Coffee, crispy cold sandwiches, warm paninis, delicious soups, scrumptious muffins, cookies, and more. A family-owned and operated business, Perk Junction is all about homemade delicious meals! Take a seat and slow down in this cozy cafe or pick up a meal on the fly. 1521 Cook Street, Creston BC 250-428-0631

Welcome to Cherry Ridge Orchard Simek Farms! Visitors are invited to experience the charm of this family-owned U-Pick cherry orchard situated in Erickson. With the stunning views of Creston Valley as a backdrop, Cherry Ridge Orchard offers a delightful day of cherry picking. Guests can enjoy harvesting their own delicious Lapin cherries during the U-Pick season, which runs daily from Friday, July 17th to Sunday, August 9th, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Cherries at Cherry Ridge Orchard are priced by the pound, and guests are welcome to take home their fresh bounty. Buckets are provided for picking convenience, but visitors are kindly asked to bring their own boxes or coolers for transporting their sweet haul. Guests are also encouraged to pack a picnic lunch and bring a blanket to relax among the trees to savour some of the fresh cherries while exploring the farm!Those ready to book their cherry-picking adventure can reach out to them via phone, email, or through the farm's Facebook page. 3005 Erickson Road, Erickson, BC 250-919-6401 Facebook Page Email

June is when the Creston Valley hits its stride. The orchards are leafing out along the benches above town, the wetland is loud with nesting birds, and the wineries are pouring again as the warm days settle in. It is the kind of slow, golden start to summer that travel host Alice Ford captured when she rolled into the valley on the latest season of her PBS show, Alice's Adventures on Earth. Her Creston Valley & Selkirk Loop road trip is now streaming, and it makes a perfect plan for your own summer visit. This guide retraces the stops Alice made here, from the wetland she paddled into to the winery patio where she tried a local rosé. Everything below is genuinely in the Creston Valley, so you can follow her route and build a few easy days around it. We will also fill you in on what the Selkirk Loop actually is, in case you want to make the valley your home base for the whole drive. What is the International Selkirk Loop? The International Selkirk Loop is a 280-mile (450 km) scenic drive that circles the Selkirk Mountains across northern Idaho, northeast Washington, and southeast British Columbia. It is North America's only multinational scenic byway, and one of just 32 routes in the United States to carry the All-American Road designation. Most people give it three to seven days. The Creston Valley sits on the Canadian leg of the loop, where Highway 3 runs right through the middle of the valley and the wetland. If you are driving the full circuit, you reach us by crossing Kootenay Lake on the Kootenay Lake ferry, the longest free ferry in North America. Plenty of travellers use Creston as their overnight base on this stretch, and it is an easy place to do it. You have local accommodations, a downtown full of restaurants, and orchards and tasting rooms within a short drive of each other. A quick reminder if you are crossing the border on the loop: bring your passport. Watch Alice's Creston Valley road trip In the episode, Road Tripping the Selkirk Loop (Season 3, Episode 5), Alice drives north from Idaho into Canada and spends a good chunk of her Canadian stops right here in the valley. She wanders the wetland with the people who protect it, picks apples with a local food program, tastes wine at a family winery, and sits down to dinner and poutine in downtown Creston before catching the ferry north. You can watch the full 27-minute episode on the PBS website or stream it free on the PBS App. It first aired on May 18, 2026, and is presented by KSPS PBS. Watch it for the scenery, then use this guide to do the trip yourself. Follow Alice into the Creston Valley wetlands 1. Explore the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. This was Alice's first stop in the valley, and it is the one we would send anyone to first. The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area is a 7,000-hectare (17,000-acre) wetland that stretches from the south end of Kootenay Lake to the U.S. border, home to more than 300 bird species. June lands right in nesting season, so the marshes are busy with waterfowl, herons, ospreys, and songbirds. Start where Alice did, at the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre at Corn Creek Marsh, just off Highway 3 at West Creston Road. It has hands-on exhibits to get the kids curious, including the snake skins Alice found memorably creepy. From there you can walk the flat-topped dyke trails and climb a viewing tower, or join one of the guided wetland walks and canoe tours the centre runs through the warmer months for a small fee. As Alice put it, wetlands are the kidneys of the natural world, and an hour out here is the easiest way to understand why they matter so much. Taste the valley's farm food and drink 2. Pick fruit with Harvest Share. Alice spent an afternoon picking apples with the Harvest Share program, and it is one of the more meaningful things a visitor can do here. Run by the Creston Valley Food Action Coalition, Harvest Share is a volunteer-based U-pick that gathers extra fruit from local backyards and orchards between June and November. You keep a third of what you pick, the tree owner keeps a third, and the rest goes to food banks, the school, the women's shelter, and other local organizations. Depending on the week, you might be picking cherries, apricots, plums, apples, or pears. The program is free, donations are welcome, and pre-registration is required, since harvests are scheduled around ripeness and weather. It is a hands-in-the-leaves way to meet locals and see Creston's farming side up close. 3. Browse the orchards and farm stands. The valley is stitched together with fruit stands and family farms, and June is when they start filling up for the season. Alice swung by Wloka Farms Fruit Stand in Erickson, the longtime stand run by Barb and Frank Wloka right along Highway 3. It is a good first stop, with local harvest, juices, and just about everything in between. From there you can keep stand-hopping the back roads through Erickson and Lister, where you will also find U-pick orchards, a local dairy, and the Creston Valley Farmers' Market once it gets rolling for the summer. Browse more on the farms and orchards page. Cherries usually peak around mid-July, so an early-summer visit catches the first of the season. 4. Sip local wine at Red Bird Estate Winery. Alice pulled up a chair at Red Bird Estate Winery, the small family winery run by Shannon and Rémi Cardinal, and started with their rosé. It is the kind of place where chickens wander the property and the people pouring your glass live in the house out back. The tasting room is open from the May long weekend through Thanksgiving, so summer is prime time to drop in and try the Gewürztraminer, the Pinot Gris, or one of their more playful small-batch experiments. Red Bird is one of several wineries clustered around Creston and Erickson, which makes for an easy afternoon of tasting close to town. 5. Eat dinner at Casey's Community House. Alice wrapped her valley evenings at Casey's Community House, a modern lounge restaurant set in the beautifully restored Kootenay Hotel building in downtown Creston. She tried the poutine, which is a good call. Casey's pours local wines and keeps a rotation of craft beers on tap, and it is a relaxed place to land after a day in the orchards. Hungry for other options? The full restaurants and dining lineup runs from Thai and Korean to farm-to-table. Carry the loop a little further Alice left the valley the way the Selkirk Loop intends, by catching the car ferry across Kootenay Lake toward Nelson. If you want to venture a little further on a day trip, the free ferry from Kootenay Bay is a scenic outing in itself, and the East Shore communities make a pretty drive. Set out in the morning and you can be back in the valley by evening, which keeps Creston as your home base for the night and lets you save the East Shore's beaches and galleries for a relaxed day away. Before you go: June things to know Bears are active. The valley is bear country, especially around fruit trees and the wetland. Carry bear spray on trails, make noise, and never leave food or fallen fruit out. Gleaning programs like Harvest Share exist partly to keep fruit off the ground and bears out of yards. Watch for ticks. Late spring and early summer are tick season in the long grass. Wear long sleeves on grassy trails and check yourself afterward. Bring sun and bug protection. The wetland is gorgeous and buggy in equal measure. Pack mosquito repellent, a hat, sunscreen, and water for the open dyke trails. Seasons set the hours. Tasting rooms, the Discovery Centre's guided tours, and the farmers' market are seasonal. Check days and times before you go, and call ahead for farm stands. Register and plan ahead. Harvest Share requires pre-registration, and picks are scheduled around ripeness and weather, so flexibility helps. Crossing the border? If you are driving the full Selkirk Loop, keep your passport handy for the U.S. and Canada crossings. The Creston Valley earns its place on the Selkirk Loop, and once you slow down here it is easy to see why Alice gave it so much screen time. Watch her episode on PBS for a taste, then come pick the fruit, paddle the wetland, and pour the wine yourself. Plan your trip at https://explorecrestonvalley.com The Creston Valley stretches from Yahk in the south to Riondel in the north, with the town of Creston at its heart. For trip planning, accommodation listings, and local events, plan your tip at Explore Creston.

Welcome to the Creston Valley, where natural beauty meets outdoor adventure, artisanal flair, amazing food and friendly rural charm! Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, Creston Valley is a true gem of a destination. Come Explore Creston and experience one of the best kept secrets in BC! Skimmerhorn Winery View of Creston Valley from the deck at Skimmerhorn Winery in Creston, BC, Canada Creston Golf Club Golfer looking out over the course at the Creston Golf Club in Creston, BC, Canada Kootenay River bridge Sunset from the Kootenay River Bridge in the Creston Valley, BC Skimmerhorn Winery View of Creston Valley from the deck at Skimmerhorn Winery in Creston, BC, Canada 1/10 EXPLORE CRESTON VALLEY THE HIDDEN GEM OF THE KOOTENAYS Come experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Creston Valley, located in the heart of British Columbia's Kootenay region. With majestic mountains, winding rivers, serene lakes, and vibrant wetlands, the Creston Valley area offers unforgettable experiences. Explore scenic trails and rich wetlands or paddle along tranquil waterways. Visit bustling farmers markets, fruit stands, and farms, indulge in local wineries and restaurants, enjoy live music, explore museums, or visit our quaint shops, boutiques and artisan studios. Discover a haven of natural splendour, abundant recreational opportunities, cultural richness, delicious local cuisine, and warm hospitality here in beautiful Creston, British Columbia! PLAY SHOP EAT STAY GET INSPIRED If you're seeking ideas to plan a trip to the Creston Valley, check out our Get Inspired Blog. Here we offer insider tips and local recommendations on the best things to see and do during your stay in the Creston area. MORE TRIP IDEAS Top 10 Activities To Make the most of Fall in the Creston Valley Trivia Night Event Details UPCOMING EVENTS There is always something afoot in the Creston Valley area - from weekend farmers markets to evenings of live music to the annual spring Blossom Festival! Visit our Event Calendar for a taste of upcoming entertainment and activities you won't want to miss! See More Events Get Social Explore photos and videos from local businesses, visitors and proud residents on our social media! Share your own experiences with us at #ExploreCrestonValley Can we help? Have any questions about visiting the area? Contact the Creston Valley Visitor Centre and staff will be happy assist you!

Planning a visit to Creston BC? Ensure a smooth trip by planning ahead with important and up-to-date travel information for the area available on this resource page. Find the latest updates for nearby Canada-US border crossings, highway & road conditions, forest fire alerts, flood advisories, local emergency information, and much more. Stay informed and equipped with the necessary information and resources you need to enjoy your trip to Creston! Current Travel Information & Advisories for Creston BC Know Before you go Planning a visit to Creston BC? Ensure a smooth trip by planning ahead with important and up-to-date travel information for the area available on this resource page. Find the latest updates for nearby Canada-US border crossings, highway & road conditions, forest fire alerts, flood advisories, local emergency information, and much more. Stay informed and equipped with the necessary information and resources you need to enjoy your trip to Creston! Provincial Wildfire Situation & Travel Update - Sept, 2026 The Province of BC ended the State of Provincial Emergency on August 27. The State of Provincial Emergency had been in place since August 8 to ensure emergency powers and resources were available if required. Most of the Kootenay Rockies remains open and accessible, with some localized wildfire impacts and backcountry restrictions still in effect . The Creston Valley remains open and continues to welcome visitors. However, visitors are encouraged to continue checking current road conditions, wildfire information and any local restrictions before and during their trip to the area. Category 1 Campfires Now permitted – Sept 11, 2026 Fire restrictions have recently eased across the Southeast Fire Centre, including the Creston Valley and Kootenay Rockies. Category 1 campfires are now permitted, following the lifting of the campfire prohibition on September 1, 2026. Category 2 open fires are also permitted as of September 11, 2026, while Category 3 open fire prohibition remains in effect throughout the Southeast Fire Centre. Anyone lighting a permitted campfire or Category 2 open fire should continue to use caution and follow BC Wildfire Service requirements, including: Do not burn during windy conditions. Establish and maintain an adequate fuel break around the fire. Never leave a fire unattended. Ensure fires are completely extinguished before leaving the area. Take immediate action and report the fire if it escapes the established fuel break. Visitor Considerations: Campfires are currently permitted on lands covered by BC Wildfire Service regulations, including BC Parks, unless otherwise restricted locally. Fire restrictions can change quickly based on weather and wildfire conditions. Municipalities, regional districts, campgrounds and other land managers may impose additional restrictions. Visitors should always confirm current local regulations before lighting a fire. Check the BC Wildfire Service Fire Bans and Restrictions information before travelling or having an outdoor fire. Northern Idaho Wildfires – Conditions Significantly Improved - September 2026 Wildfire conditions south of the Canada–U.S. border have improved significantly following cooler, wetter weather in early September. The Upper Smith Creek, Parker Lake and Border fires burned in northern Idaho throughout July and August and were periodically visible from the Creston Valley, contributing to periods of smoke and haze. In its final daily update on September 5, the U.S. Forest Service reported minimal fire activity, lifted evacuation notices, and began transitioning firefighting resources away from the incidents. The fires currently pose no threat to the Creston Valley, and smoke and haze from these fires have largely cleared from the area. They are also not affecting the main cross-border travel routes between northern Idaho and Creston. Some local forest road and recreation closures may remain in place near the fire areas in Idaho. Visitors planning outdoor recreation in the affected areas can check the U.S. Forest Service InciWeb site for the latest information. Bear & Wildlife Safety When Recreating - Fall 2026 The Creston Valley and surrounding mountains are home to both black bears and grizzly bears, along with other wildlife. Bear activity can be particularly noticeable during late summer and fall as bears spend more time feeding in preparation for winter denning. When hiking, biking, camping or exploring backcountry areas: Carry bear spray, keep it readily accessible, and know how to use it. Make noise while travelling, particularly around blind corners, dense vegetation, running water and other areas where wildlife may not hear you approaching. Travel in groups where possible and remain alert to signs of bears, including tracks, scat and disturbed vegetation. Keep dogs leashed and under control. Never approach or feed wildlife, and give animals plenty of space. Store food, garbage and other attractants securely when camping or staying in recreation areas. If you encounter a bear, remain calm and do not run. Slowly create distance while keeping the bear in view and be prepared to use bear spray if necessary. Before heading out, check current wildlife alerts and closures and review WildSafeBC’s wildlife & bear safety information . Off-Road Vehicle Prohibition Rescinded - August 28, 2026 Effective August 28, the recreational off-road vehicle prohibition on Crown land throughout the Southeast Fire Centre will be rescinded. BC Wildfire Service indicates that recent precipitation across much of the Southern Interior has reduced wildfire risk enough to lift the prohibition. This is a positive development for backcountry recreation. Off-road vehicle use can resume, subject to any local closures or Area Restrictions that remain in effect. Visitors and operators should continue to check current restrictions before travelling into the backcountry and stay clear of active wildfire operations. However, please note the Campfire and Category 2 and 3 open-fire prohibitions remain in effect throughout the Southeast Fire Centre. Other Travel Resources HelloBC – Know Before You Go - https://www.hellobc.com/know-before-you-go/ Kootenay Rockies Tourism – Know Before You Go - https://www.kootenayrockies.com/know-before-you-go/ BC Wildfire Service – B.C. Wildfire activity, fire bans and area restrictions - https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ InciWeb (US) - U.S. Wildfire activity, fire bans and area restrictions - https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ EmergencyInfoBC – Evacuation orders, alerts and emergency updates - https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/ DriveBC – Highway conditions, road closures and webcams - https://www.drivebc.ca/ Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Information - https://www.rdck.ca/eoc Town of Creston News & Public Notices - https://www.creston.ca/town-news BC Air Quality Index Map - https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/readings/find-stations-map.html Wildsafe BC - Wildlife Safety Information - https://wildsafebc.com/ Need More Information About Your Visit? If you have questions about travelling to the Creston Valley, current local conditions or things to see and do during your stay, please contact the Creston Valley Visitor Centre. Our knowledgeable staff are happy to help: 250-428-4342 https://www.explorecrestonvalley.com/contact-us Border Crossing HOURS The Rykerts-Porthill Border Crossing connects the town of Bonners Ferry, Idaho with Creston, British Columbia on the Canada–US border. Please note that the Rykerts (Canadian) and Porthill (US) Ports of Entry currently have different hours of operation, with the Canadian side open a few hours later throughout the year. This should be taken into consideration when planning to return to the US. However, the nearby Kingsgate (Canadian) & Eastport (US) Ports of Entry, located south of Yahk, BC still both operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which may make for a more convenient border crossing option for US visitors to the area. Please find current hours of operation, phone number and links to more information below: Rykerts (Canadian) Port of Entry 7:00am – 11:00pm (2nd Sunday in March to first Sunday in November) 8:00am – 12:00am, midnight (first Saturday in November to 2nd Saturday in March) 250-428-2575 Further information Porthill (U.S.A) Port of Entry 7:00am – 7:00pm, seven days a week 208-267-5309 Further Information Regional & Provincial Travel Information Further current news and information on travel to the Creston Area as well as the Kootenay Region and British Columbia can be found at Destination BC's Visitor Website, linked here. Can we help? Have any questions about travelling to the area ? Contact the Creston Valley Visitor Centre and staff will be happy assist you!

Make the most of your visit to Creston by discovering a wealth of information at the Creston Valley Visitor Centre. Conveniently nestled in downtown Creston, our friendly and well-informed team is eager to assist you. From insider tips on must-see sights to the latest updates, trust us to curate an unforgettable experience in Creston, BC. Have a burning question before you arrive? Find information and our contact form here! Let the Creston Valley Visitor Centre make your time here exceptional! Here to Help Visitors to Creston BC VISITOR CENTRE Make the most of your visit to Creston by discovering a wealth of information at the Creston Valley Visitor Centre. Conveniently nestled in downtown Creston, our friendly and well-informed team is eager to assist you. Find information about the Visitor Centre location, amenities, hours of operation, phone number as well as a contact form to ask any question you may have ! VISITOR CENTRE Location & Hours of Operation The Creston Valley Visitor Centre is conveniently located in downtown Creston on Highway 3 (121 Northwest Boulevard) beside the iconic Grain Elevators and overlooks the Creston Valley flats & wetlands to the West. The Centre has public washrooms, free WiFi, it's own parking. It is also close to the outdoor Famer's Market in the Summer as well as nearby RV parking, EV charging, downtown shops, walking trails, Millenium Park and the Creston Dog Park. The Visitor Centre is open year round and staff are available to assist visitors with information about the Creston area as well as the rest of British Columbia. Hours Of Operation: September - May Mon.-Fri. - 9:00-5:00 PM (Closed @ 12:00 for 1 hr) Sat. & Sun. - Closed June - August 9:00 - 5:00 PM 7 Days a Week Phone number: 250-428-4342 Address: 121 Northwest Blvd. (Hwy 3) Creston, BC VISITOR CENTRE CONTACT FORM Have any other questions or need more information to plan your trip to the Creston Valley? Send a direct message to the Creston Valley Vistor Centre and staff will be happy to assist you! Name Phone Contact Email What can we help you with? Submit Thanks for submitting your question. Visitor Centre staff will respond as soon as they are able to, usually within 24 hours. For immediate assistance please contact the Visitor Centre directly at 250-428-4342. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE Summer Guide to Creston Valley: Beaches, Trails & Local Flavours The Glass House High Altitude Heli Services Get Social Explore photos and videos from local businesses, visitors and proud residents on our social media! Share your own experiences with us at #ExploreCrestonValley