Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
East Kootenays
In the southeastern corner of the province, the East Kootenays encompass the Purcell
Mountains and the upper reaches of the Columbia River, with the Rocky Mountains rising
abruptly from the Columbia Valley to the Continental Divide and the British Columbia-Al-
berta border to the west. The crossroads of the region is the service center of Cranbrook,
from where Highway 3 heads west to Fernie and the neighboring province of Alberta, and
Highway 93/95 parallels the Columbia River northward through a region dotted with golf
courses, hot springs, and many provincial parks.
EAST FROM CRESTON
From Creston, the Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3) crosses the Purcell Mountains and
descends to Cranbrook, the region's largest town. The distance between the two towns is a
little over 100 kilometers (62 miles).
Yahk
Yahk grew into a thriving lumber town in the 1920s but was abandoned by the 1930s.
Today, empty houses and a still-operating hotel are all that remain along the main street.
Tiny Yahk Provincial Park lies beside the rushing Moyie River east of town. Camping
mid-May through September is $16 per night, but the campground has only 26 sites and
reservations are not taken, so arrive in early afternoon to be assured of a spot.
South of Yahk is the U.S.-Canada border and the Kingsgate port of entry, open daily
24 hours.
Moyie
North from Yahk, Highway 3/95 parallels the Moyie River to its source at Moyie Lake, a
deep-blue body of water backed by cliffs. Halfway along the lake, Moyie, once boasting a
population of 1,500, today holds nothing more than a few historic buildings, a pub, and a
gas station; the 1904 church on Tavistock Street and the 1907 fire hall beside the highway
are among the original survivors. Miners working the nearby St. Eugene Mine for lead and
silver were the first settlers. The old mine is visible on the hill by wandering down to the
lakeshore.
Around 13 kilometers (eight miles) north of town is 91-hectare (220-acre) Moyie
Lake Provincial Park, which has a sandy swimming beach, short interpretive trails,
and the chance to view kokanee spawning on gravel river beds. The large campground
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