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Highway 3A: Kootenay Bay to Creston, Kootenay Lake, British Columbia
Photo: Darren Kirby · CC BY-SA 3.0

Drives British Columbia The Okanagan, the Kootenays and the BC Interior

Highway 3A: Kootenay Bay to Creston

3A · Kootenay Bay → Creston

Sweeping48 mi1 hr 10 min5,000 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,300 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 3A starts at the Kootenay Bay ferry landing and follows the east shore of Kootenay Lake south to Creston. It is the road drivers from Nelson meet after the ferry crossing. The route runs through Crawford Bay, Gray Creek and Boswell, with the lake beside the road, then comes out into the Creston valley.

Crawford Bay is known for its artisans' studios and galleries. Near Boswell is the Glass House, a roadside attraction built from embalming bottles starting in 1952. The curves are sweeping and mostly gentle, and cyclists and motorcyclists favor the road.

The ferry from Balfour is not part of the drive. It is free, takes about 35 minutes, and runs year-round.

Along the way

  1. Kootenay Bay
  2. Crawford Bay
  3. Gray Creek
  4. Boswell
  5. Creston
Elevation
5,000 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,300 ft
Kootenay BayCreston
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
Kootenay BayCreston
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The Balfour to Kootenay Bay ferry is free and crosses in about 35 minutes; check the schedule, since fewer sailings run outside summer.
  • Construction with short delays has been posted on weekdays; check DriveBC.
  • Expect cyclists and motorcycles on the shoreline curves.
  • The ferry runs on Pacific time, one hour earlier than Alberta and the East Kootenays.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check DriveBC.

Questions about this drive

How long does Highway 3A from Kootenay Bay to Creston take?

Highway 3A from Kootenay Bay to Creston is 48 miles and takes about 1 hr 10 min.

Is the Kootenay Lake ferry free?

Yes. The Balfour to Kootenay Bay ferry carries vehicles at no charge and the crossing takes about 35 minutes.

What is there to see on Highway 3A?

Highway 3A passes Crawford Bay's artisan studios, Gray Creek and Boswell, where the Glass House is a roadside stop.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 3A: Kootenay Bay to Creston, from Kootenay Bay to Creston