Communities of Kootenay Lake
Kootenay Bay |
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Prior
to 1902, Kootenay Bay was only a flag stop for the paddlewheelers,
which nosed right up onto the pebble beach there. In 1908
there was a pack trail to Crawford Bay
and Gray Creek, which was upgraded
to a wagon trail in 1912, but the steep terrain kept Kootenay
Bay quite isolated.
The Fraser family, who emigrated here in 1912, ended up owning a lot of the land in the area, and in the1920's started the first commercial and agricultural development at Kootenay Bay. During the 1920's and 30's there were about 25 permanent residents, most of whom were ranchers and fruit growers.
In 1947 the ferry terminal moved from Gray Creek to Kootenay Bay and by June of 1948 the highway, which was the Trans Canada Highway, was paved through to the ferry landing. Also in 1948 the K'niksu Lodge was built where Fairy Treats now stands. This lodge was one of the first destination resorts on Kootenay Lake and had a faithful clientele of fishermen, as well as a convention centre for local groups to meet. The lodge burned to the ground in 1962.
With the new upgraded highway and with increased traffic along came cabins, restaurants and a gas station and garage. Today, Kootenay Bay continues to offer hospitality to the traveling public, and is home to about 100 people.
There are restaurants and accommodations in motel, cabins, B&B or a private campground. Excellent hiking trails begin just a few kilometres away at Pilot Bay. A short drive north towards Riondel brings you to Yasodhara Ashram, a yoga centre and spiritual retreat established over 30 years ago. Kootenay Bay also has its own website at www.kootenaybay.com.
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