If you’ve never rolled off a free ferry into a village of blacksmiths, weavers and broom makers, Crawford Bay, BC is a pretty fun place to start.
We’ve spent quite a bit of time exploring Crawford Bay and the East Shore of Kootenay Lake. It’s become one of those places we keep coming back to. Between the working artisan studios, sandy beaches, mountain scenery and laid-back atmosphere, there’s more to do here than you might expect from such a small community.
In this Crawford Bay travel guide, we’ll share our favourite things to do, the beaches our kids love, where to eat and stay, how to get there and what you should know before visiting.
Quick Facts for Crawford Bay, BC
- Location: East Shore of Kootenay Lake, about 3 km from the Kootenay Bay ferry terminal
- Getting there: By car via Highway 3A or the free Kootenay Lake Ferry from Balfour to Kootenay Bay
- Where to stay: Camping, RV parks, cabins, chalets and resort accommodations
- Known for: Working artisan studios, Kootenay Springs Golf Resort, sandy beaches and Kootenay Lake
- Population: Approximately 350 full-time residents
- Best time to visit: June through September for the warmest weather, swimming and most open businesses; spring and fall are quieter. Fall colours are truly amazing!
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What Is Crawford Bay Known For?
Crawford Bay is best known for its small collection of working artisan studios, beautiful setting on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake and laid-back pace. The artisan community is the real standout. Here, craftspeople make everything from woven brooms and pottery to handwoven textiles, metalwork and jewellery. Many of the studios are clustered along Highway 3A. This layout makes it easy to wander between them and watch the makers at work.
Beyond the artisans, Crawford Bay is a great base for enjoying Kootenay Lake and the surrounding Purcell Mountains. There are sandy beaches, hiking and biking trails, paddling, fishing and the Kokanee Springs golf course nearby. For our family, though, it’s the combination of the quirky artisan shops, beautiful lake setting and slower pace that makes Crawford Bay worth spending a few days exploring.
Where Is Crawford Bay, BC?
Crawford Bay sits along the eastern shore of Kootenay Lake in BC’s Kootenay region, between the communities of Kootenay Bay and Grey Creek. If you’re coming from Nelson, you’ll take the free Kootenay Lake Ferry from Balfour to Kootenay Bay. Once off the ferry, it’s just a few minutes by car to Crawford Bay. The drive from Creston takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes along the scenic Highway 3A.
From Calgary, plan on roughly 6.5 hours of driving, while Vancouver is closer to a nine-hour drive. Despite its relatively remote location, Crawford Bay has most of the basics you’ll need for a few days. There are places to stay, a grocery store, cafes and a health clinic.
How to Get to Crawford Bay by Ferry
The most memorable way to arrive is on the Kootenay Lake Ferry. This free ferry connects Balfour on the west side of the lake with Kootenay Bay on the East Shore. The route is takes about 35 minutes.
The good news for trip planning is that you don’t need a reservation, and you can’t make one. Vehicles and walk-on passengers load first-come, first-served, so it’s smart to arrive at least 30 minutes early during summer weekends and holiday long weekends when lineups can build up.
The ferry runs year-round, with additional summer sailings generally added from late June through the Labour Day weekend. Ferry schedules change seasonally, so check the current schedule through the Province of BC or DriveBC before you leave.
Once you’re on board, grab a coffee, step out on the outdoor deck and enjoy the ride. For us, the ferry isn’t just a way to get to Crawford Bay. It’s part of the experience.
Where to Stay in Crawford Bay
We’ve stayed in and around the Crawford Bay area several times. There are plenty of options depending on whether you want to camp, have your own kitchen, or settle into something a little more comfortable.
Camping, Cottages & RV Parks
Crawford Bay Cottage & RV Park: Full-service RV sites with 50-amp power, treated water and sewer connections, laundry, and a two-bedroom cottage rental. There are also dedicated tent sites with fire pits and picnic tables, plus a washhouse with showers. Everything is within walking distance of The Market and the artisan shops. Open year-round on Highway 3A.
Kokanee RV Park & Campground (part of Kokanee Chalets): Full-hookup RV sites set in a cedar forest, plus tenting sites tucked into a forested area away from the RV loop. There are two sets of bathrooms and showers, with a large playground between the two areas. There’s also a bakery, hot tub and dedicated walkway to the lakeshore, where you’ll find a sandy beach. Our kids make a beeline for it whenever we’re in the area, buckets and shovels in hand.
Cabins & Chalets
Destiny Bay Resort: Individual, sod-roofed lakefront cottages in nearby Boswell, with breakfast and dinner included. This is a more romantic, upscale option for couples looking for a quiet lakefront stay.
Kokanee Chalets: These quaint A-frame cabins have full kitchens and a private path leading straight down to a sandy beach, with a public beach entrance right next door. It’s the only proper sandy beach we’ve come across on this stretch of the lake. Our kids make a beeline for it whenever we’re in the area, buckets and shovels in hand. The easy beach access makes these chalets a particularly convenient option for families. You can head back and forth without having to load everyone into the car.
Higher-End Lodging
Kokanee Springs Golf Resort: A good choice if you want resort amenities, golf and an indoor pool while staying close to Crawford Bay.
Wedgwood Manor & Glamping Retreat: A quieter, adults-only heritage stay with rooms, a cabin and glamping tents. Better suited to couples than families.
Tara Shanti: A peaceful retreat centre overlooking Kootenay Lake with guest rooms, shared spaces and yoga programs.
Boccalino: A small motel attached to an Italian restaurant, conveniently located near the Kootenay Bay ferry terminal.
Explore Crawford Bay’s Artisan Studios
Crawford Bay’s artisan studios are probably its biggest draw. Most are working studios, so you can browse the finished pieces while watching the craftspeople at work. The studios are clustered along Highway 3A, making it easy to wander between them and see what catches your eye.
Here are a few of our favourites:
North Woven Broom: Step into the rustic log barn and watch traditional broom-making in action. They make everything from practical household brooms to decorative pieces, and yes, some of their brooms have even appeared in productions like Harry Potter and Bewitched.
Norse Arts: If you’re into Viking-inspired art, this one is worth a stop. The studio features handcrafted woodwork, stained glass and other pieces inspired by Norse history and mythology.
Kootenay Forge: This working blacksmith shop is a fun one with kids. You can watch the blacksmith work with hot metal and see traditional techniques being used to create everything from functional pieces to decorative artwork. It’s loud, hot and endlessly fascinating for kids who’ve never seen a forge up close, which I’d guess is most.
Dog Patch Pottery: A small pottery studio featuring handmade pieces created on-site. It’s a good place to browse if you’re looking for something practical to take home rather than the usual tourist souvenir.
Most of the artisan studios are open daily from May through October, although hours vary and some operate year-round. Give yourself a couple of hours to wander between the studios, especially if you want to take your time and watch the craftspeople at work.
Beaches Near Crawford Bay
If you’re looking for a sandy beach near Crawford Bay, the beach beside Kokanee Chalets is our go-to for sandcastle building. It’s the only proper sandy beach we’ve found in the immediate area. The majority of the other beaches along this stretch of Kootenay Lake are rocky. That said, we highly recommend water shoes.
Most beaches have limited facilities, so come prepared with everything you’ll need and pack out what you pack in. Here are a few beaches worth knowing about:
Crawford Creek Regional Park Beach: Right beside Kokanee Chalets, this is a sandy public beach in Crawford Bay and an easy choice for families. The park also has trails through the surrounding wetlands if the kids need a break from swimming.
Lockhart Beach Provincial Park: About 19 km south of Crawford Bay, this is a good option for a picnic and swim. The beach has sand and fine gravel, with a day-use area and campground nearby.
Pilot Bay Provincial Park: Near Kootenay Bay, Pilot Bay has warm water for swimming and an easy walk to the historic lighthouse. The park is about a 10-minute drive from the Kootenay Bay ferry terminal.
Mackie Beach: A small, south-facing community beach in Boswell, a short drive south of Crawford Bay along Highway 3A. It has coarse sand, a boat launch, picnic tables and basic washrooms. The shallow water makes it a good spot for a swim or picnic stop.
Martell Beach: Also known locally as “Dog Beach,” this public lake access site is on Lakeside Road near Sanca, about 35 minutes from Crawford Bay. There are limited spots to settle in, so we like to arrive earlier in the day. This is one of our favourite spots along the East Shore. It’s the one our kids ask to go to the most!
Are There Any Golf Courses Near Crawford Bay?
If you’re a golfer, Kokanee Springs Resort is the place to play in Crawford Bay. The 18-hole, par-71 course winds through the Purcell Mountains and has been a fixture here since 1968. The course was designed by Norman H. Woods and offers mountain scenery throughout the round.
The resort also has on-site accommodations, a restaurant, RV sites, hiking trails and other recreational amenities. These amenities make it a great option for a golf-focused getaway rather than just a quick round.
Boating, Kayaking & Fishing Around Crawford Bay
With Kootenay Lake right outside town, getting out on the water is an easy way to spend a summer day in Crawford Bay. You can bring your own boat, kayak or paddleboard. Alternatively, there are local rental and guided options if you don’t have your own gear.
The East Shore is also popular with anglers. Kootenay Lake offers opportunities to catch species including kokanee, rainbow trout and Gerrard rainbow trout. Several licensed fishing guides operate in the area. They can provide the boat, equipment and local knowledge for a half- or full-day trip. If you’re planning to fish with a guide during the busy summer months, booking ahead is a good idea.
For families, a simple paddle or swim is probably the easiest way to enjoy the lake without committing to a full-day excursion. Just keep in mind that Kootenay Lake can get windy, and conditions can change quickly. It’s wise to check the forecast before heading out.
Where to Eat in Crawford Bay
Crawford Bay has a small food scene, but we’ve found plenty of good options for a casual meal, coffee stop or something sweet. Here are a few places we’ve enjoyed or that are worth knowing about:
Black Salt Cafe: A great spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with excellent food, desserts and espresso drinks. There’s also outdoor seating, making it an easy stop before or after exploring the artisan shops.
Boccalino: Located just above the Kootenay Bay ferry terminal, this quaint little restaurant serves Italian food on a mountain-and-lake-view patio. It’s a convenient stop before or after catching the ferry.
Kootenay Restaurant & Bar: Located at Kokanee Springs Resort, this casual restaurant serves pizza, burgers, bowls, salads, BC seafood and Alberta steaks. There’s also a patio where you can enjoy the mountain surroundings.
Red’s Bakery: A must-stop for their cinnamon buns, which our kids love just as much as we do. They also serve espresso drinks, making this an easy place to grab breakfast or a treat while exploring Crawford Bay.
Rockwood Café: Located on Highway 3A in Crawford Bay, Rockwood serves mainly Chinese food. It’s a great option when you’re looking for something a little different.
Food trucks: During the summer months, you’ll often find food trucks parked near the playground and community field. They’re a handy option for grabbing lunch without having to interrupt playground time.
Between these options and the rotating food trucks, we’ve never had trouble finding something to please everyone in our crew, sticky fingers and all.
Everyday Essentials: The Market, Gas & More
Crawford Bay may be small, but you’ll find most of the basics you need for a few days here. We’ve found it easy enough to stock up on groceries, grab a coffee or ice cream, and take care of a few everyday errands without having to leave the area.
The Market: This is the main grocery store in Crawford Bay and is surprisingly well stocked for a small community. You can pick up fresh food, pantry staples, snacks and other supplies for your stay. Prices are reasonable considering the location. We’ve found it convenient for stocking up without having to make the drive to a larger town. Gas is also available here.
Gas: In addition to The Market in Crawford Bay, you can also get gas at Lakeview Store, about 10 minutes south of Crawford Bay along Highway 3A. With the distances between communities along the East Shore, it’s worth keeping an eye on your fuel level.
Ice cream: Just behind The Market, you’ll find an ice cream stand at the campground. It’s an easy stop when the kids need a treat. This is especially true after a day at the beach or exploring the artisan shops.
Sunday Market: During the summer, local vendors set up at the community field on Sundays. Here you’ll find handmade goods, local products and food. It’s a nice way to browse a few local offerings while the kids run around nearby.
Banking: Crawford Bay has a local credit union if you need access to cash or basic banking services.
Medical care: There’s also a community health clinic in Crawford Bay, although hours and services are limited. If you need medical care during your stay, check the current hours ahead of time.
For a small, relatively remote community, Crawford Bay has most of what you need to settle in for a few days without having to make a trip into town.
The Enchanted Playground
If you’re travelling with kids, don’t skip the Enchanted Playground at Crawford Bay Community Park. It’s built around natural elements, with a treehouse-style structure and plenty of opportunities for climbing and exploring. Our kids can happily spend much longer here than we ever expect.
It’s also an easy stop to work into a day in Crawford Bay. Let the kids burn off some energy after browsing the artisan studios, or stop here on a Sunday when the community market and food vendors are set up nearby. The park also has open green space and picnic areas. It’s easy to turn a quick playground stop into a longer break.
The Starbelly Jam Music Festival
If you’re visiting Crawford Bay in July, you may be able to time your trip around Starbelly Jam. This is the East Shore’s annual music festival. The three-day event brings live music, food vendors, local artisans, workshops and plenty of family-friendly activities to Crawford Bay Community Park. The festival is kept relatively small, with plenty of room for kids to play, making it a good fit for families.
Starbelly Jam Music Festival is run by the volunteer-based Starbelly Jam Society. Over the years, it’s become a summer tradition on the East Shore. The festival grounds are within easy walking distance of Crawford Bay’s artisan studios. The sandy beach is also nearby, about 1 km away, so there’s plenty to do beyond the music.
When is Starbelly Jam? The next festival is scheduled for July 9–11, 2027. Dates, performers, tickets and camping information are updated on the official Starbelly Jam website as they become available.
If you plan to attend, book your accommodation early. Camping is available at the festival, including a quieter family camping area. The festival recommends checking the current camping information before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crawford Bay
How do you get to Crawford Bay?
You can reach Crawford Bay by car along Highway 3A from Creston, or by taking the free Kootenay Lake Ferry from Balfour to Kootenay Bay and driving a few minutes south to Crawford Bay. The ferry is first-come, first-served, so you don’t need or have the option to make a reservation.
How many days do you need in Crawford Bay?
We’d recommend spending at least two or three days in Crawford Bay. That gives you enough time to explore the artisan studios, enjoy the beaches, check out the playground and fit in some time on Kootenay Lake without feeling rushed.
Is Crawford Bay good for families?
Absolutely. Our kids particularly love the sandy beach, Enchanted Playground and artisan studios, where they can watch craftspeople working with everything from hot metal to pottery. The small-town setting also makes Crawford Bay an easy place to explore at a slower pace.
What is Crawford Bay known for?
Crawford Bay is best known for its working artisan studios, including blacksmithing, broom-making, pottery and other traditional crafts. It’s also a popular base for enjoying Kootenay Lake, with beaches, hiking, boating, fishing and the Kokanee Springs Golf Resort nearby.
Where are the best beaches near Crawford Bay?
For a sandy beach close to town, Crawford Creek Regional Park Beach is our first choice. There are several other beaches along the East Shore, including Lockhart Beach, Pilot Bay, Mackie Beach and Martell Beach, each with something a little different.
Is there gas in Crawford Bay?
Yes. Gas is available at The Market in Crawford Bay, as well as at Lakeview Store about 10–15 minutes south of town along Highway 3A. Since the communities along the East Shore are spread out, it’s a good idea to fuel up when you have the opportunity.
Are there groceries and other essentials in Crawford Bay?
Yes. The Market carries groceries and other supplies including drinking water, and Crawford Bay also has a credit union and community health clinic. Gas, restaurants, accommodations and other basic services are available in and around the community.
When is the best time to visit Crawford Bay?
June through September is the easiest time to enjoy Crawford Bay’s beaches, outdoor activities and seasonal businesses. July is also when the Starbelly Jam Music Festival takes place. Spring and fall are quieter, although you’ll find fewer seasonal businesses operating and cooler temperatures. Fall brings truly stunning colours so if you are going primarily for scenery, this is a beautiful time to visit.
Where should you stay in Crawford Bay?
That depends on the type of trip you’re planning. There are campgrounds and RV parks, A-frame chalets and cabins, and higher-end options such as Kokanee Springs Golf Resort and Wedgwood Manor. For families, we’d look for somewhere with easy beach access or space for the kids to play.
Final Thoughts on Crawford Bay
Crawford Bay is an easy place to fill two or three days, whether you’re travelling as a couple, solo, with kids or with a group of friends and family. Summer is the busiest season, with warm lake temperatures, more businesses open and events like the Starbelly Jam Music Festival. If you prefer a quieter visit, spring and fall bring fewer crowds and easier campground bookings. Keep in mind that some seasonal businesses may be closed.
What we like most about Crawford Bay is that it doesn’t feel like a place you need to rush through. You can take the ferry across Kootenay Lake, wander through the artisan studios, spend an afternoon at the beach, let the kids burn off some energy at the Enchanted Playground and finish the day with a cinnamon bun or ice cream.
It may not be for everyone, with its rustic, laid-back feel, but if you relish quiet, off-the-beaten-path places with a cool art scene and friendly atmosphere, it’s worth at least a couple of days of your time. To be honest, Kootenay Lake is our favourite British Columbia lake to date, and Crawford Bay is one of our favourite places to experience it.
If you’re looking for an easy but memorable stop on your family’s BC road trip, with a working artisan village, a sandy beach, and a scenic free ferry ride for the kids, we hope this helps you plan your visit. Please consider pinning it on Pinterest, saving it for later, and sharing it with anyone else dreaming of a family trip through the Kootenays, East Shore, or Nelson area.
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.
Henry Miller
