Situated on the shore of beautiful Kootenay Lake, Crawford Bay is popular for fishing, kayaking and canoeing and many other water sports. Take a stroll and visit some of the unique artisans including a blacksmith, weaver, broom-maker, potter and more. An abundance of trails provides opportunities for hiking as well as mountain biking. Kokanee Springs golf course is nestled into its scenic surroundings, which doubles as cross-country skiing terrain in the winter.
Crawford Bay is named after “White Man Jim” Crawford, a trapper and gold prospector who lived in the community until his death in 1914.
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).
Originally farms and fruit orchards, Kokanee Springs Golf Resort forms the center piece of the green floodplain of Crawford Creek. Visitors love to tour the unique Artisan’s shops where blacksmithing, weaving, broom-making, copper enamelling, pottery, jewellery, glass, leather and woodwork can be seen in action.
Services include the Nelson & District Credit Union, the East Shore Health Clinic, and the Crawford Bay School, community park (the Enchanted Playground and soccer pitch) and options for boat docking/marinas. There are also two pubs, restaurants, real estate services, and the Crawford Bay Market for grocery items. Accommodations include motel, lodge, Bed & Breakfast, an historic country inn, vacation rental and an RV park & campgrounds.
Crawford Bay has a beautiful sandy beach situated in the alluvial fan of the newly acquired Crawford Creek Regional Park, a protected wildlife area with beaver dams, pathways, fish, fowl and wildlife in a lush, dynamic environment.
