Situated on the shore of beautiful Kootenay Lake, Crawford Bay is popular for fishing, kayaking, canoeing and other water sports. Take a stroll and visit some of the unique artisans including a blacksmith, a weaver, broom-maker, and jeweler, pottery and more. Originally farms and fruit orchards, Kokanee Springs Golf Resort is nestled into the Crawford Creek basin providing expansive fairways and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The course doubles as cross-country ski trails in the winter. 

The Central Kootenay region of British Columbia, where the community of Crawford Bay is situated, is part of the traditional territories of the Sinixt and Ktunaxa peoples. Crawford Bay and Crawford Creek are reportedly named after prospector and trapper James Crawford (1860-1914).

An abundance of trails provides ample opportunity for hiking and mountain biking. The popular Mount Crawford and Plaid Lake Trail provides avid hikers with dazzling views of the Purcell Mountains, scenic alpine ridges and flowering meadows. The ‘off-highway’ section of the Trans Canada Trail can be accessed between Crawford Bay and Gray Creek. Pilot Point has a number of multi-use trails, including the old lighthouse trail.

Crawford Bay has a beautiful sandy beach situated in the alluvial fan of the Crawford Creek Regional Park, a newly acquired protected wildlife area managed by the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK). A natural wetland with beaver dams, fish, water fowl and wildlife in a lush, dynamic environment with pathways throughout.

Services include the Nelson & District Credit Union, real estate services, the East Shore Health Clinic, Crawford Bay School, a community park and soccer pitch, and options for boat docking, marinas. There are several restaurants and the Crawford Bay Market for food and grocery. Accommodations include a motel, lodge, Bed & Breakfast, an historic country inn, vacation rentals and an RV park & campground.

Stroll through the wetlands, peruse the artisan shops, or get into the wilderness on one of the many trails, whatever you seek it is merely steps outside your door!