Ok folks, this one is a classic! A paved, smooth, flowy cruise, it takes the rider through some spectacular scenery. Along the North Shore of Kootenay lake, across the longest free ferry in the world, through the twisties on the East shore, and over the highest year-round open pass in Canada. Not too shabby…
The Kootenay Pass
Kootenay Pass, known locally as “the Salmo–Creston” is a mountain pass in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. The pass summit divides the drainage basin of the Pend d’Oreille River on the west from that of Kootenay River/Kootenay in the East.
The Kootenay Pass is one of the highest highway-served passes in Canada that is open year-round, although it is frequently closed in bad weather for avalanche control and clearing of debris
The Kootenay Lake Ferry
The ferry runs across Kootenay Lake, 35 kilometres east of Nelson on Highway 3A, between Balfour (west side) and Kootenay Bay (east side), 70 kilometres from Creston on Highway 3A.
The main waterbody is 104-kilometres long and travellers take a 35-minute ferry crossing between the Kootenay Bay and Balfour in what is described as the longest scenic free ferry crossing in the world.
Capacity of the M.V. Osprey 2000 is 80 vehicles and 250 passengers. The M.V. Balfour can accommodate 28 vehicles and 150 passengers.
Backroads Brewing
Occupying a prime, central location on Baker Street, Backroads has fit in seamlessly beside the many cafes, restaurants and crystal-selling stores of downtown Nelson, the counter-culture capital of BC’s Interior. Without its name emblazoned on the tall windows, you’d have no idea there was a brewery tucked into the back
Bonus Linkage
Granby / Whatshan / Shelter Bay Route
Want a way to get from Grand Forks to the Shelter Bay ferry avoiding all that pavement through Nakusp? Have we got the answer for
Ride Report – East Kootenay Exploration
Continuing in my mission to bring you’all the most current and detailed info about riding in the Kootenays, I again braved the cold and headed
Gray Creek Pass
The climb to Gray Creek Pass is 5,000 ft of elevation gain in 16.5 km making it the highest dirt pass in Canada! The 6,850
Canadian Border Patrol
Welcome to the Canadian Border Patrol! Almost 800km stretching from the Nighthawk Border crossing to the Roosville Crossing, travelling on as much dirt and backroads
Lavina Lookout
With one of the most spectacular 360degree views anywhere, put this one on the list. Download the .gpx file Get the .gpx or .kml file
Radium
Welcome to Radium! There is so much amazing riding here to be had, both on and off-road. Here’s a selection of things you can ride,