Guides › British Columbia (BC), Canada › Kootenays & Rockies, BC
City guide

Kootenays & Rockies, BC

The Kootenays or Kootenay is a region of southeastern British Columbia. It takes its name from the Kootenay River, which in turn was named for the Kutenai First Nations people.

Type City

Why go

  • Region of British Columbia in Canada.
  • Known for Kootenay Lake, Arrow Lake, Selkirk Mountains.

History

The Kootenays or Kootenay is a region of southeastern British Columbia. It takes its name from the Kootenay River, which in turn was named for the Kutenai First Nations people.

Getting there by ferry

Balfour
Ferry terminal · 0.5 km from the centre
Outdoor
Kootenay Bay
Ferry terminal · 8.8 km from the centre
Outdoor
Kootenay Lake Ferry
Ferry route · British Columbia Ministry of Transportation
Outdoor
Kootenay Lake: Balfour to Kootenay Bay
Ferry route · British Columbia Ministry of Transportation
Outdoor
Kootenay Lake: Kootenay Bay to Balfour
Ferry route · British Columbia Ministry of Transportation
Outdoor
Harrop Ferry
Ferry route · British Columbia Ministry of Transportation
Outdoor
Harrop Cable Ferry (southbound)
Ferry route · British Columbia Ministry of Transportation
Outdoor
Harrop Cable Ferry (northbound)
Ferry route · British Columbia Ministry of Transportation
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. We do not yet hold airport or rail details for Kootenays & Rockies, BC — check the official tourism sources below for the best routes in. By water: 2 ferry terminals within 20 km (nearest: Balfour, 0.5 km); routes include Kootenay Lake Ferry, Kootenay Lake: Balfour to Kootenay Bay, Kootenay Lake: Kootenay Bay to Balfour.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Kootenays & Rockies, BC. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Local transit

Bus · Nelson, British Columbia · Schedules & GTFS data (official feed)

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach