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History
Boswell has been farmed for over 100 years. The early settlers usually came from England
or Scotland. There were many homesteads because of the temperate climate, and fruit-growing became the major industry. There were no roads at the time and everything was shipped in by paddlewheeler. With the abundance of fruit and the slow access to the markets, the community decided to build a jam factory to process the more perishable fruit, while apples and cherries were shipped to the US and other areas.
As time passed and the road was built, people moved to other areas, where different industries flourished. Gone were the paddlewheeler, jam factory, and the farms. Boswell evolved into a quiet retirement community that stretched along the lake. Since then, Boswell has been known as a tourist haven due to the nearness of the lake, the mild climate, and small population.
Location
Boswell is located on Highway 3A on the eastern shore of Kootenay Lake, 38 kilometres (24 miles) south of the eastern terminal of the Kootenay Lake ferry at Kootenay Bay, and 44 kilometres (28 mi) north of Creston.
Places to See
- Arrowsmith Gallery
The Arrowsmith Gallery proudly displays scultures by Beth Penny and works by other local artists.
- The Glass House
The famous Glass House in Boswell features half a million empty embalming fluid bottles used to build a curiously beautiful house. The house was begun in 1952 when the late David H. Brown retired from thirty five years in the funeral business. Starting the house "to indulge a whim of a peculiar nature", the retired undertaker travelled western Canada collecting bottles from friends in the funeral profession to add to his own collection, until he had acquired half a million of the square shaped bottles, weighing 250 tons in all. The Glass House was meant to the Brown's home, but the project attracted the curiosity of passers-by from the start. Finally, suffering from a complete lack of privacy, he employed a staff and allowed curious visitors to view his masterpiece.
- Lockhart Beach Provincial Park
Located 40 kilometres north of Creston on Highway 3A, this park, and the adjacent Lockhart Creek Provincial Park, extend from the sunny shores of Kootenay Lake to the headwaters of Lockhart Creek. This small park provides the only easy access to public camping along the south arm of Kootenay Lake. An 18 site campground and day use area are located near a sand and fine gravel beach where visitors can relax and enjoy the clear waters of Kootenay Lake.
- 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.
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
- Lady Grey flower show & Pioneer Dinner
July 1st: flowers, feasting, fruit, and fun! Come out for the live music, the teacup parade, the bonfire, and the hot chocolate. Takes place at the Boswell Hall.
- Boswell Annual Fishing Derby
See who can catch the largest fish! Takes place in mid-June.
- 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
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