Directions & Driving Routes to Creston BC

Truck & Trailer crossing bridge over Moyie River in Yahk BC

Getting Here

Ready to hit the road to the Creston Valley? This page is your one-stop source of information on directions, highway driving routes, maps, distances to nearby cities, places to recharge and tips for safe driving in the rugged terrain of the Rockies. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this page has everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to the area.

DRIVING ROUTES TO THE CRESTON VALLEY

Creston is easily accessible from Alberta, the Okanagan region of BC, and Idaho, Montana and Washington states. Major routes include Highway 3 (east-west), Highway 3A (north), and Highway 21/US-95 (south). Find the best route for your trip below:

From the West: Cranbrook (Highway 3)
Take Highway 3 west from Cranbrook for 45 minutes to Yahk, then continue for another 30 minutes to Creston. Cranbrook is also home to the Canadian Rockies International Airport, which offers daily flights from Vancouver, Calgary, and Victoria.

From the East & North: Salmo, Nelson & Castlegar (Highway 3 & 3A)

If you're driving east from Vancouver along Highway 3, you have two options:

Scenic Route via Nelson/Kootenay Lake (Highway 3A) - Take Highway 3A from Nelson for 45 minutes along the West Arm of Kootenay Lake to the Balfour Ferry Terminal. After boarding the free Kootenay Lake Ferry to Kootenay Bay, continue south on Highway 3A, which follows the eastern shore of Kootenay Lake to Creston. For the Kootenay Lake ferry schedule, click here.

Direct Route via Kootenay Pass (Highway 3) - For a faster option, take Highway 3 east from Salmo, crossing the Kootenay Pass to reach Creston in about 1.5 hours. Note: The Kootenay Pass may close in winter due to severe weather or avalanche clearings. For up-to-date road conditions, click here.

From the South: Idaho & Washington (US-95, Highway 1 North, Highway 21)

Creston is just a short drive from the Idaho Panhandle and Eastern Washington. You have two main routes for crossing into Canada:

Rykerts/Porthill Border Crossing (US-95) - From Bonners Ferry, take US-95 North, then turn onto Idaho Highway 1 North to reach the Rykerts/Porthill Border Crossing. From there, continue on Highway 21 north to Creston.

Kingsgate/Eastport Border Crossing (US-95) - Alternatively, drive US-95 North directly to the Kingsgate/Eastport Border Crossing. After crossing into Canada, continue north on Highway 95 to Yahk and then turn left (west) on Highway 3 on to Creston.

For more information on border crossing hours and contact details, visit our Border Information page.

Driving Map

Driving Distance & Times from Nearby Cities

Screen Shot 2024-10-15 at 12.13.57 AM.png

Fuel, EV Charging, Food & Rest Rooms

When traveling to Creston, it's important to plan your stops, as the area has limited services between major towns. Here’s an overview of where you can find fuel, food and EV charging stations along the main routes to Creston.

Travelling West from Cranbrook via Highway 3

Cranbrook (1 hour 15 minutes from Creston) - Cranbrook is the largest city in the region and offers full services, making it an ideal place to refuel and grab a meal before heading west towards Yahk and Creston.
- Services Available: Fuel, dining, grocery stores, hotels, restrooms
- EV Charging Stations: Fast Charging: Tesla Supercharger at Tamarack Centre, 1500 Cranbrook St N, Cranbrook. Level 2 Charging: Several locations in Cranbrook, including at the Canadian Rockies International Airport.

Yahk (45 minutes from Cranbrook) - Yahk is a small community with fuel stations and a few basic services, including a convenience store and café.
- Services Available: Fuel, food, restrooms
- Note: No EV charging stations in Yahk.

Travelling South or East from Salmo/Nelson via Highway 3 or Highway 3A

Nelson (1.5 hours to Creston via Highway 3, 2 hours via Highway 3A) - Nelson is a larger town with numerous services, including fuel, restaurants, and cafes. If you're traveling along Highway 3A and planning to take the Kootenay Lake Ferry, Nelson is the best place to refuel and grab a meal.
- Services Available: Fuel, dining, restrooms
- EV Charging Stations: Multiple Level 2 charging stations in downtown Nelson.

Crawford Bay (1 hour from Creston) - Located near the Kootenay Lake Ferry, Crawford Bay offers limited services, including a few restaurants and a small fuel station.
- Services Available: Fuel, food, restrooms
- Note: No EV charging stations in Crawford Bay, but one available at the Kootenay Bay ferry terminal

Castlegar (2 hours from Creston) - Castlegar is a small city and a popular stop along Highway 3. It offers a variety of services, including multiple gas stations, grocery stores, fast food, and sit-down restaurants.
- Services Available: Fuel, dining, grocery stores, restrooms
- EV Charging Stations: Level 2 Charging: Available at several locations in Castlegar, including the Sandman Hotel. Fast Charging: Tesla Level 3 Supercharger located at the Canadian Tire in downtown Castlegar.

Salmo (1.5 hours from Creston) - A small town located at the base of the Kootenay Pass, Salmo is your last major stop before crossing the pass. There are a couple of gas stations, a grocery store, and some local diners.
- Services Available: Fuel, food, restrooms
- EV charging station: Salmo Village Office

Travelling North from Idaho via US-95/Highway 21

Bonners Ferry, Idaho (45 minutes from Creston)
Bonners Ferry is the last major stop before crossing into Canada. The town has several fuel stations, restaurants, and grocery stores, making it a great place to fill up before crossing the border.
- Services Available: Fuel, dining, restrooms, grocery stores
- EV Charging Stations: Level 2 charging available at Bonners Ferry Visitor Center.

Yahk (30 minutes from Creston) - If entering via the Kingsgate-Eastport border crossing, Yahk is the first community you will arrive at in Canada with fuel stations and a few basic services, including a convenience store and café.
Services Available: Fuel, food, restrooms
Note: No EV charging stations in Yahk.

Driving Tips for Visiting The Creston Valley

Remember these tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience in the Creston Valley:

Check Road Conditions: Driving conditions on Highway 3 over Kootenay Pass can vary, especially during winter. Visit Drive BC before your trip to stay updated on road conditions and temporary closures for snow clearing.
Winter Tires/Chains: From October 1 to April 30, Highway 3 & 3A require winter-rated tires or chains. It's mandatory for all vehicles on these routes during these months to use appropriate winter gear.
Prepare for Limited Cellphone Signal: Highway 3 & 3A, particularly along Kootenay Pass & Kootenay Lake, have unreliable cellphone signal.
Pack An Emergency Kit: Be Sure to carry an emergency kit and dress appropriately for the weather in case of an emergency.
Watch Out for Wildlife: The area is home to abundant wildlife, often crossing roads and highways. Be vigilant near the road edges, especially at dusk in the Fall & Winter.
Be Considerate of Slower Vehicles: Much of Highway 3 & 3A consists of a single lane with short passing lanes. If you're traveling with a slower vehicle like an RV, pull over when safe to allow others to pass.

More Helpful Driving Information & Resources

For more information to help you plan a safe and enjoyable trip to the the Creston Valley:

DriveBC (for road conditions, weather, and construction updates in British Columbia)
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) (for hours of operation and information on border crossings)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) (for border crossing wait times and entry information)
PlugShare (for finding EV charging stations along your route)
ChargeHub (another helpful app for locating EV charging stations)