A popular hiking trail on the west side of the Creston Valley with expansive views of the valley floor and the Skimmerhorn mountains in the distance, this is a must-do for photographers and vista viewers alike. Getting an early start may reward you with a beautiful sunrise. From the parking lot he trail is in good shape though steep at times. It winds under some power lines and as you gain elevation parts of the trail are forested. There are excellent rest stops that allow you to sit and enjoy the view. In under an hour you will discover the trail’s namesake, a huge boulder balanced auspiciously atop the mountains edge. The trail continues along to a swampy boardwalk section where it splits in two directions. Heading up and left takes you up the Creston Mountain Trail. To the right the Summit Creek Trail descends toward Summit Creek and Highway 3, making a near loop (some highway walking will be necessary to get back to the original parking lot). Bring water, especially if heading up the mountain. To get here from Creston take Highway 3 west toward Kootenay Pass, turning left onto West Creston road towards the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area & Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre . About 50 meters after turning, the trailhead and parking lot can be easily found on the right side of the road. Trail Details: Distance: 3.4km Round Trip Elevation Gain: 220m Difficulty: Moderate Time: ~2hrs Season: Spring-Fall Road Access: Easy Parking: Lots

Ka Papa Cedars Trail is a loop trail located on Highway 3, toward Kootenay Pass. The trail wanders through an old growth Cedar Grove, affectionately named Ralph's Grove. From the highway parking area the trail crosses a foot bridge over Summit Creek before the loop meanders through a variety of spectacular ancient trees. It can take up to an hour to complete the hike if one takes the time. The trail also has many excellent interpretive signs with information and beautifully crafted wood benches to sit and take in the majesty of the old growth trees in Ralph's Grove. To get here from the Creston Valley Visitors Centre, drive 35 KM west on Highway 3 up the Kootenay Pass. Just before the to Char Creek Forest Service Road turn-off, you will spot a pull out & parking area with signs for the trail. Once you park you will find a trail information kiosk at the trailhead. Alternatively, continue on and turn left on Char Creek Forest Service Road, crossing the bridge over Summit Creek and continuing on until you see another parking area and a kiosk sign on the left. Trail Details: Distance: 1.7 km Round Trip Elevation Gain: 50 m Difficulty: Easy-Moderate Time: 1 hr Season: Spring-Fall Road Access: Easy, off highway Parking: Lots. www. crestonvalleytrails.ca

As beautiful as its namesake, the Ladyslipper Orchid, this trail offers a moderately challenging afternoon hike in a mostly shaded environment. The trail then begins as a well-forested trail that ambles up the side of Goat Mountain. The summit is the goal – a lush and mossy mountaintop meadow nestled between swaying conifers. If you’re looking for a view, head down to the right just a few meters before the summit. To get there take Highway 3-A north from Creston, before turning right onto Lakeview-Arrow Creek Road. From Lakeview-Arrow Creek Rd. turn right again onto Foster Road and continue along this road and the adjoining Forest Service Road for a half hour as it wraps south-east around Goat mountain. Eventually you will see the marked trailhead post on your left. There is decent space for parking - simply ensure you are well off the road! Trail Details: Distance: 4.8km Round Trip Elevation Gain: 400m Difficulty: Moderate Time: ~3 hrs Season: Spring-Fall Road Access: Moderate, unpaved forestry road Parking: Lots www.crestonvalleytrails.ca

The Billy Goat Bluffs Trail is the newest trail in the Creston Valley, having just been completed by the Creston Community Forest in June of 2018. The trail now provides easy access to Arrow Mountain (known locally as Goat Mountain) from within the town of Creston, with the trail head located behind the Town of Creston Public Works Yard on Helen Street. From the trail kiosk the trail meanders up Goat Mountain at a steady pace under a shaded pine canopy. About mid-way up the trail a clearing provides a nice view of your progress. Continuing onward for another 30 minutes the trail comes to the final lookout atop a rock outcrop, which provides a stunning westward view over the Creston Valley and north to Kootenay Lake which can. Picnic tables at the top also provide the perfect spot for a scenic lunch before heading back down the trail and back to town. In total, the trail takes approximately 3 hours to complete. To get here from the Creston Valley Visitor Center, head north on Highway 3 towards Wynndel. After 2.6 km, turn right onto Helen Street (at the Tim Hortons). Continue on Helen Street for roughly 350 meters – the trail head will be located on the left, next to an information board about the trail. A small parking area may be found on the right hand side of the road. Trail Details: Distance: 5.4 km Round Trip Elevation Gain: 369 m Difficulty: Moderate Time: 3 hrs Season: Spring-Fall Road Access: easy, paved town road Parking: Lots www.crestonvalleytrails.ca

The Thompson Rim Trail is the Creston Valley's most iconic hike, allowing hikers to do most of the hard work from their 4x4s before trekking on foot along the ridge of the Skimmerhorns (Purcells) to stunning eagle-eye views of the Creston Valley below. To get here from Creston, head east on Highway 3, turning right on Canyon-Lister road and crossing the bridge. About a kilometre past the bridge turn left on to Whimster road, continuing on for another 750 meters, when the paved road ends at a fork. Take the unpaved Mount Thompson Forest Service Road (FSR) to the left, traveling for another 12 kilometres along the main FSR to the top of the mountain. Upon arriving at the top in your vehicle, get out and walk north past a series of radio towers to the trailhead which descends quickly down and along the ridge into some truly unreal sections of trail. Expansive view on both sides offer as close to an aerial view of the Creston Valley as you can find. After hiking for a couple hours or so you’ll get to the trail end which is another tower. From here you can look down on the Skimmerhorns and get a totally different perspective of the bumps and cliffs along its ridge line. Going back offers equally as impressive views. Please note - As this trail is along a ridge top there is limited shade and no water sources, so bring a sufficient amount of water, sunscreen and appropriate clothing. Trail Details: Distance: 7.4km Round Trip Elevation Gain: 150m (rolling trail) Difficulty: Moderate Time: ~5hrs Season: Summer Access: Difficult, unpaved forestry road, 4x4 advised Parking: Lots www.crestonvalleytrails.ca

At the northwest corner of Kianuko Provincial Park , Haystack Mountain Trail is a relatively accessible back-country hike that follows along Sanca Creek before opening up into at a serene toe lake at the base of the domineering mountain that gives the trail it’s namesake. Surrounded by larch trees, the basin is particularly enjoyable in fall as the the needles turn yellow and create a stunning autumn vista! To get here take take Highway 3A north from Creston for 33 Kilometers to Sanca, turning right on Sanca Creek Forest Service Road. This good gravel road follows the Sanca Creek ravine deep into the Purcell range for 17.6 Kilometers to the trailhead. While the main road is fairly obvious, there are many turn offs and spurs so for detailed driving instructions click here . From the trailhead you hike northeast through fir forest, distinct though rocky and narrow in places, with a moderate ascent and some rock-hopping and log balancing across small waterways. There is a lovely wooden bridge across Sanca Creek after about 10 minutes hiking. About halfway up the trail you will cross the boundary into Kianuko Provincial Park. The trail becomes steeper. After about 1 hour hiking, you will reach the first lake. Some hikers will be happy to picnic here and then return. You may wish to wander along farther, to the right side of the first lake, or north towards Haystack Mountain on the left side through the marshy meadows. 4 hours return to lakes, 5- 6 hours return to saddle below Haystack peak, 6-8 hours return to summit. Distance to summit 4.5 km, elevation gain 1010 metres. *** Note that due to volume of standing water the area has a healthy population of mosquitos in summer. Be sure to bring repellent if you come from June to August or consider visiting in the fall! Trail Details: Distance: 12 km Round Trip Elevation Gain: 1050 m Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult Time: 6-8 hrs Season: Summer-Fall Road Access: moderate, unpaved road, 4x4 required Parking: Lots www. crestonvalleytrails.ca

Formerly Wynndel Craft Distillers, the Sternwheeler Craft Distilleries produces small-batch, handcrafted spirits all made with fruit right from the Creston Valley, including Schnapps, Liqueurs, Gins, Vodkas and their award-winning brandy. Drop by their tasting room in downtown Creston or book a tour in advance. S askatoon berry u-pick is also available at their Duck Creek Saskatoon Berry Farm in Wynndel come July! 1628 Canyon Street, Creston, BC | 250-866-5226 www. Sternwheeler.ca

The Creston Valley’s local outfitter for bikes and outdoor adventures, Summit Cycles & Sports carry gear for all seasons to help you get ready to explore the Creston Valley. From spring to fall the shop offers bicycle sales & repairs along with outdoor gear and apparel. In the winter the shop also carries an extensive collection of snowshoes, nordic skis, winter accessories as well as proviing ski waxing, sharpening, and binding mounting. Want to try before you buy? Summit Cycles & Sports also rents snowshoes. Come visit Christine and Daniel at their Canyon Street store in downtown Creston to get the best information on where to bike, hike, snowshoe or ski and for all your outdoor recreation needs! 1021 Canyon St, Creston 250-428-2630 www. summitcycles.ca

Situated in the heart of Creston, this renowned, award-winning facility serves as a vibrant community center for recreation, entertainment, and events. The indoor amenities feature a lap and leisure pool with a hot tub and steam room, a six-sheet curling facility complete with a lounge, a fitness gym/track, an aerobics studio, and a hockey arena that is home to the local junior hockey team, the Creston Valley Thundercats. Outdoor recreation options include ball diamonds, a soccer pitch, outdoor sports courts, a children's playground, and a newly constructed skateboard park as of fall 2019! The Community Complex is an excellent venue for hosting events of any size, from meetings to weddings, offering a large commercial kitchen, banquet room, hall, and meeting rooms available for rent. For information on hours of operation, booking spaces, or discovering the latest programs, click here . 312 19 Avenue North, Creston BC www.rdck.ca/community-services/community-services/recreation/creston-district-community-complex (250) 428-7127

The Magnuson Hotel Creston offers budget-friendly accommodations, conveniently situated just minutes from downtown Creston, the Creston Valley Mall, and the museum, and a short drive from the area's wineries. The updated rooms are designed for comfort, featuring standard amenities such as free high-speed wireless internet, free local calls, a clock radio, microwave, fridge, TV, and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. An on-site restaurant, Kan Sushi, is also available for your convenience. Magnuson Hotel 800 NW Blvd, Creston BC Toll Free: 1-800-567-2215 250-428-2224

By Brian Lawrence Everyone needs to eat—and I'm not the first to be a bit concerned about just where to do that when spending time in a smaller community. Fortunately for those visiting Creston, there’s a fantastic selection of cafes and restaurants, with a wide range of food to suit every taste. Whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, and everything in between, it’s all right here — and why not start at the beginning? Buffalo Trails Coffee House is one of several great breakfast spots in Creston. Start the Day Right There are plenty of breakfast options, and I can personally vouch for the breakfast wraps and porridge (and locally roasted coffee) at Buffalo Trails Coffee House , as well as the french toast at Golden Flour Bakery , which also offers bacon and eggs, omelets, breakfast burritos and more. Then there's the new kid in town, the Brunch Club and Coffee Bar , a charming spot specializing in all-day brunch and lunch options, featuring locally-sourced ingredients! The Retro Cafe also offers some tasty breakfast options like crépes and eggs benedict — which will definitely provide some needed energy for a morning of hiking or outdoor adventuring on Kootenay Pass. (FYI, these breakfast options are also superb lunch and coffee spots!) Midday Perk Up After you’ve been out all morning, a midday snack or lunch — or caffeine boost — is a must, and cafés have you covered! Downtown, Black Stone Cafe offers sandwiches and paninis, as well as tasty baking in a cozy shop. Or if you’re in the mood for a little quiet time, a specialty coffee at Kingfisher Quality Used Books might do the trick — and I dare you not to doze off in their comfy easy chairs! The delightful retro furnishings at Kingfisher Quality Used Books — explore the shop for really comfy seating! Good Company Coffee in Erickson offers the ultimate scenic experience, with a postcard view of Mount Thompson and the Skimmerhorns to enjoy while you’re sipping specialty coffees and sampling sweet treats. Afterward, why not pick up a bouquet or floral arrangement at Brittany’s Flower Farm ? The shops are attached — and the owners are twin sisters! Just north of Creston, you’ll find Mountain Barn , which offers specialty coffees and to-die-for fresh donuts, as well as incredible sandwiches on freshly baked bread. Dinner Options Abound So you’re famished after an afternoon in the water or on the links ? You definitely deserve some supper! The fare at Tim’s Fish and Chips is consistently popular, serving generous portions of fish and chips, poutine and fried chicken in a restaurant that appears to have been plucked right out of a New England harbour. They even offer ice cream for dessert! Bay Leaf offers a unique twist on traditional Indian cuisine. A rustic-meets-modern style with high ceilings and stone walls gives Casey’s Community House top marks for the cool factor. The family-friendly restaurant in the former Kootenay Hotel in downtown Creston is a great spot for lunch or dinner — or even a simple after-work beer or wine. Creston restaurants also offer delicious flavours from around the world, with Asian fusion at I&J Fusion , Korean at Basasak Chicken , Indian fusion at Bay Leaf and authentic flavours at Busaba Thai . And for heaping portions of fantastic homemade pasta, dropping by Bigfoot Cafe and Gifts is a must — and it's the place to buy souvenirs featuring the mythical (or is it?) mountain creature! The patio at Jimmy's Pub and Grill is a excellent place to enjoy dinner and a drink. Time for a Nightcap Still have some energy for an evening on the town? Perhaps a beer at Julio’s Lounge sports bar or a freshly brewed pint of IPA or stout at the Wild North Brewing Co. will hit the spot. Alternatively, drop into the classic Jimmy’s Pub , where you’ll find endless drink and food options to enjoy on their popular tree-lined patio. And across the tracks at the historic Kokanee Pub you'll always find a cold beer and a game of pool! More to Explore Obviously, finding a place to eat in Creston isn’t too difficult, but actually deciding which restaurant to visit is the big challenge — especially after seeing how many more options the valley has to offer. And for something to burn off those calories — or give an excuse to put more in — be sure to check out our Get Inspired blog or the Play section of our website. Wherever you choose to eat, happy dining! 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.

Creston’s historic grain elevators have long stood as iconic symbols of the region’s agricultural heritage. Once a rare example of twin grain elevators in Canada, these landmarks represented the vital role of grain farming in the Creston Valley’s economy. In 2018, the Columbia Basin Trust purchased both the red and white elevators to help preserve this important piece of local history. While the white UGG elevator, built in 1936, was ultimately demolished in early 2025 due to its deteriorated condition, the red Alberta Wheat Pool elevator—built in 1935—has been beautifully restored as of 2022. The remaining elevator is now one of only a few left standing in British Columbia. Today, the restored red elevator is not only a striking landmark but also home to the Kunze Gallery , where visitors can browse a curated selection of local artisan goods. Located just across the street from the Creston Valley Visitor Centre, the red elevator remains a must-see for anyone exploring the area. 215 NW Boulevard, Creston