The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA) is a spectacular 7,000-hectare wetland stretching from the south end of Kootenay Lake to the U.S. border. Home to more than 300 bird species and a rich diversity of wildlife, it’s a year-round haven for nature lovers. Flat-topped dykes and trails provide easy access for walking, cycling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are also popular. Three areas are especially accessible for visitors: Corn Creek Marsh Located just off Highway 3 at West Creston Road, the Corn Creek Marsh is the most popular entry point. It features five loop trails of various lengths , two multi-level viewing towers, and a boardwalk trail making it easy to spot birds and wildlife. The Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre is also here, offering tours, programs, and exhibits. Summit Creek & Leach Lake Only 3 km north of Corn Creek along Highway 3, Summit Creek is known for its old-growth cedars, cottonwoods, ponds, and channels. Trails extend up toward Leach Lake & Kootenay River, with opportunities to see pelicans, grebes, herons, and even elk and deer. Access is from a large pullout at the side of Highway 3 before the Summit Creek Bridge. Duck Lake At the north end of the CVWMA, Duck Lake is famous for birdwatching and some of the best largemouth bass fishing in BC. A drivable dyke along the south end offers excellent viewing pullouts (seasonal closures apply). Special fishing permits must be purchased from the CVWMA in advance. Note that the only boat access for the lake is available at Sirdar on Highway 3A. ** Please note that Dogs are welcome in the CVWMA, but MUST be kept on leash and cleaned up after. Download the CVWMA Trail & Access Map Here (PDF) 1760 W Creston Rd, West Creston (250) 402-6900 www. crestonwildlife.ca

Located in Creston, the Columbia Brewery is part of the rich brewing tradition of the region, tracing its heritage to the Fort Steele Brewery established in 1898. Columbia Brewery began brewing its celebrated Kokanee lager in 1959 and was purchased by Labatt in 1974. Seasonal guided tours run from the on-site Kokanee Beer Gear Store from mid-May to mid-October of the brewery are available and include a historical chronicle of brewing and samples at the end. Throughout the rest of the year the store also offers a selection of Kokanee collectibles, clothing, and of course beer! While you are visiting be sure to get your picture taken with the big Sasquatch statue outside! shop.kokanee.ca 1220 Erickson Street, Creston 250-428-1228

The annual Fall Fair is a celebration of the Creston Valley's bounty, harvest and history By Brian Lawrence As the summer heat cools, fresh apples are chopped for pies and green leaves start to turn to bright oranges and yellows, Creston Valley locals know that it’s time for one of the year’s most anticipated events, the Creston Valley Fall Fair! More than 3,500 visitors attend the event each year, joining with the agricultural community in celebrating the season’s incredible harvest, while savouring tasty local foods, delighting in close encounters with farm animals, marvelling at enormous pumpkins, and watching or participating in all manner of fun, family-friendly farm games and challenges! Read on to learn more! the Creston Valley Fall Fair's Origins Established in 1918, the Creston Valley Fall Fair was a collaborative effort between the Agricultural Association, Fruit Growers’ Association, and the Creston Women’s Institute. This inaugural event showcased the best of local agriculture, featuring competitions for fruits, vegetables, and livestock, alongside lively entertainment, including a pie-eating contest! The 1921 Creston Valley Fall Fair. Courtesy Creston Museum Initially, the first fair required three locations—two meeting halls and an empty lot—prompting the Agricultural Association to construct the Park Pavilion in what is now Centennial Park. In the following years, the fair would have to endure through many challenges, including interruptions during the Great Depression and then World War II. Tragedy then struck in 1946 when the original Park Pavilion burned down, leading to a relocation to the downtown Civic Centre, which also destroyed in a fire in 1968. After a brief hiatus, the fair found a new home at the Creston & District Community Complex for nearly fifty years before moving to its current venue at the Creston Flats Stables last year. Despite the ups and downs, dedicated community members have always championed the fair, recognizing its significance to the Creston Valley, so it was a remarkable milestone when the fair marked 100 years in 2018 — and then kept growing! A Special thanks to the Creston Museum for their invaluable assistance in providing the historic information and the historic photo featured here! Things To Do & See at the Fair Held at the Creston Flats Stables, located about 6 KM north of Creston, the Creston Valley Fall Fair takes place on the second Friday and Saturday of September. In 2025, the fair will be on Friday, September 5th, and Saturday, September 6th. The event kicks off on Friday at 12:00 PM with the Opening Ceremonies, followed by a packed schedule of activities including a tractor pull, tug of war, corn shucking competition, live music, and two-step dancing lessons! This year also introduces the Artisan Alley, featuring workshops and demonstrations by local artists selling their original works. Friday evening also features the very popular Farmers’ Olympics, where teams of four enter to compete in various farm-themed challenges like carrying buckets, navigating hay bale obstacles, hopping in a grain sack race and racing through the bushel basket scramble! Friday's festivities then culminate in a Line Dance to conclude the day's festivities. Just some of the highlights from the Creston Valley Fall Fair in 2024 Saturday continues the fun with similar games and activities, including horse riding competitions, a livestock "beauty pageant," a watermelon eating contest, sheep shearing demonstrations, and a kids zone with a dunk tank. Attendees wanting to shake a leg can also enjoy more two-step lessons or take a stab at some line and contra dancing. The day concludes with judging of the fair competition entries, awarding trophies and ribbons, and the Grand Parade of Champions at 3:30 PM, celebrating all the winners and participants. Food and drink options will also be plentiful, with eight food trucks offering a variety of choices from fresh donuts to coffee to popcorn. A 19+ beer garden will also be available throughout the event. On Saturday night, the Local Food Feast—a popular dinner featuring locally sourced food, live music, and a dance—serves as a fundraiser for the Fall Fair Society's bursaries for local students pursuing post-secondary agricultural studies. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Fall Fair's website or download a PDF copy here. Top Tips For Visiting the Fall Fair Now that you've gotten a taste for what's in store at the Fall Fair you are probably asking where to get your tickets, how to get there and all the other details to enjoy your time! Purchasing Tickets: General Admission tickets are available for both adults as well as children & seniors, ranging from $12 for adult and $10 for youth & seniors for the weekend pass and then $6 and $5 respectively for day passes on either Friday or Saturday. Tickets can be bought in advance online at the Fall Fair’s website or simply by purchasing with cash at the gate. Please note that the entry passes do not include admission to the Local Food Feast on Saturday night, which can be purchased separately on the Fall Fair's website as well. Getting to the Fair: Being about 6 KM outside of Creston, the Creton Flats Stables, which hosts the event will require some form of transportation to get to. Most people will choose to drive their own vehicle and there is plenty of parking — the lot is a 60-acre hayfield! That means getting from your car to the fairgrounds may be a bit of a walk, so the fall fair team will have shuttles running between the two all weekend. For those wanting to skip the car, BC Transit is also offering complimentary bus service to and from the Creston & District Community Complex every two hours, also making stops at the Creston Valley Farmers’ Market downtown on Saturday morning. Biking would also be another great option to get to the fair from town and a bike parking stand will be available for those arriving on two wheels! Other Tips: With so many things to participate in and lots of local goodies to purchase, be sure to plan ahead and bring some cash. There is no ATM onsite and while there is wi-fi, not all vendors are setup to accept plastic, so you’ll definitely want to consider paying the old-fashioned way! We also remind anyone interested in attending not to bring your pets - the fair will be full of people and livestock and thus pets are not allowed on the grounds. For more details and tips, be sure to visit www.crestonvalleyfallfair.ca or follow the Creston Valley Fall Fair on Facebook and Instagram. More Things to Do While VisiTing Creston Aside from coming for the fair, late summer and early fall are is a wonderful time to enjoy the Creston Valley, with lots of other things to do while you are here. Perhaps visiting one of the many local fruit stands to pick up some freshly picked goodies, or exploring around some of the quaint boutiques and shops downtown or going to one of the area's popular wineries? Check out our fall vacation guide blog here for more ideas of things to do while here for the fair. Otherwise, don't miss the rest of our Get Inspired blogs for more trip planning inspiration! The Creston area also has all the services you'll need to rest, refresh and refuel while visiting. For accommodations choose from a great selection of cozy hotels, motels, delightful B&Bs, or campgrounds and RV parks for a restful night's sleep. For dining options Creston has a selection of charming cafes, coffee shops, and bakeries for breakfast and lunch and a great range of restaurants for dinner! Until next time, happy harvest and enjoy the crisp air of fall 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.

Paddleboarding on the south end of Kootenay Lake is a great way to spend a summer day! By Brian Lawrence There’s nothing quite like summer in Creston, as sun-kissed orchards, buzzing restaurant patios and smiling faces bring that special spark to an already vibrant community. Which means it’s time to check some items off your Creston Valley bucket list! The valley offers something for everyone, whether a foodie, an art lover or a thrill seeker. From fresh fruit and baked goods to local history and stunning mountain peaks, here are the top 11 experiences to add to your itinerary for a trip to the Creston area this summer! Food & Farm Picking some fruit is a definite "bucket list" activity 1. U-pick Cherries (and more!). Creston is famous for its cherries, which usually ripen in mid-July, their branches weighed down by the delicious fruit. Several orchards offer U-pick opportunities, allowing you to enjoy the full experience — including Flamenco Farms , which also offers U-pick raspberries and other fresh goodies for sale at their farm store. For berries of all kinds, including raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, don't miss Lloyd’s Backyard . A unique option, but for only a very brief time in early July, is Duck Lake Saskatoon Berry Farm’s U-pick saskatoons! If you're looking for a unique experience, consider signing up for the Creston Valley Food Action Coalition's Harvest Share program, where you can help local residents with fruit trees pick their excess crop in exchange for a portion going to you and another portion to community groups like the local food bank. 2. Fruit Stand & Farm Crawl. Visitors from the Kootenays and beyond often flock to the Creston area for the bounty at local fruit stands and farm stores. Primarily located in the Erickson area along Highway 3, you'll find spots like Wloka Farms Fruit Stand , Creston Fruit Market , Faraman Farm , Marar Orchards , J&B Smagh Fruit Stand and Flamenco Farms . A visit to Kootenay Meadows Farm in Lister is also a must for a tour of their dairy farm and to sample some delicious cheese, milk, or ice cream. Download the Food & Farm Map for more ideas and places to check out! The Skimmerhorn Winery offers stellar views. 3. Savoury Sips Galore. Creston is home to a growing number of wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Don’t miss out on tastings at Baillie-Grohman , Skimmerhorn and Red Bird in Erickson and Wynnwood Cellars in Wynndel — each offering great wines and spectacular views! Or visit downtown Creston’s Wild North Brewing Company , which is a fantastic spot for craft beers, while nearby Sternwheeler Craft Distillery , serves up gin, vodka, and other spirits infused with local fruits, including saskatoons from their berry farm. Finally, Kokanee beer lovers should take a guided tour of the Columbia Brewery and discover where the famous Glacier Fresh Beer comes from! 4. Farmers’ Market. The Creston Valley Farmers’ Market is by far the best place to experience the valley’s bounty. Located behind the Creston Visitor Centre at ʔak̓uǂni (Market) Park (ah-kooth-nee, from the Ktunaxa word for “journey” or “the act of paddling”), the market runs Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and offers fresh produce, locally raised meats, eggs, honey, and artisan goods like pottery, soaps, jewelry, and more. Arts, Culture, Entertainment & Shopping The Yaqan Nukiy Heritage Centre is an excellent place to learn about the local Ktunaxa culture. 5. Heritage Tours & First Nations History. The Creston Museum is the place to explore the history of the valley, with regular tours of its extensive collection. In summer, the museum also offers "History About Town" tours, such as the popular Great Creston Bank Robbery tour and visits to the Pioneer and Forest Lawn Cemeteries. For a deeper dive into the area’s Indigenous culture, visit the Yaqan Nukiy Heritage Centre at Legend Logos . Learn about the local Ktunaxa people, including the history of their traditional birch bark canoes and the legend of Naⱡmuqȼin, the giant sturgeon of Kootenay Lake. Creston has many unique shops to explore, like the trendy downtown Modern Alchemy. 6. Local Artisan Studios and Boutique Shops. Creston is home to a variety of unique artisan studios and boutique shops. In downtown Creston, you’ll find Modern Alchemy / Public Vinyl , offering a stylish mix of decor, clothing, and records, and The Grater Good , a shop full of one-of-a-kind kitchenware and housewares. For homemade soaps, bath balms, and more, make sure to stop by V.R. Sudz n' Stuff  or Tilia Botanicals, or check out Yahk Soap & Candle Company . Pottery lovers will enjoy a visit to the well-loved Pridham Pottery Studio , where you’ll find a beautiful collection of handmade pieces. Visit the Shops & Artisans section of our website for even more one of a kind shops and studios to explore while in the area! 7. Evening Entertainment. Looking for evening fun? Wild North Brewing , Jimmy’s Pub & Grill , the Kokanee Pub , Casey’s Community Hous e and Baillie Grohman Estate Winery all host live music, karaoke, and other entertainment throughout the summer. Movie lovers will enjoy the Tivoli Theatre , a beautiful Art Deco-style cinema that hosts a mix of Hollywood blockbusters and local film festivals. To see what's happening around the community check out our online Events Calendar ! Outdoor Thrills The view of the valley floor from the Thompson Rim Trail is stunning. 8. Climb a Mountain. Creston is also surrounded by stunning hiking trails with breathtaking views. The Billy Goat Bluffs , Gliders’ Point or Balancing Rock trails offer fantastic views of the valley, especially at sunrise when its cool! For more ambitious hikers, the Thompson Rim Trail takes you along the Skimmerhorn Bluffs for jaw-dropping vistas of the valley below. The seriously adventurous and experienced may event want to challenge themselves on some more rugged back-country trails like Haystack Mountain . To get a more complete list of trails to explore visit the Hiking section of the website or download or pickup a copy of our local hiking map . Exploring the Creston Valley Wildlife Area is a Must-Do. 9. Visit the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area is a 7,000-hectare (17,000-acre) wetland, home to over 300 bird species, 60 mammals, and a variety of other wildlife. To experience it up close, book a guided canoe tour of the Corn Creek Marsh at the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre , or explore the miles of trails and dyke on foot or by bike. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the many birds, frogs, turtles and other wildlife you are bound to see! 10. Play a Round of Golf. There is nothing like a bit of golf in the mountains in summer! For golf enthusiasts, the Creston Valley Golf Club in Lister offers a challenging but enjoyable 18-hole course with stunning views of the valley. For a more scenic lakeside golfing experience on Kootenay Lake, head up to the renowned 18-hole par-71 Kokanee Springs Golf Course Resort in Crawford Bay or instead enjoy a leisurely nine rounds at nearby Riondel Community Golf Course . For more details, check out our blog article on golfing in the area. Paddle-Boarding is a great way to enjoy Kootenay Lake. 11. Get Out On the Water. Creston’s lakes and rivers are perfect for summer water activities. Head to Kuskanook Harbour & Boat Launch at the south end of Kootenay Lake to launch kayaks, canoes, paddle-boards or a boat to explore the south end of the lake. For a relaxing beach day, the popular Twin Bays Beach and quieter Mackie Beach are just a short drive north of Creston, while Wilderness Park on Goat River offers quick access to the river from Creston. For families with children, the Centennial Park Splash Park is a great spot for some fun in the sun, while the Creston Rec Complex offers a cool place to swim indoors with it's kid's pool, hot tub and a full sized pool as well. Finally, if fishing is your more your thing, try casting a line in the Moyie, Kootenay, or Goat Rivers, or even Kootenay Lake itself. Be sure to read our fishing blog for more details on each fishing spot, what fish you'll find, and where to get supplies. Eat, Sleep, Play, Repeat The patio at Good Company Coffee is a popular summer retreat. With an abundance of sights and activities, you'll want to give yourself lots of time to stay and play, and the area has all the services you'll need to enjoy it. For accommodations choose from a great selection of cozy hotels, motels, delightful B&Bs, or campgrounds and RV parks for a restful night's sleep. For dining options Creston provides a selection of charming cafes, coffee shops, and bakeries for breakfast and lunch. For dinner, you can savour options ranging from homemade burgers to genuine Thai, spicy Korean dishes and much more. Now that you've got a good list of activities on your to-do list, I hope we'll see you in Creston soon! Until next time, happy bucket listing! 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 .

High Altitude Heli Services is a premier helicopter charter company based out of the picturesque Creston Valley Regional Airport, nestled in the heart of British Columbia. This company specializes in providing an array of services, including General Charters and Tourism Flights, allowing guests to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Creston Valley area from a unique aerial perspective. In addition to their scenic tours, High Altitude Heli Services also offers customized charter options to accommodate various needs, whether for corporate travel, special occasions, or emergency services. Their helicopter is maintained to the highest standards, ensuring reliability and comfort for all passengers. With a focus on providing exceptional service, High Altitude Heli Services is the ideal choice for anyone looking to explore the skies and experience the Creston Valley like never before. 1993D Airport Road, Creston, BC V0B 1V1 250-431-8536 High Altitude Heli Services Facebook Instagram

Creston's famous Treasure Life Flour Mill is where passion for baking meets fresh, organic, and heritage grains. Their certified organic, stone-milled flours—made from heirloom and ancient grains—are beloved by home bakers and professionals alike across Canada. Stop by their storefront and mill in Erickson to pick up a bag (or two!) of their incredible flour and take your next baking adventure to the next level. 3102 Hwy 3, Erickson (250) 428-4414 Facebook Page

Tucked away in beautiful Wynndel, Thistle Farm is a family-run 4-acre garlic farming haven. Known for growing premium, flavour-packed garlic, they also craft a variety of tasty garlic goodies, including their popular Black Garlic and Smoked Garlic Salt. Whether you’re a passionate home cook or just love bold flavours, their charming roadside farm stand is the perfect place to stop by and to stock up. 1497 Channel Rd., Wynndel 250-431-8401 thistlefarm.ca

Experience a serene getaway at Meadow Creek Ranch, a working ranch between Creston and Yahk along Highway 3. The ranch offers two different guest suites, a bachelor suite and a larger 2 room suite, each providing visitors with a perfect blend of nature and ranch life, right outside your door. Embrace the stunning views and and peaceful pastures. In winter, ski, snowshoe, or fat bike on their network of trails; in summer, immerse yourself in authentic ranch life. Alternatively after a day exploring the Creston Valley, unwind by the fire-pit and soak in the tranquility of the ranch. Meadow Creek Ranch 7005 Hahn Road, Kitchener, BC 780-712-2939 Instagram Page

Yellowbird School of Art offers university-level art classes for a diverse audience, including adults, children, and beginners in dowtown Creston. The school fosters a vibrant, community-focused environment that encourages artistic exploration. Students can participate in various weekly classes, workshops, and summer art camps led by mentor instructor and Jaye Benoit, who combines traditional art skills with contemporary theory to enhance students' technical abilities and artistic understanding. Alongside Jaye Benoit, students learn from talented guest instructors, enriching the experience with diverse teaching styles and philosophies, fostering collaboration and creativity. The studio at Yellowbird is a sanctuary for self-expression, designed to spark creativity and build confidence in a chaotic world. Yellowbird also offers a range of high-quality art supplies, supporting students in their creative journeys. 1229 Canyon Street, Unit B 403-836-3733 yellowbirdschool.ca

By Brian Lawrence Over 20 years ago, I read in the Creston Valley Advance that Al and Marleen Hoag had planted the vineyard at Skimmerhorn Estate Winery. Now, with four wineries, a distillery and a microbrewery, the Creston Valley is definitely more than an up-and-comer — and it's so exciting to see such a variety! Those six craft liquor makers — Skimmerhorn, Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery, Wild North Brewing Co., Red Bird Estate Winery, Wynnwood Cellars and Sternwheeler Craft Distillery — have joined forces each summer since 2022 for the Creston Libations Tour. Lisa and Craig Wood are the owners of Creston's Wild North Brewing Co. “People think it’s awesome, especially with that many places to go,” says Lisa Wood, who owns Wild North with her husband, Craig. “The more we have here, the more people come and stay.” To join in the fun, tour participants can pick up a passport at each location or the Visitor Centre . Those with passports stamped from a visit to all six locations will then have a chance to win a prize pack with items from each producer in draws held at the end of July and August. “We’re not competing — we’re collaborating with other businesses,” says Lisa. New Brew in Town Lisa and Craig joined with four partners (Tyler Mailhot, Jon Haberstock, Mark Hug and Aaron Groenhuysen) to add a 2,200-square-foot brewery to the former Greyhound bus station at 125 16th Ave. N. and opened in May 2021. They have eight beers on tap, two rotating plus a core of six, including an IPA and porter, developed under the watchful eye of brewer Casey Staple. The popularity has expanded beyond their own shop, with Wild North being served in other Creston establishments and throughout southeastern B.C. from Fernie to Grand Forks. For those outside Creston, Wild North may just be a great beer, but for locals, part of Wild North’s draw is that it’s not simply a place to go and drink. Patrons are encouraged to bring in any takeout food, as well as their families — there are baskets of board games on hand. “We consider it a nighttime coffee shop,” says Lisa. “It’s not a bar feel.” If the atmosphere sounds fantastic, rest assured that it is, and so is the beer — I’ll personally vouch for the Darkwoods porter — but don’t miss the other locations on the Creston Libations Tour. Five More Stops •Also downtown, less than a block away from Wild North, is Sternwheeler Craft Distiller y , which opened its doors in 2017. It uses the Creston Valley’s bounty of fresh fruits, such as apples, cherries and peaches, as inspiration for spirits that include brandy, gin and vodka. The distillery is an award winner, earning Silver and Best in Class with its Copperhead Shine in 2023 at the Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition. • The award-winning Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery takes its name from pioneer and adventurer William Baillie-Grohman, who envisioned the marshy Creston Valley flats being diked and developed into farmland. Owned by winemaker Wes Johnson, son of founders Bob Johnson and Petra Flaa, and managing director Myran Hagenfeldt, the most recent planting includes three Pinot Noirs, Chardonnay and a Creston Valley newcomer, Cabernet Franc. • Red Bird Estate Winery recently received a silver medal at the All Canadian Wine Championships for its Pinot Gris. In addition to sales at their store, they also offer a wine club, with a 12-bottle shipment sent each May and October. For owners Shannon and Rémi Cardinal, Creston’s relaxed pace, mild climate and numerous outdoor adventures were “the perfect blend to start our winery, and also raise our family.” •Calgarians Ryan Burgis and Janek Guminski bought Skimmerhorn Estate Winery from original owners Al and Marleen Hoag in 2017 after falling in love with the Creston Valley. The award-winning small batch winery produces 4,500 cases a year, utilizing grapes grown solely on the 20-acre property. Award-winning winemaker James Cambridge hopes to “bring my years of experience to elevate the aromatic profile of the white wines and elegance to the reds.” Just north of Creston is the community of Wynndel, where the final Creston Libations Tour locations can be found. •Michael Wigen founded the award-winning Wynnwood Cellars and named it for the nearby sawmill his family started as Wynndel Box and Lumber in 1913. The winery overlooks Duck Lake from its east shore, the perfect spot for a vineyard. “The afternoon sun reflects off the lake, intensifying light on the vines,” says the winery’s website. “Some of the worlds greatest vineyards in Europe lie adjacent to a body of water.” Whether visiting a location for a relaxing drink, a quick tasting or a bite to eat, rest assured that friendly faces will be there to greet you. For Lisa and Craig, that’s why they’re in the business. “Both of us are people people,” says Lisa. “We love it when people come in and chat, and we love the sense of community in the place. The beer is just extra.” 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.

Welcome to Mellowood Studio, a home-based studio and gallery in Wynndel showcasing the work of mixed media artist Val van der Poel. Visitors can explore a diverse collection of art that reflects Val's techniques and personal journey. The studio offers an immersive experience, inviting creativity and inspiration for art enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Discover the beauty of mixed media art in this delightful setting. 5570 Croy Road, Wynndel 250-866-5772 mellowood.ca

ʔak̓uǂni Park in the Heart of Downtown Creston ʔak̓uǂni Park, pronounced ah-kooth-nee , opened in the spring of 2024 in the heart of downtown Creston. In the ktunaxa language, ʔak̓uǂni means “journey” or “the act of paddling” and is the origin of the word “kootenay.” The park was created by the Town of Creston in partnership with the Yaqan Nukiy community, featuring native plant species, a gathering circle, and a large tipi—the first in the Town of Creston in over a century—marking a significant step towards truth and reconciliation. Located in the centre of Creston's downtown, the park offers parking, benches, and trails that connect to nearby Millennium Park , the Dog Park, the Creston Library to the south, and the Visitor Centre and Grain Elevator to the northwest. The north end hosts the outdoor Creston Valley Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings from 9:00 to 1:00 PM, and serves as overflow parking during the rest of the week, including spaces for EV charging and a bike repair station. So, visit to enjoy the park, learn about our community's heritage and history, and take the opportunity to explore the rest of Creston. 1103 Cook Street www.creston.ca/parks