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Crawford
Bay
Crawford Bay is located north of Creston
by 75 km (47 miles) and 5 km (3 miles) east of Kootenay Bay on Hwy
3A. If you happen to be travelling east across Kootenay Lake from
Nelson or Kaslo,
Kootenay Bay is where the inland ferry coming from Balfour docks.
James
Crawford - 'White Man Jim'
The small community sits at the north end of Crawford Bay, a small
inlet situated about the halfway point on the east side of Kootenay
Lake. Crawford Bay was named as far back as 1901 after long-time
resident prospector and trapper who lived here called James Crawford
or to the locals, 'White Man Jim.' James Crawford, a local legend,
was found dead in his trapper's cabin situated near the Goat River
in 1914.
Local
Amenities
Crawford Bay has a population of around 350 inhabitants with that
number increasing remarkably in the holidays with people visiting
here or enjoying recreational cabins and property in the area. Crawford
Bay has a number of amenities including some RV resorts, Crawford
Bay Auto Services, Crawford Bay Store which sells gasoline, fresh
meat and produce plus has a liquor outlet.
Kokanee
Springs Golf Resort
If you enjoy golf there is a course at Crawford Bay at the Kokanee
Springs Golf Resort. The 18-hole course is laid out over an unbelievable
setting overlooking the lake in Crawford Bay. Remember, this popular
course requires reserved tee times, especially in the summer. Telephone:
(250) 227-9226.
Sunny
Woods Farm
For small children and families there is also the Sunny Woods Farm
mini-golf. Sunny Woods Farm has an entertaining mini-golf but also
has farm fresh produce, crafts, souvenirs, and ice-cream. Lots of
good family fun time can be found here.
Local
Pubs
There are a couple of pubs in the nearby area of Crawford Bay. One
is the Crawford Creek Resort (C.C.R.) Pub, well-established with
a friendly atmosphere and serves generous food portions; the other
is at NewKey's Place an RV Park in Crawford Bay that also has a
pub and small lounge -. For family meals NewKey's Place has a separate
area to eat at Maxx & Nambi's Kitchen.
Cedar's
Restaurant
For other family meals, try going to the Cedar's Restaurant and
make sure you have a look at the daily dinner special. The meals
here are well-priced and offer good value for the money. Telephone:
(250) 227-6854 for hours of operation.
Crawford
Bay Artisans
Crawford Bay is somewhat of a centre for some local artisans who
live on the east side of Kootenay Lake. Items such as woven articles,
clay pottery and blown glass are all available here. During the
sunnier months a local blacksmith often gives demonstrations in
the finer art of traditional forging outside his shop.
Starbelly
Jam
Annual events in Crawford Bay include the Starbelly Jam a family
oriented music festival that unites everyone on the eastern shore
of Kootenay Lake during mid-July. The Starbelly Jam brings a lot
of talented musicians to Crawford Bay and includes kids' stuff,
food vendors, crafts and a whole lot of fun. If you are interested
try to make reservations as soon as possible as the population in
Crawford Bay more than doubles for that weekend.
Gray
Creek
For exploring in the Crawford Bay area, try going south by 10 km
(6 miles) to another small community, Gray Creek. Here you can find
the Gray Creek General Store a business that has been in the Lymbery
family operation since 1913. Located on Chainsaw Avenue, the general
store features a number of unique items including various hardware,
wood stoves, books and curios.
Gray
Creek Pass Forest Service to Kimberly
For dual-sport motorcycle riders there is a gravel road that goes
on the Gray Creek Forest Service road to St. Mary Lake near Marysville
and Kimberly. This fairly steep road
out of Gray Creek goes high over the Purcell Mountains and can have
snow on it right until mid-July. For general information on road
conditions, you can check with the Cranbrook Forest Service office
at (250) 426-1700.
Kootenay
Bay and Riondel
Other communities on the east shore of Kootenay Lake worth visiting
include Kootenay Bay and Riondel. Kootenay Bay has some accommodation,
restaurants and is home to Yasodhara Ashram, a retreat for spiritualism
and yoga teachings. Riondel which is located 9 km (5.5 miles) north
of Kootenay Bay has a 9-hole golf course, boat launch and you can
find a great place to eat at Blue Collar's Pub & Family Eatery.
Accommodation
Artisans
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