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First settled in 1906, Gray Creek now has a population of roughly 125 residents and stretches for approximately 6 kilometres. It features:
- The Gray Creek Hall, a log building built in 1911, still in use by the community and located on the lake adjacent Gray Creek
- The terminus of the Gray Creek Pass to Kimberley (access from Anderson Rd or Oliver Rd).
- An old wooden electricity water wheel at McFarland Creek.
- The Gray Creek Sailing Regatta in late September.
Location
Gray Creek is located on Highway 3A on the eastern shore of Crawford Bay on Kootenay Lake, 64 kilometres (40 miles) north of Creston, and 18 kilometres (11 miles) south of the eastern terminal of the Kootenay Lake ferry at Kootenay Bay.
Places to See
- Gray Creek Store
If you like history, stop at Kootenay Lake's oldest general store: Gray Creek Store on Chainsaw Avenue. A prominent service center for the East Shore and still under the same family ownership, proprietor Tom Lymbery's father started the business in 1913. It has a great collection of BC history books, a large hardware selection, and a variety of wood stoves. Between 1931 and 1947, the Gray Creek Store was also the location of the ferry terminal.
- The Lakeview Store and Campground
The Lakeview began in the early 1930s as a campsite for workers building Highway 3A up the eastern shore of Kootenay Lake, and it's been a grocery store since the early 1940s. The old wooden water wheel, once used to drive the electrical generator that originally powered the site, is still visible on the creek.
Today, The Lakeview is a fully stocked grocery store serving the local community, selling fresh produce, specialty cheeses, specialty coffee beans from local roasters (with our on-site commercial grinder available), some organic and bulk foods, fresh bread, and canned and frozen foods. It also serves as the local post office, rural liquor agency, video outlet, and gas station.
- Kootenay 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.
- 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.
Things to Do
- Kootenay Lake Heritage Boat Tours
Join lake guide Peter Duryea for a fascinating day on the water in this mountain paradise. Breathtaking vistas of the lake and mountains are the backdrop for the living history of Kootenay Lake. Stories of sunken ships and 2500 year-old native trading routes unfold as the enchanting coastline passes before you. Intricate rock formations and the unusual geology of the Kootenays provide pictures of the past and present living together here in this tranquil valley. Recreational trails through the forests are easily accessible from this ancient highway.
- 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
- Gray Creek Sailing Regatta
Held every September during the Labour Day weekend.
- 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
The Lakeview Store and Campground
Box 9 Gray Creek
British Columbia, Canada
V0B 1S0
Telephone: (877) 227-9311
E-mail: office@kootenaylakeview.com
Website: The Lakeview
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