for the whole family. This is a lovely, uncrowded and rare sand beach just five minutes within Crawford Bay itself. When the wind is up the area is also well known for windsurfing and kite boarding. The lake provides good fishery for Gerrard-strain rainbow trout of up to 10 kg (22 lb), Yellowstone cutthroat,large Kokanee salmon and rainbow and Dolly Varden weighing up to 12 kg (26 lb). Go to our Events Calendar page to see all events. Remember to watch for signs of wildlife around you at all times, carry bear spray and know how to use it to avoid conflict with wild animals. Along the banks of Kootenay Lake, you’ll find many access points that are not designated recreation sites to enjoy if you do want to bring Fido along. There is no garbage receptacle, so please pack out what you pack in. Kootenay lake is always the coldest lake around here, not counting high altitude lakes. Located about 40 min up highway 3-A, is another favorite in the area. It's surrounded by high mountain peaks, snow-capped for much of the year. When Ida Jenss moved from Germany to be Lily’s au pair in Kalso, British Columbia, the two began swimming together in Kootenay Lake each day as weather permitted. 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