Kootenay Lake Ferry

Kootenay Lake Ferry Travel Information

The Kootenay Lake Ferry offers a scenic and free traverse across stunning Kootenay Lake just north of the Creston Valley. This page provides essential information for traveling to or from the ferry including driving distance and travel time between Creston & the Kootenay Lake Ferry, the ferry schedule, sailing times, terminal locations, information about onboard vessel amenities, valuable tips and links to other resources to help you plan your trip. We've got you covered with all the information you need for the Kootenay Lake Ferry.

Distance & Travel Time Between Creston & Kootenay Bay

The journey betwen Creston and the Kootenay Lake Ferry via Highway 3A along the east shore of the lake is approximately 80 km (50 mi) and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive. This scenic route offers breath-taking views of Kootenay Lake and the majestic Selkirk and Purcell Mountains. Along the way, many travelers take the opportunity to explore the string of charming lakeside villages, beaches, marinas, parks and artisan shops along the way, making the drive as enjoyable as the destination.

Ferry Schedule & Sailing Times

The Kootenay Lake Ferry operates FREE year-round, with two vessels—MV Osprey 2000 and MV Balfour—running during the busy summer months to help minimize wait times. Crossing the lake takes approximately 35 minutes, with the schedule differing between summer and winter.

Summer Schedule (Third Week of June to Mid-Septembr):
During the summer, both ferries are in operation, with 15 sailings per day. This increased frequency reduces wait times and provides travelers with more flexibility throughout the day.
Winter Schedule (September to Third Week of June):
In the winter months, only the MV Osprey 2000 operates, offering 10 sailings per day. With fewer sailings, it's important to plan your trip accordingly and arrive early to ensure a smooth crossing.

**All times are Pacific Time (PST)

See BC Ministry of Transportation - Kootenay Lake Ferry website for current schedule & information

Ferry Terminals

Kootenay Bay Terminal:

Situated on the eastern shore of Kootenay Lake, just 80 km (50 mi) north of Creston. The drive between Creston and Kootenay Bay terminal follows the scenic Highway 3A.

Balfour Terminal:

Located at the tip of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, the Balfour terminal is approximately 34 km (21 mi) northeast of Nelson.

Ferry Vessels & Amenities

MV Osprey 2000: A modern and larger vessel, the MV Osprey provides a comfortable and amenity-rich experience. On board, passengers will find a cafeteria offering snacks, beverages, and meals, as well restrooms, ample indoor seating as well as outdoor viewing decks on either side of the ship. The Osprey is the main ferry for the route and offers the smoothest ride during windy or rough water conditions.

MV Balfour: A smaller, historic ferry that has been in service for decades, the Balfour offers more basic amenities. While it has limited indoor seating, passengers can enjoy panoramic views from the outdoor deck. During summer, it’s perfect for taking in the fresh mountain air and admiring the surrounding wilderness.

Tips For Travelers

Arrive Early: Especially during the summer months or on long weekends, the ferry can get busy. It’s recommended to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before your desired departure time to secure a spot, as the ferry operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Check For Delays Before Departing: The ferry runs year-round, but weather, mechanical issues and other delays can impact the sailing schedule, especially during the winter. Always check for potential delays before you set off.
Slow Down on Highway 3-A : The drive from Creston to Kootenay Bay along Highway 3A is scenic but very windy and primarily single lane, with few passing lanes. In the summer, the road becomes very busy and traffic can be congested, so be patient and give yourself extra time for the trip. If you're driving a slower vehicle like an RV, consider pulling over when it's safe to let faster vehicles pass and help keep traffic flowing smoothly.
Watch Out for Wildlife: The area is home to abundant wildlife like Deer who often crossing the highway to get to the lake. Be vigilant near the road edges, especially at dusk or in the Fall & Winter.
Time Zone Change: Kootenay Lake serves as the delimiter between the Mountain and Pacific time zones. However, from the east shore of Kootenay Lake to Creston, the region remains on Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round, and does not observe Daylight Savings time. This means the area aligns with Pacific Time during daylight savings, while aligning with the Mountain Time zone the rest of the year. For more information about the area's unique time zone visit our page on the subject