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 Creston, geographically set on a sunny bench above the fertile Creston Flats, has a culture and history marked by a respectful reliance in agriculture. Today, visitors are invited to tour the many farms and orchards of the Creston Valley to learn the important role the valley plays in the "eating local" movement. Creston also has a prominent community of artists, who each year open their studios to visitors for the 7-Studios Tour. Nearby Crawford Bay is also an excellent stopover for artisan crafts. Land Activities Pick up a copy of the Creston Valley Farm Tours brochure from the Visitor Centre and explore the agricultural side of valley life. Taste the fruit of vineyard labours at the Skimmerhorn Winery and Vineyard and lunch on the patio. If beer is the preferred beverage, take a tour of the Columbia Brewery, where Kokanee Beer is brewed. (Brewery tours involve a lot of walking and stairway climbs.) Drive or cycle Highway 3A between Creston and Kootenay Bay – one of the most scenic routes in the Kootenay Rockies region – arriving at Crawford Bay. View the many artisan studios in Crawford Bay. Also, visit the unusual Glass House in Boswell, which built by a retired undertaker is entirely made of empty embalming fluid bottles. Golfing is both a pleasure and challenge at either Kokanee Springs Golf Resort or Creston Golf Club. However, the latter is a little more forgiving for the beginner-to-intermediate golfer. For those wanting to enjoy the outdoors without the pressure of making the next shot, the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area is a prime location for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and hiking. Water Activities Water dogs can take advantage of Kootenay Lake Tours. The company offers guided tours of Kootenay Lake aboard the DragonFly – a pontoon boat accommodating up to 8 people.
Summer Activities Pick strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries at one of Creston Valley's U-pick farms and orchards. In town, drop by the Farmers' Market that takes place on Saturday mornings on the south side of Centennial Park. "Artwalk" is a summer-long celebration of the work of local artists. Art is displayed in galleries and unconventional venues from Yahk to Kootenay Bay.
Winter Activities Cross-country ski 30km/19mi of trails through the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, or at Stagleap Provincial Park about half an hour west of town (at the top of the Salmo-Creston Pass).
Festivals and Events Come to Creston in May for the Creston Valley Blossom Festival. This Victoria Day weekend event includes a parade, a chili cook-off, and an antique car show. Also during this long weekend, the Lower Kootenay Band hosts the Yaqan Nukiy Pow-Wow, a celebration of First Nations culture featuring dancing and traditional foods. The Goat Style Bike Festival, in early July, is a freestyle mountain bike event, where riders perform amazing stunts. The Creston Valley Fall Fair, a traditional country fair, takes place in early September. Where to Begin For more information about things to do, dining and accommodation options, and the area's history, and geography, stop by the Creston Visitor Centre (on the west side of Highway 3, between the grain elevators and downtown).
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