Along Highway 3A, which follows the shoreline of beautiful Kootenay Lake in southeastern B.C., early summer isn’t signified by flowers, birds or even sunshine. No—summer is truly on its way when the motorbikes come out with their riders, who are always eager to experience this highway's infamous twists and turns.
The Kootenay Lake ride winds its way between Creston and Kootenay Bay, with 80 kilometres of Curve Ahead signs en route. Straight passing stretches are few and far between. This piece of road is truly a motorcycling destination highway—the kind of road you will journey to only so you can journey down it.
At one end of this secondary highway is the Kootenay Bay terminal for the Kootenay Lake ferry, which is North America’s longest free ferry ride. You can enjoy a coffee on the ferry deck as you glide across Kootenay Lake and take in the splendid mountains views. The great scenery doesn’t end any time soon—it will accompany you along the whole highway as you continue on to Balfour and Nelson on the other side of the lake. The road winds alongside the expanse of sparkling lake that does beautiful British Columbia justice.
Be sure to plan some stops to make the most of the trip. At Boswell, not far from Creston, the Glass House is a quirky site built entirely of reused embalming bottles; construction began on the house in 1952. The Sirdar Pub and Grill, also near Creston, is frequented by motorcyclists and is a friendly, little place to stop for a meal. Crawford Bay is near the Kootenay Bay end of the ride and is packed with amazing artisans—from glass-blowers to blacksmiths—that you can sometimes watch in action.
Start your ride in picturesque Creston and end up in artsy Nelson, or the other way around. Both these communities have wonderful places to stay and enjoy local culture.
If nothing else, be sure to take some time to appreciate Kootenay Lake and the amazing curves as you ride down one of the most renowned motorcycling highways in B.C. Let the locals know it’s summertime.
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