Part of the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, the Duck Lake Area consists of a 1,500 hectare lake (Duck Lake), the Kootenay River, a series of nesting areas and a variety of ponds and channels. Duck Lake itself is known for great large mouth bass fishing as well as amazing bird viewing opportunities. During spring and fall migrations, thousands of waterfowl use the lake as a landing pad, stopping to rest and feed on their long journey. The main way to get to Duck Lake by car is to take Channel Road in Wynndel and continue until you reach the Duck Lake Dyke Road, which closes seasonally. If the dyke road is closed you may be required to walk the remainder of the short distance to the lake. There are several ways to access Duck Lake by kayak, canoe, or boat. At the Channel Road entrance at the south end there is a small canoe launch into the lake. Alternatively, on the east side off of Highway 3A near Sirdar, the CVWMA also has another launch for small boats. For more information about boating in the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area click here. ** Please note only non-motorized boats are permitted on the lake & that permits are required for fishing on all waters within the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, including Duck Lake.

In one of Creston's oldest buildings, the Kokanee Pub, established in 1898, is an old-school, casual pub with classic charm that caters to a large demographic. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, fries, salads and more, which can be ordered online for takeout. The pub also offers a selection of refreshing beer on tap, mixed drinks and more. Pool sharks will enjoy a round or two on the two well maintained pool tables. 123 9 Ave S Creston BC (250) 428-4241 www.kokaneepub.com

Get away from it all. Far away. Leave the world behind and find your sweet spot in Crawford Bay. Kokanee Springs Golf Resort has been serving up the perfect blend of rugged beauty and endless fairways with simple charm and warm, friendly service since 1968. Find out why so many are drawn back. Unplug, unwind with friends and enjoy the game. It's just spectacular golf in a stunning, secluded setting. 16082 Woolgar Road, Crawford Bay 250-227-9226

By Ilana Cameron First Hike Of The Season On Billy Goat Bluffs - Creston's Newest Trail! As much as I do enjoy a multi-day trek through the mountains, sometimes all I need is a quick day hike. We don't always have time to bid civilization farewell, which is why having a local escape is so convenient! Billy Goat Bluffs, Creston's newest trail, is easily accessible from town and a quick 2-3 hour adventure. Locals are stoked to have a trail up Goat Mountain that they can easily share with their guests and also enjoy themselves. If you're looking for a quick day hike in the Creston Valley, here's what you can expect from it! Budget: Free Difficulty: Moderately difficult (steep, requires good knees), Elevation gain roughly 400 metres Time: 2.5 - 3 Hours Highlights: Spectacular views, engaging light workout, quick and close! Where: You have two options for access to the trail from the Creston Valley Visitors Centre: Drive or bike 2.9 km on Hwy 3A to Helen Street. Turn right onto Helen Street off Hwy 3A. Stop before the road veers right and look for a trail kiosk on the left (north-east) side of the road. Drive 9.8 Km north out of town on Hwy 3A to Lakeview Arrow Creek Road. Turn right onto Lakeview Arrow Creek Road. Drive another 2.3 km, turning right on Foster road (rough and unpaved), keeping an eye out for the trail sign on the right side of the road. Walk down 400m to viewpoint! Easy Access, A Great Workout & Excellent Vistas Mid-way Viewpoint looking West over the Creston Valley One of the greatest things about this trail is that you can drive, walk or bicycle to the start of it from downtown Creston. If you are visiting and only have an afternoon to get a hike in, you are in luck. It also has a great combination of shaded forest that leads to amazing views. If you are prepared for a good workout this hike is well worth the effort. It gets the lungs and heart working from the start but before too long you get to the first of three viewpoints. There is a lovely bench that is your first great chance to take in the valley vista below. The views only get better as you climb higher. Think of it like a miniature Grouse Grind in Vancouver without the crowds. There are several large Ponderosa Pine and Fir trees along the trail, as well as small plants of interest and even a few flowers in the meadow at the top. There are also several picnic tables at the top for you to enjoy a picnic and the views! Just remember - if you bring a snack leave no trace and pack out what you pack in. Views of the valley include: Kootenay River, Duck Lake, Northwest Boulevard, Selkirk mountain range, Highway 3 as it crosses the valley to the start of the Salmo/Creston pass. Good to know: This trail comes with some effort but gives multiple viewpoints that have benches and sweeping vistas of the valley. Expect it to take 2.5-3 hours. It starts steep but never stays that way for long. When you cross the small footbridge you are only minutes away from the top. There are no bathrooms, but the starting point is near Northwest Boulevard where there are several businesses that do have amenities. What to pack: Bear-spray, water and cellphones are all important safety items to bring along. Good footwear is a must – hiking boots or trail runners, as there are some looser sections and uneven surfaces. Bring layers as most of the hike is in the shade of large trees but it can also get hot, especially while you ascend. The weather can change quickly in the valley, especially in the spring, so be prepared for different temperatures throughout the hike. At the top you might find it can get quite windy compared to the start. If you do this hike in the shoulder seasons you'll be more likely to avoid mosquitoes. Why keep coming back: It's great, quick exercise with easy access. The reward is in the title: Instant Gratification. Just this last time I found another hidden bench with spectacular views of Kootenay lake! This is a Creston Community Forest managed trail - it's part of their new mandate to create and maintain recreational trails in the community. If you'd like to leave a note there is a sign-in book at the start of the trail on the back of the trailhead sign. Be sure to thank the good folks at the Community Forest for building this great new trail! Want more? 5 More Easy Access Hikes in the area: Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area Trails - Easy trail Balancing Rock Trail Moderate trail Ka Papa Cedars Trail - Easy trail Ladyslipper Trail - Easy - Moderate trail Thompson Pack Trail - Moderately Difficult trail Or for a listing of more local trails check out our trails section for for further details! Location Map:

Bring the kids, embrace your inner child and have a blast! blog post by Ilana Cameron When I started to research for this piece I thought I had an idea of the options available for kids visiting the Creston Valley and surrounding area. The reality is that there is much wider array of delightful, interesting and wonderful options for those looking for something a little more structured to do while visiting the Creston Valley Kootenay Lake Route. We've got programs through our public organizations such as the Creston Public Library or our recreation centre, or through private businesses that cater to out of town visitors just like you. Drop your kids off for swimming lessons, do an art project with them at the Art Barn Studio, or explore the Creston Valley Wildlife Management area on a guided canoe trip. That's just a drop in the bucket. Take a peek at our list of what we found, the variety of options will amaze you! Art Barn Studio Where: 805 25th Avenue South, Creston BC Budget: $15-$25 Ages: 4+ Group: 1 on 1 / Minimum 4 for a class Beth Swallwell has created something special at the Art Barn Studio, not only is the space beautiful and inviting but it's brimming with seemingly limitless possibilities for creative instruction and play in a wide array of mediums. There truly is something creative for everyone — create a string art piece or play with paper clay, learn to quilt or learn how to do an acrylic pour. Beth has classes specifically for young children like Sensory Play which is designed to stimulate the senses and encourage scientific inquiry while engaging your child's imagination. Ever hear of a suspension swing? Well the Art Barn has one so you'll have to come and find out what it is! Contact Beth directly at 250-428-1814 or visit her website to see all the options and to book your activity. Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre Where: 1760 West Creston Rd, Creston BC Budget: Entry by Donation / Paddle tours $10-$12 per person Ages: 3+ Check out their program guide for a complete list of all the programs and activities they offer throughout the summer. Here is a sample of some of what you can get up to at the Discovery Centre. Animal Dress-Up: Transform yourself into a real or invented animal with face painting, crafts, games and more and learn to adapt to your environment. Includes guided walk in the wetland. Fun for kids and families of all ages. Family Fun days: Saturdays are family fun days at the wildlife centre. Drop anytime between 10-3 PM for different nature themed activities throughout the summer. Creston Museum Where: 219 Devon Street, Creston BC Budget: $3-$4 ($10 a family, great deal!) Ages: All Ages One of my favourite events at the Museum is the movie under the stars. Enjoy some of your favourite films in the courtyard, a great setting for an evening out with family and friends. Contact the museum for updates on showings. "If you stop by you never know what we'll get you into, apple bobbing or some other historical old-time fun." Says museum director Tammy Bradford. Ask a local with visiting grandchildren and they will agree, "Go over to the Museum and hang out, it's always great. Our youngest grand-kid loves to look at the model train exhibit. Or go for a private tour." There is often something going on at the Creston Museum. If it's not already scheduled, they are happy to make something happen just for you and your group. Creston and District Community Complex (we just call it the Rec Centre) Where: 312 19 Avenue North, Creston BC Budget: $4-$7 ($15.40 a family) Ages: All Ages Who doesn't like to relax at the pool? You can even take turns working out at the fitness centre while the kids make a splash in the lazy river. This year they are offering a number of new camps including a Visual & Performing Arts Camp, Outdoor Adventure Camp, a girls only Science camp called GEMS n’ S.T.E.M and a boys only camp called SPORTS n’ S.T.E.M. They also have Farm to Table cooking classes for kids, swimming lessons, junior lifeguard camps on the lake and drop-in bubble soccer. Check out the current Leisure Guide for the full meal deal, they really have something for every age and interest, whether you are visiting for a day, a week or the whole summer. Creston Public Library Where: 531 16 Ave South, Creston, BC Budget: Free Ages: All Ages There are comfortable chairs, friendly staff, ipads, public computers, free movie matinees, author talks and an outdoor garden. The Library is open 10 AM-6 PM, Tuesday - Saturday (closed Sunday/Monday). Every Thursday is Family Storytime at 10:30 AM. It's a chance to grow your child's love of stories with other kids and caregivers, no registration required. Have an avid read on your hands? Be sure to ask about their summer reading club. A Berry Sweet Day Where: various u-pick farms in the valley, check this link! Budget: $5+ depending on how many berries you want to pick! Ages: All ages Head to a U-pick farm, work together to glean all of the berries your fingers can find! Make it a fun game, race to see who fills their bucket first and see who can find the biggest berry. Afterward, everyone can eat them fresh, freeze for later, bake a pie, or try your hand together at making jam, kids love mushing up berries!

Centrally located along 16th Avenue South in Creston, Millenium Park is an ideal first stop for visitors arriving in Creston needing to take a break before exploring downtown. The park offers turnaround parking for larger vehicles, a free RV sani-dump (open May to October), garbage disposal, and pubic washrooms. With a walking path, benches, fountains, a Japanese garden, and lots of trees and grass, the park is ideal for a picnic. In summer, the park's covered bandstand also plays host to many evening concerts. A fenced Dog Park, outdoor exercise equipment, and BMX bike park are also located beside the park on the other side of the train tracks. Finally a paved walking path behind the park lets visitors walk downtown in just 5 minutes! For a detailed map of the area click this link. 16th Avenue South & Dogwood Street, Creston BC (250)-428-2214 www.creston.ca

The Golden Flour Bakery in Creston is a classic bakery that offers fresh bread, buns, pastries, cakes, and treats made and baked on-site daily! Lunches include sandwiches, soup, and sausage rolls. Specialty cakes and edible imaging is also available. 1025 Canyon St, Creston B.C (250) 428-9345

Wild North is Creston's newly established craft microbrewery that has quickly become a local favourite. With just under a year in business and a block off the downtown sprawl , it is the spot to be for a fresh brew. First time visitors should try the tasting flight and expose those taste buds to the many varieties this brewery has created - from their refreshing Raspberry Sour to the rich Oatmeal Stout to a double (wow!) hopped IPA. You are sure to leave with a smile on your face and maybe a new Wild North plaid, Tee, hat or all three! Also be sure to check their facebook or Instagram pages for upcoming live music or events like Wednesday trivia nights! 125 16th Ave N, Creston BC 250-431-8624 www.wildnorthbrewery.ca

This park is the safest bay-harbour on Kootenay Lake where sailors and boaters 'oft gather to weather out the summer storms. The warm water in the bay is excellent for swimming and nearby features some of the best fishing for the elusive trophy Gerrard trout. There is an extensive network of hiking trails through the park and along the Pilot Peninsula. An easy, explorative walk to the historic Pilot Bay Lighthouse is not to be missed. To preserve this heritage feature it has been restored by local volunteer groups. The park can be accessed by vehicle, bicycle, on foot or water vessel, the latter is more popular, for obvious reasons! BC Parks - Pilot Bay Peninsula Provincial Park

Visit the Kootenay Meadows On-Farm Shop, where you may taste the organic cheese & milk while learning more about how the delicious Nostrala, Mountain Grana and Alpindon cheeses are made. You are also welcome to peek inside the barn to meet the cows, watch a milking or take a pasture walk. Look for their products in many of the grocery stores in the area! 3071 16th Street, Lister 250-428-9655 kootenaymeadows.com

Embody Movement Studio is Creston's brand new movement space. Discover an abundance of movement modalities from yoga to Nia dance, pilates, Qi Gong, hooping, belly dance, meditation, free dance and even art workshops! Owner Alanna Wilson is passionate about movement and along with other studio instructors will no doubt leave you feeling refreshed and re-energized after taking one of their classes. Check out the class schedule and pre-register by visiting their website today. 1217 Canyon St, Creston www.embodymovementstudio.com

Located in Erickson, Brittany's Flower Farm is a boutique farm and studio where you will find dazzling, colourful and tastefully designed bouquets made from fresh cut flowers grown on the farm. Select a custom bouquet while you sip on a delicious warm beverage from the Good Coffee Company next door or visit Baillie-Grohman or Skimmerhorn Wineries just down the road! 1132 27th Ave South, Erickson 250-260-0352 www.brittanysflowerfarmandstudio.ca