Your Best BC Summer Adventure Starts at Kootenay Lake
More than 100 kilometres long and up to 150 metres deep, Kootenay Lake is the largest natural lake in southern British Columbia. Lined by six welcoming communities and surrounded by two towering mountain ranges, this massive glacier-carved watershed is the perfect place to embrace lake life this summer—no matter what that looks like for you.
Whether you’re craving an action-packed getaway or lazy afternoons stretched out on the warm sand, you can choose your own adventure at the right pace on Kootenay Lake.
Seeking Beach Vibes?
A sandy beach on a clean, clear lake with sweeping views of the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains? Yes, please. With dozens of beaches nestled along its expansive shoreline, Kootenay Lake offers plenty of space to relax, unwind and finally catch your breath.
Kokanee Creek Provincial Park alone offers more than a kilometre of beachfront plus a sandbar for easy, family-friendly wading, and a dog-friendly area for your pup. Rotary Lakeside Park is the spot for those who want a more active beach day, with a wide promenade, playground and the charming Rose Garden Café.
For Your Paddling Pleasure
It may feel as vast as the ocean, but there are no big waves here. The relatively calm waters make Kootenay Lake ideal for paddlers—especially in the tranquil early morning or evening—whether you choose a canoe, kayak or SUP. In Nelson, put in at Rotary Lakeside Park or the Prestige Lakeside Resort, then paddle to a secluded cove for a swimming break. In Kaslo, set out from the sheltered waters of Kaslo Bay Park and admire the dramatic mountain views from your first paddle dip.
Keep your eyes peeled as you paddle, and pack a pair of binoculars. There are plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting from your quiet craft, including osprey and eagles overhead, otter and beavers in the shallows, and black bears and white-tailed deer along the shore.
Need to rent your paddling gear? Nelson Paddleboard & Kayak Rentals and Kaslo Adventure Centre have everything you need.
Set Sail
Join a regatta or a casual beer can race, learn to sail, or just enjoy a quiet day gliding across the water with loads of space to explore. A sailboat gives you the freedom to travel between the friendly communities along the lake at your own pace, with marinas in Nelson, Balfour, Kaslo, Ainsworth Hot Springs, and the East Shore.
Tip: Want to get out on the water without breaking a sweat? Hop aboard the world’s longest free ferry ride, a 35-minute sailing from Balfour to Crawford Bay.
Explore on Shore
Back on land, you’ll discover the unique laidback atmosphere locals refer to as the ‘Kootenay Vibe.’ Stroll through Nelson, known as the Number One Small Arts Town in Canada, where you’ll find more heritage buildings per capita than in any other region of BC. Step onboard the world’s oldest intact paddlewheeler in Kaslo, or get to know the local artists and artisans in Balfour and the East Shore.
On both water and land, this is lake life at its finest.
Shhh! The Local Secret: Cottonwood Lake
Just south of Nelson along Highway 6, Cottonwood Lake is nowhere near the size of its famous neighbour, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of things to do. This quiet spot is a favourite among locals for obvious reasons. You’ll find a pristine swimming beach, a boat launch (electric motors only), and an accessible fishing platform. Pack a picnic, admire the old growth forest or explore the Great Northern Rail Trail.
This article was sponsored by Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism
Renowned for its eclectic arts scene, diverse restaurants and boutique shopping Nelson Kootenay Lake also boasts year-round recreational activities. In winter, Whitewater Ski Resort and the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges feature some of Canada’s best powder alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing, as well as numerous options for backcountry skiing and cat & heli-skiing. Come spring, summer and fall, the region becomes a mecca for cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, fishing, golf, rafting, and much more.
