Come in and visit Bindoya Meats and Treats, a charming specialty butcher shop and deli nestled in the heart of downtown Creston. Bindoya takes pride in making their own traditional South African coiled farmer’s sausage and air-dried cured meats, paired with a delightful selection of freshly made sandwiches, cheeses, and delectable deli snacks. Stop by for a taste of our unique offerings and experience the warmth of our friendly service! 1014A Canyon Street, Creston 236-351-0351 www.bindoya.com Instagram

Tucked away in the heart of Canyon’s farmlands and orchards, Canyon Country Store is a hidden gem that’s part grocery, part post office, and—most importantly—a fantastic spot for delicious eats! Whether you're craving a fresh-made sandwich, a hot slice of pizza, or some ice cream, this cozy country store has something to satisfy. Stop by for a quick bite, stock up on essentials, and enjoy the warm, small-town charm that makes this local favourite so special. 4493 Canyon-Lister Rd, Canyon (250) 428-8771 Facebook Page

Hay U Ranch RV Resort is a four-season RV resort and campground located just east of Yahk along Highway 3, set beside the scenic Moyie River. Offering spacious, full-service RV sites with power, water, sewer and Wi-Fi, the resort provides year-round comfort for travellers exploring Yahk, the Creston Valley and beyond. Clean shower and laundry facilities make extended stays easy, and tent sites are also available for those who prefer a more traditional camping experience. Backed directly onto Crown land, Hay U Ranch is a gateway to miles of backcountry roads and trails — perfect for quadding in the warmer months and snowmobiling in winter. Whether you're passing through on a road trip or planning an outdoor adventure getaway, this well-equipped and conveniently located resort offers a relaxing home base in the heart of the Kootenays. 9432 BC-3, Yahk, BC V0B 2P0 (250) 464-1111

Yuna’s Table brings the vibrant flavours of Korea and Southeast Asia to the heart of Creston. Located at the Magnusson Motel on Northwest Boulevard, this welcoming eatery offers authentic Korean favourites alongside a delicious variety of Vietnamese, Thai and other Asian-inspired dishes. From comforting rice and noodle bowls to flavourful stir-fries and freshly prepared specialties, every dish is made with care and bold, satisfying flavour. It’s a convenient and tasty option for travellers arriving in town, staying nearby, or heading out on a day of exploring. Be sure to try one of their refreshing bubble teas for the perfect sweet treat. 800 Northwest Blvd, Creston (250) 428-1511 www.yunastable.com

Run by friendly hosts Bob & Renée, Creston Moon B&B Is a charming bed & breakfast in the heart of Creston on a quiet street, yet only a few minutes walk from downtown shops and restaurants. The B&B features two private Queen suites with bathroom, lounge area, kitchenette, full breakfast, wheelchair access, private entrance and a beautiful backyard garden patio area to relax outside. No pets or smoking inside. 1206 Lilac Street, Creston (403) 969-9887 crestonmoonbnb.ca

Located in Erickson, Morris Flowers & Garden Centre is a full-service flower shop and home and garden centre. The garden centre provides an extensive range of bedding plants suited to the local climate, as well as indoor plants, pots, and garden accessories. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to assist with recommendations, plant selection, and resolving growing issues. The florist team also specialize in special events, sympathy arrangements, weddings, tropical, contemporary, and custom-designed creations to suit your preferences. The shop also offers dependable same-day floral delivery throughout Creston. 1403 Erickson Street, Erickson 250-428-5262 www.morrisflowersbc.com

Enjoying a autumn sunrise and coffee with a view of the orchards and Skimmerhorn mountains in Erickson By Brian Lawrence There are many things that make the Creston Valley special, from the abundance of fresh food grown in the valley, to outdoor adventures just minutes from town, to the welcoming shops and restaurants that give the community its small-town charm. But one of Creston’s most curious quirks is that here, the clocks never change. Although Creston is officially on Mountain Standard Time (MST) , Daylight Saving Time (DST) isn’t observed in the Creston Valley, Yahk or along Kootenay Lake’s East Shore! This means our clocks line up with Vancouver’s in the spring and summer and Calgary’s in the fall and winter. It’s a distinction shared by only a few other regions in North America — like Arizona , Saskatchewan , and parts of northern B.C . — and while it occasionally leads to confusion for visitors, it’s also one of the many things that make our valley refreshingly unique. Keep reading to learn about why this came to be so in this small pocket of B.C., and how to deal with it while planning your trip! How 'Creston Time' Came to Be Did you know that historically communities would set their own time based on high noon? It may seem logical in isolation, but when the Canadian Pacific Railway needed to set a standardized schedule, civil engineer and railroad surveyor Sir Sandford Fleming developed the modern global system of 24 time zones in the 1880s, setting the stage for Creston's perpetual befuddlement ever since! Railroad ties piled up in the early days of Yahk. The Canadian Pacific Railway was a key factor in the development of the Creston Valley's time zone. BC Archives photo Creston’s time story begins with those early rail days. Before the 1930s, trains came from the east and south through Creston and ended at the bottom end of Kootenay Lake, where the famous sternwheeler ferries would carry freight and passengers onward up the lake. Naturally this kept the area on mountain time. But when the CPR switched Creston to its Pacific Division in 1916, local time shifted back an hour. Next, during both WWI & WWII Canada first adopted Daylight Savings to conserve energy for the war effort — yet Creston didn’t participate, and it never really looked back. Even after a 1952 referendum saw most of British Columbia permanently adopt DST, Creston held firm, choosing to remain on Mountain Standard Time year-round. Finally, when Alberta followed suit with DST in 1971, Creston became an even rarer holdout — a place where time stands still, at least twice a year. For a deeper dive, visit the Creston Museum’s blog , where Manager Tammy Bradford unpacks the full story in even more incredible detail in her Part 1 and Part 2 of Creston's Time Anomaly! Daily Time Zone Oddities While it’s easy to feel equal parts gratitude and smugness to be clock-change-free, folks in the Creston area know that being out of sync with our neighbours (and a decent portion of the planet, for that matter) can also make scheduling a bit interesting. Locals traveling outside of the area strive, often with mixed success, to remember the following: In the winter , Creston is one hour ahead of Pacific Time communities to the west, such as Nelson and Vancouver, and aligned with Mountain Time communities to the east, such as Cranbrook and Calgary. Then in the summer , when DST is in effect, Creston is in sync with Pacific Daylight Time (Nelson/Vancouver) and becomes one hour behind Mountain Daylight Time (Cranbrook/Calgary). This handy Infographic helps illustrate what time of year Creston aligns with either Pacific or Mountain time. Needless to say, most folks in Creston always have a few clocks and calendars on standby at any given time! It’s all just part of the charms and challenges of living on Creston Time! Travel Tips For Staying in SynC with Creston Time Creston’s unique time zone can sound confusing at first, but a few top tips will help you plan accordingly and stay perfectly on schedule during your visit: 1. Flying In or Out - Cranbrook’s Canadian Rockies International Airport , the main regional airport in the region is in the Mountain Time zone, meaning it's the same time as Creston in winter and one hour ahead in summer . So if you’re traveling from Creston to catch a departing flight, plan accordingly and give yourself a little extra travel time — it’s always better to arrive early than miss your flight! Taking a ride west on the Kootenay Lake Ferry? In the winter, your clocks will need to go back an hour as you head down the ramp. 2. Catching the Kootenay Lake Ferry - It's all important to keep in mind that the Kootenay Lake Ferry always operates and publishes it's schedules in Pacific Time year-round . That means in winter Creston is one hour ahead of the printed schedule. while in summer, it’s the same time . As you drive north along Highway 3A on Kootenay Lake, you’ll stay on Mountain Time until you reach the Kootenay Bay ferry terminal — where you'll switch to Pacific Time. 3. Cross Border Time Changes - Both Canadian border crossings at Kingsgate near Yahk and Rykerts near Creston operate on local time , which in winter will be one hour behind neighbouring northern Idaho (Pacific Time). This is particularly important to keep in mind when crossing at Rykerts and the US crossing of Porthill , which both have limited hours of operation and close at night. 4. Check Your Devices - Most of us rely on our cellphones to keep track of the time for us, but cellphones and smartwatches don’t always adjust automatically in the Creston Valley . To be safe, manually set your device to the same time zone as Phoenix, Arizona — also on MST year-round without Daylight Saving Time. A Valley That Moves to Its Own Rhythm Whether you’re crossing the border, catching the ferry, or just taking your time to explore the valley’s markets and mountain views, Creston’s unique approach to time is part of what makes life here so wonderfully unhurried. Around here, time moves a little differently, and that’s exactly how we like it. From sunrise over the Skimmerhorn Mountains to sunset across Kootenay Lake, you’ll quickly discover that the best moments in Creston aren’t measured by the clock at all. Before your visit, check out our Time Zone Guide and other Know Before You Go resources to help you make the most of your stay. Otherwise, for more travel inspiration be sure to checkout our Get Inspired blogs to find ideas for things to do and see— no matter what time of year you arrive! Until next time, enjoy your visit to Creston and make every minute (or 60) count! Freelance writer Brian Lawrence is a former editor and publisher of the Creston Valley Advance. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking and trail running, and acting in and directing productions with Creston's Footlighters Theatre Society .

The Kootenay Columbia Discovery Centre offers environmental education and awareness programs at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area in West Creston. The Discovery Centre itself features educational displays and information, hands-on activities, trail information, a small gift shop and washrooms. During the summer Naturalists also deliver guided canoe and walking tours and a variety of special events and programs. And of course the surrounding wetlands of the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area also features amazing wildlife viewing and other recreation opportunities with over 32 km of trails, viewing towers and boardwalks to explore from. 1760 West Creston Rd, Creston BC 250-402-8661 discovery-centre.ca

The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area is a lush wetland habitat located 11 km west of Creston. Easy, year-round access to kilometres of flat-top dyke trails offers amazing opportunities to view a large diversity of wildlife and for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Within the larger CVWMA, the the most popular and easily accessible area is the Corn Creek Wetlands around the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre , with miles of boardwalks, two multi-level viewing towers, and five loop trails of varying length to explore the surrounding ponds and mountains. To get here from Creston, head West on Highway 3 for 10 Kilometres, turning left on West Creston Road just before the highway heads up Kootenay Pass. Passing the Balancing Rock Trail head on your right, travel another kilometre before turning left into the parking lot in front of the Kootenay Columbia-Discovery Centre . From here the boardwalk begins and you can choose from the following trails: Boardwalk Loop – 20 minutes. A great overview of the habitat found at the CVWMA, taking you through tall grasses and cattails, ponds and channels, shrubs and cottonwood trees. Get a great view from the 3 story viewing tower. Songbird Stroll – 40 minutes. Continuing from the Boardwalk Loop, you will follow a meandering channel. Marsh Trail – 1 hour. This loop trail is one of our most popular hikes taking you out into the wetland for some great wildlife viewing opportunities. Wildlife Tree Wander – 2 hours. Fork off the Marsh Trail to take a longer trek past beautiful old cottonwood trees. Wood Duck Walk – 3-4 hours. For those looking for a nice day trek, you will explore more of the wetland and forested areas, taking you through a variety of habitats. Elk Amble – 3 hours. Forking off of the Marsh Trail and continuing north of Highway 3 you will access a myriad of ponds and our 2 story viewing tower. Other nearby hiking trails include Balancing Rock Trail and Williams Creek Falls Trail in the Summit Creek area of the CVWMA. For further details about the CVWMA trails click here . Trail Details: Distance : Varies, 7-9 km Round Trip Elevation Gain : 97 m Difficulty : Easy Time : 1-4 hrs Season: Year Round Road Access : Easy, paved road Parking : Lots *** Note that while Dogs are currently allowed on the trails at the CVWMA they must be on leash and picked up after to protect the wildlife & habitat.

By Brian Lawrence For many people, the slower paced fall season is a favourite time of year to visit the Creston Valley. From finding fresh pumpkins and apples at local fruit stands to serene hikes, refreshing rounds of golf, toe-tapping music shows or checking out an international film festival, there's no shortage of fun waiting for you this autumn. As the leaves begin to paint the landscape in stunning hues of red and gold, it's the perfect time to explore our top 10 list of things to do in the Creston Valley this fall! 1. Pick Up Some Fresh Local food! For a superb insight into what makes the valley tick, vendors at the Creston Valley Farmers’ Market offer seasonal produce, fresh meat, baking, eggs, honey and more, including art, pottery and jewelry. It runs year-round, and can be found at the Creston and District Community Complex on Saturdays weekly from October-December and monthly from January-April, then downtown behind the Creston Visitor Centre from May-September at ʔak̓uǂni Market Park (pronounced ah-kooth-nee, from the Ktunaxa word for “journey” or “the act of paddling”). Seasonal squash and pumpkins are hard to miss at Wloka Farms Fruit Stand. Fall is also the time of year for apples, pears, many veggies and of course pumpkins (and other squashes), so you’re sure to find plenty at the local fruit stands. Creston Fruit Stand , Marar Orchards , Faraman Farms and Wloka Farms Fruit Stand are easy to spot along Highway 3 in Erickson, but be sure to keep an eye out for smaller farms offering their wares on surrounding side roads. For more spots to check out visit our Locally Grown Food & Drink page! 2. See the trees change colour Fall hiking to Haystack Mountain in Kianuko Provincial Park. It’s always exciting to see the trees bursting with green in the spring, and that excitement doubles (at least!) when those leaves start turning glorious shades of red, yellow and orange each fall. A bike ride or walk around the Corn Creek trail network or the Duck Lake areas of the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area is a surefire way to see the colours up close. Alpine hiking in nearby Kianuko Provincial Park or Stagleap Provincial Park will allow you to check out a the bright yellow needles of the larch, one of the few coniferous trees to change colour and drop its needles! For more ideas of trails and areas around Creston to enjoy the autumn colours visit our Hiking or Parks & Recreation sections. 3. InDoor Fitness & Flow The Creston and District Community Complex is the hub for many community activities. Beyond being the heart of community gatherings and events, it's also your gateway to autumn indoor activity. Dive into the season with a refreshing swim in the pool or relax in the steam room or in the inviting hot tub overlooking the town. If you're feeling the need to energize and keep fit, hit the gym for a great workout or checkout one of the regular fitness classes. For those seeking a different kind of zen , two fantastic studios , the Yoga Room and Embody Movement Studio, offer regular yoga and dance sessions to re-invigorate your spirits. 4. Enjoy Some Evening Entertainment Bowling is fun for all ages at Romano's Runaway Lanes. If you’re also looking for something to do on a cold autumn evening, then you’re in luck — Creston offers a variety of activities to keep you busy. Wednesday Trivia at Wild North Brewing Co. is very popular, as are monthly karaoke and jam nights at Jimmy's Pub & Grill ! For a family friendly group activity checkout the five-pin bowling at Romano’s Runaway Lanes. Finally, for those craving some excitement, don't miss out on cheering for our local Junior A hockey heroes, the Creston Valley Thunder Cats , as they tear up the ice at the John Bucyk Arena at the Creston Rec Complex. For more inspiration for evening indoor fun head on over to our Activities & Entertainment section! 5. See An International Film Festival From to documentaries to animation — long and short, fun and poignant — the 7th Siding Film Festival , presented each November by the Creston Valley Film Society, runs films produced in the valley alongside entries from around the world at our very own independently owned and operated Tivoli Theatre , for an event to truly expand your horizons. Be sure to visit their website to keep up with what’s going on! 6. Warm up in a café Good books and great coffees are on the menu at Kingfisher Used Books. In the cool fall weather, dropping by one (or more) of several fantastic cafés is a must! Downtown, tasty sandwiches, freshly baked goodies and homemade soups are offered at Buffalo Trails Coffee House , Golden Flour Bakery and Black Stone Café . Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for some book browsing with your specialty coffee, drop by Kingfisher Used Books . There are also some charming rural cafes to explore. Outside of town on the way to Wynndel , Mountain Barn is famous for its fresh donuts (as well as soups and sandwiches), and it also has some outdoor seating perfect for slightly warmer days. Good Company Coffee in Erickson offers a picturesque view of Mount Thompson and the ridges on the east side of the valley — it’s truly breathtaking at any time of the day! 7. Visit boutiques, Shops and Artisan studios The Grater Good is a kitchen specialty shop in downtown Creston. Downtown Creston also offers a wide array of boutiques and shops that cater to pretty much everyone. Modern Alchemy / Public Vinyl is an excellent place to find a one-of-a-kind gifts, and there’s no better place than The Grater Good to ensure that your kitchen is well-stocked with the most stylish and unique cookware. For handcrafted small-batch soaps, bath, shower and skin care products, a visit to V.R. Sudz n' Stuff is a must! Outside of town, stock up on bath and body care products with a visit to the Yahk Soap & Candle Company , which might be memorable for more than just the shopping — you may even see the resident goats on the roof! For a full list of all the great boutiques and artist studios to explore check out our Shops & Artisans section. 8. Learn about local history Test driving the old Model T at the Museum Local history dates back millenniums through the presence of the Yaqan Nukiy people, who have inhabited the region around Kootenay Lake and the Creston Valley for more than 10,000 years. A visit to the Yaqan Nukiy Heritage Centre, located at the Legend Logos gift shop, is an excellent way to learn about their deep connection to the land. The Creston Museum also provides a wealth of information chronicling the more recent history of the Creston Valley and the European settlers who began arriving in the late 1800s. It occupies a couple of unique stone buildings created by a master stone mason, and includes a 1921 Model T Ford that still runs! The hours are reduced in the fall, so be sure to check to plan a visit. 9. Check Out Some live music The live music scene in Creston is a busy one, with local bands, singers and DJs offering up a wide range of music to listen or dance to. A few restaurants offer occasional music (including outdoors on the patio at Buffalo Trails Coffee House in the summer!) but a number of our local pubs, bars and lounges regularly host live music — and are well worth a visit, music or not! Looking for something less rock 'n' roll and more night at the opera? The Creston Concert Society also hosts touring jazz acts, orchestras, dance troupes and international musicians from September to April at the Kootenay River Theatre. Intrigued? Head on over to our Upcoming Events Calendar to see what's on the live music menu in Creston in the next month! The scenery and fall colour are incredible at the Creston Valley Gold Club. 10. Spend time playing outdoors Cool weather may be settling in, but there’s still time to get out and enjoy the last few opportunities for your favourite outdoor activities. The Creston Valley Golf Club stays open until the end of October or for those who prefer a golfing with a disc, checkout the nine hole course at the Lister Park ! Looking for something a bit faster paced? The Creston and District Community Complex is also home to a fantastic skatepark! If flying around four wheels sounds a bit extreme maybe a quick round of pickleball on the outdoor courts might be more your pace. Or Plan Your Own Top 10! Of course, this is just an overview, and there is so much more to do! Be sure to check out the Play , Shop and Eat sections of our website for more ideas, or visit the Get Inspired blog section for suggestions to keep you busy all year long! However you choose to fill your time, enjoy autumn in the Creston Valley! Freelance writer Brian Lawrence is a former editor and publisher of the Creston Valley Advance. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking and trail running, and acting in and directing productions with Creston's Footlighters Theatre Society.

On the shores of Kootenay Lake's East Shore sits one of BC’s most unusual roadside attractions—the Glass House. Built in 1952 by David H. Brown, the house was constructed from over half a million discarded embalming fluid bottles collected from across western Canada. The result is a striking cloverleaf-shaped home with more than 1,200 square feet of living space and walls that glisten in the sunlight. Guided tours of the house and estate are available daily from May to October, and a small gift shop is located on-site. Visitors can also explore the whimsical grounds, complete with a water wheel, flower gardens, bridges, and a lakeside lookout called the Lighthouse, offering spectacular views of Kootenay Lake. Located just 30 km (about 20 minutes) north of Creston, this quirky stop is well worth the detour for history buffs, curious travellers, and anyone looking to experience something truly unique in the Kootenays. 11341 Highway 3A, Sanca, BC 250-223-8372 TheGlassHouse.ca@gmail.com

Celebrate the arrival of spring in the Creston Valley during the annual Blossom Festival in May! Join the family-friendly fun with parades, live music, and more in Creston, BC. The Blossom Festival takes place every year during Victoria Day Weekend, a three-day holiday weekend in May in British Columbia, occurring the weekend before May 25, Queen Victoria's actual birthday. The festivities begin on Friday with the Opening Ceremonies Show. Saturday is filled with excitement, including the popular Blossom Festival Parade, Creston Valley Farmers' Market , Lower Kootenay Band's Pow Wow, live music at various venues around town, and much more. The festival starts to conclude on Sunday with the final day of the fair and the Lower Kootenay Band Pow Wow. On Monday, the festival officially ends with the Kid's Parade and additional family-friendly events. Don't miss out on this amazing community celebration! Be sure to visit the Creston Valley Blossom Festival's official website for more detailed event information or check out our event calendar closer to the date. blossomfestival.ca Creston Valley Blossom Festival FB page