There are a few cruise companies in the Kootenay Rockies region that offer houseboat rentals and sailboat tours on Kootenay Lake or Lake Koocanusa.
Explore Kootenay Lake by renting a houseboat from Kaslo Shipyard Co. (Kaslo) and ducking into quiet coves to fish for kokanee salmon, or by sailing at sunset with Red Sky at Night Sailing Adventures (Balfour) and lounging on deck with a glass of wine in hand. Sunshine Houseboat Vacations in Cranbrook offers houseboat rentals on Lake Koocanusa.
For a mini-cruise, take the 40-minute Kootenay Lake Ferry – the world’s longest free ferry ride – between Balfour and Kootenay Bay.
Houseboat Rentals
Rent a houseboat and explore two of Kootenay Rockies’ largest natural lakes: Kootenay Lake (connects Nelson, Kaslo and Creston) and Lake Koocanusa (south of Cranbrook). Houseboats can include luxurious amenities such as hot tubs, waterslides or fireplaces. Since houseboats aren't chartered, renters should be comfortable with operating a large vessel.
Set off in one of four houseboats (that were hand-built by the owner) from Kaslo Shipyard Co. and navigate to private beaches for a bonfire, or moor at Nelson and Kaslo for access to Ainsworth Hot Springs and great golf courses. For a change of scenery, skipper a houseboat on Lake Koocanusa with Sunshine Houseboat Vacations – there’s one houseboat available for every 10km/6mi of shoreline, meaning plenty of access to uncrowded waters.
Sailing Cruises
Skippered sailing charters with Red Sky at Night Sailing Adventures in Balfour include trips by the hour and overnight excursions. Set sail at sunset on a 11m/35ft racing yacht (it can hold up to 10 guests) and enjoy an array of fresh cheese, meat, bread and local wine on the deck, or cruise in the afternoon to a sandy beach and enjoy a bonfire cookout.
Kootenay Lake Ferry
The Kootenay Lake Ferry may not be a typical cruise, but it's still a scenic way to spend time on the water. The ferry runs between Balfour on the western shore and Kootenay Bay on the eastern shore. After landing, explore the artisan communities of Crawford Bay and Kootenay Bay and the shops and restaurants along Balfour’s wharf.
Practical Points
- The peak season for cruising is from March to October, but some tours are offered year-round.
- Most multi-day cruises require reservations, while some harbour and day cruises can be booked on the spot. It’s best to check in advance.
- Most cruise operators provide all food, beverage, equipment and some outdoor clothing, but remember to bring warm, layered clothing as ship decks can be breezy.
- Visit local Visitor Centres for help with trip ideas, planning and transportation.
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